Is the 1980 16 valve GS1100L Hard to Find?

[Eli69]

I actually seem to own a 1980 GS1100L. I didn't realize that it was an oddity. I've been working on it on and off for a couple years now and have not gotten it running yet. And it is a 16 valve chain drive. For some reason I always thought it was an 82.

 

[RustyTank]

For me, the noticeable diff. in power from 8V to 16V & chain vs shaft wouldn't be as big of a deal as riding an "L" model. I'm sure they're OK for some folks, but they just never fit me, it seems they put my knees too close to my nose

I haven't been on one yet so I can't speak from experience but for some reason, and for the first time, that riding position your referring to is beginning to appeal to me. Not that the other, standard position isn't...I'm just up for given the L a shot.

 

[RustyTank]

I actually seem to own a 1980 GS1100L. I didn't realize that it was an oddity. I've been working on it on and off for a couple years now and have not gotten it running yet. And it is a 16 valve chain drive. For some reason I always thought it was an 82.

HA! Well happy birthday...errr whatever congratulatory response is appropriate upon such a revelation :applause::dancing:

 

[Nessism]

Forum long-timer Chef (Bill) has one and has enjoyed it quite a bit. He's a good sized boy and rode the heck out of it with various configurations of hopped up engines. Assuming the L riding position fits you the only negative I can think of is the rather small gas tank.

 

[Rob S.]

Peppermint Pattie has one, and is no longer able to ride it. (Or is it Gramma Peppermint?) There's a picture of her on it, with extra chrome.

Rphillips - before you blame the L, have you considered it might be your nose at fault?

 

[Steve]

I'll admit I didn't know that Suzuki went to the 8-valve engine for the rest of the GS1100L run. Learn something every day, I guess.

Yes and No. :-k
They didn't really "go to the 8-valve" for the rest of the run. You have to look at the rest of the model designation.
The "rest" of the Ls were actually GLs, even though the G did not appear on the side cover. With that "G" in the model, it's a shafty. The first shaft-driven GS was the '79 850. It was followed in '80 by the 1000G, along with a couple of Ls, the GS850GL and the GS1000GL. The '80 850GL and 1000GL were also one-year models, sort of. The '81 L models of both bikes were re-styled and the new look continued through the '83 models. In '82, the 1000G (and GL) grew to 1100G and GL.

... I'm trying to figure out whether, when looking for an 1100L, it's even worth looking for an 80 model, and what the pros and cons are between the 1980 and the later years. ...

In my opinion, the 'pro' of the '80 1100L was the 16-valve head. The 'con' was the chain drive.
The 'pro' of the later years (sticking to the L models) was the shaft drive. They ALL had the 'con' of smaller gas tanks and uncomfortable handlebars and seats.

Wait, there was also a GS1000L? You can tell I'm gettin into the L's

As mentioned above, yes there was, but it was a GL. 8-valve head shafty.

.

 

[rphillips]

NO Rob, dang it, it's evident you have trouble comprehending what you read!!! GO read my post again, it never mentioned my nose was too close to my knees. Could be the placement of the foot pegs on the "L", or my legs may put my knees too close to my nose, but the nose has nothing to do with it.

 

[storm 64]

Can't argue with that. The nose knows.

 

[RustyTank]

Well, I'm pretty sure that when it comes time for me to start lookin for an 1100L I've got the right group of people around to help me out. Thanks for the great info. This is a fun thread, super informative.

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Funny, most folks seem to turn their nose down at the L styling, opting to change to straighter bars and a flatter seat. I guess there is some love for the L after all.

 

[RustyTank]

Funny, most folks seem to turn their nose down at the L styling, opting to change to straighter bars and a flatter seat. I guess there is some love for the L after all.

Rich, I've turned my nose up at the styling too, then I saw GSR member LOTO's 80 GS1100L, pictured here, and something clicked inside and I thought I'd look further into it. He has a thread on here from back in 2017 detailing him cleaning the bike up.

 

[gustovh]

Well I guess that I will jump in here. I have been riding a 1980 1100L for 19 years now amongst other bikes. To my mind the 16 valve 1100 engine turns up faster and gives better mileage. The seat sucks for my boney butt. My carbs have a stage one treatment and I run pods. Some parts are very hard to get, like new fork lowers. I replaced my tank with one from a 81 750 so I now have a reserve, on and pri. The engine is smooth strong and easy enough to work on.

Each machine has it’s own personality and this one loves to carve corners....or maybe it’s me.

V

 

[RustyTank]

Some parts are very hard to get

Now that's an interesting piece of information, and something to consider.

 

[gustovh]

Now that's an interesting piece of information, and something to consider.

Yes it is, but that said engine, sprockets, chain and the like are not a problem.

V

 

[Guest]

As soon as I get my valve cover gasket back on this evening, mine will be for sale.

 

[gs scott]

And can anyone tell me why on some websites it's referred to as a GSX and not a GS? Is it a regional difference?

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.)

 

[RustyTank]

As soon as I get my valve cover gasket back on this evening, mine will be for sale.

You're such a tease.

Steedracer, I don't imagine I'll be in a position to look for one for another year or so. We'll see what happens though

 

[RustyTank]

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.)

That explanation regarding the use of the GSX name is really helpful Scott. Thank you.

And I love hearing your experience with your 1100L. Thanks for chimin in.

 

[rphillips]

Rekon other parts, body, inst., forks, etc would interchange with other "L" models. Would make the parts a lot less hard to get.

 

[RustyTank]

Rekon other parts, body, inst., forks, etc would interchange with other "L" models. Would make the parts a lot less hard to get.

You'd think wouldn't you? And it's a valid point rphillips. Gustovh mentioned that some parts for his 80 1100L were very hard to come by. I can only assume that those difficult parts to find are specific to that year model.