Suzuki GS650G 1981 1982 1983

The SUZUKI GS650G SHAFT DRIVE Motorcycle

The 1982 Suzuki GS650G came with shaft drive, adjustable suspension (Rebound and preload in the back, and air valves on the front), double disk brakes on the front, a single disk on the back, a really cool lighted gear indicator on the dashboard, and electronic ignition, and it was quicker through the quarter mile than the BMW and Moto-Guzzi shaft-drive bikes of the era. It weighs 499 pounds with a full tank of gas. Suzuki claims it produces 72 horsepower.

One source clocked the 1982 Suzuki GS650G at 12.91 seconds in the quarter mile and stated the top speed was 125MPH. Period road tests say the engine burns oil. One source states on a broke in bike it burned a quart every 1,800 miles.

Technical Specifications

above: 1982 Suzuki model year code: Z

GS 650 GT 1981

ENGINE
Type   673 cc, air cooled, 4 - cylinders in line, 4-stroke
Bore x stroke (mm)     62 mm x 55.8 mm
Valves 2 valves per cylinder
Power  65 hp (48.5 kW) @ 9000 rpm
Torque 53.8 Nm (39.7 ft. lbs) @ 8000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox        5 speed
Final drive    Cardan (drive shaft*)

WHEELS
Front tyre     3.00-21
Back tyre      4.25-17
Front brakes   dual disc with 2-piston calipers
Rear brakes    single disc with 1-piston calipers

DIMENSIONS
Fuel capacity - reserve        16 l (4.2 gallon US)
Dry weight     215 kg (474 pounds)

GS 650 GT 1982

ENGINE
Type   673 cc, air cooled, 4 - cylinders in line, 4-stroke
Bore x stroke (mm)     62 mm x 55.8 mm
Valves         2 valves per cylinder
Power  65 hp (48.5 kW) @ 9000 rpm
Torque         53.8 Nm (39.7 ft. lbs) @ 8000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox        5 speed
Final drive    Cardan (drive shaft*)

WHEELS
Front tyre     3.00-21
Back tyre      4.25-17
Front brakes   dual disc with 2-piston calipers
Rear brakes    single disc

DIMENSIONS
Fuel capacity - reserve        16 l (4.2 gallon US)
Dry weight     215 kg (474 pounds)

GS 650 GT 1983

ENGINE
Type   673 cc, air cooled, 4 - cylinders in line, 4-stroke
Bore x stroke (mm)     62 mm x 55.8 mm
Valves         2 valves per cylinder
Power  65 hp (48.5 kW) @ 9000 rpm
Torque         53.8 Nm (39.7 ft. lbs) @ 8000 rpm

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox        5 speed
Final drive    Cardan (drive shaft*)

WHEELS
Front tyre     3.00-21
Back tyre      4.25-17
Front brakes   dual disc with 2-piston calipers
Rear brakes    single disc

DIMENSIONS
Fuel capacity - reserve        16 l (4.2 gallon US)
Dry weight     215 kg (474 pounds)

*A Cardan drive for motorcycles in connection with which the housing, within which the ring gear connected with the rear wheel is contained and the pinion connected with the Cardan shaft is mounted is supported via an upwardly extending control arm operatively connected to a guide member pivoted to the frame at a point thereof lying above the swing arm of the rear wheel.

GS 650 GL 1982

Overall Length: 2 180 mm (85.8 in)
Overall Width: 870 mm (34.3 in)
Overall Height: 1 160 mm (45.7 in)
Seat Height: 740 mm (29.1 in)
Wheelbase: 1 450 mm (57.1 in)
Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in)
Dry Weight: 212 kg (466 lbs)
Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 673 cc inline-4, SOHC, 8 valves. 
73 hp (54 kW)/ 9.400 rpm, 57,2 Nm (5,88 kg-m)/ 8.000 rpm. Shaft drive.

1982 GS650GZ

ENGINE PREFIX: GS650GENGINE
TYPE: 674cc 4 Strk. 4 Cyl.
MODEL CODE: 343
COLOR: Black, Red
New style mag type wheels
Choke lever mounted under left hand switch assembly

Model Information

below: They call it G and the side nameplate says G, but this particular one is the GT version.

Suzuki GS650E 1981—1983
Suzuki GS650GT 1981—1983
Suzuki GS650GL 1981—1983
Suzuki GS650G Katana 1981—1983

Engine Type: 673cc Inline-Four
Seat Height: 780mm
HP: 68     Weight: 481lb   MPG: 45     Top Speed: 125mph

GS650 673cc 4-cycle four Models

1981 GS650EX

- Frame:JS1GP71A_B_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650-

1981 GS650GLX

- Frame:JS1GP71L_B_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650-

1981 GS650GX

- Frame:JS1GP71B_B_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

1982 GS650EZ

- Frame:JS1GP71A_C_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650-

1982 GS650GLZ

- Frame:JS1GP71L_C_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

1982 GS650GZ

- Frame:JS1GP71G_C_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

1983 GS650GD

- Frame:JS1GP71G_D_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

1983 GS650GLD

- Frame:JS1GP71L_D_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

1983 GS650MD

- Frame:JS1GP72G_D_100001

- Engine prefix: GS650G-

The term "Suzuki 650 Fours" or "GS650 Fours" is a reference from the Clymer motorcycle manual and by some Suzuki enthusiasts.

Appraisal Values

Suzuki GS650, GS650GLD, GS650G, GS650MD Katana Used Values

Years Made: 1981 - 1983

Low     $858     Medium     $962     High     $1,089

New Cost: $2,749 (1981) - $3,349 (1983)

Instruments

above: The exact style on 1982 GS650G

Used Motorcycle Buyers Guide Review

(British Publication)

SUZUKI GS650M: Tuned up GT with Katana styling. Occasional cam, clutch, valve and gearbox problems up to 35k which become much more common thereafter until crank or pistons start to break up after 50k. Good on motorways and usable down country lanes if a touch heavy going. The excellent styling means that quite a few ended up cherished and remain in remarkably good nick, despite the way the exhaust, calipers and alloy rots in a winter.

SUZUKI GS650GT: Fat, shaft drive slob but engine tough for first 30k then camshaft, valve and tensioner hassles; crankshafts can go after 60k. Particularly susceptible to alternator and rectifier demise, rotting wiring can cause days of amusing hassle. Look for quiet top end, shaft drive that doesn't ruin the gearchange and smooth power delivery. Crank on the way out causes harsh vibes from 5000rpm up.

Old air-cooled UJMs, some still chugging on. G was Katana-styled but unfaired road bike. Occasional cam, clutch, valve and gearbox problems. Good on motorways and usable down country lanes if a touch heavy going and ponderous. Wide seat gives short riders a tough time. The excellent Kat styling means that some are cherished and in remarkably good nick. GT was a shaft drive shunter but engine tough. Both susceptible to alternator and rectifier demise. E was rare chain drive variant. Look for quiet top end, shaft drive that doesn’t ruin the gear change and smooth power delivery. Dying cranks cause harsh vibes from 5000rpm up.

GSX600F, GSX750F Katanas: These are high-performance sportbikes that require a rider with self control, but they are such good all-around motorcycles that if you think you can trust yourself, you might want to consider buying one.