What the "L" means

[GSXR7ED]

There are very few L models left with the original handlebars. Everyone should ride one (a short distance) if you have the chance to understand just how wrong and hellish a handlebar can be. It's an experience.

Once the handlebar is sorted out ($20 or so and an hour of sorting out revised cable, wire, and hose routing), the L models handle pretty much exactly the same as the E or G standard-style models, and maybe even a little better since you're seated a little lower and so your CG is lower. The steering geometry with the leading axle fork ends up exactly the same since Suzuki juggled the steering stem dimensions.

If you have long legs, the seating position bends your knees a bit more. If you're vertically challenged, it works out much better. You are more locked into one position, but the seat is still very comfy; just not one of the very best ever like the G models.

Drivetrains are the same, although some models end up with slightly lower gearing and a little more scoot off the line thanks to the 16" wheel vs. the 17" on the E or G models.

The L exhausts are a little shorter and have a bit more growl, which many find pleasant.

The smaller tank on many L models is one unavoidable downside if you're the iron butt type.

Overall, there's absolutely no reason to hate on an L other than the original handlebar and maybe the smaller tank. Changing the handlebar is a fairly trivial task, so you can set that aside entirely. And if you're tall, you won't like the lower seating position, but there are also a lot of folks that prefer it. Many L models are a teensy bit quicker and most sound a little better.

And AFAIK, the L models outsold the "standard" models back in the disco era, so there seem to be more of them out there today.

Thanks for the breakdown of components on the “L”.

When I bought my “T” back in October 2012, it had an “L” seat on it and I believe the chrome headlight is also from an “L”. Parts are interchangeable so PO seemed to make it work.

The only drawback it seems...is the peanut tank...and shorter seat isn’t desirable for taller riders. Other than that, just the stigma attached to it.

Ed

****

 

[eight]

You forgot the best thing about the L model. They are so unhip that collectors and purists all stick their noses up at first sight. Its like taking a time machine back decades on prices. Bars swap yes sure, tank or wheels if you must.

Or just enjoy cruising them ugly as is if you couldn't care "L"ess.

 

[Grimly]

I'd have an L, no problem. As bwringer says, the shortcomings are easily addressed or can be lived with.
Heck, my XS650 was the factory Special version, and once I'd disposed of the stupid cow-horn handlebars it's been absolutely fine. About the only thing that gives away its origin is the 16" rear wheel, and I'm in no hurry to change it.

 

[Steve]

There are very few L models left with the original handlebars. Everyone should ride one (a short distance) if you have the chance to understand just how wrong and hellish a handlebar can be. It's an experience.

And, for some strange reason, it's only the Suzuki version of the "L" bar that is such exquisite torture. While some might argue about the overall height, the angle of the handgrips is the worst part. For those who use a windshield and tour, rather than lean into the wind and attack, taller bars are not bad. The Suzuki L bars, however, put an evil twist at the wrist.

Drivetrains are the same, although some models end up with slightly lower gearing and a little more scoot off the line thanks to the 16" wheel vs. the 17" on the E or G models.

Not sure about the chain-driven versions, but the 850L has an ever-so-slightly taller gear in the transmission that pretty much offsets the smaller diameter of the rear wheel.

.

 

[kerrfunk]

Last bike I would never own?

because you won't need to buy anything after you've found the perfect bike? I understand.

I love the L. Only thing I don't like about the L is the teeny tank. Seriously. A hundred miles is about my max, and even then I get nervous around eighty miles.

I love my L bars. People always say the thing about wrist angle, but it fits me like a glove, I swear. I might change the angle of the bars by an inch, but naw, I like the bars.

The seat is low, and my legs do get a little restless. But with a small tank, that's okay

Ls are also full of chrome. And they don't have that little storage trunk at the taillight like the Es.

 

[hank2]

I wouldn't reject an L either, but the bars would have to go. I've been tempted by several very clean and low priced L's I've seen listed in my general area. Mostly GS850L's. Also many, many brat bikes or attempts among the L's for sale. Usually way over priced or very cheap and don't run or didn't quit in time with the Sawzall.

 

[bwringer]

...Not sure about the chain-driven versions, but the 850L has an ever-so-slightly taller gear in the transmission that pretty much offsets the smaller diameter of the rear wheel..

Yep, I didn't really mention that, but there's one tooth difference in the 850G vs 850GL fifth gear, so they end up about the same RPM/MPH-wise and performance-wise.

Now that I think about it, I don't know whether the 1000G/GL and 1100G/GL have the same difference. I guess if anyone cares deeply enough, (I sure don't) they can go trawling through the fiches to find out.

 

[eight]

Does rotating the bars not help the angle? I would think that would be the first try. Funk's bike looks like the bars are lower than the brochure pics.

Now looking at the bars and thinking, I would imagine the longer your torso, the better the angle.

 

[GSXR7ED]

because you won't need to buy anything after you've found the perfect bike? I understand.

I love the L. Only thing I don't like about the L is the teeny tank. Seriously. A hundred miles is about my max, and even then I get nervous around eighty miles.

I love my L bars. People always say the thing about wrist angle, but it fits me like a glove, I swear. I might change the angle of the bars by an inch, but naw, I like the bars.

The seat is low, and my legs do get a little restless. But with a small tank, that's okay

Ls are also full of chrome. And they don't have that little storage trunk at the taillight like the Es.

My "T" has lots of chrome too!

Seat is low enough for my short legs.

It's good you love your bike...that's all we can do is love our bikes.

Ed

****

 

[thkbaron]

I thought lame. I'm finally getting rid of my seat. I'm a short dude but I think they sit pretty damn high actually. All shiny new though they do look pretty nice. But then again all the old bikes new look awesome.

 

[Steve]

Yep, I didn't really mention that, but there's one tooth difference in the 850G vs 850GL fifth gear, so they end up about the same RPM/MPH-wise and performance-wise.

Now that I think about it, I don't know whether the 1000G/GL and 1100G/GL have the same difference. I guess if anyone cares deeply enough, (I sure don't) they can go trawling through the fiches to find out.

Some time ago, I saw a chart posted here that showed all the shafty ratios, and I saved it.
It has one column that shows engine RPM at 70 MPH.

The '80 850L and 1000L had 17" rear wheel, so there was no difference in speed.

'79-'82 850G = 5021 RPM
'81-'82 850GL = 5016 RPM

'80-'81 1000G = 4449 RPM
'81 1000GL = 4445 RPM

The '82 1100G got the taller gear that was on the L, which dropped the RPM to 4273.
Due to its smaller rear wheel, the 1100GL remained at the previous 4445 RPM.

The '83 1100GK and 1100GL got a taller final drive which lowered RPM to 4186.

Very subtle differences through the years, but most are compatible.

.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Oh, Steve...the technical things you read to know. That’s why working on hospital equipment is the right job for you.

Ed

****

 

[Steve]

It took a while (many, many different jobs) before I found my niche, but I like it. :encouragement:

.

 

[Wingsconsin]

To L or not to L -- That is the question...

To L or not to L -- That is the question...

because you won't need to buy anything after you've found the perfect bike? I understand.

I love the L. Only thing I don't like about the L is the teeny tank. Seriously. A hundred miles is about my max, and even then I get nervous around eighty miles.

I love my L bars. People always say the thing about wrist angle, but it fits me like a glove, I swear. I might change the angle of the bars by an inch, but naw, I like the bars.

The seat is low, and my legs do get a little restless. But with a small tank, that's okay

Ls are also full of chrome. And they don't have that little storage trunk at the taillight like the Es.

Yes - Yes - Yes

My L is a great little bike.
The handlebars are fine for me- I DID adjust them to an angle I like -
But they are adjustable -
I changed the seat to a custom - it makes me a little taller (higher seat) and that stretches my legs out a bit.

The ONLY thing is the smallish tank -
Every 135 +/- miles I have to get fuel - that is annoying to me as my other bike is a Goldwing with a range of 225 easy and I have seen 250 on a tank may times.

When I was on my trip last year (2500 miles in 6 days) I carried a 1 gallon tank in the side case -
I used it once because I was too lazy, wet, and tired to make another stop for fuel along the way to the motel
I just emptied it into the tank and kept going . Unless I was going out west I would not worry about it - fuel stops are plentiful

So -- I resto-modified the L out of the bike and it is a fun bike to commute with
And finding a good G model around here proved near impossible while I had my choice of several Ls

 

[thkbaron]

dang you get 135 out of your tank? That's impressive. I doubt I would even get 100

 

[Wingsconsin]

dang you get 135 out of your tank? That's impressive. I doubt I would even get 100

125 to 135 to REServe - then I start looking for fuel.
I get about 35 to 42 MPG at reasonable speeds (under 65)
At 75-80 that drops a lot and I go to reserve at around 100 miles.
At Reserve I put in about 3.5 gallons - and I think I have another .75 gallon of usable fuel left over--
I have seen 150 miles on a tank - but that is a lot easier to do when one is carrying an extra gallon in the side case

 

[eight]

If my pos ever runs I also have plenty of fuel stops here also. And I figure rotate the bars downward in the clamps if my wrists object. I think ideally I would want a bend halfway between low bars and L bars.

I'm guessing its best to stop rotating when the end of bar hits the tank in a turn..

 

[jsandidge]

In my case, the L stands for Love It! Of course, I did change the bars, added floorboards, and painted over some of the chrome.

 

[bobgroger]

Don't forget the '80 "L" was 16 valve and chain drive. Every bit as fast as the 1100e....

 

[Tom R]

The 19/16 tire sizes makes for more interesting handling at the track on the L’s....
though I think the original 17” tires had a lower profile than the 16”; so the overall diameter wasn’t that different.