classic motorcycle forum
Motorcycle Discussions => Japanese Bikes => Topic started by: statik on October 30, 2011, 02:23:46 PM
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I recently got myself a 1982 Suzuki GS1100GZ which was first registered in 1984. I explained that first for a good reason. It's a nice bike and the engine and gearbox are very sweet, I did really well. This was the bike I should have owned in the 80's but didn't because I had Nortons, BSA's, Triumph and the like. Bloody Jap-crap was my attitude. (Even after buying a PE250 Enduro)
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2001-10-11/SNV30366.jpg)
I got it on Ebay and made the owner a fair offer well under the asking price considering it was in Ireland and would cost me quite a lot to go and get it. I could have it delivered but would miss out on seeing it before paying and the pleasure of getting it myself. Not been to Ireland for a long time so was looking forward to going.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2001-10-11/SNV30385.jpg)
It turned out to be the wettest weekend I have ever seen. Didn't see much of anything after I picked up the bike because it hammered down like the sky was falling. I took my nephew along for the ride and we ended up sitting in the van most of the day because everywhere was shut or flooded. Kerbs just vanished and roads became rivers.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30425.jpg)
I started the paperwork and all seemed to be going smoothly, I hadn't realised what a faceless bureaucracy DVLA was. First problem was the model GS1100GZ is 1982 but the bike is 1984 so the GZ is wrong in their mind. Don't know what the code is for 1984 but that made them start looking. The frame number has two extra zeros instead of a dash so they looked harder. Then the engine number had part of the prefix missing. That all meant I was ordered not to use it on the road untill it had a DVLA inspection. I had to van it to Maidstone which meant unloading my van to get the bike in and me and my nephew taking a day off work to go there. We even had to pay for the car park while we waited. Wasn't very happy considering there is TAX, MOT and insurance on the bike. I even missed a nice ride out with my mates on the previous Saturday. I had taken my other bikes to bits at the time so the GS was my only running bike.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30415.jpg)
I did get it out for a ride this weekend after fixing a broken fuse holder and the weather is holding out nicely.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30423.jpg)
The DVLA inspection went OK and the paperwork is being sorted out.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30425.jpg)
It runs nice and is smooth as silk in a soft place sitting on top of cushions made of clouds.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30430.jpg)
When I stopped at the Oakdene cafe for tea and a greasy breakfast a crowd formed before I even turned it off.
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30437.jpg)
After years and years of riding singles and twins, motorcross, trials and trail bikes, smelly noisy British bikes and two strokes what do I think of it?
(http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn233/statikly/Suzuki%20GS1100G%2029-10-11/SNV30420.jpg)
Don't much like it.
Give me a smelly oily British bike or a nice lightweight single cylinder Trailly and I'll be happy. Can't wait to use the DR Big or the Triumph again.
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Why don't you like it ?
Quantify give reasons!
Be objective.....what's wrong with it?
You will put me off restoring a four cylinder Kawasaki if you are not careful!
Cheers
JBW
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Do you want to sell the bike, lett me know im intrested
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he dosant like it cos its to easy , good , nice , and part of the hobby is to work on it fix it keep it going its that feeling of achevment when youve made it the 20 miles to your local pub on your 1938 velo that makes it all seam worth while , bikes like this out live there owners with little input , soul less , for me at least . having said that i do have a k100 as a every day hack
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Your right; that GS is a really nice bike.
You've tried it and its not for you; it should be a bad thing if we all liked the same thing; would'nt it?
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love it ! always had a soft spot for these - got 2 1/2 now !
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This is an old post but I will reply. I've lived with this old Suzuki for a while now and it's grown on me. I'm more used to old singles and trail bikes. This is so smooth and heavy with old suspension that it wasn't to my type of riding. I fitted harder springs to the rear shocks and put fresh oil in the forks and it handles much better. I was upset when I first took it for a proper ride because this had always been my dream bike and it turned out to be a wallowing pig.
The carburettors had a problem. The springs on the slides had been replaced with a shorter type with less coils. I manage to find a new set of the standard ones and the engine runs better in all conditions. Doesn't like very cold starting but neither do I. I hardly ever drive bikes on motorways but this thing is perfect for that type of riding.
So sorry I must eat my words, I learned to love it.