Thanks Jon for taking me along on both bikes. To me...nothing sounds better than an inline 4 Japanese engine. The sound of the engine and the howl of the pipe is music to my ears. Take care and ride safe everyone.
Great vid, I'm currently building a 1981 KZ1100 Shaft. Got it cheap, kind of a basket case. Boring it to 1166, valve job, Delkevic pipe. The fastest bike I ever rode was a Suzuki, a RG500 Walter Wolfe Special, but I'm a dyed in the wool Kawasaki fan. I used to have a '78 Z1R 1000, wish I never sold it.
I hear you - the Gamma was wicked with it's light switch power delivery but the Z1R was beautiful! I wish I could find some pictures of the KZ1100 shaft cafe project I did. Same deal - it was a non-running basket case with flat white paint and a fabric covered seat that had turned green from fading. It had 800 original miles though and it turned out beautiful. I went with a candy orange paint and a black Kerker exhaust. It sold within an hour of my listing it! I'd love to find it again.
I rode with a buddy that had a 1983 K Z 750 cc L 3 . Beautiful motorcycle. Orange & Black . He changed the handle bars to short sport bars. There is a K Z 1000 for sale in my area. Thanks for the review.
The results would be the same. The Suzuki already made more power and was quicker revving in stock form. The Suzuki also has the benefit of CV type carbs. Other than the exhaust, both bikes received the same mods - Progressive fork springs, Spiegler steel-braided brake lines, Emgo Magna Wide handlebar, same tires, etc. The Suzuki holds all the cards in this test - better handling, longer range, smoother gearbox, less driveline lash, better seat/ergonomics, and more power. With that said, both bikes have proven themselves to be quite reliable and either would be a great choice if you only had one bike in the garage. Cheers!
I love that Suzuki! I just sold my 1980 GS1000 G. It was so nice to ride. I am currently riding a 1984 GS 1150E. I’m looking for another old Zook, always. Good video, thanks for sharing!
Great☹now I`m missing my GS 1100gk, I sold 20 years ago, Mine had a Windjammer, Willie&Max saddle bags and a flat luggage rack. it was my daily rider, touring bike and workhorse, it did everything well. Thank you! 7 keep up the great work.
Love your channel ,and love this era of bike. I have never owned a Kawasaki, but this bike is a good looking one. However, i have owned two 4 cylinder Suzuki's from the late 70's and early 80's, and they were fantastic. Also, to date, i own or have owned 9 Honda's and really like them too :)
Thanks! I think all the Japanese manufacturers made (and still make) some nice machines. There are a few models I won't buy but I'm not necessarily brand loyal. I like them all!
Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm really glad you liked the video. I have several more comparison videos coming (to be released in the next few weeks). Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR (chain drive) Vs. Suzuki GS1100L. Honda CB900C Vs. each of those, etc. So please stay tuned!
Hi Jon, another excellent review. I see your perspective on everything you stated. Kawasaki has a slight advantage in appearance, but the Suzuki really delivers multi-dimensionally. I love both lines too - grab’em up when possible. Cheers
These two vintage jewels it think are pretty difficult for me to decide on a design winner. They both have their own character and presence sign. In this case the Kawasaki has the advantage because it's mostly stock, but the GS1100G in it's stock version, which also came with very pretty color combinations and their own stylish stripes..., well, that Suzuki for me is such an stunning machine. I'd love to have one of this big bikes someday. For now I enjoy to ride my little pampered GS450 '80 model which I want to fully restore in the future. I enjoyed a lot watching this nice review of what I consider the best looking era of motorcycles, even though I didn't exist by that time, lol Thanks for sharing this cool content! Kind regards ✌🏻
Thanks Andros, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! These bikes were my dream bikes as a young man. Making the vintage motorcycle videos is my way of sharing them with others. Did you check out the other videos on my channel? There are lots of vintage bike reviews and comparisons. Enjoy riding the GS450 - it's a great bike! Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sure I will, and I'll keep watching your videos, you have some other vintage gems to enjoy, like your GS550T that is a pretty rare bike in such a good condition and low mileage. Love that mid size range bike!
Excellent....have you ever thought to do a big bore verses small bore comparison...in my experience I have just as much fun on my small bore as I do on my reasonably sized bore...I enjoy the mind frame adjustment. Anyway nice video. All the best from England.
Hi Paul, that's a great idea for future episodes. I picked up a Suzuki GS750E and a Honda CB750K recently. Other than a video comparison of the two, I could compare them with their big brothers. Those will have to wait for some snow free weather but I have a video comparing a retro bike (2017 Yamaha SCR950) to a vintage bike (1983 Suzuki GS1100L) set to release within a week or two. Cheers!
I have a 1980 GS1100L I resurrected. It is very close to stock, side covers changed and paint mostly. I, too, love the way it rides. It was my first four cylinder bike I really got any riding experience on and I am sold on them. My right hand was injured sixty years ago, just after high school, and I have trouble with numbing after awhile. Definitely can go a lot longer with the smoother engine. I rode a 1946 Indian about the time I got married but was never a fan of the heavy, lower clearance, bike. Rode mostly Nortons for many years. My difficulty with the Suzuki is it's height, I am short and have a tendency to catch my heel on the seat when I dismount. For that reason I now ride a 1995 Magna 750, but it sure does not handle like the Suzuki! I don't have the time or space for two motorcycles, so the Suzuki is for sale if anyone is interested. Bill nine5six92nine11twentyfive
It's hard to beat the GS1100G, so that would be my first choice as a rider. But the KZ1000 ST is a great bike as well. There are no loosers in this comparison. Good luck in your search!
looking to upgrade my front suspension on my 82 GK, can you send a link to the front springs you upgraded to or where I can get them? also did they make a big difference?
I really prefer these bikes with 80 mph speedometers. It's fun to see them get buried so easily, and if you're going over 80 you shouldn't be looking at the gages.
On most of these older machines, 85 mph is quite exciting, and pushing much beyond that is only asking for trouble. They aren't nearly as stable as the newer bikes at speed. Plus, without wind protection, wind induced steering input can cause them to wander.
Hi Victor, I get it. But on the vintage bikes with tachometers that aren't always 100% accurate I'd rather shift a little early than damage the motor for the sake of a slightly more exciting video. I'm trying to leave these bikes nicer than when I bought them so the next generation can enjoy these classics as well.
Sacrilege; I’d never throw a leg over a Suzuki. Ughh a Suzuki, I tell you what the Z’s and GS’s have been going at it for 45 years now. I’m a bit partial to the Kawasaki’s because I’ve got a 75’ Z1b and a 07 ZX6R in the garage. Crazy thing is the little 600 smokes the 900. But I’m just like every other bike on the road with the ZX6R, where as I ride the Z1 and everyone turns and stares at it and gathers around it in the parking lot. By the way I’ve been riding since the 60’s and currently 67 years of age. Cut my teeth on a 67’ 305 Superhawk as a kid. Vroom vroom. 😎
Very cool Chris! I love both Kawasaki and Suzuki. Currently, they're battling it out in the garage. Just picked up a 1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 yesterday so stay tuned for more battles! If you ever want to get rid of the '75...
Hi Jon, I am sorry to say but I like the styling of the Suzuki better than that of Kawasaki. First generation Z1 and Kz had great styling but I am not fan of the second generation? KZ with squarish look; but that's a personal taste and preference. This comparison is precisely what I wanted to see. Thank you!
The GS1100G has 2 valves per cyl just like the KZ. The GS1100E has 4 valves per cyl. You can tell a 2 valve Suzuki by the round chrome valve cover end caps. 4 valve Suzuki's have square valve cover end caps.
Another Great Video Jon also I forgot to say thnx 4 the info on Ricks Stator and rectifer hopefully it will not be necessary this summer, also I have coming a stock 11G seat, couldn't pass up a fresh re- covered non crusty seat for 85 bucks plus shipping and tax 112 bucks, tomorrow I'm going to look at another Suzuki, I'll keep you posted on this Diamond in the rough Till then Hemi Mike
Both those bikes are better than three quarters of the motorcycles made today. I like both and have owned both. Sorry but I’m all about the Suzuki. They are bullets when turned loose. My eleven hundred turned 5.000 time three time back to back in the 1/8 mile at the drag strip . Second gear at 99.9 mph every time ! Yeah I’d say most of today’s bikes wouldn’t touch that ! Plus everyone talks performance but hardly none have the abilities to ride good enough to actually do what the bike is capable of ! So performance to many people is just talk because they could never ride that good ! The Suzuki does it all and can scare a Normal person that will turn it on ! Just a pleasure to to know it dull do just about everything, Great ! It can get you a ticket !
It’s crazy I have a 1980 Suzuki gs850g the frame that Wes Cooley won 1979 1980 superbike championship and my bike is one owner 9000 original miles… I joined the vintage Japanese motorcycle club magazine and the Suzuki’s are the least mentioned bikes in the publication month to month …… can’t figure it out guess peeps just don’t like ‘em ????
I love them but they didn't have the looks of the Kawasakis or the radical design of the CBX. But, they were the best overall bikes in many categories.
The GS1000E of 1978 was the best all-around big bike of the time from a riders' standpoint. The GS1100E continued that tradition and the 16-valve motor was beast. However, comparing the "shafties", the 1982 GS1100G is the best. And it will give the GS1100E a good run on real roads. The 1100E only has an advantage on faster roads where you can keep it above 6k rpm where the 16-valve head can breathe. 🙂
The last guy who gave me a hard time rode with a half helmet. I had to laugh. We each have to make that call for ourselves. I would recommend at least jeans but I was doing well that day to be wearing a full-face helmet, gloves and an armored jacket. It was about 90 degrees and I was filming six different bikes. So please forgive the shorts.🙂
Thanks Jon for taking me along on both bikes. To me...nothing sounds better than an inline 4 Japanese engine. The sound of the engine and the howl of the pipe is music to my ears. Take care and ride safe everyone.
Right on, Rick! Every time I open the throttle on a big 4-cylinder, it makes me smile!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 👍
Great vid, I'm currently building a 1981 KZ1100 Shaft. Got it cheap, kind of a basket case. Boring it to 1166, valve job, Delkevic pipe. The fastest bike I ever rode was a Suzuki, a RG500 Walter Wolfe Special, but I'm a dyed in the wool Kawasaki fan. I used to have a '78 Z1R 1000, wish I never sold it.
I hear you - the Gamma was wicked with it's light switch power delivery but the Z1R was beautiful! I wish I could find some pictures of the KZ1100 shaft cafe project I did. Same deal - it was a non-running basket case with flat white paint and a fabric covered seat that had turned green from fading. It had 800 original miles though and it turned out beautiful. I went with a candy orange paint and a black Kerker exhaust. It sold within an hour of my listing it! I'd love to find it again.
I rode with a buddy that had a 1983 K Z 750 cc L 3 . Beautiful motorcycle. Orange & Black . He changed the handle bars to short sport bars. There is a K Z 1000 for sale in my area. Thanks for the review.
You're welcome, James!
The exhaust difference does make a difference! A fair comparison they should both be bone stock or share the same upgrades
The results would be the same. The Suzuki already made more power and was quicker revving in stock form. The Suzuki also has the benefit of CV type carbs. Other than the exhaust, both bikes received the same mods - Progressive fork springs, Spiegler steel-braided brake lines, Emgo Magna Wide handlebar, same tires, etc. The Suzuki holds all the cards in this test - better handling, longer range, smoother gearbox, less driveline lash, better seat/ergonomics, and more power. With that said, both bikes have proven themselves to be quite reliable and either would be a great choice if you only had one bike in the garage. Cheers!
I love that Suzuki! I just sold my 1980 GS1000 G. It was so nice to ride. I am currently riding a 1984 GS 1150E. I’m looking for another old Zook, always. Good video, thanks for sharing!
Right on! I would recommend the 1100G if you're looking for a shaft-drive model.
Great☹now I`m missing my GS 1100gk, I sold 20 years ago, Mine had a Windjammer, Willie&Max saddle bags and a flat luggage rack. it was my daily rider, touring bike and workhorse, it did everything well. Thank you! 7 keep up the great work.
Thanks Steven! I have converted two GKs back to G status and love them!
Love your channel ,and love this era of bike. I have never owned a Kawasaki, but this bike is a good looking one. However, i have owned two 4 cylinder Suzuki's from the late 70's and early 80's, and they were fantastic. Also, to date, i own or have owned 9 Honda's and really like them too :)
Thanks! I think all the Japanese manufacturers made (and still make) some nice machines. There are a few models I won't buy but I'm not necessarily brand loyal. I like them all!
Great honest comparison Thank you for the video
You're welcome Peter! Thanks for the feedback!
Not a shafty guy but the bikes are in great condition and sound really good, I much enjoyed this well presented comparison
Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm really glad you liked the video. I have several more comparison videos coming (to be released in the next few weeks). Kawasaki KZ1000 CSR (chain drive) Vs. Suzuki GS1100L. Honda CB900C Vs. each of those, etc. So please stay tuned!
Lovely bikes, beautiful countryside, great roads, heaven.
Right on, Don!
Hi Jon, another excellent review.
I see your perspective on everything you stated.
Kawasaki has a slight advantage in appearance, but the Suzuki really delivers multi-dimensionally.
I love both lines too - grab’em up when possible. Cheers
Right on! I can't wait until spring and nicer riding weather to get out and enjoy (and to look for other classics). Cheers!
Awesome channel, loving the reviews!
Hi Steven, thanks for the feedback! It's a pleasure to share the experience of riding these cool machines.
For those young guns, this is the way to share the road with other people.
Love the roads, makes a guy want to go for a ride on a classic bike.
No doubt!
These two vintage jewels it think are pretty difficult for me to decide on a design winner. They both have their own character and presence sign.
In this case the Kawasaki has the advantage because it's mostly stock, but the GS1100G in it's stock version, which also came with very pretty color combinations and their own stylish stripes..., well, that Suzuki for me is such an stunning machine.
I'd love to have one of this big bikes someday. For now I enjoy to ride my little pampered GS450 '80 model which I want to fully restore in the future.
I enjoyed a lot watching this nice review of what I consider the best looking era of motorcycles, even though I didn't exist by that time, lol
Thanks for sharing this cool content!
Kind regards ✌🏻
Thanks Andros, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! These bikes were my dream bikes as a young man. Making the vintage motorcycle videos is my way of sharing them with others. Did you check out the other videos on my channel? There are lots of vintage bike reviews and comparisons. Enjoy riding the GS450 - it's a great bike! Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sure I will, and I'll keep watching your videos, you have some other vintage gems to enjoy, like your GS550T that is a pretty rare bike in such a good condition and low mileage. Love that mid size range bike!
@@galptube211 Right on!
I have a Gs1000L. It causes relationship problems? I love my bike soo much.
Excellent....have you ever thought to do a big bore verses small bore comparison...in my experience I have just as much fun on my small bore as I do on my reasonably sized bore...I enjoy the mind frame adjustment. Anyway nice video. All the best from England.
Hi Paul, that's a great idea for future episodes. I picked up a Suzuki GS750E and a Honda CB750K recently. Other than a video comparison of the two, I could compare them with their big brothers. Those will have to wait for some snow free weather but I have a video comparing a retro bike (2017 Yamaha SCR950) to a vintage bike (1983 Suzuki GS1100L) set to release within a week or two. Cheers!
Another fab vid jon.
Thank you.
great vid, I have the same suzuki and also a 1983 gs1100gl
Thank you. Very cool, I also have an 83 GS1100GL. I want to do a muscle cruiser comparison soon. I need to finish up a KZ1000 CSR first.
Sure would love to have another 78kzthatsbuiltupforspeed
I have a 1980 GS1100L I resurrected. It is very close to stock, side covers changed and paint mostly. I, too, love the way it rides. It was my first four cylinder bike I really got any riding experience on and I am sold on them. My right hand was injured sixty years ago, just after high school, and I have trouble with numbing after awhile. Definitely can go a lot longer with the smoother engine. I rode a 1946 Indian about the time I got married but was never a fan of the heavy, lower clearance, bike. Rode mostly Nortons for many years. My difficulty with the Suzuki is it's height, I am short and have a tendency to catch my heel on the seat when I dismount. For that reason I now ride a 1995 Magna 750, but it sure does not handle like the Suzuki! I don't have the time or space for two motorcycles, so the Suzuki is for sale if anyone is interested. Bill nine5six92nine11twentyfive
Hi Bill, what state are you in?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Rio Grande Valley of Texas
@@billgraf8176 Right on.
Love that GS1100G!
Me too. Did you see the latest video of the GS1100G I released yesterday?
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I did!
@@shinethelight01 Right on!
That gs sounds amazing 😍! But which one would you recommend better? Im about to get aone of thise bikes
It's hard to beat the GS1100G, so that would be my first choice as a rider. But the KZ1000 ST is a great bike as well. There are no loosers in this comparison. Good luck in your search!
looking to upgrade my front suspension on my 82 GK, can you send a link to the front springs you upgraded to or where I can get them? also did they make a big difference?
Progressive suspension front springs. Yes, in combination with new fork oil, they make a tremendous difference.
I really prefer these bikes with 80 mph speedometers.
It's fun to see them get buried so easily, and if you're going over 80 you shouldn't be looking at the gages.
On most of these older machines, 85 mph is quite exciting, and pushing much beyond that is only asking for trouble. They aren't nearly as stable as the newer bikes at speed. Plus, without wind protection, wind induced steering input can cause them to wander.
Handling difference could be attributed to the leading axle vs inline axle on the GS?
Good observation! You may be right.
A couple of absolute freight trains.
Right on!
Man get on it dood!!! I really wanted to hear it get up a little closer to red line 😩
Hi Victor, I get it. But on the vintage bikes with tachometers that aren't always 100% accurate I'd rather shift a little early than damage the motor for the sake of a slightly more exciting video. I'm trying to leave these bikes nicer than when I bought them so the next generation can enjoy these classics as well.
Sacrilege; I’d never throw a leg over a Suzuki. Ughh a Suzuki, I tell you what the Z’s and GS’s have been going at it for 45 years now. I’m a bit partial to the Kawasaki’s because I’ve got a 75’ Z1b and a 07 ZX6R in the garage. Crazy thing is the little 600 smokes the 900. But I’m just like every other bike on the road with the ZX6R, where as I ride the Z1 and everyone turns and stares at it and gathers around it in the parking lot. By the way I’ve been riding since the 60’s and currently 67 years of age. Cut my teeth on a 67’ 305 Superhawk as a kid. Vroom vroom. 😎
Very cool Chris! I love both Kawasaki and Suzuki. Currently, they're battling it out in the garage. Just picked up a 1985 Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 yesterday so stay tuned for more battles! If you ever want to get rid of the '75...
Z1 is senior respectful elegant motorcycle
@@disyokerr Right on!
Hi Jon, I am sorry to say but I like the styling of the Suzuki better than that of Kawasaki. First generation Z1 and Kz had great styling but I am not fan of the second generation? KZ with squarish look; but that's a personal taste and preference.
This comparison is precisely what I wanted to see.
Thank you!
Right on! Styling is certainly subjective. I agree that the Z1 and earlier KZs were some of the prettiest bikes ever. Cheers!
I notice the front tires are installed a different direction on each bike.
Yep, the shop I went to installed the KZ1000 tire backwards. Good catch Gord!
Don't think you mentioned it but, GS 4 valve. KZ 2 valve
The GS1100G has 2 valves per cyl just like the KZ. The GS1100E has 4 valves per cyl. You can tell a 2 valve Suzuki by the round chrome valve cover end caps. 4 valve Suzuki's have square valve cover end caps.
Another Great Video Jon also I forgot to say thnx 4 the info on Ricks Stator and rectifer hopefully it will not be necessary this summer, also I have coming a stock 11G seat, couldn't pass up a fresh re- covered non crusty seat for 85 bucks plus shipping and tax 112 bucks, tomorrow I'm going to look at another Suzuki, I'll keep you posted on this Diamond in the rough
Till then
Hemi Mike
Both those bikes are better than three quarters of the motorcycles made today. I like both and have owned both. Sorry but I’m all about the Suzuki. They are bullets when turned loose. My eleven hundred turned 5.000 time three time back to back in the 1/8 mile at the drag strip . Second gear at 99.9 mph every time ! Yeah I’d say most of today’s bikes wouldn’t touch that ! Plus everyone talks performance but hardly none have the abilities to ride good enough to actually do what the bike is capable of ! So performance to many people is just talk because they could never ride that good ! The Suzuki does it all and can scare a Normal person that will turn it on ! Just a pleasure to to know it dull do just about everything, Great ! It can get you a ticket !
I like them both but the Suzuki puts the wicked grin on my face when I think about riding it.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 it always did mine ! One of my favorite bikes ever !
Is that headlight surround oem? Im trying to find one but am struggling.
Ive found one called a viper, is that what you have? Thanks
@@Yourdadsbestfriend Yes, it's the Emgo Viper fairing.
I had a 78 GS 1000 then years later an 80 kz 1000. The kz was better looking. The gs was WAY better ride and performance. I should have kept the gs.
Very cool. I had a '78 GS1000 at one point and really enjoyed it. Mine was the black and white one. I put a full Kerker on it. They were great bikes!
If only we had a Yamaha XS 1100 in the line up.
Just picked up a 1982 XJ1100/XS1100 and I'm in the process of getting it ready for reviews and comparison videos so stay tuned!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 No way! I'm staying tuned!
It’s crazy I have a 1980 Suzuki gs850g the frame that Wes Cooley won 1979 1980 superbike championship and my bike is one owner 9000 original miles… I joined the vintage Japanese motorcycle club magazine and the Suzuki’s are the least mentioned bikes in the publication month to month …… can’t figure it out guess peeps just don’t like ‘em ????
I love them but they didn't have the looks of the Kawasakis or the radical design of the CBX. But, they were the best overall bikes in many categories.
Suzuki always 🍻🍻
Right on!
Nice video but I would have to disagree the Zuk looks much better …..
Hi Justin, your welcome to disagree. Looks are in the eye of the beholder!
You choose the wrong bikes. Kawi eat up everything until the gs1100e came out.
The GS1000E of 1978 was the best all-around big bike of the time from a riders' standpoint. The GS1100E continued that tradition and the 16-valve motor was beast. However, comparing the "shafties", the 1982 GS1100G is the best. And it will give the GS1100E a good run on real roads. The 1100E only has an advantage on faster roads where you can keep it above 6k rpm where the 16-valve head can breathe. 🙂
CV Carbs just get much better milage. My zrx has stock cc'd and get much better mpg than my kz1000 with RS34's
I think you're right. I had a ZRX-1200 years ago and if I was good I could get 50+ mpg and over 200 miles on a tank. They're fantastic bikes.
You lost me at riding with shorts. Lol
The last guy who gave me a hard time rode with a half helmet. I had to laugh. We each have to make that call for ourselves. I would recommend at least jeans but I was doing well that day to be wearing a full-face helmet, gloves and an armored jacket. It was about 90 degrees and I was filming six different bikes. So please forgive the shorts.🙂
gs top
Right on!
First off SHAFT DRIVE??? TRASH!!!
Get a real KZ1000 chain drive!!
They are crap!!!
No worries Daniel, I have a chain drive as well. 🙂
Doesn’t the GK I have air, front and rear the G doesn’t the seats different. Headlight assembly. What else?