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.

 

[rphillips]

Nice looking bike Block, but waaay away from the orig. champagne color. The orig. color was not near that gold.

 

[trevor]

I had an 81 1100e which I quite liked in black...I sold it...I do have a 1980 GS750e that is the same style....but it's hard to beat the looks of my 82

 

[brucifer]

Appreciate the responses, guys.
Do either of them have an advantage in legroom for those of us taller in stature?
I've watched a few videos from Jon's Motorcycle Rescue and Review and he being 6'4" feels the 1980 is more comfortable.

I have not been able to see the bikes in person yet as the owner is pretty busy and has not had time to meet up.

 

[brucifer]

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.

Thank you for the welcome, rphillps. Seems you and I are in the minority of liking the looks of the 1980 better. I like them both, but the 1980 has the edge over the 1982, I think mainly for me, the tank shape, and I even like the quirky instrument cluster/ headlight assembly.

 

[rphillips]

Hey Bruce, I don't know how to do links but just punching around I just found an appx. 10 min. You Tube video titled "1981 Suzuki GS1100E vs 1983 Suzuki GS1100E" (should be exact same as 1980 vs 1982). I was very surprised that guy's ideas were so close to mine. We both like the smaller feel and agility of the 1981, less bulky looking appearance of the 1981, seating position of the 1981 but the higher mid range power of the 1983... He was just comparing the stock bikes, I'm just say'in a slight adjustment to the 1980 GS1100E "cam timing", no parts needed, will get the mid range for the 1980 model right there with or higher than his stock 1983. Another neg. with the 1980 that's not mentioned is that "STUPID" "80" petcock, no off pos., no Reserve pos., and very hard to get in the Pri. position, and no good way to fix it other than replacing the "80" tank and pet cock with an "81" model... Hope you find the video, very informative.

 

[brucifer]

Hey Bruce, I don't know how to do links but just punching around I just found an appx. 10 min. You Tube video titled "1981 Suzuki GS1100E vs 1983 Suzuki GS1100E" (should be exact same as 1980 vs 1982). I was very surprised that guy's ideas were so close to mine. We both like the smaller feel and agility of the 1981, less bulky looking appearance of the 1981, seating position of the 1981 but the higher mid range power of the 1983... He was just comparing the stock bikes, I'm just say'in a slight adjustment to the 1980 GS1100E "cam timing", no parts needed, will get the mid range for the 1980 model right there with or higher than his stock 1983. Another neg. with the 1980 that's not mentioned is that "STUPID" "80" petcock, no off pos., no Reserve pos., and very hard to get in the Pri. position, and no good way to fix it other than replacing the "80" tank and pet cock with an "81" model... Hope you find the video, very informative.

That sounds like the video I watched from Jon's Motorcycle Rescue and Review.

 

[Rob S.]

As long as the '80 is indeed an 11E (16 valve), than both have the same fantastic engine. :applause:

 

[rphillips]

No clue who did it, just remember it said You Tube.

 

[brucifer]

Well guys, no need to choose between the two because I made a deal for both.
As I previously mentioned, they are projects and need considerable work. The biggest thing is they are cosmetically challenged. lol. Quite a bit of aluminum oxidation and some rust. They both have titles.
As a bonus, a third parts bike is included. It's missing several parts, but there's many usable parts still there.
We're shooting for this weekend to get them to my place. I'll post up some pics when they're here.

 

[trevor]

Well at least they aren't the same bike....when I bought my 82 I got a chance to look at another one nearby....looked at it and bought it too...I had to take a ferry and drive 300kms so I thought I'd make it worth my while...lol

 

[brucifer]

Nice, Trevor!

 

[rphillips]

Looking forward to resurrection of both... Imagine a first gen. GS1100E, a 2nd gen. GS1100E, then, of course, a GS1150.

 

[brucifer]

Looking forward to resurrection of both... Imagine a first gen. GS1100E, a 2nd gen. GS1100E, then, of course, a GS1150.

I hope I can deliver.

 

[brucifer]

Great news! Sounds like a great score. If you want a nice reference going forward Trevor documented his 1100E build quite well. I used it when I assembled my 82 which I built from this in about 2 months.

Thanks, man! Wow, you assembled that pile of parts in 2 months?! You're a machine!

 

[oldGSfan]

The earlier style is like a box truck to me. The rectangular headlight and shroud, meh. Busy around the seat with grab rail and shiny strips under seat. The 82/83 copied the Katana cues, nicely done. Plus the big train headlight is cool. Pegs are up high on the 82/83 IMO. But we know what opinions are like.

 

[rphillips]

The good thing about opinions, Mine is always correct... That's my opinion and it ought to be yours.

 

[Rob S.]

Well guys, no need to choose between the two because I made a deal for both.

You made the right choice! :indecisiveness: