Champagne 83' GS1100E

[wacky941]

The single biggest problem you have in trying to match the paint and also the reason the paints are no longer available is because the state of California outlawed certain color pigments because they contained lead or had bad isotopes.


One thing I keep thinking about in this particular thread is, if the paint is so far gone and you pretty much have to do a total repaint which also includes badges (SUZUKI on the tank and GS1100E on side covers, plus Suzuki “S” on the tail fairing), why not just choose the color you want, whatever color suits your taste?

With mine, I had already decided that if I couldn’t find the matching color within like six months, I would paint mine either the 2009 Chevy Camaro color Inferno Orange or the Dodge Challenger color, I can’t remember the color name but, it has a look of Burnt Orange. My plan was to paint it the new color and have all the badges painted back on to match the new paint.

If keeping it original is the driver, don’t forget that the color is wrong for that year anyway.

just remember this one thing, it’s your bike and it should make you happy and we are supposed to be jealous. ��

Just my two cents worth, hope it gives you a little more information.

 

[Guest]

Rattle can the whole bike satin black. Done. LOL

 

[wacky941]

Rattle can the whole bike satin black. Done. LOL

LOL, I've seen that way too many times. I do have to admit that I have seen some rattle can jobs that look so good that you couldn't tell but then a couple years later it's obvious.

 

[Rob S.]

Buy up all the bodywork from an '82?

When I had my two-tone blue and silver Camaro, everybody told me the silver would be very hard to match because silver reacts with light (old style photography - ask your grampa).

But the bodywork man said, "No, the blue's harder."

 

[pano]

I don?t own a suburban but I do have an 82 1100e in champagne. I was just saying when I see the suburban on the road they look close. I do not know what the suburban color name is. Wacky has the right idea about taking a side panel to a dealer but by the looks of your bike it looks more of a silver shade to me than champagne shown in the pics I posted.

 

[GSDCW]

Is this color on this 83' GS "champagne" ?

 

[Cipher]

looks not like the oem to me. I wonder if modern paint lays up differently than the older types. Not just the colour but the depth and clarity seem off. Not bad but off.

 

[Cipher]

guys maybe the paint is very sun faded? It looks nothing like the champagne to me but that could be the result of the camera needing to be stopped down. Its as if the metallic bits are blasting through the colour.

 

[GSDCW]

So Pano, this color looks like the picture you Posted and described as "champagne"? If it is the same color as yours, then what year Chevy Suburban did you get the your color from ?

I'm considering Purchasing this Bike !

 

[pano]

I didn’t paint mine, it is original. The pick I posted is not my bike but one I found online. I can post picks of mine but not until next week. I travel for work tomorrow.

I think the pic you just posted does look more champagne than silver.

 

[Nessism]

Is this color on this 83' GS "champagne" ?

The Champagne color was for 1982, not '83. And yes, that color looks correct.

 

[wacky941]

So Pano, this color looks like the picture you Posted and described as "champagne"? If it is the same color as yours, then what year Chevy Suburban did you get the your color from ?

I'm considering Purchasing this Bike !

I?m curious, what is the hesitation in buying the bike? It almost sounds like the hesitation is the paint, is it?
From what I see, the bike looks decent, I?m sure there are many here who wouldn?t hesitate. The paint is just cosmetic! Like I said before, if you can?t find the matching color, paint it what ever color you desire.

 

[GSDCW]

Paint is not the issue at all. Mechanical condition of the bike is. Looking to do compression check on the bike and want to avoid if possible, rebuilding the motor.

 

[GSDCW]

Bought It The compression #'s were Good 150+ on all cylinders !

 

[Guest]

Looks good, enjoy it! :encouragement:

 

[dorkburger]

Congrats.
I'm pretty certain that I was talking with the previous owner of that bike n FB. If so, he has a heck of a bike collection.

 

[wacky941]

Congratulations, you're really gonna enjoy it!

Ride safe!

Now that you bought it, here is a link that will give you all the decals that you need when you decide to paint:
https://www.diablocycle.com/GS1100E-1982-Silver-Complete-Decal-Set.html

Like I said before, you can paint the motorcycle any color or shade of silver you want and the decals are readily available if you want to keep that stock look/appeal.

I've bought from them before as have many others here, very good product and I highly recommend them.

BTW, the Suzuki "S" that goes on the tail, they do carry but for whatever reason they don't list it. I'm not sure why they don't but, I have bought them here before, just had to write them an email and ask them.

 

[GSDCW]

Well I'm excited Guys. I reminds me when I purchased a New 80' GS1100E back then and really enjoyed it. I've dealt with Reproduction Decals in the past and have had good luck with them before.

 

[Rob S.]

Well I'm excited Guys. I reminds me when I purchased a New 80' GS1100E back then and really enjoyed it.

Then you should love this '82. Got several improvements over the '80 (lower seat, rear sets, that great styling and more.

 

[Griffin]

Under fluorescent lighting, the '82 paint will look silver/grey. On a cloudy day, it looks more bronze. In direct sunlight, it has a slightly pink tint. I guess that is where "champagne" comes from.

It's actually a grey base with gold metalflake, using a slightly smoke-tinted clearcoat. Like Isleoman mentioned in his post, it's pretty much impossible to exactly duplicate from a scan, but a good paint mixer can come close.


Here's my '82 (formerly my brother's, he's the original owner) the day we drug it out of the back of my mom's garage, where it had been sitting for about fifteen years.

It was a cloudy day, you can see the bronze look really well here with a tiny bit of pink to it, even through the dust.