about my 1100L

[dancran]

Hi.
I've decided to do some work on my 1980 GS1100L myself rather than paying to have somebody else do it. But I have some questions.

1) Maybe this is a silly one, but how can I tell if my bike is chain drive or shaft drive? I've seen manuals for both.

2) I see references to GS1100LT. Is this the same as a GS1100L?

3) I'm going to atempt to clean the carburators. While I have them off for cleaning, should I "rebuild" them at the same time?

4) I have a haynes manual that lists the mikuni type and identifications for the carburators, is there anything else I need to be aware of in purchasing parts for these - for instance, brands to avoid? Tools? Any other general advice? (I will be using the tutorial on this site, my manual and this forum )

5) While I have the bike disassembled this far, is there anything else that I probably ought to take care of at the same time?

I know this is a lot, but pile on the advice and suggestions. I have done tune ups and basic maintenance on cars, but this will be my first motorcycle repair. 8O

wish me luck!

dancran

[gspaul]

OK!('8O')
.........If you look at the rear wheel ,and it's a chain drive,you will see a sprocket & chain just like a bicycle, if it's a shaft the left side of the swingarm will be a lot bigger than the right, the shaft runs inside this and in to the hub to drive the wheel.
If your going pull the carb's apart for cleaning you may as well replace all the O rig's.
You will no doubt have to check and adjust your valve gap's.
These bike's are not hard to work on just take your time ,and ask if you are not shure.
Good luck!

[kalessin]

The trailing "T" in GS1100LT is Suzuki's year designator, T = 1980

My bike is a GS1100GLZ, which breaks down to GS series, 1100cc engine, G for shaft drive, L for cruiser model, Z for 1983.

More info at http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_modelchart.htm

[Darkchyld]

First and foremost, the dummest, sillest, or most stupid question one can have is the one they DIDN'T ask!
I wish I had known about this group of fine folks years ago, so welcome!
I have an 82 GS1100 L w/40k miles on it and have done almost all maintance and work myself. It is easy. Take your time, ASK, double check. You'll find it fun, rewarding and you'll develope a working knowlage of so many different things it'll really suprise you. I've got a Clymer manuel and offer anything I can from it.

BTW, How many miles on your machine?

[dancran]

Thanks for the info everyone!
I've definitely been emboldened to do my own work by the encouragement that I've recieved from the great people on this site.

My machine has 20675 miles on it.

I've seen posts from people whose GS bikes have a lot more than that so I'm hoping to get a lot more distance out of this bike.

(I have verified that it is a chain drive - which means that I have the correct manual!)

[Alan Schlosser]

Joel, the 1983 should be a GLD. The GLZ is an 82, which is what I have.

[Darkchyld]

I thought all the "L" models where shafties?
Look at the numbers under the steering head...

[dancran]

I can check the number, but there is a big ole chain running around a sprocket on the back wheel like a bicycle.

[Einar J Skog]

Hi

Suzuki made chain driven L Versions in 1000ccm-1100ccm 8 valve and a version in 1100ccm 16 valve.

[Alan Schlosser]

Yeah, just check out the Gallery. The 1000 was a GL (shaft) with the 8 valve motor. It has the round cam end covers. The 1100 was an L (chain) with the 16 valve rectangular cam covers.

[gspaul]

I believe the L version is the custom look, high handle bars ,steped seat, etc.......