What are the most beautiful GS models? Aesthetic questions

[Rob S.]

Set up with the 4-into-1 and pods, that's the best looking GS of any size, year or color. You just need to remove whatever is sitting on top of the tank!

Do I see an itsy-bitsy fairing up front? Or is it a teensy-weensy one? Is it removable?

[KiwiAlfa156]

Opinions are like armpits. Everybody's got one, and it usually stinks!

Most folk have two armpits.... but only one ahole...

[GS1150Pilot]

My '82 had the EPMs in 18x 3.5 rear and 18x2.5 front. I think it worked well visually but the front fenter's curvature wasn't as good as it could be if designed for it.

Ah, now THAT makes the bike look balanced!

[Rob S.]

The original 903 Z1s ('73-'75) are better looking than anything Suzuki ever made. Suzuki decided to equal or beat Kaw's performance on the cheap. One color on the '82-'83 GS11E bodywork, and decals instead of badges on the tank and side covers.

[GS1150Pilot]

I'm not sure I can agree there, Rob. The wire wheels make the Z1 look a little like a ballerina, and chrome front fenders have always looked gaudy to me. Decent looking bikes, but not as pretty as the GS1100E. Sure, the paint was nice, but that was a period thing, and Honda had some nice paint jobs, too.

[Big Block]

I immediately regretting selling this one, So I just bought a replacement 4 years later. It's probably because in the 60's I dreamed about owning a Bonneville and then later a CB750 but the Suzuki is a superior bike with "older" styling. I dunno, I just think they're perfect. DSC03854.jpg

[Big Block]

I like the 1100E too but it's not as classic as the 750, I loved my 1150's but the blocky 80's styling reminds me of an 84 Corvette and doesn't quite make it. Anyway, going to take this one out in a few minutes and that's the best part of them! ebagger.jpg

[storm 64]

I always liked the 1150. The one without the faring lowers.
The 82 GPz 750 was also a attractive motorcycle too. download.jpg

[Nessism]

My opinion, the small bikes look best. 1st gen GS550E. The 1000/1100 bikes look like behemoths to me....and they are!

[rphillips]

You got it stormin, that's it, 1150"E" in that color... I've got me confused, I hate when that happens. I's thinking that is Candy Alpine Blue, but now wondering if it may be Space Blue Metallic? I promise I did know back in the mid 80's.

[GS1150Pilot]

Something I definitely dislike about the 1150, and even to some degree about my CB900F is the huge and clumsy looking instrument panel.

[Rob S.]

Something I definitely dislike about the 1150, and even to some degree about my CB900F is the huge and clumsy looking instrument panel.

That's why the old style '82-'83 11E instruments are so beautiful.

[GS1150Pilot]

I think the small fairing on this one really balances out the front of the bike. I will be a heretic and say that, at least aesthetically, the longer swingarm and larger rear tire also makes the bike look better.

20190529-1982-suzuki-gs1100e-right-1600x800.webp

[oldGSfan]

I think the small fairing on this one really balances out the front of the bike. I will be a heretic and say that, at least aesthetically, the longer swingarm and larger rear tire also makes the bike look better.

I strongly agree on that fairing, but on a longer swingarm my first reaction is always hey, wait a sec, that looks odd. Hmm the rear fender curve doesn't seem right. Wonder what it's like to ride? But not oh that improves the look of the bike. There's one bike in particular that when stock, appeared to me to have a much too long swingarm - the Indian FTR. I was really liking the bike then whoa, what is going on with that rear wheel hanging waaaaay back there? Sure enough, a quick search showed that the aftermarket is making shorter ones.

Anyway, opinions on subjective aesthetic stuff are fun to talk about, as long as everyone realizes I am the final authority on style

[eil]

The GS700ES just feels like the pinnacle of 1980's motorbike aesthetic to me. Part UJM, part muscle-bike, part sport bike and looks to die for.

I WILL own one some day.