Just ran across this one. Great review on a classic! I have a 1982 1100 G that is in fantastic shape ( after going over/upgrading etc. ). Labor of love and worth it! Have owned many bikes and I regularly pull my Suzuki out and leave my 2021 sitting. It's just a great old school bike. Comfortable, powerful, handles great, fun to ride. I mean what's not to like?
I just picked up an '83 GS850L, also in the maroon color configuration. I can't wait to clean and tune the carbs up and get onto carving the Southeast Ohio hills where I live. Great video. Thanks so much.
Thank you for the memories! I bought my 83 brand new with just under 2 miles on it and rode it for 50,000 miles in just over 20 years. I had the black and teal paint combo. The wife, at the time, now ex, wanted it gone and I caved. I vowed to own one again before I die. Ah, good times!
That's such a pretty bike. When I was a teen, I rode on the back of my dad's 750 Virago to school each day. I love all bike types, but feel that a bit of something was lost when the 'metric'/Japanese cruisers all went straight to the v-twin platform and dropped those gorgeous torquey 80s aircooled 4's. I applaud Triumph, Royal Enfield, and recently Honda for restoring other engine configurations to the cruiser market; but you still have to go classic or one-off build if you want a 4cyl cruiser.
Bike is in such good shape, its a small miracle ! This bike came out when i was in my 20's. Little did we know it would really be the golden era ( the 80's ) of quality in Japanese motorcycles, ( and i owned 2 Suzuki 4 cylinder bikes back then,) but the 90's were pretty good too. The geometry/ engineering was not what it would become in just a few years with the invention of the MotoGP rage, but you do not miss, what you do not know. Sadly, motorcycle sales dropped off a lot in the last 30 years, so marketing always wins out, and controls the money, to keep accounting happy, and that means less options, in regards to models, which is why we have mostly crotch rockets and cruisers , for the last 30 years, or so, and few bikes like the UJM bikes that used to rule the roads :)
What a beautiful bike, UJMs just tick most boxes: reliable, fast, awesome looking, simple to maintain, confortable, sound good and they are air cooled. They make modern ADV bikes with their complex electronics, adaptive suspensions and traction controls just seem silly.
I own the same bike , I changed the handle bars for a more rebel looking ones and still comfortable . I believe this bike is the best machine to take a route Tripp . I also own a triumph bonneville t100 2012 and even though is a newer bike my susuki suspension is better considering is an 1982 bike . My wife love this bike she says is so confortable !
I love the music man. So retro inspired. I love that bike too. It looks like it would such a thrill to ride. I could see being very comfortable on it with that ride positioning and those foot controls. Great video brother.
@@IslandADV I had DJI do it..It was basically smashed to pieces and every part was broken…They did an amazing job in detailing all the repairs needed by photographing all the broken areas followed up by fixed pictures. Overall it was I think abou $370 for an almost New drone and warranty.
Looking at one right now - hoping it’s still around in 2 weeks cause if so it’s mine - grew up dreaming over the stepdads gs1000 sitting wrecked behind the garage 😢 - it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine
I totally agree. I have a GS1100GK (Bagger) and those bars were untenable on roadtrips. So in it's place I have wider and more straight almost ADV style bars with a lot of rise in it to keep that upright riding position. This also made it suprisingly confidence inspiring at low speeds despite weighing 700+lbs and you can actually ride standing pretty well.
I owned two of these 1100 Suzuki bike's back in the mid 80s a 1000G and the 1100G an 85 model the last of them rode the 1000G two up with my brother on the rear from Brisbane Queensland north up to Townsville in FNQ it had a great wide large seat and gearsack bag and rack it was fitted with a BMW Rseries fairing on the front end we sat on 130 kph most of the time or faster she never missed a beat this was when I was in my mid to late 20s after 40 years later im still riding around on a bike an FJR 1300 06 model which iv owned from new it's just done 165600kms and at 65 tomorrow will probably outlive me iv always loved the Japanese 4 cylinder multis with the low maintenance shaft drive im very much old school and don't need all the latest flash technology stuff just the basics will do me just fine have an awesome day stay safe and upright love the freedom of a motorcycle and 2 wheels
I believe both your Suzuki's share the same frame, engine and trans so should feel very similar in size? I owned an 850L and it was same frame as 1000L
I didn’t know..The 1000L is more nimble for sure and the foot pegs and bars make it easier too flick a well…Plis the shaft weighs a lot more and is more stable at speed. The 1100 actually feels more narrow, but it’s interesting
Gs1000. Took handlebars from 850 bc it was 4 in higher but I didn't lik the canting so spread them usin touch on vise. Wish I could've done a better job but cable's hide the imperfections.
@@MCCJustMotos great! It's not a cruiser. It's not a racer. It's a crui-cer... lol. Forgot to mention added sissybar and luggage rack. Me and kids mom tryin to enjoy life OR escape from it.
Can someone tell me if Suzuki used a derivative of this motor to build the Suzuki Bandit 1200? My bike is 1157cc I know the GSXR1100 (89-92) was 1127cc and made 125ish hp while my 1157cc makes 106hp … the engine is a beast but I was just curious, I’m trying to get additional details on the heritage of this powerhouse (1,157cc B12MK2N)
This is a great question. I think the bandit motor is a descendent from the big gsxr 1100’s from the 80-90’s which I think itself came from this type of model.
I’m looking at a GS850 or Honda Sabre. Have u ever rode a Sabre? What’s the difference in ride and handling between a 1000 vs a 1100? What is the difference between the L series vs E or G in ride and handling?
The Sabre is a fantastic sounding and riding motorcycle!! Love that motor….but reliability on it has caused issues from what I know. GS850 will be a little more stable and bit less punch than the Sabre, but ironically they are known more for their reliability vs. the V45 motor. L is “luxury” or more cruiser’esque and E and G are more standard or Sport style.
In order to determine what is the best 80s bike, you first need to define what is best for you. Sounds like it suits you perfectly, which is great. Objectively, the GS1100L is miles away from being the best bike of the 80s. It doesn't have the most power, does not have the most flexible engine, engine is not the smoothest, it is way off being the most frugal, the bike does not have the best riding position for the majority of people, be that for rider or passenger, fuel range is poor due to a small thank primarily, suspension is nothing special, cornering clearance is very limited for sport riding. Paint and general finish is average. It has good brakes, but not the best, and it is reliable, but not the most. There is one thing that can be considered best, and that is the shaft drive. And Suzuki always made great gearboxes.
You and I both agree that bikes come down to personal preference. You can take a look at all my other 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s bike tests from all other manufacturers. I like the chain drive bikes best. I find the Suzukis low to mid-range punch great. Handling and ride I rate at the top. But each bike is so unique with lots of +‘s and -‘s. Thanks for your thoughts, very insightful l!
@@MCCJustMotos You have (had) a very varied selection of bikes - kudos! We all know there is nothing like perfect, because conditions change all the time. So "perfect" can probably translated into best compromise. My #1 bike is currently enjoying a ground-up restoration. Having owned about 50 bikes and ridden many more, my #1 is the one that I have - and do - enjoy the most. It started as a 1982 XV750 Virago. Now it sports standard style handlebars, fully modded fork internals including emulator valves, longer YSS adjustable rear shock, an 18in Seca rear wheel, a nearly flat seat, and an 1100 Virago engine that pulls strong from idle to redline. Final touch is new custom wiring and TCI. On street tires, it flies over tight and winding roads, and with 50/50 tires it will go straight as an arrow doing 100mph of gravel fire-roads. All in comfort.
My 77’ Sportsters Transmission West put together in correctly. It ate, bearings, races and a few grears :( I’m in the process of putting it back together .
Thanks for giving a watch! I’ve never ridden an E, But I’ve heard fantastic things! You can take a look at my 1000 LTD review as well. I love the looks on that bike but to be honest both my big Zukis are better in almost every way IMHO.. ruclips.net/video/v-W-5fFZV8U/видео.html
@@MCCJustMotos make sure the chokes are all closing fully and that the mix screws aren't backed out too much, my 850 gets mid to high 40s and the 1100 isn't too much different specs wise and I have a huge plexifairing on it. You can check the mix screws with the carbs in the bike, they are ontop of the carb bodies on the mikuni bs series carbs on the engine side of the carb. 2.5 to 3.5 turns depending on what your bike wants is normal.
I appreciate you unbridled ethusiam in simplicity of problem sets and solving. However, it is clear, those are equally rivaled in lack of comprehension of two concepts. First, the lack of crisp and sharp handling of this motorcycle especially compared to its predecessors, is comprised of a multitude of factors. mainly, shaft-drive, air suspension, weight, and yes as you so eloquently mentioned "wonky" handlebars. These changes I theorize, are meant to lean more towards the comfort side of the house vice sporty. A deliberate change by the Suzuki engineers I summarize. A handlebar change as you state, would "not be that hard", but i doubt it would get to the route of the main engineering changes. The second concept is that I am testing STOCK vehicles from the 70's and 80's. I want to convey the goods and bads of a stock motorcycle from that bygone era. It would 100% defeat the purpose pursue to change things. Again thanks for the watch and your thoughts!
Well it’s not a bike that nobody brought , the L was for large , Suzuki Katana 1100 a 1980’s modern day classic , 80 81 ,GSX1100’s , GSXR750 in 85 regarded as the start of modern sport bikes along with the GSXR1100 in 1986 , Honda’s brilliant VFR750F in 1986 , Yamaha’s FZ750 the five valve wonder in 1985 started off Yamaha’s R1’s , Yamaha. RZ500 in 1984 ..there’s a long long list well before that GS1100L
@@queenslander954 nice list, I’ve owned or ridden many in that list and actually agree on a lot of them. Ironically my 1979 1000L chain-drive out handles almost all on that list including this 1100L.
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Just ran across this one. Great review on a classic! I have a 1982 1100 G that is in fantastic shape ( after going over/upgrading etc. ). Labor of love and worth it! Have owned many bikes and I regularly pull my Suzuki out and leave my 2021 sitting. It's just a great old school bike. Comfortable, powerful, handles great, fun to ride. I mean what's not to like?
Thanks for the kind words! This is such a great been and I know exactly what you mean by taking this bike over others!
I just picked up an '83 GS850L, also in the maroon color configuration. I can't wait to clean and tune the carbs up and get onto carving the Southeast Ohio hills where I live. Great video. Thanks so much.
Thanks and beautiful color! I too just picked up a 82 GS850L!
Dynojet kit 😊 Trust me on this one.
Dynojet kit and sync.
Thank you for the memories! I bought my 83 brand new with just under 2 miles on it and rode it for 50,000 miles in just over 20 years. I had the black and teal paint combo. The wife, at the time, now ex, wanted it gone and I caved. I vowed to own one again before I die. Ah, good times!
Wow, 50K! That is quite a few memories, and awesome! Your color combo I’ve seen and it’s sweet.
That's such a pretty bike. When I was a teen, I rode on the back of my dad's 750 Virago to school each day. I love all bike types, but feel that a bit of something was lost when the 'metric'/Japanese cruisers all went straight to the v-twin platform and dropped those gorgeous torquey 80s aircooled 4's. I applaud Triumph, Royal Enfield, and recently Honda for restoring other engine configurations to the cruiser market; but you still have to go classic or one-off build if you want a 4cyl cruiser.
Thanks Adam! Interesting take on the v-twin vs. 4-cyl take, but yeah this torque motor is great!
Nothing like the old style bikes 👍..
You got that right!!!
Bike is in such good shape, its a small miracle ! This bike came out when i was in my 20's. Little did we know it would really be the golden era ( the 80's ) of quality in Japanese motorcycles, ( and i owned 2 Suzuki 4 cylinder bikes back then,) but the 90's were pretty good too. The geometry/ engineering was not what it would become in just a few years with the invention of the MotoGP rage, but you do not miss, what you do not know. Sadly, motorcycle sales dropped off a lot in the last 30 years, so marketing always wins out, and controls the money, to keep accounting happy, and that means less options, in regards to models, which is why we have mostly crotch rockets and cruisers , for the last 30 years, or so, and few bikes like the UJM bikes that used to rule the roads :)
Haha I know Right! Thanks for the watch!
What a beautiful bike, UJMs just tick most boxes: reliable, fast, awesome looking, simple to maintain, confortable, sound good and they are air cooled.
They make modern ADV bikes with their complex electronics, adaptive suspensions and traction controls just seem silly.
Thanks Hugo! It really harkens to a simpler and more pure time, right?
Absolutely, a time that made more sense.
I own the same bike , I changed the handle bars for a more rebel looking ones and still comfortable . I believe this bike is the best machine to take a route Tripp . I also own a triumph bonneville t100 2012 and even though is a newer bike my susuki suspension is better considering is an 1982 bike . My wife love this bike she says is so confortable !
Agreed, suspension engineers made a good choices with this bike.
I love the music man. So retro inspired. I love that bike too. It looks like it would such a thrill to ride. I could see being very comfortable on it with that ride positioning and those foot controls. Great video brother.
Thanks Man! These bikes really are blast and don’t give up much compared to new bikes. This is actually my first drone flight since my crash lol..
@@MCCJustMotos oh yeah that's right. Did DJI repair it, or did you have to do the work yourself?
@@IslandADV I had DJI do it..It was basically smashed to pieces and every part was broken…They did an amazing job in detailing all the repairs needed by photographing all the broken areas followed up by fixed pictures. Overall it was I think abou $370 for an almost New drone and warranty.
@@MCCJustMotos that's a good deal for sure.
Looking at one right now - hoping it’s still around in 2 weeks cause if so it’s mine
- grew up dreaming over the stepdads gs1000 sitting wrecked behind the garage 😢
- it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine
Sooo awesome!! Stay tuned at my channel, just got another Suzuki GS!
only mod I made to my 83 gs1100GL was the bars, the stock ones feel like your pushing a wheelbarrow
You and me BOTH!!! Perfect description!
@@MCCJustMotos I put more the traditional style straight bars on, you lean a little ahead, makes me want to go drag racing.
ruclips.net/video/P9l-0jsjurE/видео.html this guy used emgo magna wide bars they are similar to mine, look great too
@@briankendallRyanandBrian i saw those, very cool!
I totally agree. I have a GS1100GK (Bagger) and those bars were untenable on roadtrips. So in it's place I have wider and more straight almost ADV style bars with a lot of rise in it to keep that upright riding position. This also made it suprisingly confidence inspiring at low speeds despite weighing 700+lbs and you can actually ride standing pretty well.
Love mine. I have a window shield now before I had a Farring.
Awesome! I think a windshield looks 10x better, IMHO.
Picking one up today
That’s so awesome! Same color?
I owned two of these 1100 Suzuki bike's back in the mid 80s a 1000G and the 1100G an 85 model the last of them rode the 1000G two up with my brother on the rear from Brisbane Queensland north up to Townsville in FNQ it had a great wide large seat and gearsack bag and rack it was fitted with a BMW Rseries fairing on the front end we sat on 130 kph most of the time or faster she never missed a beat this was when I was in my mid to late 20s after 40 years later im still riding around on a bike an FJR 1300 06 model which iv owned from new it's just done 165600kms and at 65 tomorrow will probably outlive me iv always loved the Japanese 4 cylinder multis with the low maintenance shaft drive im very much old school and don't need all the latest flash technology stuff just the basics will do me just fine have an awesome day stay safe and upright love the freedom of a motorcycle and 2 wheels
Awesome story and bikes!!! I love the classic feel of these and the simplicity is great! Thanks the the watch and happy riding!
I believe both your Suzuki's share the same frame, engine and trans so should feel very similar in size? I owned an 850L and it was same frame as 1000L
I didn’t know..The 1000L is more nimble for sure and the foot pegs and bars make it easier too flick a well…Plis the shaft weighs a lot more and is more stable at speed. The 1100 actually feels more narrow, but it’s interesting
is this pasadena md? it looks familiar
Yuup
Gs1000. Took handlebars from 850 bc it was 4 in higher but I didn't lik the canting so spread them usin touch on vise. Wish I could've done a better job but cable's hide the imperfections.
Wow pretty resourceful. How do you like the feel now?
@@MCCJustMotos great! It's not a cruiser. It's not a racer. It's a crui-cer... lol. Forgot to mention added sissybar and luggage rack. Me and kids mom tryin to enjoy life OR escape from it.
Ha, that’s awesome!
Can someone tell me if Suzuki used a derivative of this motor to build the Suzuki Bandit 1200? My bike is 1157cc I know the GSXR1100 (89-92) was 1127cc and made 125ish hp while my 1157cc makes 106hp … the engine is a beast but I was just curious, I’m trying to get additional details on the heritage of this powerhouse (1,157cc B12MK2N)
This is a great question. I think the bandit motor is a descendent from the big gsxr 1100’s from the 80-90’s which I think itself came from this type of model.
I’m looking at a GS850 or Honda Sabre. Have u ever rode a Sabre? What’s the difference in ride and handling between a 1000 vs a 1100? What is the difference between the L series vs E or G in ride and handling?
The Sabre is a fantastic sounding and riding motorcycle!! Love that motor….but reliability on it has caused issues from what I know. GS850 will be a little more stable and bit less punch than the Sabre, but ironically they are known more for their reliability vs. the V45 motor. L is “luxury” or more cruiser’esque and E and G are more standard or Sport style.
Bike is great but your right those handle bars would drive me nuts that bike sounds so good
Thanks! It is a fun bike and yeah, those bars are my biggest gripe.
And I like my bars. You got six eggs in one hand and a half dozen in the other. To each his own. Love the bike by the way.
In order to determine what is the best 80s bike, you first need to define what is best for you. Sounds like it suits you perfectly, which is great. Objectively, the GS1100L is miles away from being the best bike of the 80s. It doesn't have the most power, does not have the most flexible engine, engine is not the smoothest, it is way off being the most frugal, the bike does not have the best riding position for the majority of people, be that for rider or passenger, fuel range is poor due to a small thank primarily, suspension is nothing special, cornering clearance is very limited for sport riding. Paint and general finish is average. It has good brakes, but not the best, and it is reliable, but not the most. There is one thing that can be considered best, and that is the shaft drive. And Suzuki always made great gearboxes.
You and I both agree that bikes come down to personal preference. You can take a look at all my other 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s bike tests from all other manufacturers. I like the chain drive bikes best. I find the Suzukis low to mid-range punch great. Handling and ride I rate at the top. But each bike is so unique with lots of +‘s and -‘s. Thanks for your thoughts, very insightful l!
@@MCCJustMotos You have (had) a very varied selection of bikes - kudos! We all know there is nothing like perfect, because conditions change all the time. So "perfect" can probably translated into best compromise. My #1 bike is currently enjoying a ground-up restoration. Having owned about 50 bikes and ridden many more, my #1 is the one that I have - and do - enjoy the most. It started as a 1982 XV750 Virago. Now it sports standard style handlebars, fully modded fork internals including emulator valves, longer YSS adjustable rear shock, an 18in Seca rear wheel, a nearly flat seat, and an 1100 Virago engine that pulls strong from idle to redline. Final touch is new custom wiring and TCI. On street tires, it flies over tight and winding roads, and with 50/50 tires it will go straight as an arrow doing 100mph of gravel fire-roads. All in comfort.
So what happened 2 the harley
My 77’ Sportsters Transmission West put together in correctly. It ate, bearings, races and a few grears :( I’m in the process of putting it back together .
I have an 85 GS1150E which is a superior bike and also an 82 KZ1000LTD which is most likely equal.
Thanks for giving a watch! I’ve never ridden an E, But I’ve heard fantastic things! You can take a look at my 1000 LTD review as well. I love the looks on that bike but to be honest both my big Zukis are better in almost every way IMHO..
ruclips.net/video/v-W-5fFZV8U/видео.html
Dude, work on your lane position.
Sure
30mpg? It's fucked.
Yeah it was a little lower than most of my bikes. But in fairness I was rodding on it heavy lol.
@@MCCJustMotos make sure the chokes are all closing fully and that the mix screws aren't backed out too much, my 850 gets mid to high 40s and the 1100 isn't too much different specs wise and I have a huge plexifairing on it. You can check the mix screws with the carbs in the bike, they are ontop of the carb bodies on the mikuni bs series carbs on the engine side of the carb. 2.5 to 3.5 turns depending on what your bike wants is normal.
Holy shit dude just change the bars. It's not that hard.
I appreciate you unbridled ethusiam in simplicity of problem sets and solving. However, it is clear, those are equally rivaled in lack of comprehension of two concepts. First, the lack of crisp and sharp handling of this motorcycle especially compared to its predecessors, is comprised of a multitude of factors. mainly, shaft-drive, air suspension, weight, and yes as you so eloquently mentioned "wonky" handlebars. These changes I theorize, are meant to lean more towards the comfort side of the house vice sporty. A deliberate change by the Suzuki engineers I summarize. A handlebar change as you state, would "not be that hard", but i doubt it would get to the route of the main engineering changes. The second concept is that I am testing STOCK vehicles from the 70's and 80's. I want to convey the goods and bads of a stock motorcycle from that bygone era. It would 100% defeat the purpose pursue to change things. Again thanks for the watch and your thoughts!
No .. not even close.
What’s your top 80’s bike?
Well it’s not a bike that nobody brought , the L was for large , Suzuki Katana 1100 a 1980’s modern day classic , 80 81 ,GSX1100’s , GSXR750 in 85 regarded as the start of modern sport bikes along with the GSXR1100 in 1986 , Honda’s brilliant VFR750F in 1986 , Yamaha’s FZ750 the five valve wonder in 1985 started off Yamaha’s R1’s , Yamaha. RZ500 in 1984 ..there’s a long long list well before that GS1100L
@@queenslander954 nice list, I’ve owned or ridden many in that list and actually agree on a lot of them. Ironically my 1979 1000L chain-drive out handles almost all on that list including this 1100L.
I'll take the LTD over it
Yeah the LTD looked bada@@ !
@@MCCJustMotos I grew up on Ltds, it was the 1st bike I learned to ride. Dad taught me as an 11yr old on his Brand new 750 ltd