Touring Motorcycles
1981Suzuki GS 850 L
21 fields on record
The 1981 Suzuki GS 850 L is a mid-sized air-cooled touring bike ideal for riders seeking reliable, accessible performance. Its smooth 843cc inline-four engine delivers predictable power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the shaft drive and manageable weight make it practical for both commuting and weekend adventures.
- Capacity
- 843.0 ccm
- Engine
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 261.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 79.0 HP (58.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Designed as a relaxed, shaft-driven cruiser for comfortable cross-town and highway riding rather than outright performance or sport handling.
- Built for
- Delivers smooth, torquey four-cylinder power with a laid-back cruiser demeanor and dependable air-cooled simplicity.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight sportbike feel.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 843.0 ccm
- Power
- 79.0 HP (58.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- In-line four, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.3027 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 69.0 x 56.4 mm
- Compression
- 8.8:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 197.0 km/h (122.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.50-19
- Rear tyre
- 4.50-17
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 843 cc | 843 cc | 843 cc | 844 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 13 L | 13 L | 13 L | 13 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Suzuki GS 850 L?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 850 L has a Capacity of 843.0 ccm (51.44 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Suzuki GS 850 L have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 850 L has a Power of 79.0 HP (58.1 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Suzuki GS 850 L have?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 850 L has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Suzuki GS 850 L weigh?
The 1981 Suzuki GS 850 L has a Wet weight of 261.0 kg (575.4 pounds).
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