Honda CB900 Custom Vs. Suzuki GS1100L - Classic Shootout!

[@Intrepid175a]

85 mph speedometers! Definitely do not miss those things.

[@flexjay87]

I had a Suzuki 750 back in the day with a Vance & Hines 4 into 1, and it sounded similar to your 1100, and yeah, its an addicting sound :)

[@cfaubs7516]

Thank you for bringing back a ton of great memories! Bought my GS1100L brand new in 83 and put over 50,000 incredible miles on it over 20+ years. Foolishly sold it a while back and vowed to own another before my days are done. Great video!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. There are lots of GS1100L videos on the channel if you're interested 🙂.

[@cfaubs7516]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 definitely! I will be looking. Thanks again!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@cfaubs7516 You're welcome.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

Love both of those bikes. Love you did two 4 cylinder bikes. And love love love the sound of that Zook!! Whoa!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Samuel! It was fun making this video and I agree, I love the sound of the Suzuki. Be sure to check out my other comparison videos - lots of big vintage 4-cylinders.

[@rogermcadams8806]

I've owned more Hondas than any other manufacturer but currently have a 1982 GS1100G that I simply adore riding around the countryside on. Mine still has the factory dual pipes. Really like the pipes on the Honda they just bring the visual retro appeal to the bike. The Suzuki's have the torque/pulling power and I believe they did a better job concerning the frames during that time period that translates into the "stiffer" feel on them that I think is a bonus. I have a 2016 Honda also but I keep rolling the GS out simply for the grin factor! Leave the pipes alone on the Honda Jon! The teenager is coming out in you with the Suzuki 😃 ( Does sound good I will admit.... ). Anyway thanks for keeping those machines going!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Roger! I was out riding my 1982 GS1100G this morning - it's my favorite vintage bike. I have some videos of it already on KZbin and it will be featured in several more upcoming videos so stay tuned. Enjoy the ride!

[@petev.9357]

Wow! so much to say! I learned to ride on my Dad's 1980 CB900 Custom in Shokan NY. Same color! His had the Hondaline bags on it. We left it in high gear too. Sadly we were both on it and got cut off, totaled that bike. I went into the Navy and got an 83 650 Nighthawk, then several 1100 to 1300 Hondas through the years. Now have a 2015 Yamaha FJ-09. After the 900 my Dad got a 82 Suzuki GS1100G with full Bates touring set-up. Of course I rode that extensively, riding it from central PA to central Mich. when Dad moved there. Both great bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the great comments Pete. It seems we have experienced a lot of the same bikes! I've had the 650 Nighthawk and the FJ-09 and currently have a 1982 GS1100G in the garage as well. I have an easier time buying and selling the newer bikes. I tend to hold on to the vintage machines. I have a Corbin seat for the FJ I'm selling if you're in the market for one 😉. Ride safe!

[@petev.9357]

Nope, have a custom Sargent for my FJ, too much $$$ already in the seat. Are you around E-town? I'm around Halifax. Bet we could talk and ride forever!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@petev.9357 Nice. I'm not too far from E-town. Always happy to talk shop on bikes or go for a ride!

[@29madmangaud29]

BEWARE, of leaving that bike in the HIGH gear, it'll eat the CLUTCH! They warn you about that, it's best to leave it in Low, and use that top gear as a 6 speed.

[@wlingrell]

Enjoyed this video. I really like these old bikes. These are keepers.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I am glad you liked the video!

[@Visionery1]

I've always loved the styling of the 80s Honda 'C' bikes, laid-back handlebars, decent exhaust systems (not 4-into-1). Unfortunately the closest I got was a 400 Hawk, Silver Wing Interstate and Gold Wing Interstate.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Those all sound like nice bikes as well!

[@neilouellette3004]

The heavier Honda @588 lbs. helps w/the smoother ride compared to the 538 lb. Suzuki. My older brother bought a new 1982 CB900 Custom w/the dual ratio gear box. Which was awesome for highway cruising. Between the heavier weight & dual ratio gear box, gave it the comfort over the GS1100L.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The Honda has the best stock suspension of all the early muscle cruisers. It is also VERY smooth for a 4-cyl and the stock seating position is the best. Suzuki had the best seat, best handling and braking, best transmission, and I love the torquey GS motor. I'm happy regardless of which one I'm riding.

[@mikehanks1399]

Maybe you should consider an ECU flash, bigger injectors, a larger throttle body, and dumping the cat. (Tongue firmly in cheek.) Anyway...I love those old bikes. I once owned an '83 CB900 Custom. It was a bit of a porker (pretty svelte compared to my Fat Boy, though) but it wasn't noticeable once underway. I'm actually thinking of getting another one; I have my eye on one on Cycle Trader. I'm loving your videos and I appreciate the effort that goes into them. They are very well done. Thank you for letting them be the stars and not yourself, a lesson quite a few folks on other channels could really use. I live just south of York so you're not too far from me. Maybe I'll catch you on the road one day. Thanks again for the great videos.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Mike! I'll be down your way tomorrow. Kawasaki Jim (Jim Hammer) is helping me install a motor in my current KZ1000 project.

[@29madmangaud29]

Hey Jon, I'm a "recent" subscriber. I've owned a CB900c, and currently, a XS1100H Yamaha, > I've test rode my Yamaha, while I had my Honda 900C, wow, what a difference......so many GOOD things of/about the XS11, and yet, so many good things, of/about the Honda CB900C....... I chose to buy the XS1100H, and then, sell the CB900C, it was the best choice. Tank size, (6.3-4.4), the power difference.....(Yamaha:95/ Honda:84), brakes of the Yamaha, but, Honda got better MPG, just with such a smaller tank. Sold my Honda, have owned my Yamaha since '16! Loving it!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Is the XS1100H the cruiser style or the standard style? My dad's was the brick red standard style. Every bike is a compromise and while some areas can be improved easily (brakes and suspension), others (gas tank size or engine displacement) are more difficult to fix. It sounds like you found the right machine for you - and that's what matters. I'm still looking for a clean local XS1100 to review.

[@29madmangaud29]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah Jon, mine is the standard looking one, but in this LAST year , and because of competition with the Goldwing, they added 1-gallon to the tank (6.3gal as opposed to 5.3). standard looking but with fairing, bags, and the put on the shorter pipes of the "special" as standard this year.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@29madmangaud29 Very cool!

[@stihl0256]

Have had the CB900C from new and really like it. But that extra gearbox makes it very long. Had a tough time weaving it between the cones to pass a driver's test.

[@RUSTY-A-L]

I just came across a 1980 Suzuki GS1100L but it was chain drive with the E 4 valve engine for sale. He said they only built 500 of them. What do you know about them? Thanks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@rusty6314 Get it if you can. They're rare machines. They have the GS1100E motor and chain drive, so I think they are the quickest of the L bikes.

[@geoh5408]

I have that exact bike , 1980 cb900c , same color two.

[@shawnmoore9942]

I had that exact bike. Same color combination. I'm trying to find one. Are you by chance selling that one. I absolutely LOVE that bike. Bought it from my dad and miss it greatly.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Shawn, which bike are you referring to, the Suzuki or the Honda?

[@poppatello]

Awesome video Jon. I’m really loving all the 1100gl videos. The Honda looks like a sweet ride too. I really am wondering how the Honda would sound with the 4-1 pipe. You know what they say, louder pipes saves lives if you need an excuse to change it. 😉 although the stock look is sweet, I think it needs more sound.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! I Have a Honda CB900C with a 4-into-1 exhaust as well and it sounds nice. I have some videos of that bike running. You should be able to find them on the Honda CB900C playlist. I agree, if nothing else, animals and people can hear you coming with loud exhaust and being seen is a big part of motorcycle safety.

[@anthonyangeli256]

They both are beautiful bikes. Being that I own an '80 cb750c I'm sorta partial to your Honda. Plus the fact that I always wanted one too. My 750 had the 2 into 1 SS pipes on it & it really sounds fabulous. Never was fond of Honda quad mufflers. Much too quiet for my taste. Another great video Jon. Nice job! But.....what's with the shorts you're wearing? Kinda sketchy isn't it?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Anthony. The 4 into 2 pipes on the 750 do sound good. Though they are heavy and quiet, I really like the look of the quad pipes. As for the shorts, I admit it seems hypocritical from a guy who won't get on a bike without a full-face helmet, jacket and gloves. The truth is that jeans only offer marginally better protection (I have tested this theory 😉). And it is just too darn hot to ride in full leathers most of the time.

[@anthonyangeli256]

Yeah, 4 into 2 is what I meant to say concerning the exhaust. She's a great runner. I really love that bike. I run the Dunlop's raised white letter tires on her.

[@michaelmurphy6869]

An old friend of mine had a '78 Kawasaki kz650 with the old kerker 4 into 1, man was it loud by sounded badass!! Could hear him coming a mile away. Both of those are awesome bikes. That 1100 sounds great, reminds me of my old '82 Suzuki GS750e it had the TSCC 4 valve head and had a similar sound . Love those old classic Japanese bikes from the '70's and '80's . Fast and very reliable.

[@theyeetus1428]

The CB400F with it's 4 into 1 pipe sounds even better.

[@cjc_0167]

Good looking bikes Jon, When you changed the handlebars on the Suzuki did you need to shorten the cables etc..? Thanks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I went with clutch and throttle cables from a GS1100E.

[@paulcowell7588]

Either would do me very nicely thanks

[@dennispfeifer7788]

I'll stick with my 1980 Honda CB900C I purchased in 1981...but, I'm sure that Suzuki is just fine if I had it...too. I've only put 12k on mine...just sipping it along...like a nice drink...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice!

[@austinl.2703]

Jon's Motorcycle Rescue and Review , You have 2 CB900s ? Could you sell one ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yes, I decided to sell one to make room for other projects. I just listed my 1980 with 21k miles for $4995. You can contact me via email if you're interested. My email: [e-mail]

[@29madmangaud29]

Wow Jon, I'd like to find/buy a '82-3or 4 GS1100L,,,,,,, as a naked bike. I sure love my '81 XS1100Yamaha.............

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They are nice bikes! My favorite GS is my GS1100G. Better range with the bigger tank, fits me better since I'm tall, has more suspension travel, handles better with larger diameter front forks, etc. But the GS1100L is a looker with great performance and it's still a blast to ride.

[@29madmangaud29]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hey Jon, something to be VERY AWARE about on your cb900c,,,,, if you're using it always in High Gear.... you're going to EAT THE CLUTCH.. I've done it, on my '81 and then, I've read about it as I was researching the bike on the internet. After I've sold it, I seen (my old bike) in the shop, and asked the shop owner and mech, what's my old bike in here for? He told me, it's getting a new clutch.!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@29madmangaud29 Thanks for the heads up!

[@flexjay87]

I would be curious to know the rpm difference on both bikes , @ 65 MPH.

[@poppatello]

He mentioned in one of his videos that the Suzuki is geared higher so it runs about 500 rpms less over the Honda even in high range.

[@bobbconner1]

Just picked up an 81 CB900c with only 2784 mi. Like showroom new. Did you take it into cosideration? That the Suzuki has been Jetted and has a 4 into 1 header... If you do that to the CB it will be much more responsive and quicker...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I own two other CB900C motorcycles. Both have a 4-into-1 pipe and they are jetted accordingly. But they're still no match for the Suzuki. The smaller displacement of the Honda and the mechanical power loss through the transfer case mean less acceleration in the end. But the Hondas are smoother and have the best combination of ride/handling/stability. Sounds like you got a nice one there!

[@bobbconner1]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes I have owned 12 awesome bikes. my fav was an 81 Gs1100e That was bored out to 1200cc, copper gaskets, Yoshimura header, med comp baffle. It was so fast. way faster than my Kawi GPz 1100 which was also bored out. and fuel injected.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@bobbconner1 Nice. The GS1100E is on my short list if I can find a nice one. My favorite bike in the garage currently is a GS1100GK that I have modified for more sporting use.

[@icandsc]

I own a 1983 CB1000c, and watching you pull away, both from standing view and point of view shots, I am very surprised. It sounds like you are whining out each gear, and it doesnt seem to be doing much. in contrast, my cb1000, which is basically the same bike I thought, pulls hard and takes off fast....I do have it tuned to run pretty rich, and there is a bit of a delay from when you crack the throttle to the pull, but I'm sure thats more to do with the 21 different points the power passes through from the crank. so either you are running it super lean, or the cb900c pales in comparison to its big brother. lmk

[@icandsc]

ok, so watching further in, 2 things: I may be thrown off by the sound, because I do have the 4into1 v&h exhaust, and you said you have it in the high range. I keep mine low unless im on the highway or other open roads. oh, and yes they are VERY stable - one of my favorite things to do on mine is go out on a very windy day, with gusts that would push most bikes all over the road, set my speed, and extend my arms out to either side.....an AMAZING feeling, and the bike will stay perfectly stable, even if its rough pavement.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I haven't ridden the CB1000C but it makes sense that it would be a bit quicker with more displacement. I have rejetted/richened the carbs on my CB900Cs. It's also difficult to judge acceleration on a video. To me, even the GS1100L looks slow in the videos even though it is much quicker. I would love to compare the CB900C and CB1000C back to see what the actual difference is. And finally, being that this CB900C is in super nice shape with low mileage, I was babying it a bit. I have other CB900C videos with my 1982 CB900C where I get into the throttle more aggressively.🙂

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@icandsc The CBs are the most stable of the muscle cruisers. Long and low.

[@abruptlyblunt]

those honda's with that bizarre dual range tranny are just too weird, i have a friend who has one that if it weren't for the dust on it you would swear the bike was brand new because he never rides it, in fact he's tried a couple times to get me to buy it but there is no way because every time i see that goofy looking dual shifter setup the first thing i think of is back when i was a kid there was a weird kid i used to see in the locker room at PE who had 6 toes and fingers on his hands and feet, like that kid the bike is just too weird....

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It sounds fancy but is pretty easy to use. The only pain is shifting from high range to low (I recommend waiting until you're at a stop). Shifting from low to high can easily be done on the move with your heel. I just use it as a 6th gear. I wouldn't let the tranny keep me from getting one - they're nice bikes.

[@austinl.2703]

How much does your friend want for it ? I'll buy it !

[@motocyklowywagabunda7038]

1983 Suzuki so better comparison would be CB1000C but I will take Suzuki anyway, simple very reliable engine, much better than overengineered Honda

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Honda is complex but surprisingly reliable in spite of it.

[@motocyklowywagabunda7038]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes it is true, I own 1978 Goldwing, complex but super reliable

[@simonbarrett6059]

That's a CB900F and a GS1000E spoilt, guess we look at 'bikes different in Britain?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The cruiser style machines sold much better here than the standard style machines. Therefore they are easier to get, cheaper and usually better taken care of. But I certainly like the CB900F and GS1100E. One could also make the case that they are more versatile than the cruiser versions. I like the shaft drive though and I would argue that the GS1100G is the best big-bore bike of the time period. I'll never give mine up! 🙂

[@HouseCallAutoRepair]

I need apart source formy '81 CB900C....

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The ebay and my local Honda shop are my primary sources of parts. You may also want to join a CB900C forum or club. 🙂