1982 Suzuki GS1100G Review - Best Classic Motorcycle Value?

In this fun ride review we'll be looking at the 1982 Suzuki GS1100G. This bike was produced from 1982-1984. I'll be giving some history and specs on the GS1100G and then riding it. Ride along with me as we explore the question - is the Suzuki GS1100G the best classic motorcycle value?

[@stevewashere4122]

I had a 82' GS1100G. Got it in 1986 new. Was in Chicago still crated up, I'm in Ohio. Loved that bike! Got it an after market plexi glass fairing for long highway trips & cold weather riding. Comfortable and powerful.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! This is my third GS1100G - they're great bikes. Cheers!

[@1vincej1]

Good morning John! Another great video! The more I watch your videos. The more I think the late 70s thru the late 80s were some of the best bikes. Stylish, quick, fast and easy to work on. A low 11 to high 10 quarter mile bike is fast. Doesn't matter what yr it was made. Suspensions and frames finally caught upto the power. I'd much rather have a collection of 70s and 80s bikes over what their making now. Keep the shiny side up! Stay safe!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks, Vince!

[@shinethelight01]

I hate to say it, (as an ecstatic FJ1200 owner) but this GS1100G is my favorite bike of your collection. Aces!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I rode this one yesterday - I'm still in love. Cheers!

[@kutz13]

Had one of these back in the day, carried me between home and Germany many times. Used it as part-ex against a gsxr1100k when they first came out, not as comfy but hell of a thrill!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The original GSX-R1100 was a thrill ride. It was very much like riding a purpose built endurance racer from the time - very raw!

[@karlvanboxel561]

Nice Bikes these I had a mate with the 1000 g he had over 60000 miles without issue a guy in Australia had 400000-500000 kms on his b4 retiring it that roller brg bottom end almost never dies 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, they were overbuilt and quite reliable. Cheers!

[@VailJohnson]

I so wish I could find another 1100g, it was one of my favorite bikes out of the 150+ I've owned. So much better than the 850G which was the same weight with WAY less power. Nice work!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree, the GS1100G is one of my favorites. I've owned the 850 as well. As you say, no comparison, really. Good luck with your search! Cheers!

[@VailJohnson]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 love your work here! Great memories as I've had every displacement of 1980 to 1983 GS Suzukis from 450 to 1100. Ten in all include the ill fated GS 1100GK..the full dress version with weird luggage and funky full fairing. Short gearing with a 16" rear wheel made it really buzzy at speed and the handing was pretty wobbly even after all the aftermarket help I could muster! Cheers, Vail

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@VailJohnson The GK was essentially a G fitted with a very heavy (and buzzy) fairing and luggage. It had better performance than the Goldwing but wasn't as good (smooth) as a tourer. Stripped of the fairing and bags, the GK is a surprising performer. Cheers!

[@VailJohnson]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes, I also had the plain GS1100G model which was great!. The GK had the smaller 16" rear wheel, lowering the gearing unnecessarily.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@VailJohnson I'm sure the wheels are interchangeable. Cheers!

[@JohnDoesGarage]

We have very similar tastes in bikes because I also have an 82 GS1100G. I love the GS line and having both an 81 GS1100E and the 82 1100G, I have something for every type of riding I like to do. Thank you for another great video.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! I'm a GS fan for sure! I'm sure you saw, but I just picked up a 1981 GS1100E. Cheers!

[@russ3080]

I have not had the privilege of riding a GS1100, but I absolutely loved my GS750E. Great upload Jon👍 as always.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Russ!

[@BiGDeE3]

Another great review of a classic .. great work man 👍🏽👍🏽

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! Cheers

[@craigjeffrey3236]

We didn't get the 1100G, but the GS1000G was very popular with the sidecar set....

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It has the power to haul a sidecar, but that would be ruining a really nice motorcycle in my opinion. 😉 Cheers!

[@craigjeffrey3236]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538Me neither, but whatever rings their bells. Sidecar "Outfits" weren't for me. I've actually got a picture of one from the time. A GS1000G with a big CB radio antenna attached to the 'Car'...There were actually quite a few of them. Mostly at rallies. Most changed to leading link front ends...Great days. You could spend your life wandering around looking at the bike parks...ha....

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@craigjeffrey3236 Right on!

[@malcolmabram2957]

Thanks for this video, enjoyed it. I started motorcycling in 1979 (okay a long time ago), but big bikes in those days had a reputation for bad handling especially at high speed. Lots of bad reports on the big Suzukis. If you wanted a bike to handle, buy an expensive Bimota. What changed it was the Honda Fireblade, an affordable bike which handled at speed. The other manufacturers followed suit. The trouble is , I never rode these bikes, expect in later years a GSR750R, so am not in a position to judge. I ride BM boxers, and they have always given me riding satisfaction (current bike is a R1250R)..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice. Suzuki was actually the first Japanese company that got the handling on the big bikes right, starting with the GS750E and extending through the GSX-R line. The BMWs do handle great. I've owned several boxer models and K bikes. Cheers!

[@scottmcburney8938]

My 85 GS 1150 would shake its head pretty hard at 125 indicated, didn't bother me that much cause you could just power through it, but slowing back down was scary for some reason, grolt rails

[@zorbakorba4180]

Had a gs1150e back in the day... gone though lots if bike over the years... looking at an 82 gs1100g owned by a retired guy... love the simplicity of okd school riding

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@zorbakorba4180 Right on, the GS1100G is one of my all-time favorites!

[@bakerc567]

I am just about to finish reviving one of these, and I may need to get that same bubble screen. What brand is it, looks great!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! It's the Emgo Viper fairing.

[@29madmangaud29]

Wow Jon, love that bike! Thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Hi Jon I'm not sure if you received my other msg or not I can't help myself so a couple of days ago I drove up to Battle Creek Michigan and picked myself up an 83 GS1100 GK All good so far I had to order a Tachometer because the original Tachometer is all over the place and the cable has been replaced so flying down the Hwy she really screams enough to take out the instrument lights all of them so this weekend I'm hopeful that it's a wire harness plug because they all went out I guess it wasn't use to 10 grand shifts but I am very happy I drove 440 miles to get her anyway always great videos and I look forward to hearing from you Thnx Jon Hemi Mike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi, Mike! Congrats on the GS1100GK! I didn't see your other message yet, but I'll look for it. Where did you order your tach from? Mine is a bit jumpy as well. Also, check your voltage output when the bike is warmed up. The GSs are known for failing regulators that take out the stator. Rick's Electrics has good quality replacements for both. Cheers!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Hi Jon yes the regulator / rectifier seems ok, he told me its been checked out and its had an updated ground on it and runs between 14.4 - 14.6 volts bit I'm going to check it when hot also i purchased the tachometer/ gas gauge from eBay for 45 bucks hopefully it works also not crazy about the stock seat even though it hugs my butt nicely it just doesn't have that sleek apeal , i try to figure out another way for us to keep in contact because its hard for me on site with running my water Filtration Company anyway talk soon and again always a pleasure and Great Videos Hemi Mike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@mikebuchholz2054 Sounds good, Mike. You can contact me directly at: [e-mail]

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

☕️... Good morning..I've never ridden a GS. It sounds great!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good morning. I won't argue with that! The sound makes it hard to stay out of the throttle. Cheers!

[@lawsonsguitars]

Thanks a lot I will give the pinstripes a shot Love your videos we have the same bike I have a kerker on mine about it Thanks again

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, they're great bikes!

[@DonaldErickson-st6fj]

I have a 82 gs 1100 g. It’s gotta be the most well balance bike ever. And I enjoy having it power style everything needed for a sweet ride

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's one of my all-time favorites as well, Donald. Cheers!

[@BricksAxeMan]

One of the best bikes I've ever owned!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I rode this one yesterday - I'm still in love. Cheers!

[@johnwhan7288]

I see a 1981 suzuki 1000L. Nearby me. Not crazy about the seat. How hard would it be to use the flatter seat and put a touring windshield on? I would also be looking to change the tank for a 250 mile highway range 80 to 85 mph avg.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It would be easier to just keep looking for the G. I have the L as well but ride the G more. Cheers!

[@flexjay87]

Bikes like this, at this age are proof that Carbs were and still are a viable solution to fuel delivery. My '96 Honda 1100 V=4 gets 40-45 mpg all day long. Now, i will admit if you ride year round, especially in cold weather, then fuel injection is king. But otherwise, its not necessary. Regardless, these old school big bore Suzuki's are top tier , in the condition like yours !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Adding to that, I went one size up on my pilots, and it makes all the difference on cold starts. I don't have issues on cold days like I did with the stock pilots. Cheers!

[@henryhawk978]

Enjoyed the video Jon. What might a person pay for a bike in this condition? RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I refer to NADA values on the vintage bikes. It's a good starting point, at least. To the right person, the mods I made are value adders. Bottom line, I haven't put a number on mine. Cheers!

[@eigoto]

Hi John, Thanks for a good video. I own the same GS in japan and enjoy the ride. One question about the sound from delkevic, did you add buffer in the pipe to reduce the noise? I have a same pipe but it was too loud,,

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I didn't add any baffles. It comes with two baffles here in the States, and I left them both in. I don't find it too loud, but I do ride with earplugs. Cheers!

[@robertrodriguez8167]

Nice review, does the G really handle as nice as a chain driven model?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think it does - and I have two GS1100Es in the garage next to this bike. They have very similar chassis. All the Suzukis of this era were very plush-riding when new and benefit from fresh rear shocks and firmer fork springs. Cheers!

[@lawsonsguitars]

Love these bikes Did you add the pinstripe to rear? I have go rear pabel on my bike wanting to stripe it to match Thanks for any info in color exact fir it Thanks

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I pinstriped it myself. I just took my side panel to an auto supply store and got the closest match. Fortunately, the striping is a standard automotive size and color. A hair dryer is essential on the corners. I hope that helps. Cheers!

[@rogermcadams8806]

Somehow I missed this one when you put it out. I've done everything that you have except the Delcavic. My original pipes are in good shape but I'm missing that sound since I sold my ES. I'm assuming you have to pull the headers to get to the cartridge?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

There's no interference with the pipes. The Delkevic is extremely well engineered. Cheers!

[@rogermcadams8806]

Okay thanks Jon! Guess it's on now😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@rogermcadams8806 Right on! Fit the 4 downpipes into the collector (one at a time) off the bike. Make sure they slide in without issues. Then follow the directions. It should be a trouble-free install if you do. And, I would recommend the stainless one over the black - the finish holds up better in my experience. Cheers!

[@rogermcadams8806]

Stainless on the way Jon! Not trying to be a copy cat I just really like this old G. I have the Fly screen up front ( like it ) was curious about jetting if it would be okay if left baffle alone didn't want it to be too lean. I know you jetted but didn't know if you had pulled baffle.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@rogermcadams8806 I'm revisiting the jetting now. I would pull the pilots and mains and go up one to two sizes on each. Also, 3 turns out on the air-fuel screws to start with. I run the full baffle, and it sounds great. Let me know what you go with. Cheers!

[@ispeed1971]

I just bought a 82 GS1100GK. And I am planning a similar build. Where did you get your turn signals?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They are off of a Honda Fury. I had them lying around, and they were in nice condition. Cheers!

[@aidenmornay]

Superb bike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks Aiden.

[@erniepost641]

I have this exact bike with electrical problem's. What kind of stator and rr did you say.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@erniepost641 Rick's Electrics

[@ispeed1971]

Is there any difference between the 1982 GS1100G and GS1100G besides seats and bars?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm happy to answer that, but could you clarify the question? Both models listed in the question are GS1100G. Thanks!

[@florianasbisa2731]

I’m a retired USAF guy and have 2 1981 GS1100e motorcycles For Sale in Tampa FL

[@massimoleon1776]

You have pics

[@florianasbisa2731]

Yes I have

[@mikebuchholz2054]

I've owned every Suzuki 1000- 1150 from 78- 90 including my Katana 1100 all the GSXR 1100 's always fantastic bikes also was a bike Mechanic @ BMW & Suzuki in Barrington Illinois and Champion Kawasaki in Hoffman Estates Illinois back in the 80's yes I agree with all your nice updates but my concern is I think personally I would go up 1 more size on the piolet jets because it's not good for your exhaust valves to be popping during De- Acceleration it's just my personal opinion plus you could use some 3M to get rid of the gold hue on the exhaust since they don't sell blue away anymore, I'm currently racing my 02 Busa with 3 stage Nitrous and big bore kit 1396cc And tons of head work and cams running 9.22 in full street trim stock tires 3" arm I use to race Pro- Gas Kawasaki's in the 80's 8.80 bracket also currently riding a Kawasaki Concours anyway Great bike I've had the privilege to work on them and ride your bike and yes a wonderful machine best of luck with yours in our near Future Mike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Mike! You may like a recent video I put together on the 1980's Suzuki Superbikes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGrWnWeVmZmKftksi=xuRWO7eGoOlwcmTC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Also, I recently synchronized the GS1100G carbs and backed out the air-fuel screws another turn and eliminated the pop on decel. I may go up another size on the pilots for good measure. Your Busa sounds like a BEAST!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Thnx Jon, Great Video's and I so much miss the 80's a time for wheelies and burnouts every stop light ! I just picked up another 78 LTD 1000 for another spring project and to my surprise it's got 29mm smothbores and taking the vale cover off it also has heavy duty springs and at least stage 2- 3 Andrews cams I will consult my Andrews cams book so now I'm probably going to take the head off and see if it has oversize pistons, it needs a fair amount of work since the previous owner left it outside in these Chicago winters I'm sure you get the picture but nothing I haven't tackled before, I think it was a good trade for a 1976 Kenwood 160 wpc receiver I purchased from EBay for 500 bucks , I'm also into vintage stereo receivers much like bikes they don't make them like that anymore, thnx for the Great Video's and I will try to keep you updated on LTD projects, it's in line after my 1972 Hemi Challenger, almost done after 36 years Have a Great one Jon Mike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@mikebuchholz2054 That's awesome, Mike! It sounds similar to my 1978 KZ1000 LTD project, smoothbores and all. I'm not sure if you saw that playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSqp2hb8NbXRXkVYv185cA5y I wish you were closer. It would be fun to compare notes on the different bikes we've worked on, owned and ridden over the years. Have a great weekend. Cheers!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yes you too Jon I'm sure we will talk again in near future. Oh, i also have the red 76 LTD 900 With an 1198 motor on it almost like your 78 but the pin strips are different, original paint Anyway I'm sure we could talk for years ! Have a Great Weekend Time to go shopping for food, not more bikes for now , Haa !

[@carlgodin4661]

So kinda a wild thought but would a 1983 suzuki gs1100g with a jet kit, exhaust system 4-1 obviously tuned/synced could that beat a 1985 honda magna v45 now from my knowledge that is in the mid 80s hp stock and the suzuki stock is like mid to low 90s hp now with the modifications could it beat my buddies honda in a race motor to motor

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Suzuki would have the advantage in torque output. I think it would be a close race. My 1982 GS1100G with exhaust & jet kit was about equal in a drag race with my friends VFR750. Cheers!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Ok Jon , I'm dealing now with the seat i ordered not even coming close to fitting, I'm not sure if its even a GS1100G seat because the brackets are completely different and the seat is about 5- 6 inches shorter, maybe you can help me with a better seat? Hopefully the Tachometer will fit it says GS 850 and looks the same with gas gauge but won't know until i get into it anyway i will msg you on your other mail when i get a chance , back 2 work for me Thnx Jon Mike

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The 1982 and up GS850G and GS1100G seats are a direct replacement for the GK seat. The earlier seats don't fit. It took me a long time to find a nice replacement for the GK seat that was on mine. Good luck with your search!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Cool Thnx for the info, what I'll probably do is either hand cut it down with a bread knife like I've done in the past with me 78GS 1000EC and my Z1 - KZ 900 - 1000's and get some good seat cover material cut foam re- staple or I have a couple of Corbin Race seat not in use that I can do some slight modifications to fit, theirs nothing out there for GS11GK'S BUT original replacement seat covers for 80 bucks so I'll figure something out, oh I forgot to mention I drove down to Indianapolis and picked up a 83 Blue and white GS1100ES. With 10k miles, she rips !! needs a throttle cable and I need to go through carbs pool at jets are probably clogged from sitting won't idle under 1300 But I freaked out how clean it is ! another mild project bike so I think I'm going to keep my 4 Suzuki's and say goodbye to my LTD Kawasaki's because 2 out of 4 need race gas to run and I haven't rode them in years! Anyway if you do hear anything about a se

[@mikebuchholz2054]

About a seat for the GK pls let me know Always Great to hear from you Jon and always enjoy your videos Cheers !! Mike

[@mikebuchholz2054]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 supposed to say piolet jets on other msg

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@mikebuchholz2054 You're welcome. The GS1100ES sounds like a real find!

[@aamirmalik9053]

Wonderful Motar cycle❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Amir!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jon. Nunca había conocido este modelo. Me parece fantástico! Tiene el mejor motor Suzuki de los finales de los 80 .la cilindrada máxima. A eso sumarle la transmisión por eje(eterna)y el carenado o burbuja que ye protege bien para hacer turismo.. Te Felicito!! Saludos

[@ociepa5521]

Bonjour l'ami , j'aime les anciennes et cette suzuki est vraiment belle je trouve , pour ma part je roule avec çà remplacente une suzuki gsx 1100 g de 1995 , j'ai bientôt 100000 km elle est plus lourde que l'ancienne mais le moteur de 1127 cm3 à 16 soupapes est une vrai locomotive tout se fait en cinquième les reprises sont dantesque , le confort excellent aussi , le look de ta suzuki me fait penser à la yamaha 850 xs que je roulait en 1982 bonne moto également ; Bravo de garder cette ancienne de l'améliorer car si elle est bien entretenu elle roulera encore de nombreuses années , j'ai une deuxième moto la Honda cb 450 s pc 17 de 1987 une merveille ; Je te souhaite bonne route avec ton cheval d'acier qui ne craint pas la route !!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Merci! La GSX1100G est également une excellente moto. Peut-être qu'un jour j'aurai l'occasion d'en évaluer un pour cette chaîne ! Bonne journée

[@ociepa5521]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Çà serait bien car nous voyons très peu d'essai sur ma bécane , elle a 3 défauts , 1 poids très important 2 une chasse avant de custom qui la fait engager dans les manœuvres serrée 3 il manque un 6 ème rapports car les étagements sont cours se qui fait mouliner le moteur , pour le reste c'est du tout bon !

[@wdhewson]

Back in the day, every friend with a Big Suzy suffered charing problems mostly to overheated stators. How is your electric luck on this GS1100?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I mentioned that in the video 😉. I replaced the stator and regulator with Rick's Electrics parts first thing. Cheers!

[@mcquad4576]

I’ve got three different GS versions. They do a lot more time sitting now that I’ve got a Vmax better get one. Take care.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've experienced the V-Max. It's a wild ride and I may get one if the price and condition are right. But it won't replace my GSs. Cheers!

[@jerrybigrig]

👍😎👍 Sounds like it does a lot of deceleration popings...too lean..??

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I can eliminate the burble with the air/fuel screws but I kind of like it. I may go 1/2 turn out in the cooler weather. Cheers!

[@will7its]

Filmed in Mexico???😅

[@lawsonsguitars]

Gk rear panel