New Forum Member and Questions Regarding My "New" 83 GS850L

[jaytex1969]

Hello.

 

I am Jay, in Knoxville.

I've been riding just over 20 years and have had over a dozen different machines during that time.

My 2nd bike was a dogged out 79 GS550 that I continued to dog for about 2 years until it died.

Many years and bikes later, I now have a bit more knowledge, wisdom and common sense. (just a bit...)

My "big" machine, currently, is a 2000 Valkyrie Interstate. My "little" machine is a Yamaha Zuma 125 scooter.

My latest acquisition, the "medium" machine is an 83 GS850L.

I just picked it up last weekend. It runs well. It appears to be bone stock, down to the pipes. I think the hand grips are not OEM. That's all I can find.

It has 16.5K miles on it. Some minor seepage around the valve cover gasket. Runs strong.

The tires are old and hard. I slid around a corner or two on the way home. I've been a big fan of Metzlers, on the Valk, which weighs twice as much.

Just thought I'd ask for opinions here on my tire options.

Once my tires are safer, I'll begin going through it systematically to make sure it's generally fit for service.

You can look forward to my noob questions concerning shim & bucket valve adjustments, as that is new to me.

 

Thanks!

Jay

 

Edited May 24, 2023 by jaytex1969

[Captain Chaos]

Hi and welcome. 
Have you read the forum rules in General discussions?

[Swiss Toni]

Hi Jay. Welcome to the OSS. The 850 is a great bike! Get the tyres and all the fluids changed, then take it for a ride. 

[wraith]

Welcome to OSS.

Good strong bikes the 850. As to tyres, we don't ask as it's so much down to each rider what they like or not. Your tyre opposition is not very big for the size of tyres/wheels you have.

[jaytex1969]

@Captain Chaos I just read the rules, now that I've seen/found them.  

@Swiss Toni I'm on it. Thanks!

@wraith Were you saying options? Thanks!

 

Also, what does EFE mean?

 

A great day to all!

Jay

Edited May 24, 2023 by jaytex1969

[wraith]

@jaytex1969 yes  bloody phone, always thinks it knows better 

The EFE is the full fairing gsx1100 (4v) also known as a ef or e, also gsx1150, gs1150/1100 etc

[Dezza]

EFE stands for most awesome bike engine ever made, obviously

[Fazz711]

Hi welcome to OSS 

[BillyR]

Lovely bike.

i had one in the early 90's, and one summer it took me from the UK to Greece via Portugal, and back, with no problems at all. (other than me getting heatstroke about 10 times!)

[jensvonbustenskjold]

Hi 

Welcome!

I currently have Bridgestone Battlax Adventure A4 on my GS1000. It was an improvement for me, specially on wet termac / rainy days