NJ Newbie here - 1983 GS1100G

[gordinho80]

Hi all. I just picked up my first bike yesterday. Its a 1983 Suzuki GS1100G with 13k miles. I had been looking for an inexpensive starter bike for a few months now and came across this guy in a small parking lot with a For Sale sign on it. After talking to the owner a few times over the phone and via text, I went to go look at it in more depth last night and take it for a test ride. It came home with me!

The bike shows its age, but is in really good shape for a 31 year old. Its a little choppy when you first get going, but after it warms up, it smooths out. I'm thinking the carbs need cleaning and syncing.

I'm a straight up baby when it comes to riding. I've ridden scooters on vacations and a small dirt bike like once or twice many moons ago.

I'm hoping to learn a lot about the bike from everyone here.

When I saw her for sale...

Loaded and on the way home!!

 

[78550GS]

Very nice. Carbs and valve adjustment ASAP.

 

[overboostin]

That's pretty clean. How much did you pay for it?

 

[gordinho80]

$700. It was a steal! I'm only the 3rd owner...

 

[dorkburger]

Welcome to the site, and good luck with the cycle....It looks good. We're practically neighbors......well youre the closest GSR member to me anyway.....

 

[wymple]

I do not consider an 1100 a starter bike for anybody. But a good buy for sure.

 

[Charlie G]

Welcome! Very fine $700.00 bike. It'll stretch your arms if you let it.

cg

 

[eil]

Very nice bike, pretty decent deal. But aside from being relatively cheap, this is one of the worst beginner bikes I can think of. It's heavy and powerful. It will not give you many second chances. And as a new rider, the odds are not in your favor.

My advice: Put this one in the back of the garage for at least a year (preferably two) and pick up a used mid-range bike instead. Maybe even a dual-sport that you can take off-road now and again. There are Suzuki GS twins that make perfectly cromulent beginners bikes. They will teach you how to ride and wrench at the same time. Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvYM2Z0usMg

Have you taken the MSF's Basic Rider Course?

Welcome to the site (and the wonderful world of motorcycling) and don't miss BassCliff's Mega-Welcome over in the "GS Owners" forum. That's the starting point for everything you need to know about owning and maintaining your new beast.

 

[dorkburger]

Eil and Wymple do have a good point. A cheap dual sport could be tons of fun near you or down in the Pine Barrens.....We used to spend a lot time in the Forked River/Manchester area riding offroad......

 

[gordinho80]

Thanks everyone! I will be taking basic rider course very soon. I appreciate the concern for this being my first bike, but I plan on taking it very easy at first and easing my way into longer and longer rides. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a smaller bike though...

 

[Guest]

If a GS1100 is a starter bike than what is an ending bike? Are you going to upgrade from this to a heavy, slow v- twin someday? This is a good bike you have. Get the maintenance caught up and learn how to ride it, could be the last bike you'll ever want or need

 

[850 Combat]

There is an excellent chance that the PO who replaced the exhaust system did not jet for the new pipe. You may get the job.

 

[gordinho80]

I don't think it was either.. I'm happy to keep it as long as it lasts. It rides great, but I'm guessing it would ride a lot better once rejetted.

 

[chris032188]

Welcome to the site, and good luck with the cycle....It looks good. We're practically neighbors......well youre the closest GSR member to me anyway.....

I'm neighbors with both of you guys - I'm right in manalapan... Nice starter bike - looks good

 

[gordinho80]

Awesome! We should get together for a ride...