R850R to a GS?

[LTinOH]

Hello, all. I have recently acquired my son's '96 R850R with very low mileage and in pristine shape. Having always wanted a GS, what would it take - or better yet - is it feasable to convert this bike to a GS? This is a need to know thing as if it can't be done at a reasonable cost, I may end up selling it to buy an older GS. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

[motoguy128]

The main difference is the GS has longer suspension travel, shorter gearing, and a 19" front wheel. Both wheels are a little narrower and fitted with a light off road tire. Due to this, I think the frame may have slightly different geometry, and is probably re-enforced for the additional off-road abuse. Also the 850 I think only has a 5 speed transmission, but the gearing should already be lowered a little compred to the 1150R.

I think it would be much cheaper to trade it in on a used 1150GS or 1200GS. If it's in great shape, and low miles, you should get a higher than average value for it.

I'd try and get a 1200. It's much lighter and more powerful than the 1150, but it depends how much you're willing to spend.

[tarheel_rider]

And if you're going to trade it in, post it here first in the classifieds.

[LTinOH]

Thanks for the input. I guess I will have to kick this around now. The 850 is a very nimble somewhat speedy bike for what it is and a blast to ride. Going back and forth from the LT (Das Boot) to the R850R (Der Kajak) it is quite a contrast to say the least. Maybe just keep it and find an old GS Airhead would be the thing to do. (Oh honey, can we talk for a minute?.....) :bmw:

[CalLT]

I'd keep the 850 unless you really plan to go off road.

[KMC1]

some dual sport tires and head covers and you could BLAST fire roads on the 850....

[LTinOH]

some dual sport tires and head covers and you could BLAST fire roads on the 850....

Yeah, thought about that, too and that may be another option. I'm not looking to go thru rivers or doing a 'long way round', but I do some trout fishing and camping in the boonies, so that may fill a need for now as the GS has been nixed.