I’ve never left a RUclips comment, but it feels appropriate here due to the excellence of this video and your 83 vs 81 GS1100e comparison video. I am 57 and have owned several motorcycles from the 70s, 80s, and 2000s. My father had a maroon 1980 GS 1100e that I was able to put several miles on. Of all my bikes, the 1100 is still my favorite. I still have it, but it hasn’t ran for years and needs a full restoration. Thanks for your efforts on these videos. I’m now on a mission to find someone to restore the 1100.
Ahhh, the Wes Cooley 1000 bike, one of the first to catch my eye with the paint scheme and nose fairing with the spoiler edge front profile. Never was able to get one of those, but I did manage a Katana1100 (the torture rack model, not the comfy one lol) a GSXR1100, and a GS1100E. I thought they were all missiles you could ride. My mistake was to test a CX500Turbo, and being confronted with a little 500cc shaft drive pushrod V-Twin that ate my Zook liter bikes for lunch at any speed in any gear in highway pulls, spelled the end for them, alas. It wasn't as fast, nor 1/4 mile quick, but spooled up roll ons, ye gods! I also had an '82 RD350LC at the time, and the sheer fun of Turbo whooshing wheelies and two stroke crackling wheelies, was too enthralling to give up. The CX in a bizarre way, was very much like an RD350LC in maniacal character, just huge and comfy. Carrying passengers was tough in the first couple gears with those bikes lol.
Great memories. I worked at a Suzuki bike shop as a teenager. I had the 1st model of the GS1000S, then GSX1100, and August 81. I brought a GS1000G I had for 9 years. Thanks from NZ.
I have a 1982 GS1100GK that is by far my favorite bike (even when compare to my R1100RT & R1150GSA) but the main fuse blew while on a ride due to a short that I am unable to locate. I have spent a ton of money on this bike to keep it stock and mainly because I like it so much. One day I'll get it into a shop to have it fixed.
I love your videos. These bikes are great. But you missed my bike? Maybe it's a little more obscure. I have the 81 GS1000GL. It looks just like your 82 GS1100L with the long tube forks, drop seat and teardrop tank, but has the 2 valve 1000cc engine. I installed the short bars, Venom fairing and side dump exhaust. She's a real looker. I bet you'd like it knowing your taste of bikes. I know it falls in the middle and didn't break new ground, but it really is a special little bike and could stand on it's own!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 You're right, you did give it a mention! The ghost of the line up. It's cool, I don't mind the sideways look of confusion from the astute. It was never a popular bike on paper, but people love it when they see it. Kind of a middle child and unique. Thank you for your videos, always makes for a nice Saturday.
They are all great bikes. I grew up riding Yamaha’s. Then I saw an add for the 82 1100e. Bought and loved it. I do how ever like the late 80’s Katana you had. Really nice looking bike. Great video Jon.
Right on again Jon. I looked at a cheap GS1000S but it had been parked outside and was very faded and a bit rusty. I passed, probably shouldn't have. 😂
I once owned a 1978 GS1000C model. Man I loved that bike! Had an amazing honeymoon in the Adirondaks of NY and the Green Mts. of VT. Used to thrash it a plenty in the curves too. What a great bike, provided a boat load of memories. p.s. I love those Katana 1100Fs too!
Awesome, thanks for sharing the memories! I think the Katana 1100F is still my younger brother's favorite motorcycle he ever rode. I let him ride mine when he was younger (18 maybe), and when he got back from the ride, he was just blown away by the experience. Cheers!
One bike that I owned was the 1980 Suzuki GS1100 L. The 1980 model of that bike was the only model that had the 16 valve head and was chain drive. Basically the 1100E engine on the cruiser frame. To my knowledge Suzuki did not make an 1100L model in 1981, but brought it back in 1982 with the 8 valve head and shaft drive. That 80 model 1100 cruiser would really fly. Mine had a Vance and Hines 4 into 1, carbs rejetted, and some air box mods.
Yep, the chain-drive, 16-valve GS1100L was a beast. It was a true muscle cruiser before the Magnas, V-Maxs, and Eliminators. It's a bit of a unicorn, too. Cheers!
You have one bike I 'd die for GS1100L sits at the top of my list ! I had one yrs ago and life happened and I'd love to get my fat ass on that bike one more time on the Blue Ridge Parkway .
Great analysis of the 80s Suzuki liter bikes. My girlfriend's dad (at the time) had just bought a brand new 1983 GS1100E and he let me ride it. WOW was that exciting! I was riding a Seca 650 at the time. I'm going to look at 1980 GS1100G when I get back in town next week. All original except with lower bars. He is asking 2600 for it, and I'm not sure if that is a great deal or not. Does run and ride, but no maintenance history (30K miles). Let me know your thoughts on that. I'm a mechanic so plan on doing a full service anyway.
The 1980 GS1000G is a nice bike. The price isn't terrible. Be sure to check the inside of the gas tank, the charging system, and the clutch. Don't buy it if it's ratty. You'll spend too much to make it nice otherwise. Cheers!
I remember Pewee Gleason. A jockey sized man who'd rip through the 1/4 faster than anyone due to "weight reduction". A riding buddy of Pewee's stature was uncatchable. Weight makes all the difference.
Never ridden a GV1200, but the bloke I bought my Guzzi from had one and fired it up. I was surprised how much the V4 vibrated, and how harsh they felt. I agree on them not being pretty! I have owned a VS1400 that I found to have good looks, but not great handling. Its engine vibrated with more amplitude than any other bike I have owned, but it was fine because they were not of the tingling sort.
Right on. If the 4-four vibrated, then it wasn't running properly. Every V-4 I've owned was very smooth (including the Madura). I've owned the VS1400 also. It had a very raked-out front end that made it handle a little oddly. I liked the later 5-speed 1400s. The V-twin vibes are different and usually less annoying. Cheers!
I did have a 1978 GS100E as well. I've regretted selling it from the day I let it go and I will continue to regret it for the rest of my life. I do have an 81 GS1100E to help ease the pain though.
I owned most of those bikes, although called slightly different names in Australia. The worst was the later GSX1100EFF, went like stink but handling and vibes were horrible. The best by a large margin was a GSX1100ESD (half fairing), quick, 6 speed box, lots of low end torque, handled pretty good and super comfortable. Only just sold my 81 GSX1100S Katana, yeah, uncomfortable.
The 1100 had a bit more low-end power, but it was otherwise identical to the 1000 Katana. GSX is the European designation, so I'm not sure exactly when you got which models of the Katana. Cheers!
Hola jhon. Excelente reseña!! Sigo coincidiendo contigo. La GS1100 E 80/81 sigue siendo la mejor!! Párrafo especial para EL GSX R 1100 86 .realmente revolucionaria para la epoca. Conduje una 87 en los años 90. Su andar era tosco. Muy buenos tus videos como siempre.. saludos Ricardo
This is a great upload! Thanks Jon
Thanks, Russ!
I’ve never left a RUclips comment, but it feels appropriate here due to the excellence of this video and your 83 vs 81 GS1100e comparison video. I am 57 and have owned several motorcycles from the 70s, 80s, and 2000s. My father had a maroon 1980 GS 1100e that I was able to put several miles on. Of all my bikes, the 1100 is still my favorite. I still have it, but it hasn’t ran for years and needs a full restoration. Thanks for your efforts on these videos. I’m now on a mission to find someone to restore the 1100.
You need to restore it yourself. Restorers will steal your money. And do a crappy job.
Right on! I appreciate the feedback. My 1981 GS1100E is a fairly recent purchase, but it's one of my favorites. Good luck on the restoration. Cheers!
Thanks for the advice. She’s pretty rough due to inactivity, but would make a good retirement project someday.
@@Sidney-vd1dw Sounds like a plan!
I love those 80's Suzukis.
Right on, me too!
Ahhh, the Wes Cooley 1000 bike, one of the first to catch my eye with the paint scheme and nose fairing with the spoiler edge front profile. Never was able to get one of those, but I did manage a Katana1100 (the torture rack model, not the comfy one lol) a GSXR1100, and a GS1100E. I thought they were all missiles you could ride. My mistake was to test a CX500Turbo, and being confronted with a little 500cc shaft drive pushrod V-Twin that ate my Zook liter bikes for lunch at any speed in any gear in highway pulls, spelled the end for them, alas. It wasn't as fast, nor 1/4 mile quick, but spooled up roll ons, ye gods! I also had an '82 RD350LC at the time, and the sheer fun of Turbo whooshing wheelies and two stroke crackling wheelies, was too enthralling to give up. The CX in a bizarre way, was very much like an RD350LC in maniacal character, just huge and comfy. Carrying passengers was tough in the first couple gears with those bikes lol.
Very cool, thanks for sharing the memories! I've not ridden a turbo bike yet, but they seem like an interesting ride! Cheers!
Hi Jon what a collection of great Suzuki bikes!
Thank you!
Great memories. I worked at a Suzuki bike shop as a teenager. I had the 1st model of the GS1000S, then GSX1100, and August 81. I brought a GS1000G I had for 9 years.
Thanks from NZ.
Right on! It sounds like you've had some really nice Suzukis over the years. Cheers!
I have a 1982 GS1100GK that is by far my favorite bike (even when compare to my R1100RT & R1150GSA) but the main fuse blew while on a ride due to a short that I am unable to locate. I have spent a ton of money on this bike to keep it stock and mainly because I like it so much. One day I'll get it into a shop to have it fixed.
Right on! I really like the GK as well, but I was focusing on the more sport oriented models in this video. Good luck with the electrical issue!
I love your videos. These bikes are great. But you missed my bike? Maybe it's a little more obscure. I have the 81 GS1000GL. It looks just like your 82 GS1100L with the long tube forks, drop seat and teardrop tank, but has the 2 valve 1000cc engine. I installed the short bars, Venom fairing and side dump exhaust. She's a real looker. I bet you'd like it knowing your taste of bikes. I know it falls in the middle and didn't break new ground, but it really is a special little bike and could stand on it's own!
I think I mentioned it briefly in the intro for the GS1100L. It was called the GS1000L or GS1000GL. And you're correct, it is a nice bike too! Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 You're right, you did give it a mention! The ghost of the line up. It's cool, I don't mind the sideways look of confusion from the astute. It was never a popular bike on paper, but people love it when they see it. Kind of a middle child and unique. Thank you for your videos, always makes for a nice Saturday.
@@DayRider76 You're welcome!
They are all great bikes.
I grew up riding Yamaha’s. Then I saw an add for the 82 1100e. Bought and loved it.
I do how ever like the late 80’s Katana you had.
Really nice looking bike.
Great video Jon.
Thanks, Andrew!
Omg I want to go back to the 80s so bad...great video thank you for taking us back
Right on, you're welcome!
Right on again Jon.
I looked at a cheap GS1000S but it had been parked outside and was very faded and a bit rusty.
I passed, probably shouldn't have. 😂
Oh wow, I've never gotten a shot at one! That's a bucket list bike for me. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 the shop I worked at sold a few. I remember the early and later models. Beautiful bikes.
@redtobertshateshandles Right on! I want the later model with the CV carbs!
I once owned a 1978 GS1000C model. Man I loved that bike! Had an amazing honeymoon in the Adirondaks of NY and the Green Mts. of VT. Used to thrash it a plenty in the curves too. What a great bike, provided a boat load of memories. p.s. I love those Katana 1100Fs too!
Awesome, thanks for sharing the memories! I think the Katana 1100F is still my younger brother's favorite motorcycle he ever rode. I let him ride mine when he was younger (18 maybe), and when he got back from the ride, he was just blown away by the experience. Cheers!
All very nice. Enjoyed the video, Jon. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks, Henry!
One bike that I owned was the 1980 Suzuki GS1100 L. The 1980 model of that bike was the only model that had the 16 valve head and was chain drive. Basically the 1100E engine on the cruiser frame. To my knowledge Suzuki did not make an 1100L model in 1981, but brought it back in 1982 with the 8 valve head and shaft drive. That 80 model 1100 cruiser would really fly. Mine had a Vance and Hines 4 into 1, carbs rejetted, and some air box mods.
Yep, the chain-drive, 16-valve GS1100L was a beast. It was a true muscle cruiser before the Magnas, V-Maxs, and Eliminators. It's a bit of a unicorn, too. Cheers!
You have one bike I 'd die for GS1100L sits at the top of my list ! I had one yrs ago and life happened and I'd love to get my fat ass on that bike one more time on the Blue Ridge Parkway .
That sounds amazing! I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway on my GS1100G many years ago. Great memories! Cheers
Great analysis of the 80s Suzuki liter bikes. My girlfriend's dad (at the time) had just bought a brand new 1983 GS1100E and he let me ride it. WOW was that exciting! I was riding a Seca 650 at the time. I'm going to look at 1980 GS1100G when I get back in town next week. All original except with lower bars. He is asking 2600 for it, and I'm not sure if that is a great deal or not. Does run and ride, but no maintenance history (30K miles). Let me know your thoughts on that. I'm a mechanic so plan on doing a full service anyway.
The 1980 GS1000G is a nice bike. The price isn't terrible. Be sure to check the inside of the gas tank, the charging system, and the clutch. Don't buy it if it's ratty. You'll spend too much to make it nice otherwise. Cheers!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hey, thanks so much for the advice. Really appreciate it!
@@rolandwheeler4842 You're welcome. Good luck with it!
I remember Pewee Gleason. A jockey sized man who'd rip through the 1/4 faster than anyone due to "weight reduction".
A riding buddy of Pewee's stature was uncatchable. Weight makes all the difference.
Yep!
Never ridden a GV1200, but the bloke I bought my Guzzi from had one and fired it up. I was surprised how much the V4 vibrated, and how harsh they felt. I agree on them not being pretty! I have owned a VS1400 that I found to have good looks, but not great handling. Its engine vibrated with more amplitude than any other bike I have owned, but it was fine because they were not of the tingling sort.
Right on. If the 4-four vibrated, then it wasn't running properly. Every V-4 I've owned was very smooth (including the Madura). I've owned the VS1400 also. It had a very raked-out front end that made it handle a little oddly. I liked the later 5-speed 1400s. The V-twin vibes are different and usually less annoying. Cheers!
I did have a 1978 GS100E as well. I've regretted selling it from the day I let it go and I will continue to regret it for the rest of my life. I do have an 81 GS1100E to help ease the pain though.
Right on! I really like the 1981!
I owned most of those bikes, although called slightly different names in Australia. The worst was the later GSX1100EFF, went like stink but handling and vibes were horrible. The best by a large margin was a GSX1100ESD (half fairing), quick, 6 speed box, lots of low end torque, handled pretty good and super comfortable. Only just sold my 81 GSX1100S Katana, yeah, uncomfortable.
Awesome, thanks for sharing the memories! Cheers
I like your GS1100 i think its the 80 81, helpful eh lol.
Thanks, Tony!
Belle i gpt the 78/80/83 i miss the katanathey all have great engine strong abd different
Right on, Robert!
@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 so Nice those bike bravo
@@robertopinci Thanks!
The Katana. 1982 GSX1100 Katana. There can be only one.
The 1100 had a bit more low-end power, but it was otherwise identical to the 1000 Katana. GSX is the European designation, so I'm not sure exactly when you got which models of the Katana. Cheers!
Hola jhon. Excelente reseña!! Sigo coincidiendo contigo. La GS1100 E 80/81 sigue siendo la mejor!! Párrafo especial para EL GSX R 1100 86 .realmente revolucionaria para la epoca. Conduje una 87 en los años 90. Su andar era tosco. Muy buenos tus videos como siempre.. saludos Ricardo
Great on the open road but slow handling on winding roads. I'm a small guy so I fit well on the Katana.
@@redtobertshateshandles Right on!
my 87 GS1000 was plenty fast enough
Right on!