1979 Suzuki GS1000L Chain-Drive - Riding Impressions, Specs, History

In this second installment of the "Blasts from the Past" series, , I am opening my old photo album and looking at Suzuki's 1979 GS1000L chain-drive. This is one of my completed projects from years past. We'll look at the specs, history, and riding impressions of this classic muscle cruiser. Is it a good motorcycle? Let's find out together!

[@drubek]

Bought my '79 GS1000L in 2019 from the original owner. I'm 54 now and love this bike. I learned to ride on my dad's 1982 GS850L so picking this bike immediately took me back to 17 when I rode everywhere. Great video!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback! In more recent years, I picked up a 1983 GS1100L and have featured it many times on the channel. It reminds me of the GS1000L. You can check out my road test review of the GS1100L here if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/al6yeWmJgbx-qKcsi=DVfqYISaLpQzMsRQ

[@henryhawk978]

The seat and handlebar change really brought the looks of the bike out very nicely done. Great looking bike, enjoyed the video and RIDE SAFE JON!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Henry!

[@paulp.8294]

I had the 1980 Suzuki GS1000L shaft drive. Loved that bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@craigadam6964]

Great post. I too am fortunate to own a 79 gs1000L up until last year I have had it stored in my garage since 2007. Last fall I decided to resurrect it. I had leaking fork seals, no brakes, carbs leaked, poor spark, worn out front tire, no battery, fuel cock seized, tank leaking and a few other hiccups. Thru the winter repaired everything and bought a new tire and battery, must say carbs were a nightmare but finally after 3 times I have them purring again. Took it out for a ride last week week

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Super cool, Craig! I love hearing about the classic bikes being resurrected! Enjoy the ride!

[@GingerHunter8]

Just picked up a 1000L model yesterday, my first road bike. It only has 16,000 miles on it as it has been sitting in a garage since about 2006. Looking forward to putting some TLC into it to get it running and road worthy. Your video has given me some valuable insight, thank you.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! You may want to check out the GS1100L playlist on the channel or the GS1100G for further inspiration. Good luck with the 1000L!

[@ManBoo55]

Cleetus just pulled one of these out of storage and could really use your knowledge on this bike. Food for thought.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the heads-up!

[@64faffi]

Thanks for sharing your memories. Did the same handlebar swap on my GS650GL for the very same reasons.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@russ3080]

I need to get those handle bars for my ZL1000. Thanks for the upload Jon!👍👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Russ!

[@steveneichele4662]

Thanks for posting Jon, As I stated before, I still ride a Frankinstined model. I like what you did with the seat. and am considering putting on a more rectangular tail light (like a XS11's) Just got to love the simple & robust design of the GS. Again, keep up the Great work!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Steven!

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

That's really cool and awesome bike bro. Keep it up and more vidz to come.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@craigadam6964]

And it ran great, going to be riding the bike all summer, my brother bought it new in 79 and I bought a from him in 85 , everything on it is original. No mods have been done. I being 72 yes old am hoping to pass it on to my granson if he decides to ride bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool! I rode my 1983 GS1100GL this week as well. It was a no-title, non-running parts bike when I bought it. Runs like a champ now. With the classic bikes, we are stewarding them for the next generation.

[@cjc_0167]

Jon... spot on review IMO. Currently have an '80 750L . Had another one back in the late 80's when I was in college. The college bike had a V&H 4-1 exhaust with the K&N air pods. The jetting on it really killed the gas mileage if you rode aggressively so it gave me a chuckle when you mentioned the smaller fuel tank. Keeping the current bike much closer to stock. 😉

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@jefftuckercfii]

I had forgotten that Suzuki did the GS1000 in a cruiser version in '79. You definitely improved the looks with your changes to this L model. I had a '79 GS1000E purchased brand new and loved it, especially after going to a Vance & Hines 4 into 1 exhaust and a Martek electronic ignition. Sadly sold it some years later to a cousin who sold it to a friend of his, then I lost track. Cheers!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Jeff! I had a really nice 1979 GS1000E as well. It was the Black and white one, and I put a black Kerker on it. I wish I knew where it was now! Hopefully, it has survived.

[@jefftuckercfii]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 - Mine was black with the two tone pinstriping in blue and gold. The model I only saw once on the street was the GS1000S, same as an E but with the quarter fairing and a blue and white paint job. They also moved the turn signals in front so they sat directly to either side of the headlight. Shorter handlebars as well.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@jefftuckercfii Very cool! The S is referred to as the "Wes Cooley Replica" here. It's very collectible. I have seen a few and would love to pick one up. It's the best-looking of the GS1000 bikes to my eye.

[@timkis64]

its no doubt some of those pull back handlebars were wrist twisters.some wouldve been better suited on a wheelbarrow than a performance motorcycle.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

For sure!

[@Cyber.Firefighter]

Thanks for some good shots of the seat, i screenshoted for when i get mine redone on my 79 1000L. A seat like that with a reduced rake is a far better looking bike than the E in my opinion

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@charlestomasino9161]

Enjoyed this video

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Charles!

[@jerrypowers7671]

I took mine to New England dragway in 1980 on my 79 1000l and ran a 12.35 quarter mile and that was shutting down because i blew the trans doing a brake stand and missing a shift. Still ran a good time and i was only 17 years old.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Wow, that's impressive! I wasn't the kindest to my bikes at 17 either. I missed a shift while racing and really wrapped the tach well into the red zone several times. It's no wonder my GS1100G (not the one in the video) developed cam chain noise. Cheers!

[@jerrypowers7671]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 i remember picking up my et slip at the booth on the return road and the person that handed me my slip was impressed. My bike did have a Jardine 4 into 1 and K&N airfilters. I sold that bike and bought a 1982 GS1100E. It was soo fast and i was 19 years old. I paralyzed myself from the waist down on that bike. Still in a wheelchair now.

[@1990-t1j]

Good-looking bike which would have been improved by a flat seat, although looking at it at 5:17, it looks alright. 142 mph! Dig that back light! It doesn't surprise me that the gearbox is so good. I used to have a GSX1300 BK with a slick box.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@StJimmy5]

I have a 1979 gs1000L and the front forks are shot. Any suggestions on how to fix them? I have no experience working on forks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Are you talking fork seals only? That would be relatively straight forward. There are videos on how to change the fork seals. But it's critical to know the correct fork oil level and weight before starting the job. I recommend getting that info from Suzuki. Good luck!

[@joeyh5767]

How did your 1000cc compare to your current 1100 2 valves? I’m trying to decide which one I want to buy.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

If you have the choice, go for the 1100 2-valve. More power, shaft-drive, CV carbs, etc. Cheers!

[@NeilHuseinovic]

I just bought one

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@NeilHuseinovic Very cool!

[@johnrea2794]

I have just gotten my 1979 gs1000l running again. It only has 16000 miles on it . I need side covers, can you point me in the right direction right direction

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would check Ebay first and then just keep my eyes open. I don't have a specific source for the vintage parts.

[@StJimmy5]

can you fit a gs1000e fuel tank on a gs1000l?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've never tried it, but I don't think so. Cheers!

[@BobtheYob-up9sv]

Look to the left..that's my 79 Suzuki GS1000L ! A cruiser with a 17" rear wheel..what on earth was Suzuki thinking ?..'80 onwards got a 16" rear wheel and CV carbs. Quite frankly an ugly bike stock in my opinion,, mainly due to the hideous seat..then as you say people put an even uglier king and queen seat on...jeeez. Still working on mine, they can make for a cool street /custom/cut down/ special/ rat project bike though if you like mods and doing yer own thing. They never came here to the UK and we're a one year only model, got mine as a job lot from the US, a very rare bike. Thanks for featuring as info and footage on this model is almost non existent

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! You're welcome, Bob. I enjoyed converting the bike in the video from a touring setup to a nice-looking bike. They are so simple and nice to work on. Good luck with your project!

[@blueberry2846]

142 mph sorry no ..but they would pull 125 mph with a light rider ...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Just went with Cycle's published specs for top speed. The published figure may correspond to theoretical top speed at redline in 5th gear, whereas actual top speed may be drag limited (and closer to the 125 you mentioned). The article didn't specify, and I never tried to top mine out. 😉

[@64faffi]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Cycle magazine never tested top speed, only ¼-mile and speed at the finish line. At times they listed the theoretical top speed. Cycle World did the same, but also tested actual top speed prone after ½-mile as well as intermediate times of 0-40, 0-60, 0-80 etc. Also, they began testing top gear accelaration several years before Cycle.