The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle known for its smooth ride and powerful engine. It was one of the first motorcycles to feature a shaft drive, which provides a smoother and more efficient power transfer than a chain drive. The GS850 was also notable for its comfortable ergonomics and stylish design, making it a popular choice for both commuters and touring riders.
The GS850 was powered by an 848cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine that produced 77 horsepower and 56 lb-ft of torque. This gave the GS850 plenty of power for both city riding and highway cruising. The bike also featured a five-speed transmission and a top speed of 120 mph.
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a significant motorcycle in the history of motorcycling. It was one of the first bikes to combine performance, comfort, and style, and it helped to set the standard for future motorcycles. Today, the GS850 is still a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that can be enjoyed on both short and long rides.
1980 Suzuki GS850
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a significant motorcycle in the history of motorcycling. It was one of the first bikes to combine performance, comfort, and style, and it helped to set the standard for future motorcycles.
- Engine: 848cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder
- Power: 77 horsepower
- Torque: 56 lb-ft
- Top speed: 120 mph
- Transmission: Five-speed
- Drive: Shaft
- Suspension: Front forks, rear shocks
- Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
- Weight: 474 lbs
These key aspects of the 1980 Suzuki GS850 combine to make it a well-rounded motorcycle that is suitable for a variety of riding conditions. The powerful engine provides plenty of power for both city riding and highway cruising, while the comfortable ergonomics and stylish design make it a pleasure to ride. The shaft drive is also a major benefit, as it is more efficient and requires less maintenance than a chain drive.
Engine
The 1980 Suzuki GS850's engine is a significant factor in its performance and popularity. The 848cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for both city riding and highway cruising, while the four-stroke design ensures smooth and efficient operation.
- Power and torque: The GS850's engine produces 77 horsepower and 56 lb-ft of torque, which gives the bike plenty of power for both acceleration and overtaking.
- Smooth operation: The four-stroke design of the GS850's engine ensures smooth and efficient operation, with minimal vibration.
- Reliability: Suzuki's four-cylinder engines are known for their reliability and durability, and the GS850's engine is no exception.
- Fuel economy: The GS850's four-stroke engine is relatively fuel-efficient, especially for a motorcycle of its size and power.
Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS850's engine is a major factor in its performance, popularity, and overall value.
Power
The 1980 Suzuki GS850's engine produces 77 horsepower, which is a significant factor in its performance and popularity. This level of power gives the GS850 plenty of acceleration and overtaking ability, making it a pleasure to ride in both city and highway conditions.
- Acceleration: The GS850's 77 horsepower gives it strong acceleration, allowing it to reach 60 mph in under 5 seconds.
- Overtaking: The GS850's power also makes it easy to overtake other vehicles, even at highway speeds.
- Top speed: The GS850's top speed is 120 mph, which is more than enough for most riders.
- Smooth power delivery: The GS850's four-stroke engine delivers power smoothly and consistently, making it easy to control.
Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS850's 77 horsepower engine is a major factor in its performance and popularity. It gives the GS850 plenty of power for both city riding and highway cruising, while the smooth power delivery makes it easy to control.
Torque
Torque is a measure of the twisting force produced by an engine. It is important because it determines the engine's ability to accelerate and climb hills. The 1980 Suzuki GS850 has a torque of 56 lb-ft, which is relatively high for a motorcycle of its size. This gives the GS850 strong acceleration and hill-climbing ability, making it a good choice for both city riding and highway cruising.
The GS850's torque is also important for its fuel economy. A higher torque engine can operate at lower RPMs, which saves fuel. The GS850's torquey engine allows it to get good gas mileage, especially for a motorcycle of its size.
Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS850's torque of 56 lb-ft is a major factor in its performance and popularity. It gives the GS850 strong acceleration and hill-climbing ability, while also contributing to its good fuel economy.
Top speed
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 has a top speed of 120 mph, which is impressive for a motorcycle of its era. This top speed is due to a combination of factors, including the bike's powerful engine, efficient aerodynamics, and lightweight construction.
- Engine power: The GS850's 848cc engine produces 77 horsepower, which is plenty of power to propel the bike to high speeds.
- Aerodynamics: The GS850's sleek design helps to reduce drag, which allows the bike to reach higher speeds with less effort.
- Weight: The GS850 weighs just 474 lbs, which makes it one of the lightest motorcycles in its class. This light weight helps the bike to accelerate quickly and reach higher speeds.
The GS850's top speed of 120 mph makes it a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that can handle both city riding and highway cruising. The bike's powerful engine and efficient aerodynamics make it a pleasure to ride at high speeds, while its light weight makes it easy to maneuver in traffic.
Transmission
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is equipped with a five-speed transmission. This type of transmission is common on motorcycles, as it provides a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The five gears allow the rider to select the optimal gear for the riding conditions, whether they are accelerating from a stop, cruising at highway speeds, or climbing a hill.
The first gear on the GS850 is very low, which makes it ideal for starting from a stop or climbing steep hills. The second and third gears are slightly higher, and they are used for normal riding conditions. The fourth and fifth gears are overdrive gears, and they are used for cruising at highway speeds. The fifth gear is also used for fuel economy, as it allows the engine to operate at a lower RPM at higher speeds.
The five-speed transmission on the 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a well-designed and versatile component. It provides the rider with a wide range of gear ratios to choose from, which makes the bike suitable for a variety of riding conditions.
Drive
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is equipped with a shaft drive, which is a type of final drive system that uses a driveshaft to transmit power from the transmission to the rear wheel. This is in contrast to a chain drive, which uses a chain to transmit power.
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Advantages of shaft drive: Shaft drive has several advantages over chain drive, including:
- Reduced maintenance: Shaft drive systems require less maintenance than chain drive systems, as they do not need to be lubricated or adjusted as often.
- Increased durability: Shaft drive systems are more durable than chain drive systems, as they are less likely to break or wear out.
- Cleaner operation: Shaft drive systems are cleaner than chain drive systems, as they do not throw oil or grease onto the bike or rider.
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Disadvantages of shaft drive: Shaft drive systems also have some disadvantages, including:
- Increased weight: Shaft drive systems are heavier than chain drive systems.
- Reduced efficiency: Shaft drive systems are less efficient than chain drive systems, as they lose some power through friction.
- More expensive: Shaft drive systems are more expensive than chain drive systems.
Overall, shaft drive is a reliable and durable final drive system that requires less maintenance than chain drive. However, it is also heavier, less efficient, and more expensive.
Suspension
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 features a suspension system that consists of front forks and rear shocks. This suspension system is responsible for providing a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road.
The front forks are telescopic forks, which means that they are able to compress and extend as the motorcycle travels over bumps. The rear shocks are twin shocks, which means that they are mounted on either side of the rear wheel and work together to absorb bumps and vibrations.
The suspension system on the 1980 Suzuki GS850 is well-tuned and provides a good balance between comfort and handling. The front forks are stiff enough to provide good handling, while the rear shocks are soft enough to provide a comfortable ride. This combination makes the GS850 a good choice for both commuting and long-distance riding.
Brakes
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 features a braking system that consists of a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. This combination of brakes provides good stopping power and is easy to modulate. The front disc brake is particularly effective at providing strong and progressive braking, while the rear drum brake is adequate for providing additional stopping power and is less prone to fading than a disc brake.
The front disc brake on the GS850 is a single disc with a two-piston caliper. This type of brake is common on motorcycles and provides good braking performance. The rear drum brake is a single-leading shoe drum brake. This type of brake is less effective than a disc brake, but it is less expensive and easier to maintain.
Overall, the braking system on the 1980 Suzuki GS850 is adequate for the bike's performance and weight. The front disc brake provides good stopping power and is easy to modulate, while the rear drum brake provides additional stopping power and is less prone to fading.
Weight
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 weighs 474 lbs, which is relatively light for a motorcycle of its size and power. This light weight is due to the bike's use of lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloy for the frame and swingarm. The bike's light weight gives it several advantages, including:
- Improved acceleration: A lighter motorcycle is easier to accelerate, which makes the GS850 more responsive and fun to ride.
- Better handling: A lighter motorcycle is also easier to handle, which makes the GS850 more agile and maneuverable.
- Increased fuel economy: A lighter motorcycle requires less energy to move, which improves the GS850's fuel economy.
Overall, the 1980 Suzuki GS850's weight of 474 lbs is a significant factor in its performance and popularity. It gives the GS850 several advantages, including improved acceleration, better handling, and increased fuel economy.
The GS850's light weight is also a major factor in its versatility. The bike is suitable for a wide range of riding conditions, from commuting to touring. It is also a good choice for beginner riders, as its light weight makes it easy to handle.
FAQs about the 1980 Suzuki GS850
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle that is still popular today. It is known for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the GS850:
Question 1: What is the engine size of the GS850?
Answer: The GS850 has an 848cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine.
Question 2: How much horsepower does the GS850 produce?
Answer: The GS850 produces 77 horsepower.
Question 3: What is the top speed of the GS850?
Answer: The GS850 has a top speed of 120 mph.
Question 4: What type of drive system does the GS850 use?
Answer: The GS850 uses a shaft drive system.
Question 5: What type of suspension system does the GS850 use?
Answer: The GS850 uses a suspension system that consists of front forks and rear shocks.
Question 6: What is the weight of the GS850?
Answer: The GS850 weighs 474 lbs.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1980 Suzuki GS850. For more information, please consult the owner's manual or a qualified motorcycle mechanic.
Summary: The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics. It is a good choice for both commuting and long-distance riding.
Transition: To learn more about the 1980 Suzuki GS850, please read the following article:
The 1980 Suzuki GS850: A Detailed ReviewTips for Maintaining a 1980 Suzuki GS850
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability and performance. However, like all motorcycles, the GS850 requires regular maintenance to keep it running in top condition. Here are five tips for maintaining a 1980 Suzuki GS850:
Tip 1: Change the oil and filter regularly. The oil and filter help to keep the engine clean and running smoothly. It is important to change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations, which is typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Tip 2: Check the tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure can affect the handling and stability of the motorcycle. It is important to check the tire pressure regularly and adjust it to the manufacturer's specifications.
Tip 3: Clean the air filter regularly. The air filter helps to keep dirt and debris out of the engine. It is important to clean the air filter regularly, especially if you ride in dusty or dirty conditions.
Tip 4: Inspect the brakes regularly. The brakes are an important safety feature on any motorcycle. It is important to inspect the brakes regularly and replace any worn or damaged parts.
Tip 5: Have the motorcycle serviced by a qualified mechanic regularly. A qualified mechanic can help to keep your motorcycle in top condition by performing regular maintenance and repairs.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your 1980 Suzuki GS850 will continue to run smoothly and reliably for many years to come.
Summary: The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle that requires regular maintenance to keep it running in top condition. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help to ensure that your GS850 will continue to provide you with many years of riding enjoyment.
Transition: To learn more about the 1980 Suzuki GS850, please read the following article:
The 1980 Suzuki GS850: A Detailed ReviewConclusion
The 1980 Suzuki GS850 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its smooth ride, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics. It is a good choice for both commuting and long-distance riding. The GS850 is also relatively easy to maintain, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice riders.
The GS850 is a significant motorcycle in the history of motorcycling. It was one of the first bikes to combine performance, comfort, and style, and it helped to set the standard for future motorcycles. Today, the GS850 is still a popular choice for riders who want a classic motorcycle that can be enjoyed on both short and long rides.
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