Call me crazy but I'm actually considering this bike.

[JTGS850GL]

It turned out to be a no sale. Bike looked good but after a few minutes of running it stalled. Upon restart it began to smoke out the left side exhaust. Too bad since it was in pretty nice shape overall. Guess I'm still a solid GS owner.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

The quarter mile times in the day were with the obligatory 115 pound rider. Add a second for the typical 220 pound rider 60 year old GSR member today. I have to make a perfect run on my stock 1100e to break in to the 11s at 230 suited up. Power to weight and all....

That would have no bearing on the matter debated here, as I'm sure you would agree. Besides, the bike's capability is always assessed with those criteria managed in the same fashion by the press. That said, a good friend ran my FZ1 down the track in the 10's several times, and he weighed about 200 in gear.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

It turned out to be a no sale. Bike looked good but after a few minutes of running it stalled. Upon restart it began to smoke out the left side exhaust. Too bad since it was in pretty nice shape overall. Guess I'm still a solid GS owner.

You were spared from the curse of Frankenstein's monster.

 

[JTGS850GL]

Just as a side note. I was able to give it a drive. General feeling was it does have a ton of power but the vibration is present from the 2-3K RPM range. Was actually pretty annoying. Almost "Harleyish". Will never look at my GS1000 as being a vibrator again.

 

[Guest]

Just as a side note. I was able to give it a drive. General feeling was it does have a ton of power but the vibration is present from the 2-3K RPM range. Was actually pretty annoying. Almost "Harleyish". Will never look at my GS1000 as being a vibrator again.

My sentiments exactly, you probably saved yourself from a giant headache down the road. If you want a kick-ass power cruiser, there are TONS of V65's and VMAX's in that price range. Much more popular, more parts, more forums, just better bikes overall.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

I enjoyed my VMax. I also enjoyed my VF1000R. I think the next V motor I try will be a twin. I really liked the Harley Street Rod.

 

[JTGS850GL]

One other bike I'm considering is a Honda ST1100. Not a cruiser but still unique and much more civilized:

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/5989033078.html

 

[Burque73]

One other bike I'm considering is a Honda ST1100. Not a cruiser but still unique and much more civilized:

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/5989033078.html

I'd love to ride one of these. One of my favorite newer bikes.

edit: well, newer than my 83 anyway, lol

 

[GS1150Pilot]

They are solid as rocks. Probably about the most boring V4 on the planet, but fantastic for getting the hell out of town.

 

[srsupertrap]

They are solid as rocks. Probably about the most boring V4 on the planet, but fantastic for getting the hell out of town.

I agree the ST1100 is super reliable, smooth & great for touring but lacks soul. Little price difference between earlier and later versions but 95 & up models have the better alternator.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

I remember the alternator being a point to consider.

 

[JTGS850GL]

Good feedback guys. Looking more into the ST1100 and trying to identify weak areas. There are a couple in my area right now.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

A colleague of mine, who now rides a C14, put 150K on his ST1100 with the only issues being worn out driveshaft splines and upgrading the alternator due to all the electric gear he has.

 

[alke46]

I currently have a '93 ST1100 with 127K on the clock. Still has the stock alternator with no problems. It is sooooo nice to have a 300 mile fuel range.

Only major problems I have encountered was a coolant leak under the 4 carbs that was a major PITA to fix and then later when the water pump failed. Very costly fix that was.

Just ride one a while and you will find it is a very good long range tourer albeit without a soul.

 

[Guest]

Never had an ST1100, but have ONLY heard good things about them. If being "without a soul" is the worst knock against it, it must be a pretty darn good motorcycle.

 

[JTGS850GL]

Found one in the Atlanta area for $700. The alternator is toast and needs to be replaced. The bike has 108K miles on the clock but the engine was "refreshed" at 80K. Might consider taking a look since it's close. I know that replacing it's expensive and a bit of a pain but if the deal is a good one then so be it. Not like I haven't done a fair amount of wrenching in the past. Just one more project.

 

[RichDesmond]

Never had an ST1100, but have ONLY heard good things about them. If being "without a soul" is the worst knock against it, it must be a pretty darn good motorcycle.

I dunno, to me that's a pretty serious flaw. Have a hard time imagining riding a bike that didn't arouse some sort of passion or excitement. Back when I still had a first gen Kawasaki Concours I test rode an ST1000. By any objective criteria the ST was a better bike, but it left me completely cold. It was the definition of an appliance, and the ride totally squelched any thought I had of buying one.

 

[JTGS850GL]

I figure, when I need to ride a bike with passion, I'll jump on my GS1000. Right now I would like a boring dependable ride as a daily rider. Something smooth and silky.

 

[bccap]

Found one in the Atlanta area for $700. The alternator is toast and needs to be replaced. The bike has 108K miles on the clock but the engine was "refreshed" at 80K. Might consider taking a look since it's close. I know that replacing it's expensive and a bit of a pain but if the deal is a good one then so be it. Not like I haven't done a fair amount of wrenching in the past. Just one more project.

I don't know how available parts are for that bike on ebay but when the alternator went on my Kat { $1100 new } it took me about ten minutes to find one for fifty bucks on ebay..............

 

[RichDesmond]

I figure, when I need to ride a bike with passion, I'll jump on my GS1000. Right now I would like a boring dependable ride as a daily rider. Something smooth and silky.

The ST will definitely fit that bill.
In a lot of ways it's like a giant scooter.