1984 gs1100 GK fairing to 81 GSX1100

[hampshiregsx]

Hi All,just acquired a fairing and panniers and topbox from a 1984 GK and would like to fit to my 81 GSX1100E.They came with some mounting hardware ,but not sure if all is there.Can anyone post pictures of the hardware mountings/brackets and how they attach to the bike.
Many Thanks
John

[posplayr]

This thread is better with no pictures

[rustybronco]

Can do... but not until this weekend. I'll need to remove all the luggage in order to post pictures of the mounting brackets. This weekend will be the first chance I'll have.

[hampshiregsx]

Thanks Rustybronco,no hurry ,just need to make sure I have all the bits required before starting to restore the brackets,panniers etc.

[rustybronco]

Question??? panniers=side luggage?

[rustybronco]

Thanks Daniel! I was almost sure that's what they were, but if in doubt, I ask.

[hampshiregsx]

Yep quite correct, amongst other definitions the Websters definition for Pannier is "A bag or case slung over the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle."

[bccap]

Thanks Daniel! I was almost sure that's what they were, but if in doubt, I ask.

Yeah Dale we call them that too. But mostly in reference to a bicycle.

[rustybronco]

Sorry Gents, at first I thought the name Pannier was in reference to two old women slung over a seat. (a couple of old bags )

[Dogma]

Hi All,just acquired a fairing and panniers and topbox from a 1984 GK and would like to fit to my 81 GSX1100E.They came with some mounting hardware ,but not sure if all is there.Can anyone post pictures of the hardware mountings/brackets and how they attach to the bike.
Many Thanks
John

I don't have any pics handy right now, and I can't take one with the bike torn apart. I can describe what components you should have for the panniers and top box. I can't help with the fairing.

Along with the luggage, there should be 4 tubular steel parts, chromed. There are the two obvious side brackets for the panniers, the luggage rack (which the top box mounts to), and a smaller u-shaped piece that ties the two side brackets together aft of the rear wheel.

I have seen or seen pictures of the GK luggage on a 1000G, an 850G, and and 1100ES. All of these require a couple adapters to be fabricated. Each bike probably has slightly different requirements, so you'll need to fit it up on your bike and see exactly what needs to be done.

Start by mounting the luggage rack. The front of the rack attaches to the upper shock studs, inboard of the shocks. The rear of the rack attaches near the rear turn signal mount holes. Remove the rear turn signals: you'll be wiring in the signals in the panniers. In the frame mounts for the turn signals you'll need to install a fabricated adapter plate. A strip of 1/8" strip steel, with 3 holes roughly in a line. Use the first hole to mount the adapter bracket into the turn signal mount holes. The middle hole is for the luggage rack's rear mounting holes.

The 3rd hole in the adapter will be for the rear mounting holes on the pannier brackets. The forward mounting holes for the pannier brackets also go on the shock studs, but outboard of the shocks. The lower mounting holes on the pannier brackets attach to the rear foot pegs brackets on the GK. Other bikes I've seen this luggage attached to go without this attachment point. Only the U-shaped tube at the rear holds the panniers upright.

The panniers mount to the brackets with 4 nuts, 4 bolts, and 4 large fender washers (probably 25mm in diameter). Turn signal wiring is mainly a matter of making up some extension wire.

The top box attaches to the luggage rack with a locking latch. Clean and lube this mechanism. When attaching the top box, get in the habit of reaching in and pushing on the floor of the box instead of somewhere on the exterior. If the latch mechanism sticks, you can crack the floor of the box.

I wish I had pictures to make all this more clear, but you'll see what needs to be done when you do a dry fit. The only real pitfall I found was learning that the adapter plate needs 3 holes instead of 2.

I'm looking forward to seeing everything mounted up on your bike. While some are opposed to hanging all of this on an E model, I think the GK luggage and full fairing are the only ones that look properly at home on a GS.

[hampshiregsx]

Thank you Dogma for the excellent description.Just had look at the Panniers and noticed that they do not have built in indicators and appear to be meant to be removable with a key lock.(Have a warning label stating if not latched correctly may fall off)They have the name Vetter on them whiile the fairing has Suzuki badge on it.
Prehaps I have been sold a hybrid set and not original Suzuki

[rustybronco]

Vetter paniers are not stock equipment for 1984 GS1100GK.

[850GT_Rider]

Now we definitely need pictures!

http://www.craigvetter.com/images/Vetter%20Fairings/Windjammer-instructions-images/Windjammer_instructions/1978%20CB750K%205-12-80.pdf

If you go there, he has some old installation instructions that may prove useful. They're for a Honda, but all those brackets mount about the same.

Fleabay is full of parts and pieces for the Vetter bags. Just search Vetter in Motorcycle parts.

[hampshiregsx]

Definitely needs some further investigation.Will try to get some photos of the panniers and fairing on Sunday.Miserable UK weather .raining again today and away from home tomorrow.

[bluewool]

Gsscott has fitted the luggage to an "83 1100ES.

http://www.thegsresources.com/halloffame/2009/gs_photo_jul_2009.htm