GS1150EF Questions

[johnod]

I'm sort of interested in one of these, or at least keeping an eye open.

Like this.

https://www.smartcycleguide.com/L49306173

What are they like?
Any particularly bad points to look for?

Also I like the fully faired bike, is that just the EF model?
I see some with a sort of half fairing as well?

Thanks

 

[dorkburger]

They are..... Awesome.
A bit more buzzy then the 1100s particularly if the carbs are in need of a synch.
They are big, heavy, and long, but the 1135 mill has loads of grunt. I was never a fan of the clip on handlebar angle. Despite its size, I?ve read of some tall guys feeling cramped while onboard. I?m about 5'8 and it suits me fine.
I?m still not completely sure of the US / Canadian body differences and corresponding names, but the US got the naked E and the half faired ES. We never got the factory belly pan fairing. You guys did.
I?ve had mine since ?99 so feel free to hit me up with any particular questions. I?m glad to help any way I can.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Glen has it pretty spot on. I had one for about four years. Liked it quite a bit, but decided to try other machines.

 

[earlfor]

I had a 85 1150 EFE for 4 or 5 years and about the only thing I can think of is what has already been said. A precise carb balance is critical to having it run smooth as a kitten. Everyone told me the 1150's always had a bit of buzz, but mine never did. Mine ran ran smooth as a sewing machine.

 

[Carter Turk]

I've had an ES since 98.
It was the wife's bike, but now she hasn't ridden it since 2010, so I ride it when my bike is being fussed with.
Can't say I really enjoying riding it, but I doubt I'll get rid of it.
I call it the pignoramous.

 

[johnod]

Thanks for all the answers.

I'm beginning to get the idea they're big, and heavy
How heavy are they?
What dia. wheels do the have?

 

[dorkburger]

I seem to recall reading in the 530s for weight. Not sure if that's wet or dry. Oddball 16" front wheel, 17 rear.
Regarding my earlier comments on the clip ons - the naked bike has higher ones that I didn't mind. The faired bike has lower ones. The height of the low ones didn't bother me, but the (non adjustable) angle did.

 

[Jedz123]

Glen has it pretty spot on. I had one for about four years. Liked it quite a bit, but decided to try other machines.

Variety is the spice of life!

 

[johnod]

I seem to recall reading in the 530s for weight. Not sure if that's wet or dry. Oddball 16" front wheel, 17 rear.
Regarding my earlier comments on the clip ons - the naked bike has higher ones that I didn't mind. The faired bike has lower ones. The height of the low ones didn't bother me, but the (non adjustable) angle did.

Can the 16" wheel be changed out fairly easily?

I changed the clip ons , on my Katana, to a higher/adjustable type, much better.

Do they have the anti dive units on fork legs?

 

[earlfor]

Can the 16" wheel be changed out fairly easily?

I changed the clip ons , on my Katana, to a higher/adjustable type, much better.

Do they have the anti dive units on fork legs?

The 16" front wheel makes the steering light and responsive. I think you will like it. I would not change it until you put a thousand or so miles on it. In comparison, my 1100 with the large front wheel handled like a truck.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

I swapped the forks and wheels for GSXR 1100 stuff. Thanks to that stuff having already been installed on posplayr's 1100, it bolted right up. The triples on that had been modified to accept standard bars, so you can weld on clamps for such if you desire.

Yes, they have anti-dive units.

 

[johnod]

I swapped the forks and wheels for GSXR 1100 stuff. Thanks to that stuff having already been installed on posplayr's 1100, it bolted right up. The triples on that had been modified to accept standard bars, so you can weld on clamps for such if you desire.

Yes, they have anti-dive units.

That's interesting, any details, or maybe a thread on this?

Thanks

 

[dorkburger]

No personal experience with wheel swaps, but over at Old Skool Suzuki, there are many EFs, few are stock. Lots of wheel swaps and more. Seems that a bit of trial and error is involved, but one can end up with modern rubber and better brakes.

 

[johnod]

Thanks again.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

That's interesting, any details, or maybe a thread on this?

Thanks

There are quite a few threads on such swaps here.