Is the 1980 16 valve GS1100L Hard to Find?

[Eli69]

I know the seat is different. I bought a seat for an 82. Derp. It don't fit.

 

[Shin-Ken 1074]

I've only rode the 16 valve engines since 82, and I absolutely love them. Super strong engine with room to grow. So I can't add anything to the 8 vs. 16 valve discussion other than both engines are strong and will go way faster than is legal. Some say the 8 valve is a less buzzy configuration but the 16 valve never bothered me at all. A friend had the 1100L 16 valve and he wishes he never sold it - LOVED that bike.

But to answer your other question, the GSX designation was used by Suzuki worldwide EXCEPT in the US, and it was used to designate the 16 valve engine machines, in particular the 1000SZ, 1100E, ES and SZ/D and the other countries later models beyond 83. (I don't think the 1150 air/oil cooled models were ever labelled as GSX though - just the TSCC machines. Perhaps our friends/mates on the other side of the pond could chime in.)

Yes, Scott is correct regarding the GS v GSX designation for Suzuki models of the era. The X is the identifier for a 16 valve engine hence GSX. GS identifies an 8 valve engine. Both these codes were used worldwide by Suzuki except for the USA where the X to denote the 16 valve engine was not allowed to be used, US ruling. The 1985 1150 Suzi in Australia is an GSX1100EF. The EF 1150 engine is considered by many to be the best air cooled big bore transverse 4 engine built, rock solid, plenty of torque and still pretty quick for the last of the old school power plants. Installing one in my 1981 Katana project.

Cheers.

 

[Guest]

You are correct, sir. Later L models had the 8 valve engine, which was just an enlarged version of the previous liter bike. 1980 was also the only year an L model had chain drive.

I have a 81 gs1100L chain drive with the 16v motor

 

[GregT]

Yes, Scott is correct regarding the GS v GSX designation for Suzuki models of the era. The X is the identifier for a 16 valve engine hence GSX. GS identifies an 8 valve engine. Both these codes were used worldwide by Suzuki except for the USA where the X to denote the 16 valve engine was not allowed to be used, US ruling. The 1985 1150 Suzi in Australia is an GSX1100EF. The EF 1150 engine is considered by many to be the best air cooled big bore transverse 4 engine built, rock solid, plenty of torque and still pretty quick for the last of the old school power plants. Installing one in my 1981 Katana project.

Cheers.

The GSX 16valve - or more correctly 4 valve per cylinder - carries right across the capacity range.
GS - 2-valve - and GSX - 4 valve versions came in 250 and 400 twins. 550 and 750 fours too. The 650 and 850 fours only had 2 valve per cylinder versions.

I think the US market 16V GS700 is the only one without a GSX version as it was never marketed outside the US to my knowledge anyway.

 

[rphillips]

Hey shipley74, welcome !! Just wondering if you've looked at the mfg. date on the steering stem on your bike?, not saying there weren't any, I just don't remember an "81" GS1100L 16 v chain. I've heard that some states list the model, when they put it on the title, the year when bike was first sold. I haven't seen this, just heard of it happening. But looking at the model info, on this site, I find the GS1100 "L" in "80", "81", "82", & "83"(without the "GL" means chain dr.). & GS1100 "GL" (shaft dr.) were "82" & "83" only...Very interesting !!!

 

[salty_monk]

I love the 1100E engine but the ergo's of the 16v bikes don't suit me. Any of them. I'd put an 1100E engine in 1000 chassis if I wanted that engine specifically.....