The Suzuki GS1100 G

[79XS11F]

I stripped the 1982 (not 1983) Suzuki GS1100 to a rolling frame and engine yesterday. Everything came off the bike with no signs of poor workmanship by previous owners so that a good thing. Even the plugs came out easy. There was 6 liters of oil in her which is now gone. With the plugs out however, I could not turn the engine over with a wrench on the timing bolt. I didn't want to force it in case someone has the head or vales messed up. I also found a manual for the bike and by taking a quick look at it, it would appear that this engine should be a breeze to work on. It has many features that are very similar to that of the XS1100. Maybe I'll pull the engine tomorrow. If I can get down to a bare frame before the cool weather arrives, I can paint it and this project will be off and running as money allows. I hope the engine is OK.
Rob

[mharrington]

Im fixing up a 79 GS1000 too- for my brother. The XS is physically bigger. Im sure the XS has a little more power but the GS reliabilty is legendary and the handling- I have read is better than the XS.

[79XS11F]

The engine in this 1100cc bike is a different in that the heads cam covers are more square like is seen in the Katana's. The valve cover has cast in webbing across the middle area and it looks like the intent was to direct air down to the top of the head. I'm thinking I should confirm that this engine is OK before I proceed with rebuilding the rolling chassis. If the engine is toast, I will part the bike out.
Rob

[79XS11F]

I was just over at Bike Bandit and see that crank bearings are still available for this bike but run at just over 150.00 a piece. It takes 5 plus one other one that is somewhat cheaper. Replacement if needed would also involve taking the pressed together crank apart. I hope those bearings are in good shape or a refurb will not be a wise plan. On a different note I noticed that both the right and left side mufflers are still listed as available which is pretty rare for a bike this old. That must be because I don't need mufflers.
Rob