1980 or 1982 GS1100E--Which Would You Choose?

[brucifer]

Hi guys! New here but not to bikes. Been riding for 50+ years and have owned V-Stroms and a Bandit 1200s, now looking to possibly become an owner of one of the bikes in the title. The two in question are basically project bikes and I would like to purchase both, but for sure will be getting one, hopefully.
My question to you gentleman is, is there one more desirable than the other or any quirks that would steer you from one to the other? I have done a little research on them and really, I like them both. Kind of like the styling of the 1980 more, but I would take either.
Hope I'm not repeating a topic that's been hashed over dozens of times, but if it is, accept my apologies.

Thank you, gentlemen!
Bruce

[Rob S.]

The '82! Can’t stand the 'lunchbox' gauges on the '80.

The entire styling of the 82-83 is much more to my liking than the earlier ones. See July '82 Cycle World for a comparison of the two.

[rphillips]

For me just personal preference, I like the looks of the "80" better. 2 differences the "80" don't have the useless anti-dive system, and pretty sure Suzuki started welding the crankshafts in mid "82", so if a late "82" that would be good... Oh yeah, Welcome to the GSR.

[Big Block]

I like the "conventional" styling alot but prefer my 78 1000 over an 80 1100E, also like the 82-83 styling, so for me I would choose the 82 which I also own. Only thing with the 82 is the goofy antidive but lots of them work fine and easy to change if you have problems.
I think you should buy them both if they are both complete and priced right. ae6.jpg