1981 Suzuki GS1100E (GSX1100) - Part 2 - Riding a Classic 1980s Superbike!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- I just bought this cool classic Suzuki motorcycle. Suzuki's 1981 GS1100E was the quickest production motorcycle of its day and a good-running example is still impressive today! This is my next rescue project. In this episode, I'm going on my first extended test drive. How will it run? Let's find out together! I will feature a series of videos on this bike covering the restoration process, and then some ride-along review and comparison videos as well.
I had the exact same motorcycle when I was 21. (even with the same annoying 85 mph speedometer) I put tens of thousands of miles on it, crashed it several times. And I enjoyed it all 3 years that I had it. Pleasant memories...
Right on! They are tough machines. Cheers!
Like I said in your last video, I have that exact bike. Mine came with aftermarket bars too but the original bars came with it and I put them back on. I'm not that tall and the stock bars are more comfortable because I don't have to lean forward to reach them. The only thing I don't like about the 80-81 GS's is the headlight and instrument cluster. It is butt-ugly and that's probably why they went back to the round headlight in 83. Not to mention the 85 mph speedometer is rather lacking, to say the least. It needs the more appropriate 140 mph version. I had a 78 GS1000E and I'm converting my 81 to the 78 headlight and cluster. I'm also putting on round turn signals to make it match my 78. In my humble opinion, those changes will make it the perfect bike, at least for me. Thank you for the great video and I look forward to more of my favorite GS of all time.
I was never a fan of the headlight surround, but the oddness of it is kind of growing on me. Other than the 85 mph speedometer, I don't mind the instruments - again kind of weird cool. I would love to see pictures of your round headlight conversion. Cheers!
NICE BIKE AND BEAUTIFUL SCENERY ❤.
Thank you!
Thanks for the treat! That's a beautiful bike and I enjoyed riding along.
You're welcome, Jim!
Well, looks like you found another gem! And Pennsylvania is absolutely gorgeous in the fall!
Thanks, Michael! I think so, too. Cheers!
I actually prefer the looks of the 1980/81 GS1100, or GSX1100 as they are correctly named outside USA, over the later models. I like the styling of the 24 liter fuel tank on the international version better than the smaller US-version, but it is not a big thing. Having those extra 5 liters, though, is a big thing and gives a much better range. Cool that the bike is so original, including the exhaust system. The lower handlebars and braided brake lines make the bike much more functional.
The bigger European tank does totally change the look - maybe I'll try to find one. I like the look either way. I'll be working on this one later today. Cheers!
Amen to that. It’s Saturday, October 28. I’m not that far from you. I’m in Northern Virginia and it’s going to be in the low to mid 80s today. I’m taking my 2023 Yamaha MT 10 to the dealer right now for its first 600 mile service.
I loved my old GS 650. It was my first in line four-cylinder, I had that motorcycle back in the 90s and I’ve always had in line four cylinders ever since.
That is a gorgeous bike you have there. Very sweet.
Thank you! I'm a huge fan of Suzuki's GS line. I hope you get some good riding in before dropping the MT 10 off. Cheers!
another great example .. kudos
Thank you!
I loved mine and wish I never sold it... Next to my FJ1200 it was an amazing bike that did everything really well. Once I got the electrical gremlins out of it she was bulletproof, Also valve adjustment were a breeze on those TSCC motors.
Right on! I'll be working on both those systems very soon. I just got a new regulator today and my valve cover gasket should arrive this week. Cheers!
a great find and the ride did seem very smooth.
Thanks! It was a smooth ride. Cheers!
Awesome bike Jon
Looks great, sounds great.
Thanks, Andrew!
What a beautiful bike john. If I were you I'd say Keeper. You have had many and know what you want so your choice. Mouthwatering bike.
Thanks, John! I'm enjoying it so far. I never know how long a bike will stay with me. Cheers!
This bike was the full bollocks in Australia in 1980 ,
if you like these bikes from the late 1970’s & early 1980’s then cek out
‘Castrol 6 Hour Amaroo Park 1978 , 1979 , 1980 ect on UA-cam
this was the biggest production race in the world for 10 years ,
Honda brought out the CB1100R just to win this race.
Wayne Gardner , Graham Crosby , Michael Doohan all started off racing in this event.
Right on! I have watched those races on UA-cam and highly recommend them. That was back when men were men! You will gain lots of respect for the classics watching those guys push them at full tilt! A good rider on a well-sorted classic is still formidable. Cheers!
Would be fun if this GS compared to the other two GS ( the red one & the shaft drive ) on a 100 - 150 miles journey to see which is the king of long distance travel .
Once I get this bike sorted, I'll be able to get some good comparisons in. All three bikes would be great rides. Cheers!
Really nice looking bike. Love the color.
Thanks, me too!
I picked up over the summer an 81 GS1100e from the org owner with 17k miles on it. Working on getting it ready to go for spring :)
Very cool 😎! I hope to be working on this one again today. Cheers!
Hola Jon. Muy hermosa es tu nueva moto. Quería comentarte que acá en Argentina vinieron los 2 modelos (GS 1100 y GSX 1100) las diferencias eran las decoración y colores (más lindas en la GSX) velocímetro solo en kms para la GSX) . También era la de más valor dentro de las que había en los años 80/81 . Aunque creí que la Suzuki tenía algo más de calidad con respecto a las 2 rivales ( CB900 F/ Z1000J1)que se podían comparar en esos tiempos ya que ahí se terminó la importación por esos tiempos (año 1981). El tablero de instrumentos era vanguardista. El faro rectangular fue una moda pero le quedaba bien. Me gustaría verla /escucharla con un escape 4a1. Saludos y felicitaciones.!
Hola Ricardo. Estoy de acuerdo en que la calidad de Suzuki de la época era excelente. Probablemente dejaré el escape original en esta bicicleta ya que está en buenas condiciones. ¡Pero sonaría increíble con un 4 en 1! ¡Salud!
Anyone wanting to thank Jon? Hit the share button, then copy link! Gives the channel a share, but doesn’t flood your contact list!!
Thanks, Russ!
That is a BEAUTIFUL bike, Jon! Maybe you should be on the lookout for a very good condition GS1000E to round out your GS collection......Please.😀
I had a very nice 1979 GS1000E at one point. It was a great bike too. I wouldn't mind finding another nice one. Cheers!
Bought one new, same year and color. The one I never should have sold....
Right on! I can't wait to have this one properly sorted to my taste. Cheers!
From and era when the Big Four were competing to produce the best possible motorcycle.
Yep, it left us with so many great bikes from this time period. Cheers!
Big square headlite. Does the 81 not have the power of the 82? Very nice looking bike. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks, Henry! The 1981 was actually similar or a little better top-end power wise. The 1983 was reworked for better low and mid-range power. All are excellent performers and able to do high 10 second 1/4 miles with a skilled rider at around 120 mph.
Beautiful bike and ride! Although I really love this era of motorcycles, I suppose what gives me apprehension about owning one is my lack of mechanical experience in properly maintaining them.
**Once carbs are set properly, do you find yourself having to go back and make adjustments/service them?
Eric in NC
Great questions Eric. As a rule, I don't need to go in and mess with the carbs once they're properly set up. I store them properly in the winter and don't let them sit for long periods of time. However, if you're not mechanically inclined, I suggest sticking with the newer bikes. Any vintage machine can require more owner involvement. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks for the reply Jon. Yeah, when I had my 81 XS1100 Special, I just rode it for a couple of years, commuting, and short weekend pleasure riding, changed the oil/filter every few thousand miles and never had any problems or issues...same with my 83 V65. Although, the Magna had a slight bottom end "tick" when I bought it, I ended up selling them both for the same price that I paid.
***I realize "now a days" that the internet has most of the guidance and information needed to help with troubleshooting and repairs, but I don't believe that I would buy a "project" bike. I would however consider buying something that someone like yourself has gone through as an extra bike.
@user-sh5dy5tr9d Right on, I completely understand. I'm very picky about what projects to take on. Even so, the money adds up quickly when restoring a bike. Cheers!
Wonderful❤❤Beautiful❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks, Amir!
Does the GSX bikes come in MPH or are they Kilometers?Because I have a MPH GSX
That's a great question. I'm not sure what was standard outside the US.
Good old torquie locomotive :)
Thanks! Not for sale currently. If I decide to sell, I'll post a video. Cheers!
🤩😍😁@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538