78 GS1000..how much faster is an 83 1100?

[raceman]

why would l put my old spare 1000 motor in the 83? so l could sell it and get my $$$$$$$$ back of course. As for ruining bikes l don`t think the 83 is a much lauded collector piece and l`ll still have the low mile 1000 motor to put back in my 78 if l choose. Does the name "raceman" imply anything in particular to you? l`m a speed loving gearhead and building speed is what l do,4 wheels or 2,it all gets the treatment. Now if l had a Vincent Black shadow and a Black Lightning sitting here and was talking engine swaps l would expect some flak but aside from the very mild collector interest in the 78 l see no crime here. Anyhow no decision has been made yet but l`ll be sure to post my progress. l COULD spend a TON of money AND time to get the performance out of my 1000 to match the 1100 but ultimately the 1100 is a far better platform for a high performance engine build.That much l know is common knowledge.l wanted to share this transformation here because it seems the serious gearheads are all over at OldSkoolSuzuki.info....

 

[t3rmin]

I wasn't crazy about the newer bikes either, but the look has grown on me so much that I prefer them now. Not that I don't appreciate the classic look of my 750, but the 700 is a darn good lookin' bike. I'd love nothing more right now than to pick up a 16v 1100E.

Besides, I think most people would actually consider the '83 a classic bike with classic looks. Different type of classic, but still the kind of thing that brings back memories and respect from lots of people.

 

[raceman]

l guess it depends how old you are when you talk "classic".l was already riding bikes when the 78 GS1000 came out and de-throned the Z-1. l think when you talk in broad terms about the classic Japanese superbikes it`s pretty well understood that those are 70`s muscle bikes.Sure there are exceptions and the original Katana is one of them but bodywork plays a key role and "classic" jap motorcycle style doesn`t include experimental tank and sidecover designs like the 83 1100.The real classics? the big three? pretty well acknowledged as the 1st gen CB750,the Kawasaki Z`s and the Suzuki GS`s. and many of their derivetives The common formula of distinctly separate tank,side covers and tail section was followed and this has become known as "classic japanese motorcycle" style. you follow? Old guys like me respect this design formula and some even feel "improvements" and modernizations to this don`t look like real bikes.The 1983 GS was one of the first Suzuki`s to represent an attemp to try to modernize that classic formula and blend the tank/sidecovers/tailsection into a monocoque look. lt`s an interesting footnote in motorcycle design and because of that might be considered a classic but compared to its` forebearers it`s a bland transition with no stylistic longevity.(lmo):-D

anywho l just put the bikes side by side with all bodywork removed. This is going to be sweet! the older bodywork will fit fine on the newer bike with some minor fabrication of tabs and mounts,stuff l can do with my eyes closed . l can`t bring myself to put the newer bodywork on the 78 though so l`ll be selling it off or trading for early parts.Or l may keep it.....l will have an updated chassis and power with classic 1st year styingerfection!!

 

[t3rmin]

Hey, you build it how you like it! Only requirement is that you post pics! ;-)

 

[Roger P.]

I had a 1980 GS1000S with an 83 motor in it. Talk about butchering a classic!

There were reasons though. It had been rolled in an accident, and was properly restored by my buddy. He painted it all black, put an 81 tank on it and called it good. He sold the motor to another guy who stuffed it into a GS750. When I bought the bike, he also offered me a Katana engine for $100 and an aluminum swingarm. I turned down both since I had nowhere to store it, although I can kick myself now. I now own an 83 1100E. Everytime I twist the throttle I think it is a classic! Personally, I would not do what you are proposing, since I think castrating a perfectly good 83 is a sad idea, but it's your money and your property, so have at 'er. My buddy said swapping the motor required only exchanging the front motor mounts from side to side and building up a spacer from washers to take up the slack. Everything else bolts right up, as far as I know. I will say that the 83 handles better, and does not exhibit the same slight weave as the 1000S chassis.

I like GS1000's, but to me, the 83 is a much better looking bike, a butch hulking bike with that fat black motor hanging out either side. I have a blue one, and the combo of blue/black is badass!

 

[drhach]

Since free advice is worthe the price, I'll chime in. Consider that the only person who might really want an 83 Katana is someon who know these bikes. That being said, if you take the engine out and swap in a GS1000, they're not going to pay squat. I know you're only trying to recoup $500. You'll probably get that much. But you won't be financing any other parts costs, and there always are hidden costs. Also, your 78 will no longer be a 78 and you will reduce it in value as well. The numbers won't match it is not period correc etc, etc. Guys butcher there bikes here all the time. If you want something that will have the silhouette of a 78 but won't pass close scrutiny, it sounds like you're doing the right. Just don't kid your self about value. If anything keep all of you stuff around so you can change back if you ever decide to do that. Also, remember that there was a time when people couldn't give camaros away. So, what has no value now may rise later. the Katana may be worth more in a few years. I know lots of people who have stories about the cars and bikes they wish they still had. I'm on of them. On the other hand, it's guys like you that make these bikes rarer and more valuable for those of us who already have them. Best of luck. Either way, I'd love to see pictures.

 

[raceman]

l knew l posted this question for a reason. The looks of the 82 (it`s an 82 l`m pretty sure because of the wheels) IS starting to grow on me....l guess having 2 big suzuk`s isn`t so bad. The main reason l didn`t want yet another bike is that l simply can`t leave anything stock and another bike means another money drain,l can`t help it. l look at those cross-hatch style mags and l retch,l NEED to swap those out,etc.. But perhaps a dedicated drag bike would be nice....anyone want to buy a set of lester wheels for a Z-1 or H2?

 

[saber1971]

I agree with drhach!!!!!! you wouldnt even get $500 for that monstrosity!!! an 83 gs1100 with a 78 1000. If your worried about money and plan on selling the 83 anyway, sell the 83 for $1500 (at least) and put that money into your old relic to make it as fast and cool as an 1983!! MAYBE

 

[raceman]

well,as any Hot Rodder can tell you from the beginning of the MV age,the cheapest way to create a Hot Rod is to do an engine swap.Putting that 1100 motor in the 78 and selling off the leftovers will yield an incredible result: FREE speed. lt won`t cost me a penny and my build platform will be FAR superior to the 8V motor. As for selling the hybrid 83 for $500,that is a non-issue.You guys might care about that type of union but(no offence) you`re brand fanatics. Most people around here who would be potential buyers probably wouldn`t care much as long as it was a good runner.But l haven`t decided anything yet. Rebuilding the 8V for more power sounds fine but it`s a VERY costly option,easily $1000.00 for a mild stage and l`ll never have the superiority of the 16V... l may end up leaving the bikes intact..

 

[drhach]

You may want to save your receipts and calculate the hours that you spent doing the swap. I'd be willing to bet that you'll be shocked at how much your "free speed" ended up costing. Nothing's free. You'll spend money and you'll spend time (which is also money). I'm not criticizing. I've spent countless hours and many dollars on a bike that I got "real cheap". I don't regret it. It was fun, but I didn't kid myself about the fact that my "$200 motorcycle" was going to cost a lot more than that. In the end, I spent more than what I would have just buying a nice, running bike. Again, I knew that was the deal and I wanted a project so, no surprises. Have fun and seriously, keep track of your hours and the parts that you end up buying to make it work. It's good information to have.

 

[long_av8r]

You may want to save your receipts and calculate the hours that you spent doing the swap. I'd be willing to bet that you'll be shocked at how much your "free speed" ended up costing. Nothing's free. You'll spend money and you'll spend time (which is also money). I'm not criticizing. I've spent countless hours and many dollars on a bike that I got "real cheap". I don't regret it. It was fun, but I didn't kid myself about the fact that my "$200 motorcycle" was going to cost a lot more than that. In the end, I spent more than what I would have just buying a nice, running bike. Again, I knew that was the deal and I wanted a project so, no surprises. Have fun and seriously, keep track of your hours and the parts that you end up buying to make it work. It's good information to have.

Ain't this the truth. But if you just buy a perfectly running/restored bike, you don't have the bragging rights. Plus, you miss all the (mis)adventures of the build. That's why I do it. Damn the cost, the fun is in the build. I know I can't be the only one.

Having said that, I do see the historical significance of the 83 E model as well as the 78 S model. But like you said Race, it has a lot to do with age and my first street bike was an 83 Nighthawk 650. How I would have loved to have been able to ride an 83 1100E or even a 700 for that matter.

I would keep them both as they are and if you want to do a hybrid build like you mentioned, then do it from scratch. When I build my hotrods that is exactly what I do - that way nobody can accuse me of being a butcher. I've butchered nothing because they were all just parts to begin with. Somebody else already did the butchering, I did the resurrection - but on my own terms. It's expensive either way though, and in the end, your creation will not likely draw large crowds with stacks of money. On the other hand, those crowds do come for originals.

 

[raceman]

l don`t include my time in calculating project costs,nobody does that who spends as much wrench time on as many vehicles as l do.l could swap the motor out and be tied off and rolling in about 5 hours,maybe less. the 1100 motor into the 78 frame is a straight bolt up swap.Remember,, the 1100 l`ll be using has VM33 smoothies and a period correct Yosh pipe. So in less then a day and for less then the price of what the carbs would cost new, l`ll have a MAJOR engine upgrade.l intend to continue developing the motor so it`s only logical to use the 16V mill,the 8V just isn`t nearly as good a platform for ultimate power. l appreciate all replies but find it pretty funny that people are trying to talk me out of building a hot rod machine in the performance forum.l don`t join forums to talk about what a nice night ride l had or how l shined my saddlebags last night,l do it to explore and share experiences about bike building.To me bikes are something that get improved constantly through research,money and wrench time,l`ve never had a vintage bike that l didn`t trick out.The "old vehicle,modern engine" formula is one l`ve followed countless times in the build-up of custom hot rods/bikes simply because it`s proven to be the most economical way of meeting performance goals. Ever hear of the GSXR 7/11? l guess the members here just aren`t into building fast bikes:-|

 

[motocycle shawn]

wow what a cluster xxxx

wow what a cluster xxxx

all a can say is poor gs1000 i hate to see a great bike chopped up and trashed! over hp! you want hp i will sell you my 1400cc gs1150e motor
then you will have power!!! please dont trash a good bike just to make it faster. in the end your still going to have a chopped up brick that gets stomped buy the local mommy's boys running gsxr700. love them both
ride them both . why swap out motors. plus i was told the 83 is lighter then the gs1000 so if you swap all this out will you realy gain any thing !

im not trying to be rude please dont think i am . it just like puting a nitro motor in a dump truck... every one will ask why?

 

[t3rmin]

Hey, we love fast bikes. Nobody can argue that. It's just the cost/benefit ratio. You could skip the hack job and jump right into the building that 1100 for speed. It's a superior platform anyway.

 

[raceman]

l agree that the 83 chassis is superior,but it`s no beauty. The 1978 GS1000 is an historic motorcycle that some even consider the ultimate 70`s musclebike,the one that took down the mighty kawasaki Z. Among my gearhead,bikebuilding fellows certain bikes are the ultimate for musclebike collectors: The 73-75 Kawi Z-1 , the 69/70 CB750 , and the 78 GS1000. Yamaha had the XS1100 but it was butt ugly and largely unloved. There are some other bikes that could be included but mostly that rare air is reserved for those 3 bikes. My CB750 was stolen otherwise l would have them all,a year or two off but the same bikes. So l guess you could say l`m a bit of a purist when it comes to my bikes.l mod them but try to go with period correct goodies and leave things reversable.l`ve been doing this for 30 years now and l`ve built some fantastic machines,classic roadburners without the fluff.Engine swaps? l`ve done tons of them in all kinds of bikes and cars,it`s what l do.l build speed and when l do l start with classic vehicles. The 82 1100 is an ugly duckling,sorry but it`s true.l`ve seen some that looked okay,they do have some appeal but compared to the original GS? can you really be serious here? You can`t compare it to the first year bike for iconic panache,it`ll lose. l don`t like losers,raceman likes to win. A 78 with the chops to stay with the new guys is a vinatge hot rod winner(weaner?). l`ll be parting out the 82 on flea-bay or here when l`m done.:-D

 

[t3rmin]

Hey, to each his own. You asked, after all. ;-)

Best of luck with your project, and as I said, you better be posting some pics! ;-)

 

[koolaid_kid]

l agree that the 83 chassis is superior,but it`s no beauty...

Oh, that hurts. :shock: :-D
I say do exactly what you want, you own them. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Best of luck.
BTW, the 1100E is credited with taking down the Honda 6.
You might want to check to see if the crank is welded on the 1100, early ones were not, later ones were. If not, I suggest getting it done, they were notorious for twisting if they were not welded. Especially since you are into speed.

 

[long_av8r]

Ever hear of the GSXR 7/11? l guess the members here just aren`t into building fast bikes:-|

Are you kidding me? Top is a slightly modified 750. Bottom is a 7/11 built from the ground up - still not finshed yet but real close.

 

[Bert Patterson]

Just remember, time is only money if you can trade it. Obviously, we could all go get part-time jobs at McDonalds, but for most of that don?t own a business, we swap other things (time with kids, other projects, etc?), but time is usually not money.

 

[long_av8r]

Just remember, time is only money if you can trade it. Obviously, we could all go get part-time jobs at McDonalds, but for most of that don?t own a business, we swap other things (time with kids, other projects, etc?), but time is usually not money.

Again, so very painfully true. And that time can't be repaid.