Q: I’ve just been given an old (1980 I think), Suzuki GS 850 – the one with the hefty shaft-drive. It’s been standing for a long time, so after a good clean I tired to get the engine running with some degree of success.
However, the biggest problem was the old exhaust, which isn’t the original system. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s black with a rotten silencer. I managed to fit a silencer to it (4-1 system) and now the bike looks better, at least.
I had to take off the carbs to clean them and they have ‘pod like’ filters on them, again I’ve replaced them with new ones because they were trashed. I noticed the main jets are 105s, which I believe to be the standard size.
So my question is – seeing as the bike has a 4-into1 system, and ‘pod’ filters, what jet size would you recommend seeing as you seem to be quite good with classic bike questions? It would be great to get them right the first time so I don’t have to take off the carbs and stuff around them again. Looking forward to your response.
Chris Cummins.
A: Yes Chris we’ve spent many hours ‘fiddling’ around with these types of jet settings. We’re not sure if you’re at sea level, or Jo’burg altitude though?
We’d recommend starting off with 125s, as they seem to be a good base setting for these types of modifications. If you’re living at altitude you could try 122.5s, or maybe a 120 main jet. It might be difficult to find them though so you might have to search around local ‘old’ dealers and the like.
Hope this helps with your new/old bike…
Replied: April 23rd, 2024