Faults:

Slight crack in the gauge assembly. It leaked some fuel at first, but this was fixed with an adjustment of the petcock.

General Comments:

I'm just getting back into motorcycling after being away from it for MANY years.

This bike came my way quite unexpectedly, and though I had my doubts about purchasing such a dated machine, it is GREAT so far. Good acceleration when needed. Great on the highway and the back road. It has been powerful enough to get my old skills awakened, but gentle enough for rides with my young daughters.

Fun bike, and easily serviceable (so far).

If you have a chance at one... go for it!

Faults:

Seat cover starting to rip.

Replaced voltage regulator at 35,000.

General Comments:

I bought this bike brand new in 83 (it was a holdover). Best investment I've EVER made.

It's a great bike; handles like a dream, quick enough on take-off, never tested the top speed because this is a cruiser.

This bike really is bullet-proof, engine still purrs like a kitten, it's got the shaft drive, which is still holding up amazing, quiet as hell, no chain "slap". Basically I just change the oil every spring and make sure she's got gas and she never lets me down.

Never had the engine apart, have never had to change a valve or a piston or rings like some of my buddies with Harleys have had to, I just ride her.

This bike has never let me down, starts every time, runs great, is comfortable on long trips, and really is just a joy to ride!

Faults:

Right handlebar switch panel replaced.

Spark plugs replaced.

Tires replaced.

Battery replaced.

Starter replaced.

Intake boots (set of 4) replaced.

Carbs cleaned and synched at intake boot replacement service.

Bike came with a set of highway bars with fixed rubber pegs - I chose to replace the fixed rubber pegs with newer style metal folding pegs.

I chose to replace "Buckhorn"-style handlebar for one with a shorter bend, which relieves wind blast on torso, as well as more comfortable wrist angle for twisting throttle

I chose to upgrade the headlight bulb to a newer bulb, giving a whiter light and higher wattage (60/55W= 110/100W).

I chose to install a "Back-Off" module to make taillight flash in a 5-flash pattern when the rear brake is applied, making the bike more visible to other drivers.

I chose to add rubber sleeves over the clutch, and brake levers for improved grip

I chose to replace the factory round mirrors with an updated set of chrome teardrop-shaped mirrors.

General Comments:

My GS850GL has air assisted forks, which have held up great and ride well.

Overall bike suspension is excellent - the bike is very comfortable for long rides.

Bike handles and accelerates well for a bike of its size and weight.

Paint, seat and chrome on my bike have held up extremely well.

Highway bars and pegs give you a place to stretch out during rides.

Shaft drive has needed no maintenance at all, other than periodic gear oil changes as recommended.

Factory exhaust still working well and looking great.

Everywhere, I go the bike gets looks and favorable comments from other riders, as well as non-riders.

Factory optional backrest with the Suzuki "S" in chrome on the back side, and the "L" embossed in the pad, really adds to the look of the bike.

Check out photos at http://community.webshots.com/user/kmfarrell