1983 gs1000

[gsme]

I looked at a GS1000 today. Was being sold as non running. I took a battery to check if the engine would turn over. The lights came on with the key, but even jumping the solenoid it was non responsive. As I drove away (didn't buy it) I had a thought. I did not pull the clutch lever in and it was on the side stand. Would the interlock keep the starter from turning even when jumping the solenoid?? The fuses all were fine.

[Rijko]

no, jumping the solenoid will make the starter spin, even with contact off.
(but will not start ofcourse)

[gsme]

OK good, I will assume a bad starter or locked motor.

[rphillips]

Wondering what you were looking at??? I don't think there was a Suzuki GS 1000 in 1983. Was this bike a shaft or chain dr.? can you give any description? It wouldn't have happened to have been Blue and white did it?

[gsme]

It was actually a 1981 Maroon and black. Shafty.

[gsme]

It was actually a GS1100. They want 500 and I had to fight like hell for her to agree to 300 after looking at it. People today think their junk is worth gold. No title and possible starter or motor locked. No thanks, if the motor is locked I wouldn't want it for free.

[Rijko]

Take this as a learning experience.
Could have checked if the engine is seized by putting it in 5th gear and bumpstart or putting it on the centre stand and turn the rear wheel. Maybe take out the plugs to make that easier.
Bumpstarting might even have started the bike.

[rphillips]

In 1981 the only GS1100 was an "E" (chain dr.) all the big Shaft dr Suzuki's were GS1000 until 1982 when the GS1000 was punched out to a GS1100. so still no clue what you were looking at.

[unfocused]

Next time, bring a set of jumper cables and jump the starter from the battery. But $300, no title... The top end, carbs, front end and several other pieces would bring in more than $300.

[gsme]

Here's a pic. I assumed shaft bc of year. The rear brake was locked up and after trying to start with a good battery with no success, I lost interest. It was cold as hell.sOF5tZc.jpg

[rphillips]

OK, looks like a 1983 Suzuki GS1100GL. I was talking to a local auto repair and salvage repair guy this morning, he advised in Tennessee if you have a vehicle "OVER 30 YRS. OLD" with no title it was very easy to get a title. go to courthouse, fill out some papers and after they do a search to see it's not reported stolen, they would send you a title in your name. No guarantees, just what I was told.

[gsme]

Yes, I wish I lived in TN. Saints title in Chattanooga will title for $400. Just have to buy cheap enough to make it worth it. I'm in Missouri and trying to title with bill of sale (no title) is not possible.

With Saints, you fill out a bill of sale on their website and basically sell him the bike and then you receive a TN title that you can transfer to your state.

I used to use the VT but they stopped that.

[gsme]

OK, looks like a 1983 Suzuki GS1100GL. I was talking to a local auto repair and salvage repair guy this morning, he advised in Tennessee if you have a vehicle "OVER 30 YRS. OLD" with no title it was very easy to get a title. go to courthouse, fill out some papers and after they do a search to see it's not reported stolen, they would send you a title in your name. No guarantees, just what I was told.

Interesting, so it is a GS1100.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I believe an '83 would have had a factory black painted engine and carbs? Of course, either or both of those could have been swapped out during the last 40 years.

[rphillips]

Rich, you're probably right. I knew the GS1100E wheels changed in "83" and assumed they all did. Farther looking in the photo gallery it appears the "L" wheels changed in "82". kind'f surprised how few GS1100 "L's" are in the gallery.