1981 Suzuki Other

js1gs71g0b2100484

Clear

Ride it as is, restore it or use it as a platform for a custom project. The bike is big, reliable, powerful and comfortable. It is, however, 33 years old and has over 62,000 miles on it, so it's for someone who knows their way around a wrench or for someone wanting the learn the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I got the bike in 2010. I have put about 3,000 trouble-free miles on it in that time. It has a clear title. I will include both a Haynes and Clymer owner's manual. This bike started life in Texas as a dealer custom with a black no-name fairing and a king/queen seat. The previous owner said he replaced the rings and rebuilt the carbs at about 55K miles. I trust that that is true because the base gasket looked new when I got it and it doesn't use any oil. He also put on a new rear tire right before I got it. The bike has an upgraded 3-stage rectifier (an essential mod for these bikes) and excellent Koni 7610 shocks. It has one mis-matched aluminum cam cover. When I bought it I replaced the fairing that caused wind buffeting with a Vetter Windjammer SS - nice and quite now - no ear plugs required. I replaced the mirrors. I had the seat redone from the original pan up. It is very comfortable. I replaced the handlebars with those from a Gold Wing of the same vintage. I have the original handlebars to send along if you'd like them. One of the shocks leaked over the last winter, so I rebuilt the pair and I've put about 100 miles on them since the rebuild. I have recently replaced the battery, rear brake pads and changed the oil/filter/spark plugs. I've changed oil/filter regularly and use Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W40. The previous owner also used synthetic oil. It starts easily and runs well. The engine sounds tight. The 850 has 5 gears even though the side case (which was used for multiple models that year) shows a shift pattern for 6. The clutch and gearbox work smoothly and neutral is easy to find. The motor turns 6,000 RPM at an indicated 80 mph. The motor hunts some above 6,000 RPM to redline, but I never looked into fixing it because I don't go faster than 80. I won't speculate as to why it does that, but a potential buyer should know that it does that. The brakes work well. The front brake reservoir is very faded and could use replacing (see photo). All the lights work and the battery charges fine. The frame is tight and the steering head and swing arm work smoothly. Known issues: The bike has an aftermarket engine guard on the left side but doesn't have one on the right. The right side engine case cover is scratched and dented, but doesn't leak. The left side engine cover and guard are also scratched but are functionally fine. The fuel gauge and tank float works, but the wire connector under the tank broke and I just haven't fixed it. The bulb for the gear indicator for 5th gear is burned out - gears 1 through 4 light up. The paint on the top of the gas tank is chipping (see photo). The tank has a small dent on the right side and a broken emblem (see photo). The front fender has a small dent (see photo). There is some goo from stickers on the left fork slider. I'll deliver the bike within 100 miles of Santa Fe, NM. If you want the bike transported elsewhere, I can deliver the bike to Santa Fe for shipping. Good luck bidding on the classic bike!