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1981 SUZUKI GS 1000, needs little work, asking $2,000

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
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Anonymous

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It's me again, determined to enter the 1000cc plus world of suzuki.

Just wondering if anyone out there can give any advice on what to look for
when purchasing an older bike of this type.

I haven't looked at it yet but the owner says it's a shafty and needs a baffle welded into a 4 to 1 pipe.

I will be looking at this bike tonight and will post some pics if possible

Would this bike be a lot stronger than my current 1979 gs 750?

TIA

Jim Long
 
2k seems like a bit much. depends on the condition of the bike though. BTW - the baffle should be bolted in, not welded. Sounds like a hack job to me - how many other 'shade tree' tricks are in store for you?
 
"Needs a little work" Ha Ha Ha.

While this may be an exception, I believe "needs a little work" translates into "basket case--long term project".

I looked at a GS650 a few years ago. Supposedly in perfect shape, just needed a shift lever. When I went to look at it, I couldn't believe the bike I was looking at was the same bike they had described over the phone. Rusty gas tank, torn seat with duct tape, rusted chain, chrome pitted and rusty, side cover missing, and worst of all--the aluminum on all the engine covers was very mottled indicating that the bike had been overheated terribly. This bike had been abused, to top it off the owner said he "was buying a Harley cause these Jap bikes didn't hold up."

For $2000 I would expect a bike in very good condition, needing no work. But I'm a cheap SOB. :D
 
$2000 would almost buy my "83" GS 1100 E & it doesn't need anything
 
Thanks for the reply. Something tells me the bike has had lots of hot supper.

I'll keep in mind the rusty tank. What exactly does motted mean/look like?

If it's what I think, my curent bike has this condition (aluminum looks likes it's peeled in spots).

What about drive shafts/gears, any thing to be aware of? It's not like a chain and sprockets where visual inspection will do.

Thks

jimlong
 
I don't know exactly how to describe the overheated look. There's a discoloration that's more than just yellowed or peeling clear coat (the shiny aluminum on our bikes is covered with a clear coat to keep it shiny).

Maybe kinda like the look of old aluminum pots and pans on the stove???
 
Well, once the clear coat is gone, there's also a whitish corrosion that's a result of lingering road salt, I think he means a darker discoloration.
 
if you have 2k to spend on a gs then wait. if your present bike runs well again then wait. Enjoy your summer riding and then you will find gobs of bikes for sale when the cool weather is setting in and you will be bragging to us how you stole an 1100 for less than 2k.
Old goats know about waiting. Ask decrepid, retired Diaz about how to buy a bike cheap. ((Really!!!! --ask him.))
 
http://members.rogers.com/jimlong/

I had a look at the bike this evening and took some pics. the pics aren't great as i forgot to set back to auto from lacrosse games i was attending earlier.

these pics are big, if you're on a telephone link think twice about clicking on the above link

some of the pics reveal some oil leaks, one fork seal is leaking, the baffle has been blown/rusted from the four into one exhaust.

the young fellow had to put the bike on a charger to start the beast, sounded ok once running, except very loud.

no tach cable, looks like a little rust on inside of gas tank...tires ok

i think he'll take a $1000 but no less

these bikes are rare where i am, no dealers were present in the early days of suzuki

have a look at the pics if you dare..more advice would be appreciated

jim long
 
jim you sound set on buying that bike. it isnt worth $400. You will hate it in a short time after you take it
look further there are some great bikes around for those who wait.
 
$1000 Canadian??? Hmm, though I would still consider this a project bike. The bike has been dropped on the right side, points cover needs replacing, brake pedal is bent. Lots of rust to clean up, some pitting on front fork tubes (yes replace fork seals). I'd put new fork springs in while you had them apart, old ones are probably sacked. Cam cover gasket is leaking. Fuel petcock looks like it may be leaking. I would replace the rear shocks, the stock ones look pretty rough. Definately needs a new exhaust. Probably should Kreem the gas tank and repaint it. May need new seals on shaft drive.

Black anodizing on cylinder fins looks pretty rough--though I thought that year still had shiny cylinders?? not sure. Maybe they've been painted...if so I'd strip the black off....

You're looking at another $1000 to fix up--American dollars though....and a lot of time too.
 
Stay the hell away from this turkey!

Five years ago I bought a 1980 GS850G for $175. Total investment to put it on the road: $650, and that included the gas and motel to go fetch it in Toledo, Ohio.

Three years ago I bought my GS1100GK for $900. Total investment was $2,000. Has run great since. (It's particularly adept at Bambi-killing and almost killing its owner.) Read the following GS story: http://www.thegsresources.com/stories/gs_lowincometouring.htm .

Once again, you should get this bike for no more than $175 USD. Owner sounds greedy and/or unrealistic.

Nick
 
By the way, the shaft on this bike should be the least of your problems. That's the part of the bike that will keep on working in spite of itself. You should worry about the gas tank, the forks, the oil leaks, etc., much more.

Once again, stay away from this. Be patient. Follow slowpoke's advice.

Shafty Nick
 
Thanks! After sleeping on it I agree, I forgot to mention it's got 80,000km showing on the clock.

Rgds

Jim Long
 
80,000 km= 50,000 miles 8O
And in that condition :x
And for $2000 :oops:
please stay away and wait
Your bike is out there waiting for you. 8)
 
$2,000? That is WAY too much for a 1981 GS 1000 that "needs some work". You may want to check ebay and see what they are generally going for. Someone previously posted that for $2,000 they would expect a bike in perfect running condition (and no, that's not being cheap). Keep in mind these bikes ARE over 20 years old.

Just my .02 worth :-)
 
If you are interested in one that can be gotten for under $2000 in excellent condition, I have a guy in Lafayette about to part with his 1980 GS1000GL (shafty) and I am working on getting him to bring me some pictures to post on the GS Garage. If I had the money right now I'd snatch it up in a minute.
 
Unfortunately Lafayette is a long way from Dieppe, New Brunswick, Canada. I'm not familiar with the protocols of shipping and purchasing long distance. but it is tempting.

I've checked at local bike junkyards and old gs's are rare around here. I've tried on occasion to get parts for my gs750e at junkyards and had no luck.

I often drool over what's available on the American ebay section for Suzuki's.

I'll keep looking and waiting and eventually I'll find something, I hope.

Jim Long
 
I agree with the general sentiment

I agree with the general sentiment

Three years ago I bought a 79GS850G. Complete with Vetter fairing, hardbags and trunk (Touring gear is worth more than the asking price of the bike). $150 CD (or about $100USD). Three other buyers could not get it going. I bought it anyways and within 1 hour of getting it home I got it running. It is in surprisingly good shape. I feel comfortable taking this on my annual summer road ride for two weeks at a time covering thousands of miles in remote areas of British Columbia. These are phenomenal reliable bikes. Paying $2000 is too much. I have put in a Barnett clutch, the stock one was too weak, it did need a new muffler, the rear shocks were shot and I just replaced the rear tire last year. In all, totalled about $600CDN ($400USD) but that includes three years of riding.

This year I bought an 83GS1100G for less than $800USD (no touring gear). I thought this was a bit much, but I did want the 1100 motor and the bike was in terrific shape but not showroom. My brother paid $400USD for his GS850G complete with touring gear.

While these are great bikes with great motors in them, they are old bikes still. I do not want to see people paying too much for a bike, be patient and you'll find a deal.
 
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