Do you have a GS bike that you would us to consider for Bike of the Month (BOTM)? Add it to this thread and let everyone see what you have. Be sure to include inforrmation in how you got it, what you've done to it, etc.. Don't be shy!
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Bike Of The Month Submissions
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1982 GS1100 GK. Delkevic 4-into-1 exhaust, de-k'd, a few cosmetic alterations like bars, mirrors, faring, and seat. A few functional mods like all LED lights, custom turn signal flasher, progressive shocks front and back, stainless brake lines, and shit tons of regular maintenance. The perfect daily rider!
To add a little history to the bike, it all started about ten years ago when I saw an old photo of my wife sitting on her dad’s ’79 GS1000. I remember thinking how cool it would be to have one like that someday. That planted the seed.
After a bit of research, I quickly realized was that these bikes were exactly what I was looking for. A true vintage motorcycle that is still reliable and fun to ride, and also rewards you for turning a wrench now and then. That search eventually led me to Jon’s Motorcycle Rescue on YouTube. When I saw his ’82 GK for the first time, it was love at first sight. That was the bike for me! But alas, I couldn't really justify buying another motorcycle at that time. So, I shelved the idea.
Fast forward a few years and I came into a little bonus money from work and nothing particularly pressing to spend it on. No fires, no vacations to pay for, no house repairs that needed done. Just some free money sitting there. That was the time to strike. I looked at a lot of bikes and almost pulled the trigger on a few, but then this one popped up. An ’82 GK, stripped down, ready to ride, and in the exact color I wanted.
The bike was a few states away, but as it turned out I had a fellow rider friend nearby who was willing to help. He drove four hours to test ride it and handle the transaction, then stored it at his place for a few weeks until I could make the trip. About 13 hours away!
The bike was in great shape overall, but it definitely needed some TLC, a lot of maintenance, and a few practical upgrades. With that and allot of help from the folks here, it is the perfect bike, at least in my opinion. Shaft drive and all.
. And yes, it is pretty much a carbon copy of Jon’s ’82 GK.Attachments
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Yep, I have noticed the dislike for shaftys! Or maybe it's just Rob's comments I've been seeing!
It's an '82 that the PO painted to look like an '83. I really wanted a GPz1100, but I'm not made of gold. I didn't even know about GS11Es when I bought it in 2013 after a 24 year hiatus from riding, but it checked every box: 1100cc, chain drive, air cooled, dohc. I immediately bought the 1982 Cycle World issue that reviewed it ("better than Kaw," Bike of the Year '81, '82 & '83) and was convinced I lucked out. Seller had it listed several weeks for $1900, then when he dropped it to $1500 I went for a look. Cold started perfectly and screamed to red line without a stutter. "No center stand?" I asked. "This bike doesn't have one," he answered. Previous Owners - you gotta love 'em!
Chain was so stretched it slapped the swing arm, but it was a pleasure replacing it (and tires and sprockets & brake lines), added APE pods, an 1150 oil cooler and an '83 (140 mph) speedo. New Jersey State Trooper told me that he clocked me at 90, but that if reg and insurance were in order, he would only write me up for 75. He actually said, after looking at the original 80 mph speedo, "You couldn't have known how fast you were going." I was sure I was doing 100-110 mph. :dancing:
Also replaced fork springs & seals, checked valves (in spec) and had it jetted on a dyno, where it produced 99.3 hp. After reading everything I could get my hands on (bought original owner's manual, Haynes shop and downloaded & printed Suzuki's shop), I felt like I got the best bike in the best color.
Well, almost. If you'll notice, PO painted it slightly darker than '83 red. Why are previous owners such dorks?
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Bike can be a little confusing when looking at it, redder than the "82" maroon and not near as red as the "83" Fire engine red, "82" wheels but "83" black eng., for sure different but nice...Got to disagree on color, by far best color for 2nd gen. GS1100E is the almost but not silver and almost but not gold, I'm thinking back then Suzuki called it "Champagne"
Well, my engine is black, but I don't think spraying a little paint on it causes the crank to be welded.
It's an '82, through and through, except for the speedo. It's my opinion that '83 red is the fastest color. But opinions are like armpits: everyone's got one, and it usually stinks.
I'm just thrilled that I finally posted a full sized pic, all by my self. Hey, I wonder if the system upgrade has anything to do to with that...
It's an '82, through and through, except for the speedo. It's my opinion that '83 red is the fastest color. But opinions are like armpits: everyone's got one, and it usually stinks.
I'm just thrilled that I finally posted a full sized pic, all by my self. Hey, I wonder if the system upgrade has anything to do to with that...
He's had a bump on the head, you know.
Hey guys, thanks for putting in your pics.....I think what we are looking for is a little history on the bike and how you got it. Makes it way more interesting imo.
Thanks
Updated my post with a little history on the bike. Oh, and this is the photo I was talking about in that story.
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Does anyone have a bike that you would like us to consider for BOTM?
I've thought about submitting my 850 for your consideration. Seems like there have been a few 850's and other shaft driven models in recent months though.
Dismal background, but here's my 850
20250906_215130 by Roger, on Flickr
Dismal background, but here's my 850
20250906_215130 by Roger, on Flickr
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Was there any discussion on our suggestions to make it easier to submit to botm?
If we had the thread as suggested we could be posting submissions to consider all month long and admin could pick from it at the end of each month.
