83 GS1100E Opinions/ Advice

[evh]

Just wanted to say hello to all forum members, I just signed up on this forum which looks to be an excellent one.
I'm new to Suzuki GS's but not to motorcycles.. I fix motocross bikes, ATV's and gas scooters for a living.. I'm no stranger to splitting cases, rebuilding transmissions, suspensions etc.. I've just never split a 4 cylinder streetbike engine..

I have a line on a 83 GS1100E for a decent price.. What i'm not sure of is the KM's on the bike.... It has just over 64,000 kms but the seller says it runs good and it's fast.. Don't they all say that though? lol

I just wanted to hear some opinions on this bike.. I've always like these bikes.. How many KM's can these engines go usually? I know maintenance is the key.. Is there anything else I should look for?



Thanks in advance.

 

[spaytons]

Hello and welcome.
If you haven't read it all ready, check out "Top 10 newbe mistakes". Its full of good info and check out the Basscliff website. Its a treasure trove of information.

 

[rwcfrank]

Forever....................And one day

 

[Joe Nardy]

Although I may be somewhat biased having owned an '83 GS1100E since new, the 16 valve GS models are excellent bikes and are bullet proof given normal maintenance. Mine has 54,000 miles (nearly 87,000 kilometers) on the clock and runs as well, if not better, than the day I got it. Of course, I won't pass up an opportunity to post a couple pics....

Original body work:

Spare body work painted by nvr2old:

Thanks,
Joe

 

[Gonzo]

I would have sworn I seen someone post that their GS is on the 3rd trip around the odo now. Obviously that requires diligent maintenance, but that should give you an idea of the kind of longevity you're looking at, even if you only get a fraction of it.

 

[OLDENUFF]

Both my 1100 and 1150 have about 55,000 miles on them and run perfectly. I recently put an 1168 top end on my 1100. Measuring the take off cylinders and pistons, I was amazed that there was zero noticeable wear and that bike did not have an easy life. If yours looks like a good deal, get it and forget about the mileage.

 

[evh]

thanks for the info guys.. Joe that is a gorgeous bike

 

[rapidray]

The 16 valve 1100 & 1150 engines are just abut bullet proof. The 83 & up engines have welded cranks & more power. About all you really need to do to one is have the clutch hub modified & then they are pretty unbreakable. This is my blue 83 with 7900 miles on it. Ray.

 

[rapidray]

Sorry, it didn't upload before. Here it is, original paint. Ray.

 

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. evh,

As long as I'm here I thought I'd drop this off.

New Members, CLICK HERE!! <<< You'll find a ton of information about these bikes.



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[evh]

Thanks for all the information gentlemen. I'm heading up this evening to pick the bike up.. It's an 83 GS1100E. from the photos it looks good. The owner said the engine doesn't have any bad noises, said it just needs tires and a battery which isn't a big deal. It comes with 2 hardshell saddlebags and the sport fairing. It's a long drive (3 hours each way) so I hope its worth it!

 

[GateKeeper]

Welcome to the site....

3 hours each way, where are you heading ? sounds like a good road trip, depending on your route, you might be even close to a few of the members that are here on the forum.

do you have any pictures of the bike, perhaps from the ad, we all love pictures around here...

best of luck...

Cheers

 

[evh]

I'm heading near Oshawa.

I have some pics of the bike but they're not the greatest pics..

Of course I will be removing the front windshield and rear saddle bags..
What do you think?

 

[GateKeeper]

Looks like a diamond in the rough.....some cleaning, paint and a polish will get it looking really nice. New tires, at least the back from what I can see, see what year they are.

I guess it all depends on how far you want to take the bike, just a quick wash and ride, or strip her down, and make her all pretty everywhere.

Looks like some work went into her......

swing by for a beer on your way back.....

cheers


if you don't want the case guards, and if they fit my 750.........let's talk....


did you mention a price on the bike ? only if you want to, but it will let others tell you if it is a good deal or not.....

.

 

[mriddle]

It is an 82 bike not an 83 - still a lot of potential!

 

[Guest]

A diamond in the rough for sure, I like the chrome plated case covers, at least they appear to be chrome. I like that Candy Fancy Maroon paint also. You do know that's a '82 and not a '83. Basically the same bike but it doesn't have the welded crank, actually I do believe some late models do.
Anyway, once you take the windshield off and saddle bags it'll pretty much look my mine.

 

[evh]

A diamond in the rough for sure, I like the chrome plated case covers, at least they appear to be chrome. I like that Candy Fancy Maroon paint also. You do know that's a '82 and not a '83. Basically the same bike but it doesn't have the welded crank, actually I do believe some late models do.
Anyway, once you take the windshield off and saddle bags it'll pretty much look my mine.

Your bike looks great!! I want to clean this one up good.. Well I got the bike home, pulled off the windshield.. It needs a battery and a tire, not a big deal.. I fired it up at the guys place I bought it from and the engine sounds good, no noises at all and nice and responsive..

So what it difference between the 82 and 83 engines besides the welded crank? Is the 82 engine not good like the 83?

 

[evh]

I took a few pics after I got it home and removed the windshield and hard shell saddle bags.. I'm excited about this thing.. The bike is bigger than I remember it being from back in the day.. MY buddy had a GS400E, this thing dwarfs it lol..

I think the first thing I'm going to do to the bike is go through ALL the wiring and redo all the grounds and connections PROPERLY..

 

[GateKeeper]

WOW, looks really good, if it's mechanically sound, looks like it's ready to ride...

not being nosy, but what did you end up getting for, if we may ask....

are the engine covers and carb tops, all polished, or were they chromed ?

nice find.....

 

[evh]

WOW, looks really good, if it's mechanically sound, looks like it's ready to ride...

not being nosy, but what did you end up getting for, if we may ask....

are the engine covers and carb tops, all polished, or were they chromed ?

nice find.....

I don't mind telling you.. I got it for $1000 I think I did real good.. The carb tops and engine covers are chromed. Is that factory or did somebody do that? How about the gold wheels? are those factory? they must be.. this bike is wicked LOL