How many GS's is too many GS's?

[93Bandit]

Is it even possible to have too many GS's?

I currently have 2 850s but I'm having the urge to buy more bikes. There's a "road ready" GS1100GK near me for sale that looks to be in pretty good shape after careful review of all the pictures. I think the asking price is high but maybe not too far off.

There's also two more GS1100Gx's for sale as a pair, one being "for parts" for the other. Neither look like they've seen pavement in many years, but there's definitely a complete bike between the two, maybe even enough parts to get both running.

And there's a GS1100GL... And a GS650L... And a GS550(?)... And another 850...

I WANT THEM ALL... Most are priced under $1,000 and many could likely be purchased for less than $500.

I'd love one of each engine displacement, and even cooler if I could have one of each model too. But the wife doesn't think I need 15+ bikes, nor does my lack of storage space. But could you imagine having all those options? They're all in varying condition so I'd have plenty to keep me busy tinkering. It's sad to see so many in disrepair. I'd love to get them all back to their formal glory. Probably wouldn't completely restore them all, but definitely get them all mechanically sound and cleaned up.

Anyways, am I crazy? What would you guys have if money/space wasn't an issue?

[Rob S.]

What would you guys have if money/space wasn't an issue?

More chains, fewer shafts.

[jsandidge]

I currently own an 850L and a 750E. If I came across an 1100GK, it would be hard to pass up.

[Burque73]

Definitely an 1100GK for me. I had the chance last year but dragged my feet and it sold. These bikes have a tendency to show up again for sale so I'll keep looking.

[chuck hahn]

16 bikes...I got 15 more than i need. 16 is TOO MANY.

[1978GS750E]

I've got 4 in the stable right now and that is enough! Lack of space is my problem. But...?.I am looking for a GS550 in restorable shape. If I find one...... the little Honda FT500 is gone! Maybe!

[Redman]

How many bikes is one question.
How many insurance policys is another.
How many batterys is another.

[wymple]

How many bikes do I need? Silly question. One more than I have.

[storm 64]

How many bikes is one question.
How many insurance policys is another.
How many batterys is another.

I think Red Man hit the nail on the head! It gets expensive keeping multiple motorcycles on the upkeep. My poor 1100e needs a top end rebuild. The 850 needs intake O-Rings replaced. The 1000e needs a petcock and tires. The FJR just needs oil changes and tires... Lawn mower need blade sharpened. It never ends... 😃

[Tangent]

In the past I've applied the mathematical approach - number of bikes falls into the simple formula N + 1, where N is the number of bikes currently in the shed. And I've shared the desire to own the complete set of capacities - but the reality of restoring, repairing, maintaining, insuring the lot means ya just can't do it all. But it's good fun finding that out....

[trevor]

[Redman]

Trev, Nice pic.
So, six is not too many. (6 counting wifes transport.)


I am not recalling the sport tourer (bags& trunk) in your picture. An FJ.....?

[Redman]

.... ....

Tangent, Welcome to TheGSR.
Would be good if you went off in another direction and post an introduction in the "owners" section. And you could post N number of pics of your bikes, where N equalls 6, and 2/3rds are vintage Suzukis, and half are GS's.

[93Bandit]

How many bikes is one question.
How many insurance policys is another.
How many batterys is another.

As far as insurance goes, no more than two insured at a time. You being from Michigan as well understand the burden of outrageous insurance rates that do nothing other than steal from the population. If I was in my home state, I could insure 15 bikes for the cost of 2 in Michigan...

I think Red Man hit the nail on the head! It gets expensive keeping multiple motorcycles on the upkeep. My poor 1100e needs a top end rebuild. The 850 needs intake O-Rings replaced. The 1000e needs a petcock and tires. The FJR just needs oil changes and tires... Lawn mower need blade sharpened. It never ends... 😃

That's the flip side of the coin. So many toys that you can't afford/don't have the time to up keep all of them. But hey, we can dream, right???

[zuluwiz]

Anyways, am I crazy? What would you guys have if money/space wasn't an issue?


Sounds like Jay Leno.

The were only few thousand GS's built (got no idea how many, sorry.) You can have only that many, minus the one I wrecked.