Birthday money

[WMarshy]

A while ago (>1 year) my neighbor brought home an old Suzuki GS liter bike. He came over asking questions about it because its the same vintage of my bike. Its mostly complete and all original but the exhaust, overall a nice barn find. He started by cleaning the carbs and eventually got it running after some small wiring issues. He then painted it a nice silver and with a cherry red pin stripe. It would have turned out nice but the tank needed a lot of fill to close up some rot and he was sloppy with the body filler after getting it sealed tight. Over the winter he through a childish fit about something and ended up denting the tank. The bike still needs a lot before its road worthy but I see a lot of potential in it. He's hard up for money and want to get rid of it cheap (<$200). I told him if he comes up with the title (he claims he can get it from the PO) I'll buy it. I believe it's the GS1100E with the 16 valve motor. If it is the 16V motor and he gets the title you will be hearing more about this bike. I have some some birthday money stashed and have been contemplating on what to buy. I have it narrowed down to this GS (if its the 16V motor) if he gets the title, a set of Accel super coils, or maybe a full crank bearing kit from ebay for a future engine overhaul.

Anyone have the pleasure of riding one of the GS1100E with the 16 valve motor? From what I read they put down good power. It's always fun spending money on these bikes or new ones! Even more fun is telling people how they should spend their money. Any suggestions on other mods...ZRX carbs instead?

[Crusty Snippets]

Suzuki

The cops in Portland Oregon had their own bikes, one of them was an 1100 Suzuki. My friend Tom worked in the bike maintenance department.
I rode the bike when it was fairly new. Thought it was hot damn.
Unkle Crusty

[jjz28]

If that is an 82 E, that bike is mean. My dad had one. He always talks about that bike although he had other gs1100's. His was dark red with the big headlight. The next year he added the blue and white one that looked more like a crotch rocket style with the little ferring but he said the 82 was way quicker. That bike is on my list that I have to own as well as a FJ1100 or Fj1200. Would love to see a pic and see if it is an 82E.

[WMarshy]

If that is an 82 E, that bike is mean. My dad had one. He always talks about that bike although he had other gs1100's. His was dark red with the big headlight. The next year he added the blue and white one that looked more like a crotch rocket style with the little ferring but he said the 82 was way quicker. That bike is on my list that I have to own as well as a FJ1100 or Fj1200. Would love to see a pic and see if it is an 82E.

I'll post pictures if I get it. I think its the 16V motor as it has the square/rectangular caps on the side of the valve covers. The engines with circular chrome caps were the 8V motors... we'll see what happens.

[IanDMacDonald]

Yes, I have both 8v and 16v 1000's, '80/'81, as well as an 850 and 650. When I blew an engine in my XS750, I picked up my first GS and fell in-love with them. Same Mikuni carbs BS34's, easy to work on. My 850 and 650 are L's, but the other two are E's. Electrical gremlins with the R/R and fuse box. Recommended upgrade was a shunt-type R/R from the list of bikes/quads. DOHC engine, so it's like the same bike. U'll find more parts, etc. for a GS. I'd love to get my hands on a GS1100ES.

[jjz28]

If it is this bike, I would get it. But, that's me, I WILL own one of these one day. Just to hear my dad talk about it makes me want one so bad. He sold the bike 3 years after he bought it to a car lot (well traded it in) and they used it to drag race. He went back a couple of years later and they still had it and were racing it. They raced some kind of stock class. Just raced it as if from the factory. Anyway, they hadn't rebuilt the bike or had anything mechanical fail on it.
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/mod...1100e%2082.htm

[jjz28]

oh,also, the ones before 82 didn't have nearly as much power. I know that link says 100hp for the 82 but everywhere else says 108hp and its only in the mid 80's horsepower for 81 and earlier.

[IanDMacDonald]

Jeff- That's the 1100 ES, the one I desire. Not the same as 1000E.

[jjz28]

Jeff- That's the 1100 ES, the one I desire. Not the same as 1000E.

I think the ES came in 83 and had the little windscreen on it. I don't think he is talking about a 1000, I believe its a 1100. My dad had the blue and white es also a year or 2 later (had both bikes at the same time). He always said the 82 was quicker but I think the ES had a little more power in 83, not sure.

[Courtney]

My friend has a GS1000S "as new" still in the crate, sitting in his garage.

[jjz28]

My friend has a GS1000S "as new" still in the crate, sitting in his garage.

I don't know what the S is. I just know of the E and ES, they are the sport bike type. What is the S? Is it a cruiser or sport?

[Courtney]

I don't know what the S is. I just know of the E and ES, they are the sport bike type. What is the S? Is it a cruiser or sport?

This is a Canadian issue GS1000S, not sure it came to the States. It is an early 80 in Blue and White.

http://www.thegsresources.com/stories/gs_rippings.htm

[jjz28]

Oh, I am sorry, I misread, I thought you said gs1100s instead of gs1000s. I bet he could get some money out of it if it has never been ridden.

[WMarshy]

Oh, I am sorry, I misread, I thought you said gs1100s instead of gs1000s. I bet he could get some money out of it if it has never been ridden.

It has low miles on it, not a show bike by any means. He taped the engine off and painted the frame with everything in place. If I get it, the aesthetics are going to be modified.

[jjz28]

Does it look like the bike that I posted the link in? I have only seen the red and silver ones, don't know if they made any other color for 82. Like I said, if it is that bike, I would LOVE to have it.