Suzuki GS1100L Ride and Review: Why Early Japanese Cruisers are Worth a Look

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  • Опубликовано: 22 июл 2020
  • Our 1982 Suzuki is one of many Japanese cruiser designs from the late '70s and early '80s that vintage motorcycle fans often overlook. But the old machine holds its own among today's bikes.

Комментарии • 80

  • @battler544
    @battler544 3 года назад +10

    These bikes had roller bearing crankshafts, and the selector dogs on all Suzuki fours in those days were known for being very strong. That's why its so rare for them to need bottom end work, making them excellent project bikes.

  • @okolona1
    @okolona1 3 года назад +7

    "Some people will assume you are cool and you will be under great pressure to prove them correct"
    Good turn of phrase

    • @iwontreplybacklol7481
      @iwontreplybacklol7481 2 года назад +1

      And the pressure comes from you. What others think doesnt matter, you only think it does.

  • @markdittell
    @markdittell Год назад +4

    In her day she was a very very fast bike, pull wheelies, long cruise, or double up that was a great Motorcycle!

  • @richardmorgan1588
    @richardmorgan1588 3 года назад +9

    Back in the early 90s I had a blue one! I’ve had a few bikes since including a Harley and a Vulcan 1500. That Suzuki was the BEST motorcycle I ever owned hands down! It was well balanced and easy to ride! I sure wish I still had it!

  • @wproct11
    @wproct11 Год назад +1

    I know this is an older video, but I really enjoyed it. I really got into motorcycles in the early eighties and there were really some nice machines, Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, I loved them all.

  • @leegacy3099
    @leegacy3099 6 месяцев назад

    If I could have afforded this bike back in 82, I would be the happiest man on earth. I could not afford it and it wasn't sold in my country. I rode the 400L, and with my soft luggage carried between my back and the sissy backrest, I had travelled, for the first time, a thousand and a half miles very comfortably albeit without wind protection. Who needed a Goldwing? Thank you for this video, a reminder of halcyon days.

  • @mikerichardson6546
    @mikerichardson6546 2 года назад +2

    I’ve owned a 1984 V65 Sabre since 2004 these old bikes are awesome I will never get rid of it and yes it still hauls ass.

  • @markandrewberry
    @markandrewberry 3 года назад +12

    Wow, I've never before been first to comment.
    An interesting, informative and nicely produced video, made particularly enjoyable by the cool, confident and precisely delivered commentary. I thought that the fancy transitions were quite unnecessary, considering how engaging and watchable the actual content is.

  • @stuartsweeneywilson828
    @stuartsweeneywilson828 2 года назад +2

    Very well done, great production, articulate commentary with no wasted time. I just bought an 82 GS 1100E....

    • @DBAUG
      @DBAUG Год назад

      which is a different motorcycle, for a different segment...for a different type of people

  • @123danvc
    @123danvc 3 года назад +3

    Wow, $1200!!! I'm in the philadelphia area and have been looking for one of these old bikes. The ones I've seen advertised for up to a thousand are junk and would require a complete rebuild! Your bike is beautiful and brings back memories i had one in the early eighties , it rode great, smooth, fast and powerful and never have me any problems. Thanks for the memories. Great video.

    • @crankshaftjournal2213
      @crankshaftjournal2213  3 года назад +1

      Thanks so much for your kind words! I think I was especially lucky to find this Suzuki in such nice shape. Also, I don't think the owner was satisfied with it because he really wanted a Harley. Choosing the right bike is such a personal thing!

  • @ladonnaedge9161
    @ladonnaedge9161 Год назад +1

    Great bike.... I loved to ride them years ago

  • @stevebiron3036
    @stevebiron3036 3 года назад +4

    I was very taken with the quality and content that Johnathon put forth. It actually legitimately transported me back to my time on these steeds and actually made me want to start looking into doing just that. Well done CJ/John! Delighted to find your channel...sub'd !

  • @armandodonquis5841
    @armandodonquis5841 6 месяцев назад

    Excellent video. keep up the good work!

  • @williamfoster4268
    @williamfoster4268 7 месяцев назад

    Really enjoyed the voice over on this, nice video man.

  • @Kr1s250c2
    @Kr1s250c2 3 года назад +1

    Good background info and great commentary 👍

  • @jefftaylor1974
    @jefftaylor1974 2 месяца назад

    Just discovered your channel. I quite enjoyed your talks. Sadly, your videos are two or three years old. I hope you haven't quit the scene. 👍✌🤙

  • @chrisstevens3801
    @chrisstevens3801 3 года назад +1

    What a fantastic, well-composed video. Just found your channel. Thank you for sharing!

  • @dericcormier38
    @dericcormier38 3 года назад +1

    I loved my 82 gs 850 L i miss it so.

  • @psychologixselfmastery
    @psychologixselfmastery Год назад +2

    That's one big bike!
    1970s and early 80s Jap fours were huge!
    Also a super tuneable engine!!!

  • @dbx1233
    @dbx1233 2 года назад

    When I was around 20 years old, the Suzuki GS 1000 was a bad mama jamma. The bike you are featuring, looks like a pristine example.

  • @charlestomasino9161
    @charlestomasino9161 2 года назад

    I've got an 82 gs850 gl I got for 600 few yrs now.got it running better than it was.enjoy the nostalgia of riding it.enjoyed your segment.

  • @peterleitch48
    @peterleitch48 2 года назад

    And also, great presentation CJ, and thank you.

  • @alstewart3540
    @alstewart3540 3 года назад

    Just got mine today :) great video

  • @fabieneldridge3414
    @fabieneldridge3414 Год назад

    I just sold my gs750L last fall. Same everything as your bike, even color. If it had been a eleven hundred I’d still own it. Ran great ! They are fun bikes and very dependable !

  • @MrHappygolfer
    @MrHappygolfer 3 года назад +1

    Just found your video, and afterwards took a look at your blog. How funny. I have a 1982 GS1100L aaanndd a 1972 CL350! I've had them for about ten years now, and up until last year, rode them both regularly. But they each came down with niggling electrical issues that have sidelined them. And since I have a 2008 Kawasaki Concourse, that I ride daily, I put them on the back burner. But today, I decided to start thinking about getting the Suzuki going again, and did a general search, and found you! How cool. Thanks for the videos!!

    • @crankshaftjournal2213
      @crankshaftjournal2213  3 года назад

      It's never too late to revive those old bikes! Of course it is also great to have a reliable modern machine like the Kawasaki so you can still ride while you work. Best wishes on getting them back on the road.

  • @estaban3248
    @estaban3248 2 года назад

    Nice bike, I've just bought an '86 gs850g, absolutely love these bikes. 👍👍🤙

  • @johncook2924
    @johncook2924 11 месяцев назад

    Beautiful, great sounding bike

  • @scottmoody5685
    @scottmoody5685 3 года назад

    Hey man, I really enjoyed yer vid. I own that exact bike and its lil brother the 850L. My second bike was a wrecked 1977 GS750 that I had put together after high school in 1981! I rode that bike to school(Florida A&M)from Detroit(home) several times without any issues(accept from my parents).I rode that bike until I got smashed on it by a drunk in 1991. I still enjoy riding my GS1100L and 850L models!! Scott in Detroit

  • @jonau3546
    @jonau3546 3 года назад

    Hi Jonathan. Very informative video, great narration. I recently got a 1988 Suzuki GSX 1100 Katana (it might be an GSXF). Not as old as yours, but the in the 80's. i just completed a motorcycle course, and am planning to ride my first ride today! Weather is nice still, i hope i am as cool as you! :)

  • @kennypool
    @kennypool 3 года назад

    Good review, I'm subscribed

  • @HBButler01
    @HBButler01 3 месяца назад

    I have my eye on a 83’ GS1100, I’ll hopefully see it this Saturday!
    Update: Bought it!

  • @Dickbroom
    @Dickbroom 3 года назад +7

    GS are great bikes, I’ve got a 1980 GS1000L myself. Looks like you’re a fellow Essex County rider 👍🏽.

  • @calculatorboyqwe
    @calculatorboyqwe 2 года назад

    Great video!

  • @FlyinBrian777
    @FlyinBrian777 5 месяцев назад

    My first street bike was a '78 GS1000. Good power and handled nice. Wide comfy seat. I ride a B-King 1340 now. Not sure what jetting you have in that, but the bike would run better with the baffle put back into the header. Enjoy!

  • @cody2493
    @cody2493 Год назад

    I own an 82 GS1100 GK. Not quite a cruiser, its like a superbike disguised as a bagger. Will probably cafe it once i solve a couple gas-leak issues. Anyways, good to see a review on the old Suzuki GS1100!

  • @marcalampi5036
    @marcalampi5036 8 месяцев назад

    I love your channel and I love watching your videos as well I like your perspective and personality. I think your cool personally. That Suzuki 1100L was One of my favorite motorcycles. What's not to like about it and those Suzuki Ls luxury. Comfort performance reliability. Civility. Smoothness. Nice blend of technology without being overly complicated. I prefer the drive shaft versions the gs gls

  • @rusty6314
    @rusty6314 Год назад

    This bike was the best looking power cruiser of them all!

  • @leviathan_6665
    @leviathan_6665 2 года назад

    Beautiful Machine!

  • @mastertek383
    @mastertek383 3 года назад +3

    What's cool about the L models is that they used the same engine as the E models. No detuned crap. You can have a cruiser with big bore high comp pistons and lumpy cams, whatever you want to pay for. Also, that is a very beautiful specimen you have there

    • @willyf6172
      @willyf6172 2 года назад

      Not so , the E-model GS1100 used a 4 valve per cylinder engine whereas the L-model used a 2 valve per cylinder engine . The L-model used the basic engine design of the predecessor of the GS1100E , the GS1000E , which was an 8 valve engine, not a 16 valve .

    • @tooaskew2558
      @tooaskew2558 Год назад

      @@willyf6172 1980 is when the GS1100E and L models hit the showroom floor and I was there. I didn't like the looks of the E, so I bought the L. Nubbins is right. They had the same engine.

  • @Stevo736
    @Stevo736 3 года назад

    That one is in really nice condition i have the Blue version of it. Rides very nicely.

  • @quickboat22
    @quickboat22 Год назад +1

    Loved my 1100L's power. Still have her just need to add fuel.

  • @paulcowell7588
    @paulcowell7588 Год назад

    Utterly fabulous..

  • @peterleitch48
    @peterleitch48 2 года назад

    Got me a GS 850 (1988) The Suzukes of the 80's are some bikes!

  • @kellygraf9289
    @kellygraf9289 2 года назад

    I love mine still, too

  • @marcalampi5036
    @marcalampi5036 2 года назад

    Thanks my brother

  • @mcquad4576
    @mcquad4576 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks Jon, I have a G a GK and an L. Three for under four.

  • @paulcowell7588
    @paulcowell7588 2 года назад

    Fabulous bike...

  • @robertbowles5156
    @robertbowles5156 2 года назад +1

    My first bike was an 82 850L after 6 weeks I new I should have bought the 1100

  • @darrenforgette5559
    @darrenforgette5559 3 года назад

    Great bikes!

  • @mc2whls
    @mc2whls 3 года назад

    I ride a 1980 Suzuki GS 850L. FUN. Bought it for $699.

  • @deepsouthNZ
    @deepsouthNZ 11 месяцев назад

    Gday from New Zealand, one question, can rhe brakes lock up on these old bikes? I find them fascinating but worry about the brakes.great video cheers

  • @anthonypeterson5618
    @anthonypeterson5618 2 года назад +1

    Hey. I got my 79 gs1000 the same way. neva rode before the day i bought it.

  • @mikejones-qk2ou
    @mikejones-qk2ou 5 месяцев назад

    I like the Suzuki FUEL GAUGES!!!

  • @zoran5940
    @zoran5940 2 года назад

    I had gs550 from 78, the engines are bulletproof on all the GS bikes, but boy do they rust.

  • @thenexthobby
    @thenexthobby Год назад

    Ha! I just bought a miniature version, an ‘82 Honda CM200T, complete with the original and somewhat ridiculous ape hangars. The engine sounds a lot like your CL350.

  • @cjc_0167
    @cjc_0167 2 года назад

    I had an '80 GS750L. Nice bike that I wish I had never sold. What are the odds I can track it down? 🤔 Is that the same area Barry's Cycle Salvage was in back in the 80's? 😉

  • @tayzer22
    @tayzer22 3 года назад

    I had one. It's got a lot more grunt & go than it let's on.

  • @omegaman7241
    @omegaman7241 3 года назад

    can you say the model of handle bars you fitted on it?

  • @jukelemon
    @jukelemon 3 года назад

    Hey there. Nice write up!
    I have a 79 L that I got back to life after it was sitting for too long. Really enjoy MINUS the handlebars.
    The needed width seems to be really uncommon and I was looking for a set of bars just like you have but could not find them. Those are for sure not stock. Did you change them? If so, do you care to share the model/part number?
    Thanks!

    • @cjc_0167
      @cjc_0167 2 года назад +1

      Try these handlebars... Emgo "Magna Wide" handlebar

    • @jukelemon
      @jukelemon 2 года назад

      @@cjc_0167 Thanks man!

  • @dannyrobinson7509
    @dannyrobinson7509 2 года назад

    So what did they “get wrong” with the engine? Lots of power, smoothness, longevity? Briggs & Stratton sound, vibration and oil leaks of a V-twin?

  • @MatteoTarantino79
    @MatteoTarantino79 Год назад

    😍

  • @omegaman7241
    @omegaman7241 3 года назад

    hi! can you tell me the RPM at 100kph or 62mph... thanks! my 750 L is at about 5000

  • @gerodjenkins2009
    @gerodjenkins2009 3 года назад

    I’d really like to reach out to you I have an 83 gs that ran but has some issues and u may be able to point me in the right direction like the vid

  • @derekv275
    @derekv275 3 года назад +1

    I'm gonna grab a 82 gs 1100 500 bucks first bike great shape ......electrical issue ran then no power to coils.... noob I'm lost😳

  • @matsblom7314
    @matsblom7314 Месяц назад

    Crusers in the 70ties was granpa bike or girly

  • @balmoralpjk
    @balmoralpjk 2 года назад

    Wear any Levi’s jeans?????

  • @erkintop6341
    @erkintop6341 3 года назад

    wrong handle bars

  • @thebear6529
    @thebear6529 2 года назад +1

    Y’a y’a we know all that stuff dude, let’s hear the bike or umm the bike.

  • @neiljohnson9686
    @neiljohnson9686 10 дней назад

    Yeah, they imitated Harley? Only they left out the shitty handling and crappy quality😅 oh yeah, and the outdated V-twin design… Of course that came back with later Japanese cruisers like the Vulcan… But even those out handle an outperform a Harley any day of the week