1983 Suzuki GS1100E (GSX1100) Review - Best Classic Superbike?
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- Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
- Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the early 1980s UJM superbikes, the 1983 Suzuki GS1100E (GSX1100 in other markets) posted a 10.88 second 1/4 mile time at 122 mph and a 140 mph top speed! In this fun road test review video, we'll talk about the history of the GS1100E, we'll look at the specs of the bike, and we'll take this beautiful classic out on the road. What's the GS1100E like to ride? Let's find out together!
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These and the 1150 are bomb proof
Right on!
The good old fuel gauge ..... once you ride a bike equiped with the gauge , other bikes without a fuel gauge will constantly make you grumble and wary .
For sure! I get spoiled riding the classic Suzukis. I get on the Hondas, Yamahas or Kawasakis and I'm frustrated by the lack of a gear indicator and sometimes even the fuel gauge. Don't get me started on the speedometer only cruisers of the 1990s and 2000s. Cheers!
The never ending pursuit of the "best" bike is the exact thing that keeps a person from achieving it. Life is about the journey, not the destination.
Hi Pete, that's why it was posed as a question in the title. As someone who has owned or ridden over 1000 different motorcycles by this point in the journey, I completely agree with your statement. Enjoy the ride!
I ran a Suzuki franchise from 1978 to 1984...and had the fantastic opportunity to have at my disposal a number of "demo bikes" to use for my personal pleasure. I had 2-3 of these GS1100E & GS1100ES bikes that I rode...along with the '79 & '80 GS1000S (Wes Cooley Replica bikes)...the iconic '82 GS1000SZ/Katana...and others! Best job (fun factor) that I EVER HAD!!!
Right on!
Oh Jon, that looks so good of a ride!
Thanks, It is a fun bike to ride! Cheers!
Excellent review, Jon! I owned or rode all the big bikes from the Honda 750 through the 1000-1100 transverse fours. The state of technical advancement was rapid: last year’s hero was soon topped by another. The Suzuki GS 1000 was the best handling, but the 2 valve head limited breathing. Yamaha’s XS 1100 surprised everyone with the larger displacement, but not everyone liked how the shaft drive affected spirited riding. Honda’s CBX stunned in the looks department, but the big 1000 cc transverse 6 was top heavy and difficult to launch due to the lack of low end torque. Worse yet, a simple tip over would break that expensive and complex cylinder head.
When the GS 1100 arrived in 1981 Suzuki produced the fastest and best handling superbike available from the Japanese manufacturers. I loved mine, and suitably tuned with a Kerker exhaust and proper jetting could break into the 10’s. This was Shelby Cobra performance territory. All for $3500.
Right on, Garth! Your comments are spot on. I rode my XS1100 and 1981 GS1100E yesterday. I love the XS1100 motor, but handling wise, the GS1100E feels like a 750 in comparison. For the reasons you mentioned, the big GSs are my favorite bikes of the era. Cheers!
Such great bikes back in the day. Never owned a Suzuki but that GS1100ES always called to me as one tough bike.
Solid review, as always, John- thank you!
Thanks, Levi! I don't love every Suzuki product, but the classic GSs are among my favorites. Cheers!
beautiful bike my era of motorcycling,i think 1983-84 was the best period for motorcycles.great review thanks
Right on! You're welcome.
This example is a well polished gem.
Chief Windy Urtowsky would endorse for sure.
Thanks!
Great I learn something from each of your videos
Thanks, Bob!
Rode a GS1100E about 5 y ago, but the roads I was on were no conducive to pulling her trigger.
Right on. It's a good thing to know when and where to let them rip. If you get the chance to get one above 6k rpm it's a memorable experience. Plus, they can really hustle once you're familiar with them. Cheers!
I blocked off my anti dive brake system, changed pads and installed progressive fork springs to my weight, ran about 10psi in the forks, superbike bars, big bag, tank bag, some of that was just coming out, Bagman's and Dry rider rain suits. Cut the seat down an inch in front, more into the bike. Mine would pull 140 right at redline, did it everyday. Vibes though.
Right on! The suspension and brake mods you mentioned make a big difference. I don't tour in mine, but you certainly could, vibes not withstanding. Cheers!
I’m a fan of these bikes and especially the 83 model after watching your review. If she were mine I’d send the suspension off to Daugherty Motorsports in Indiana. DMS is a one man expert operation. Jamie would re-spring and re-valve front and rear to match your weight and riding style, all for less cost than the price of mid-grade rear shocks alone. Sorry for the shameless plug but I’ve sent him suspensions for three bikes and I couldn’t be happier.
Thanks for sharing the info. If this can improve the handling and ride then DMS deserves the recommendation. I’m in Canada but if I were closer I’d definitely take my bike there. I have an 83 GS1100 but haven’t rode it yet. I did notice the difference in sitting on it. It needs some work before I can ride it. I do have a 1992 GSX1100 and I love the comfort and power it has. It’s 32 years old but I just love it. Take care from Alberta, Canada.
@@NorthCountry2226 Would it make sense to ship it?
@@blipco5 I’m in central Alberta, so that’s about 1800 miles away. I also have a 1981 GS1100 that I would consider getting it serviced and possibly shipping. Is DMS in Fort Wayne, Indiana?
@@NorthCountry2226 Yes, that’s him. You’ll have to pay to ship the suspension to him but he pays to ship them back to you, or it’s included in the price.
@@NorthCountry2226 Yes.
Had that exact bike ! Another bike I should have kept. Believe it or not, I rode it from Virginia Beach to Massachusetts in about 8 hours to attend a party I did not want to miss. Could never get away with that these days. Still don't know how I didn't get a ticket. Sometimes its better to be lucky.
Right on, Tony. Thanks for sharing the memories. Cheers!
Thank you,Jon. My first big bike. Brings back a lot of fond memories! Safe travels 🐾
You're welcome, John!
good intel Jon , thx for sharing
You're welcome!
Definitely best bike ever built. Good at everything.
Hi Rob, that's high praise considering the many machines you've owned! But I won't argue. You gotta love the classic GSs. Cheers!
Best transmission going still yet. Just touch it and it's shifted. Cosworth style 4 valve heads worked too. easy to maintain, tappets adjustable, an hour at most.
Right on!
That's a great looking bike. I have this bike's little brother, a 1985 GSX400E. Of course, nowhere near as powerfull as the 1100, but a nice bike for zipping around town. And very reliable, as most Suzukis of that era are.
I have a 1985 Honda VF1000F for the long hauls. (One of the best bikes of that era ihmo.) When I bought the Honda around 15 years ago, I intended to sell the Suzuki, but ended up keeping it. I'm glad I did, since I've now owned it for 32 years, and it kinda belongs i my garage now. :)
It's interesting how Suzuki decided to designate these bikes just GS in Nort America, and GSX pretty much everywhere else. Here in Europe GS meant a 2 valve head and GSX ment a 4 vale head. That was pretty consistent. At least that's how it was back in the day, I'm not sure how it is today.
I understand the GSX designation came to North America when the GSX-R750 was introduced in 1985.
I completely agree with you on the anti-dive thing. My 400 has the same weird contraption, although just on one side, since it's single disk. If I put the front wheel up against a wall or something, so that I can compress or pump the front fork up and down, both while holding the brake and releasing the brake, I can feel no difference. No difference whatsoever.
Thanks for sharing, Hans! I rode the VF1000F once and thought it was a great bike. They are very rare here in the US - and I've never seen one in excellent condition. The V-65 Magnas and Sabres were much more common.
The anti-dive on the 1100 works about the same (no discernable difference). I don't know why the US bikes and European bikes got different designations. It makes it a pain to title the videos, though. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Maybe the Japanese didn't think Americans were smart enough to remember three letters, so they decided to stick with two. 😂
Just kidding.
@@HGSolberg Ouch! 😉
As Always,Terrific video Jon! I LOVE bikes with HUGE "Meat' in their midrange and as proven when you rode this,this has PLENTY OF IT for sure! Such a beautiful bike too! I'm a connoisseur all black engines combined with all black exhausts as well,and with it on THIS BIKE,it only ADDS to it's beauty! Thanks for making this one Jon! : >)
You're welcome!
Another great video. Good work, and thank you.
Thanks, Paul!
I always liked this Suzuki. It was a do everything street bike. Tough as hell and reliable too. Looked really clean too. I loved the style. Fun video.
Thanks, Phil!
Enjoyed the video, Jon. I've always heard that the GS1100E was reliable as a rock. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks, Henry!
Well done and I never knew they had a oil pressure guage stock, never seen that and nice country too.
I'm pretty sure it is oil temp gauge, not oil pressure. hope this helps.
@@twomuchskll Never seen that either,looks like it handles great on those corners....
@@paulscountry456 It does indeed - especially once you are familiar with it. And corner exits are awesome with the low-end of this motor. Cheers!
Always liked the Katana, especially the 1100 version.
Right on! I owned the 1000 Katana. It was fast and cool to look at, but it was a punisher to ride. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah it hurt to just sit on it in the showroom. The 1100 was rare.
Hans Muth design. I had the 82. The 83 was the bike to have. Welded crank, new clutch, bigger wheels and tires the ES had the sport fairing. Also an brake actuated anti dive system was installed on the front fork. I putt 33 carbs on mine Kerker or Vance and Hines 4/1 S&W shocks Rusted steering bearing and swingarm bearings. 3500 miles. I traded it for a new 83 R100RS BMW much better machine for what I needed.
Right on, Sam! You went all out on the mods. I assume you were doing more long-distance riding if the R100RS was a better fit. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I started doing serious distance. I had a week riding vacation soent nearby on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Met up with a fellow on a BMW R50 toaster tank. He had saddlebags tank bag sleeping bag little pup tent and a coffee pot. And a motorcycke he could put in third gear and ride all day. Taught me a lot while working my but off with the GS1100E. It was a good lesson. The next weekend 7-14-83 I bought a brand new smoke gray RS fully kitted and never looked back. Nova Scotia. Newfoudland Glacier Great Lakes were all just a twist of the wrist away. I put on the 3/5 solo seat and did thousand or more mile days. Iron Butt rides judt a twist away with a 55 mph speed limit almost everywhere. The total package then the clubs MOA and RA comradere. Made the difference. Safe travels
@samhill3496 The move makes sense. The BMWs are sneaky fast. They don't feel fast, but when you try to keep up with a good rider on one, you quickly realize how good they are as a road bike. Cheers!
Nice bike!
Thanks, Jim!
Dang Jon. Kinda bummed. I honestly just sold my 1985 ES about an hour ago. Guy drove a long way to get it and it was the same year he graduated he used to have one over 20 yrs ago. I needed the space but after opening it wide open one last time down my straight away I was second guessing... Ohhh well it's what we do. Still got my old G. For some odd reason I just have a attachment to it. Kinda like a not so pretty girlfriend who puts up with your crap and you love. Old faithful. 😇
Right on, Roger! I had a GS1150ES previously and enjoyed it while I had it. If I had to sell all but one of my current bikes, my GS1100G might just be the last bike standing. Cheers!
I think that is the best 1100 classic superbike out there. But then again I have one. The same as yours. Totally stock except for the handlebars. How do you record your voice on the bike while riding without wind noise? You sound perfect.
Thank you. I have a PowerDeWise mic attached inside my helmet. I like the setup. Cheers!
I'm happy with my 81 GS1100E.
Right on. I like my 1981 GS1100E as well. Cheers!
Lifetime rider
Right on!
I had an 83 GS 11 that I bought you in 84 what's the best bike I ever had wish I still had it regrets selling it every time I see it on a video like yours I bought the bike new it was a great deal in 1984 leftover model always wanted that bike could not pass up on that deal like I said wish I still had it
Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories!
Nice video @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I fortunate to have both the 83 GS1100E & 83 GS750E. Do you a video like this on the 83 GS750E?
Thanks, Don! Here's a link to my 1982 GS750E review.
ua-cam.com/video/kGHMXoJ3N7A/v-deo.htmlsi=g_3YLbUrqhGMa8IY
I rode that bike , same year suprised the dealer just let me ride it from my Honda hawk 400.
That bike you need to bend way down or you fly of the back . LOL first bike the G s make your eye sore as it push your eye ball in your head. Not kidding and the road turn into ver narrow just in first gear didn’t look at the speed but that enough that over my skills
Thanks for sharing the memories, Thomas! This GS1100E sits next to my Hawk 400 in the garage. You're correct about it being a different animal to ride. I also remember my first ride on a GS1100. It was a game changer! Cheers!
Once past 60 mph, my '83 was a paint-shaker!
If I were to do some distance traveling, I would swap to a 530 chain and make the gearing taller. My 1981 GS1100E with the 530 conversion is smoother than the 1983. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I used to take long trips, but never with the 1100E; too vibey. Wish that I knew then about the 530 chain trick.
@@marshalmercer594 Right on. The chains have gotten better over time. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Not the chain's fault. The engine was a vibrator after 55 mph.
@@marshalmercer594 That's why I would go up on the gearing when swapping the chain 🙂
Hola Jhon. Me encanta esta nueva prueba con la 1100 83. Te pregunto? Si tendrias que elegir entre la Gs 1100 80/81 o esta la 83 .con cual te quedarias ? Y porque? Tanto en transito urbano o como para viajar en ruta. Gracias y saludos Ricardo
Hola Ricardo, ¡esa es una gran pregunta! Me gusta más la posición del asiento en la GS1100E '81 y me siento cómoda cuando la conduzco. Si puedo conseguir un manillar que me guste más en el '83, quizás lo prefiera. Tiene más potencia y mejores frenos.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 ok.gracias jhon.
Any idea what a GS1100e in this shape or similar goes for nowadays? They’ve peaked my interest over the past 3 months or so but i cant really seem to find any for sale that aren’t in need of a complete tear down restoration.
I don't have an exact dollar figure answer for that. The value on these is going up. Condition, originality and mileage are the determining factors for value on all the classic bikes. You can find them cheap but they often need lots of work, as you said. I bought this one with low mileage and in nice shape cosmetically, but it was a non-runner and I needed to ship it. I'm not sure what the "value" is to someone else but knowing the chances of me finding another one in this shape, I would want top dollar when I decide to sell. Sorry if that's a bit nebulous. As my friend used to say, "it's worth whatever someone else is willing to pay for it". Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 appreciate the response and ya that’s what i figured! Be sure to enjoy it for us though and love your channel man, me and my dad both!
@@whiteboiwyatt Right on! Thanks, Wyatt!
Bonjour! Pete's Superbike in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec has a 1984 GS1150E with only 11000 km (7000mi.) for sale. Asking price is 6000$ CDA, it's in mint condition. An ad was posted on Marketplace 2 days ago but for some unknown reason to me, i can't share that on UA-cam. The owner is an Army veteran and has really cool 80's bikes in his shop. Hopefully you can get your dream bike! Greetings from Montréal, Québec. 🖖 👽
@@danielfrancis4258 Thanks, Daniel!
Compared to my kz 1000 ,this was a piece of junk !
I own both, and I would disagree. 🙂 Cheers!