Yamaha FJ1200 Vs Suzuki GS1100E - Evolution of the Superbike!
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2023
- In this fun, back-to-back ride comparison video, we'll be looking at two great 1980s superbikes! The 1983 Suzuki was the last of the "naked" superbikes to be crowned as Cycle Worlds "Best Superbike". By 1984, the plastic-wrapped sportbikes (Kawasaki's Ninja 900, Yamaha's FJ1100, Suzuki's GS1150ES, and Honda's 1000 Interceptor) had shown the way of the future for the superbike class. In this video, we'll take a look at the technological differences between these two bikes and then test ride them on some beautiful Pennsylvania back roads. Let's explore the evolution of the 1980s superbikes!
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When I was 16 in 87 I had an rz350 two stroke. My friend had an 86 FJ1200. I couldn’t believe how fast his bike was. We drove to Montreal once (2 hour trip) and he with a passenger and cargo still kicked my ass.
What a bike the FJ was. Glad to see it again in this video. Thanks for the walk through memory lane.
Right on! You're welcome. I just back from a spirited 20 mile ride on the FJ1200. Still puts a smile on my face. Cheers!
Hi from North Carolina...I just got a 1986 fj 1200 and I intend to upgrade the shocks for sure. Where is the best place in your opinion to purchase them. I am not too mechanically inclined so I may have to pay for hourly installation. How long does these repairs or upgrades take? Thxs I'm subscribing and sharing now...Danny
@@danleahy7013 Thanks, Dan! I haven't researched replacing the shock or the time it would take to do that job. There are several Facebook groups for the FJ1200 that would probably be helpful. I hope that helps. Cheers!
The FJ1200 is a bottomless well of power. I also could be loaded down and I weigh 220lbs but when I dumped the throttle it hauled major ass.
@@toddnickell6507 Right on, Todd! It's still the quickest bike I've tested in 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on. Cheers!
Thanks so much Jon for letting us (virtually) enjoy both of these superbikes from the 80s! I love them both!
Right on! Me too. Cheers!
I outran 2 police cruisers at 2 am with a passenger. Topped out around 140mph.
I got her to 171mph once also. Unbelievable beast.
Love the comparison. I own an 82 GS 1100e. I’m the second owner and have owned it since 86. It has 17,000 miles. My best friend bought it new as we were graduating from HS. It’s a special bike
So cool 😎!
Not going to lie, That Suzuki is 🥰
Right on!
Even though I Own an 82 Gs1100e.
I wouldn’t say no to having both in my driveway.
Great review Jon.
Thanks Andrew!
There is no doubt that the 80's where the most innovative and ground breaking years in motorcycle development. For me the FJ 1100 and GPz 1100 are the pinnacle of air cooled engines in this period (the Suzuki GSX TSCC engines also being worthy of mention).
Then Kawasaki blows it wide open again with the water cooled GPz 900R wrapped in a package that just took it to the next level.
Great days indeed, your real world road tests show that even today these machines are relevant and still enjoyable to ride, keep up the good work.
Right on! Thanks!
I have the exact same 1983 GS100E and I love it! I my opinion it is the best looking conventional 1100 bike out there. The FJ1200 40-80 roll on time however is outstanding. It also is a very nice looking bike. Great information reviews as always. Thanks
Right on! The GS1100E is a beautiful bike! Cheers!
Love your videos and both these bikes ! Innovation was key in the 80s, so much changed in those 10 years. I'd go for the Suzuki for the simple pleasure of just getting out on 2 wheels, but if you had to get to somewhere the fj would be better....a good decision to be able to make 🙂
Right on, Nick!
I rode the FJ1200 at Americade in 1988. My bike at the time was a 1982 XJ 550 SECA . 6 speed transmission. Going from a 550 to 1200 was an experience. Fast,Fast motorcycle. Could never understand why the bigger touring motorcycles didn't have 6 speeds. Nice to have overdrive. In my humble opinion. Never rode the Suzuki 1100 or 1150
I was happy when the big bikes went to 6-speed transmissions. It's fun to ride different bikes back-to-back. It definitely gives you a clear picture of what each is like. The Suzukis are also big fast bikes. Cheers!
With the FJ it's a simple matter of going from a stock 17 tooth front sprocket to an 18 (they call it the "old mans gear" ) , extends all the gears out and it has plenty of power to pull it. (one of the beauties of chain drive.) I bought mine at 57 as a bucket list item, thought I 'd keep it until i was 60. 65 now and I guess they'll have to pry her from my cold dead hands....
@@soraksan321 That's awesome! Thanks for the heads-up about the gearing. Cheers!
Now I want BOTH of these bikes! You should look into doing promotions for new bikes, as you're detailed commentary is excellent. Who knows - maybe you could even get paid by the manufacturer's, and your feedback could not only promote, but help iron out any problems with a new bike's design.
Thanks for the feedback, Steve! I would love to review bikes for a living. And it would be fun to help develop new models as well! Have a great weekend!
Great work, as always, Jon! I love vintage Japanese motorcycles and your reviews are always so well done.
Thank you!
Not a fan of blacked out engines but still both bikes are still beauties and great looking bikes. Very much enjoy your videos.
Thanks, Don!
FJ12 ('87) ..... original owner here..... 92,000 miles & still going strong. That "missing sixth gear" to keep the revs down @ highway speeds is easily solved by replacing the front OEM sprocket with a larger one. 16 teeth OEM vs 17-tooth (aftermarket), if I'm not mistaken. The engine provides so much torque, that missing tooth will be long forgotten.
Quick tip/suggestion for maintaining smooth clutch & shifting characteristics: Use a good quality motor oil. (...Castrol GTX...). I've experimented with both store brand & Castrol. Never will I go back to generic oil. Shifts were clunky because clutch dragged too much.
Love my FJ12 !
Right on, thanks for the tips!
Please note the oil used should be JASO certified which is a Japanese spec for wet clutches. Normal engine oil has additives that will gum up the clutch plates causing this drag and poor disengagement
I really enjoy these ride alongs with your thoughts and opinions. ☕️ 👍
Eric in NC
Thanks, Eric! Cheers!
Great comparison Jon. I would go with the GS1100E if I had to choose. The dashboard offerings, big round headlight simplicity of the naked/hooligan bike. I might go with a smaller # of teeth rear sprocket. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Right on, Henry! I'm a GS fan myself. Cheers!
another great vid .. the fj is the only liter+ bike i never spent any time with .. an observation/ the rear views are positioned perfectly , judging from you reflections to camera thru the sweepers and going in a straight line as well .. thx for sharing again
Thank you! Good observation about the mirrors. They are well-placed on the FJ. Cheers!
I had both, a 1980 GS1100 I bought used, and a 1989 FJ1200 bought new. I liked the GS1100 except for the electric problems that were common. That FJ1200 though, I've never, ever had a motorcycle I hated so much.
Interesting. What didn't you like about the FJ1200?
As always Jon, an absolutely fantastic review !!
THANK YOU.
No nonsense, and fact based. It’s easy to see why so many loved the FJ and the GS.
Me, I’d take the GS - there’s just that UJM nostalgia about it.😊
You're welcome! I'm a GS fan myself. Cheers!
i had the gs 1100ez and it was an awsome bike
@@freebird1ification Right on!
I used Metzeler Lazer tires on the front of mine as well (ME99A on the rear); it seems astonishing they've been making these for 40 years now. The Suzuki absolutely required an oil cooler as well; they would overheat badly when you pushed them.
Right on! This Suzuki has retired to a life of ease at this point. I would have left the oil cooler on it if I were using it hard. Cheers!
I did more than 70k miles on my Suzuki E,- without any problems at all. A lot of touring throughout Europe, a lot of winter commuting with lots of snow,
As reliable as a Swiss clock. Push the button and she goes. Low oil consumption. Does drink a bit fuel riding 110-120mph on German autobahn all day :)
I think, but no personal experience, the Yamaha was just as reliable.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing the memories. You're correct. Both bikes have a good reputation for reliability. Cheers!
FJ1100 First bike I ever went 145 on! 2am empty 4 lane highway cool spring night. Amazing ride!
Right on, Tad! I got to put a few miles on the FJ yesterday. They're still a joy to ride. Cheers!
Wow, I had that exact bike, a copper coloured 1983 Suzuki GSX1100E as they were here in Australia. Such a great machine, never should have sold it!
Right on, they are still great bikes! Cheers!
I'm currently looking for a winter project as we speak last year I brought a intruder 750 back to life. I'm actually out for a ride right now. I just stopped for a second... I put 5000 mi on this bike in 5 momths I love it!.... I'm looking for a ujm... Preferably air cooled 4 cylinder but will take a parallel twin also... then Again, I might just try to find an old dual sport with a single... I'd like to have all three a cruiser or sport bike and dual sport... I'd love a GS for sure man I'm looking at a 650L been sitting for 5 years. Going to need battery carb cleaning.. has 8,000 mi $550... great video man
Thank you! Good luck in your search!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks man!..... I know the single might be the most simple KLX 650 with the only made it for a year or two I think. But it would be nice. It's like the perfect machine. It's like in between the XR and the DR. Perfect
@@Chittybang1821 Right on!
Excellent review Jon. The GS1100E was great fun, especially with an aftermarket Wes Cooley-style quarter fairing. No complaints there. I'll always pick the FJ1200 though, the later year models with the larger front tire. I got to ride my friend's FJ extensively, which had a 4 into 1 Supertrapp exhaust, and it still remains the favorite bike I've never owned. It had awesome grunt everywhere in the powerband, great handling, great comfort, and slick looks. I thought it ran comfortably cool as well. That being said, I had an 86 Honda VF1000R at the time and that was a real nut roaster! I suppose, as they say, everything is relative...Either way, nothing beats the roar of an inline four!
Thanks! Yes, the V-4 motorcycles are at another level with engine heat. My friends VFR750 got so hot you couldn't touch the frame where it wrapped around the rear cylinders. Nobody wanted to ride it on a hot day! The FJ1200s engine heat isn't worth mentioning in that context. I rode the FJ1200 to a local motorcycle gathering today and enjoyed every minute of the ride (for the reasons you mentioned). Cheers!
I have a 1992 Yamaha fj1200 and I'm in love with it, everything is amazing just wish top speed was more. I previously had before a 07 Yamaha fz6 and 06 Kawasaki zrx1100 and all were great bikes but if I had to choose I choose the FJ between the zrx and as far as Suzuki always wanted the old school 1100 or the bandit or sv1000 maybe one day I'll get one. Both bikes in this vid are very nice, prop to the owners
Right on! I've owned all of the bikes you mentioned and have reviews for each one except the FZ6 on this channel. Cheers!
Good touring bikes with great motors,the wheelbase is so long on those. Both are beautiful.
Thanks, Paul! I definitely enjoy riding them. Cheers!
Have you ever done a full motorcycle fleet tour? Get ‘‘em all out there. You have to love all the options you have to ride 👍
I don't hate the options! The bikes in the garage change regularly, so it would be a snapshot of the garage at that point if I did a "fleet" video. Something to think about 🤔. Cheers!
I may be getting old - I keep looking for deer to jump out of the cornfields...
It's why I don't ride at night. Cheers!
I had an 81 yamaha seca 750 and I loved it. Currently have a 2005 yamaha fjr and its awesome
Very cool 😎!
I had the red and white fj1200 in 1987 on a c reg takes me back good times.
Very cool 😎! I could only dream of a bike like the FJ1200 until the mid-1990s when I had available funds. Ended up with a ZX-10 at that point. This is the first FJ1200 I have owned. Cheers!
Jon.. you have the best "Job" ever..!
I won't argue that. Keeps me busy. Cheers!
Thank you Jon! I really enjoy these comparisons. I'm wondering if you have a V65 Magna or Sabre or VFR 1100 in your stable to compare against the others?
I don't currently, although I've owned the V-65 Sabre and Magna previously and I have ridden the VF1000R. I would gladly do a comparison if there is one locally and the owner would allow me to review it. Cheers!
im guessing the chin fairing on the fj is directing air up on the exaust & block, then exiting that hot air around your lower thighs & feet.hence the discomfort in the summer heat.i noticed the oil cooler is up high for the cooling air between the headlight & front fender.the yamaha guys seem to have done their homework on that series.
I agree, Yamaha did a good job on the FJ, as evidenced by the long production run. Cheers!
Nice job again ! I am sure you would like to do a comparison with a 1986 Suzuki to the FJR. Was it an 1150 by then. A big step up in performance I think.
I would love to do a comparison between the FJ and the GS1150ES if I get the chance. I owned a beautiful GS1150ES previously and prefer the GS1100Es for several reasons. I have a review of the GS1150ES here: ruclips.net/video/pywT0bMcnYw/видео.htmlsi=MMBbsCx0r4dNrRTH
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks I will check it out
@@tonyciriello6872 Right on!
Where the FJ really outshines the GS is in the frame & steering head. This gives the FJ a super stiff chassis that affords tremendous stability in bumpy curves and high speeds.
Right on!
Another Fun video and blast from the past Jon. But since there were several years between these bikes, maybe a better comparison would be the 85 GS1150ES. Which also had the box section frame, 16” front wheel, single shock rear suspension, considerably more power than the 1983 GS1100 and the half fairing too. Would love to see those two in a heads up? By 1986, the poor Yamaha had to compete against the GSXR1100. Which it had no chance against. It couldn’t stay with the GSXR750!
Thanks, Craig! I'll gladly do an FJ1200 vs. the GS1150ES if I get the chance. I had a GS1150ES previously, though, and the FJ1200 is a much better all-around package, and it soldiered on as a sport-tourer into the 1990's. The GSX-Rs were great track bikes, but quite raw for daily street use. Finding nice classic bikes to compare is the difficult bit. Cheers!
I am sure it is. I don’t know how you get such nice examples of these great classic machines. But I sure enjoy watching your vids on them. I owned 36 Suzukis built between 1978 and 1986 myself and loved them all. During that same time period, as sales manager of one of the largest Suzuki dealers in the U.S. I sold more than 3000 GS’s. That was the greatest golden era of motorcycles. Included in that group was a 1986 slabside GSXR-750 that I daily rode and loved it. Was my only street legal means of transportation at the time. @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
Would’ve been cool to see a comparison with a Suzuki GS1150EF instead.
If you have one I could borrow, I would gladly do that comparison 😉. I have owned the GS1150ES previously and reviewed it on this channel. I think the FJ1200 would still be ahead in most areas. Cheers!
I had the 1980 gs1100L loved that 16 valve engine but the flexy frame was not confidence inspiring.
Interesting. I have a 1983 GS1100L, but it's the 8-valve, shaft-drive version. I've never ridden the 16-valve L. The handling drastically improved on my L when I got rid of the awful pullback stock handlebar. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Wish I still had it because I believe it was only available 1 year then the L models were all shaft and 8 valve motors. One of the magazines in the day said my L model was a couple tenths quicker than the E model probably due to the different wheel size giving it a slight gearing advantage.
I bought a GSX1100ESD new in Australia, these had a bikini fairing with square headlight which did a great job of wind protection, with a 6 speed box and buckets of low down torque was probably the best bike I've ever owned I also owned an E, an EFF and a 81 GSX1100S katana, again the ESD was miles better. I also owned a FJ1200, the 1200 was probably a better bike on the open road loaded up.
Very cool 😎! We didn't get the ESD here (at least not with a 6-speed). We did get the 1983 GS1100ES (US designation), which was similar but had a 5-speed. My friend has one that I would love to ride. Happy New Year!
I had a chance to ride the FJ1200, the bike was unsurprising yet great at everything. I rode it back from a day trip to Las Vegas from LA, The FJ is very nice machine. I owned the Honda VF1000R at the time and we swapped bikes on thew way back. The Honda was surprising and not as refined, I prefer the FJ, except for hi speed corners, that's where the Honda came alive, had the edge, to my mind.
I looked at a VF1000R last year, but it was too much of a project, and parts are scarce when trying to restore them. I would love to ride one at some point. Cheers!
A fairer comparison would have been using the Suzuki EFE model with the full fairing?
If I had one in the garage or had a friend who would lend me one, I would love to compare it to both of these bikes. I owned the GS1150ES (US designation) previously. In a straight comparison, the FJ would "win" - as it did back in the day. This review focuses on the progression of the Superbike from the early to mid eighties. I think these two bikes are great examples to illustrate that progression. Cheers!
What changes gave the Fj1200 more Hp and torque over the fj1100. Pistons, cams, compression?
That's a great question, Robert. Besides more displacement, I would have to go back and do some research.
I believe you should hire me to ride one bike, while you ride the other for these comparisons ! Oh Heck, i will do it for free :)
Right on! 🙂
Great machines.
Hello. I will buy soon a unit from the year 87, 1TX version, and I would like to ask you about the availability of spare parts for this motorcycle.
I know that is reliable, and great 80's sputnik, but I have lot of doubts about dpare parts.
I'm askong about FJ1200.
Regards
Great question! Parts availability is an issue with any classic vehicle. When you own any classic bikes, it's great to develop a support network of fellow owners as a resource for when you run into issues or need parts. That is kind of the theme of tomorrow's video. Get to know the classic bike guys near you. Swap meets, bike shows, Facebook groups, etc. Cheers!
Would love you to feature an 84 honda sabre v65 😊
I have owned one previously. I may do a video on it in the future. If you are local and have a V65 for me to review, I can do that as well. Cheers!
I do have one. I don't know where you are located. I live in Central NY
@briancrowe8535 I'm in south-central PA. Not too far from Harrisburg.
I would say both long lived motorcycles especially the Suzuki with its roller brg. Crank but service is key I’d go Yamaha for its versatility with the fairing I’d have to ad adjustable foot pegs and bars 6’3 tall and it’s better brakes course Suzuki put out the gs1150 ( 1135 engine ) which would b a better comparo and apart from its dismal side and rear styling it would prob match the yam they did quite well in proddy racing here in NZ up against the vf1000f and ninja 900
The GS1150 was fully faired but Suzuki made a quarter faired bike with the gs1100e engine
Right on. I had a nice GS1150 (also red and white). If I had one to compare, I would love to do a back-to-back with the FJ1200 and GS1100E. Cheers!
@@karlvanboxel561 In the US, Suzuki imported the GS1150E (naked) and GS1150ES (1/2 faired). I had the GS1150ES in the past. Cheers!
Wouldnt the fj1100 been a fairer comparison ?
The comparison isn't about "fairness." It focuses on the evolution of sportbikes from the early to mid 1980s (standards to sportbikes). The 900/1000 Ninja, FJ1100/FJ1200, or VF1000R would have all served to make the same point. Cheers!
The heat is coming from the side cover(s) vents. PSt and present Xs1100(4), fj1100 and fj1200, being sixty now high speed rides not for me, just that assume torque off the line.
Right on!
Beautiful ❤❤ Beautiful ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Aamir Malik from pakistan
Thanks, Amir!
Thanks
Kantana 1100 are a lot slower then Fj 1200, 20hp less and bad chassie on kantana..
@helgejohan3604 The 1988 Katana had some odd chassis geometry that was heavily revised (improved) in 1989. I had a 1989 Katana previously, and it was a decent bike. I would have to compare performance specs between the two to verify power differences. From what I remember, they aren't that far off. Cheers!
P.S. if you're talking about the early 1980s Katana, it is down on power and comfort and handling compared to the FJ1200.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah😜its was a 1984 kantana 1100 long and heavy man..
@helgejohan3604 Right on! I owned the original Katana 1000 as well. It was nice to look at, but not fun to ride!
Always wanted a FJ1200. Found one, guy said it was good to go. Made the 2.5 hour trip, went to test drive, grabbed the clutch, and had zero pressure. The guy said, oh yeah...the clutch master is bad, I forgot to mention that. I literally dropped the bike and said I forgot to put the kickstand down.
I've been there. It's not a good sign when the seller starts the process with a lie!
The gsx1100e 82-83 is a 1074ccm 111hp cycle. The FJ models is comparable to the gsx1100ef with 1135ccm and same power as the FJ's.
Yamaha didn't have a 1100 since xs1100, and it was in the power range of suzuki Gs 1000.
The gsx1100e are not up to FJ frame and power standard. It's still traditional tubes from gs area. The EF went with a stronger frame.
The gsx1100e did though stille have the 66mm stroke, and could proberbly still have a low end drag above the FJ's and a more solid engine.
Also the nice bling bling around the instruments:)
Right on! I've owned the gsx1100ef (GS1150ES here in the US) previously. I would like to do a comparison video with the FJ1200 if I get the chance. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 you need a good example. Clean and synk carbs. I went over 300 miles on my one today. A 124hp, + 105hp rear wheel bike. I tested 40-80. I think i can hang on a fj. I think the stroke advantage eliminate the extra 53 ccm the fj have in low rewing. The ef do also have tyre dimensions to it's advantage and narrow rims in early models. Less mass.
Important not to have a 100 or 114 hp model. Else the power gap gets to big.
@mcdk72 I will be re-jetting my GS1100E this week, going up one size on pilots and mains. Carbs were previously cleaned and synchronized. I will re-test the 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on time afterward. It will be interesting to see the results. Cheers!
My first bike was a 1986 GS850. Bought it in '92 for $600 with only 24k miles! I've been looking for an '84 FJ 1100.
Right on! It's getting harder to find nice ones. Cheers!