Kawasaki Eliminator 900 Vs Suzuki GS1100L - Sound, Acceleration, Showdown!

In this classic muscle-bike comparison, I'm looking at and riding Kawasaki's Eliminator 900 and Suzuki's GS1100GL. Both of these classics can be bought for similar money on the used market. They are very similar on paper but what are they like to ride and drive? Let's find out together!

[@NJS-TL1000S]

I'm loving the review on these two motorcycles ... Both looking very smart and in beautiful condition. Very un-biased comparison and giving viewer plenty of info on the individual machines ... The footage is very clear and sound really comes in well from the audio catching the hum from the bikes. Top review, top quality video. 🙂👍 PS ... Suzuki gets my vote ... but I love the colour of the Kawa ...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks again for the feedback.

[@michaelloughlin1597]

First of all, I love the channel. Great to see all these older bikes in their glory. I have had a ZL 900 for almost twenty years and not once has it failed to put a smile on my face when riding it! I totally agree with the abismal fuel range. First time I rode the bike I ran it out of gas at about 80 miles! Thank God for reserve. I think you have to view a bike like the Eliminator the same way you look at the old muscle cars from the 1960's. The new cars and bikes are quicker and handle better but there's nothing like the looks of the old mustang's, cuda's, V-Max, Eliminator's. Ride safe all!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Michael!

[@mrmatt7210]

Having owned a GS850L I can say the two things I loved about this series of bikes was the torque and the seat comfort. To be clear, you dont need to wind this bike hard to get moving quickly, and the seat was comfortable enough to make a days worth of riding a reasonable choice.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's what makes the Suzuki GS line such great all-around bikes.

[@alexk5990]

These videos are great, I don't know why you don't have more viewers!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@alexk5990 Thanks, Alex! I appreciate the feedback. And, feel free to let your friends know about the channel. Cheers!

[@daniellargey8430]

When the Big Kawi Eliminator 900 came out, I just had to have one. Hooligan ride for sure I used to rip up the roads with a big ole smile. I also had a 79 KZ1300 with a dg 6 into one pipe at the same time , among others. I guess I enjoyed my twenties the right way as I came out alive.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool 😎! I actually had a KZ1300 as well with the DG 6 into 1. It was a black one and had a GPZ fairing. Nice bike but heavy. The Eliminator was the performer of the two. Cheers!

[@DayRider76]

I'm going to go ride my GS1000L today!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, I hope to get that chance as well!

[@mkilic10]

I missed one with 14k miles on it. The seller was asking $900 for the bike.

[@russ3080]

Was on nights the last 10 days. I’m biased towards the ZL, but I have owned both. Both bikes are a blast to ride. The ZL always did better above 75 mph. But if you don’t want to stop every 75 miles, the XS is the winner

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very true. The ZL is more stable at speed and the stock bars provide the needed lean into the wind blast. Too bad about the limited range. If only the ZL had been set up with a shorter wheelbase and larger tank...

[@russ3080]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 that would be a Amen to both! Lol

[@ejrupp9555]

Had both simultaneously ... fix and sell guy. Kept the GS and sold the Eliminator for a Kawi GPz 1100 which I will never sell. The GS now-a-days is considered a tame bike. That tank on the eliminator was a deal breaker for me ... relegated it to a toy.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're not wrong. The limited range is the only factor that keeps the Eliminator from being a "serious" motorcycle.

[@stillridin]

in 1991 I was 18 and bought my first bike, a red 1985 900 Eliminator. I Learned how to ride on that thing, I loved it..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on John! That's a really nice, fast first bike!

[@venturiduese]

Fantastic! I like this old japanise Bikes. I drive a GSX 1100 F from the year 1989 and i love this bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool 😎! I previously owned a beautiful 1989 GSX1100F Katana as well. I will do a full review of it in the future. Cheers!

[@timkis64]

i expected the suzuki to be a bit better in the twisties.suzukis of that era had a smoothness of operation thats hard to perfectly put into words.but when you feel it, you know it.thanks jon.allways appreciate your videos & insight.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It is easy to ride quickly in the twisties and very well-balanced. I hope I didn't communicate otherwise in the video 😬.

[@timkis64]

i worded it wrong.i meant i expected the suzuki to do better than the kawasaki in the twistys. your description was fine.guess i didnt have enough coffee in me at the time.sorry jon.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@timkis 64 No problem at all. It is more flickable and intuitive in the corners. The Eliminator takes getting used to - it is more stable at high speed but requires more muscle to change direction.

[@henryhawk978]

Very nice comparison and both are great bikes and shaft drive. Myself, I like simplicity, practical and logical so I'd go with the Suzuki. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Henry!

[@Aprojeep]

I can't wait to buy another Eliminator

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@roberthaldeman5312]

I like your reviews of 80"s Suzuki. My friend had a 82 1100L I had a 81 750L and my other friend had a 550L. Good Times

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Robert!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Yessir...awesome bikes! I'm familiar with both, but have not ridden either of them. Really like the GS. 👍 Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Cheers

[@sergeyboldyrev1149]

Thanks for the review. I have a Kawasaki Eliminator ZL 400 now and although only 400cc it is not as fast as a 900cc it is a lot of fun and sounds great. You can forgive the tank capacity for the sound of the exhaust and great ergonomics

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@duaneluchsinger5736]

Jon, thanks for reliving this era of “thrust therapy” two wheelers for us older guys. I owned several bikes of this era(GPZ1100, GS1100E, V65 Magna, V65 Sabre, KZ1300, Z-1B). The Eliminator is one I would have loved to own along with the Yamaha Vmax but never did. Gotta say I loved the look of the Eliminator. Got to ride one once and was impressed with how tight and functional the bike felt…got that feeling again as you wound it up going through the gears. These are great reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Duane! I just got in from recording an XS1100 Special review - time to edit!

[@spaceflight1019]

Magazine testers of the ZL900 loved the easily accessible power and the bike's stability on the road. They also liked the seat and riding position. They didn't like the smallish gas tank or the gas mileage. So... Kawasaki gave them the ZL1000. The new Ninja 1000 engine endowed the bike with a sub-3 second 0-60 time, slightly better mileage, and a 5 gallon tank. Buyers said "meh", Kawasaki built 2500 bikes before discontinuing the model.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep. The ZL1000 was a better all-around bike, but the V-Max put all the other muscle cruisers on the trailer and effectively killed the V-65, Eliminator, and Madura 1200. The ZL1000 may have been the best all-around bike of the bunch.

[@spaceflight1019]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 If I had to pick one of these two the GS would get the nod. Motorcycles aren't supposed to have radiators and water pumps, and the GS1100 is just like the GS850G I had, just moreso.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 Right on!

[@ispeed1971]

Yep I test rode a TL1000R for a friend who was just getting into riding. I told him not a good beginner bike at all. He bought it anyway and made it about 2 miles and wrecked. Not a fan at all. Make nice garage art but that's about it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

When people get on the wrong bike, then wreck, it's not good for the sport. It isn't the bike's fault a novice was riding. And the TL1000R is not for beginners. A Hayabusa is easier to ride! Cheers!

[@bratcafe5632]

I'm 5'7".....Loved my eliminator Wish I could buy a new one today...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I just saw the new 400 Eliminator. I asked when the H2 Eliminator is coming out. The Kawasaki dealer told me not to hold my breath. Too bad!

[@blipco5]

First off.. both of those bikes are gorgeous! The big Suzi looks like they designed it start to finish before they built them. The Eliminator looks like they designed it most of the way, then after they started building them they realized they needed more stuff. So after they added these things they had to add more side covers to cover them up. Kinda clunky looking in places. Does that make sense? Wouldn’t mind having either.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good point! The Eliminator does lack the grace of the original Z1 900.

[@blipco5]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 By a long shot but still a cool machine.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@blipco5 Right on!

[@stuntman660]

The Suzuki sounds great and maybe just because it's a video and not being in person but the Suzuki looked faster. love the older bikes!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They both feel plenty fast from the saddle. The Suzuki has a full Delkevic exhaust, which is why it sounds better. Cheers!

[@chrisw3771]

Of all the bikes I've owned the Eliminator is the one I wish I'd never sold. Been looking at ones for sale & thinking my Superglide Sport has nothing on them.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They're a thrill ride for sure!

[@brandonrudicell4064]

Great test on these bikes. I had he "85 Eliminator when I was 15-17. I dont know how accurate the speedo was, but I do know I got it to 155 twice. Granted I didn't weight as much back then lol. The local drag races on the weekends hated me.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thank you! They're still fast, fun, exciting bikes.

[@DayRider76]

The GS's are not a big engine in a cruiser. They would be better described as a sport bike, wearing cruiser clothes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on. That applies to most of the early Japanese "cruisers". Until Japan blatantly copied HD's low-slung, heavy, slow-revving V-twin, short-travel suspension, feet-forward riding position, and classic styling, formula, their "cruisers" had much more of a performance bias.

[@vanningale495]

I have the Vmax 1700 now and it's a beast. I also have the VTX1800, and BMW K1200s now. All pull much harder. In my ZL900 days I was expecting more, like tire shredding launches from the ZL900. The ninja 900 would happily pull wheels in first, expected the retuning to more torque would add strength to a launch experience. The Ninja 1000R was alway quick and exhilarating, as is the Vmax. The ZL was a mild animal to my experience, didn't pull hard to my mind. Even my BMW K1200s is quicker to 60. Again a good bike, just felt sedate to me.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It seems like something was off with that particular Eliminator. I have another ZL900 video coming out on Saturday. Let me know what you think. Cheers!

[@jbtoptc7327]

OH YEAH ! 😁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@vanningale495]

I had the ZL900 and was always looking for more punch and power. Cornering was not its strong point. Brakes were just OK. Put about 30k mikes on the bike, solid reliable machine. I also had the Ninja 1000R of which the ZL900 was generationally similar, but the R was a beast, while the ZL was timid.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Respectfully, I've never heard someone refer to the ZL900 as timid. While my 1989 ZX-10 (dynoed at 126 hp) was faster, the ZL900 was easier to launch hard, had great mid-range power and every one I've ridden was exciting to ride. The ZX-10 would dominate on faster, sweeping roads but we're talking highly illegal speeds here.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

GS for me. Viva Suzuki!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@leonmarker7482]

What handlebars are on the Suzuki? I am an original owner of a 1982 GS1100L and the bars are pulled back, looking to go with what is currently on yours. Also, my 82 had the 85 mph, and the 83 had the 160, which I currently have on mine. Thanks for the video, I used to ride mine with a buddy that owned an Eliminator just like yours. Brought back great memories!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I run the Emgo Magna Wide bar on many of my bikes (including the GS1100L).

[@jasonrose6562]

I run the GS1000E/G bars on my 1100GLZ. The buckhorns caused wrist pain.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jasonrose6562 Yep, buckhorn bars stink!

[@TheOverisel]

Ok the title to your videos is often "A vs B.". You grew up as I during the era where all many cared about when we bought the magazines was the 1/4 drag tests. That was all that mattered in the shootouts with Jay Pee Wee Gleason being the man! Why don't you get a buddy and do what your title says? Have one bike vs the other in at least a roll on straight line acceleration race like all of us guys did back then and maybe still do today? Your ALREADY doing a ripping thru the gears blast so why not get a friend and do both bikes in a roll race??????? I do like your channel.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Mike! First of all, good suggestion, thanks. I would like to be able to incorporate more features in my videos in the future. I think roll-on acceleration runs would be a fun real-world comparison, but even that is one-dimensional. As much as I was a numbers guy back in the day, I now realize that, in the real world, the absolute numbers don't matter. For example, when I was a much younger man, I went riding with two friends, each of us on a different bike. On a deserted road, we ran three drag races (yes, it's stupid to do a three-wide drag race). We each won a race. On paper, one of the bikes had a clear advantage, but the guy with the best start won each time. In the corners, it's the same. The fastest bike around a track is not the fastest bike on any given road on any given day. It's why I try to describe what each bike is like to ride. The seat-of-the-pants feel is what you live with daily on any bike.

[@TheOverisel]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 roll on racing is one dimensional but that's what bikes were about in the 70s and 80s!!!! It was all that mattered. Why do you think the suspension and brakes were sub par for taking curves? Because like the muscle car era it was arm straightening eye watering acceleration. PERIOD. A 70 Chevelle with a big block or Hemi Cuda did one thing well and it was not cornering braking or touring. It was hammer drop racing. I realize these old bike NOW are daily commuters and countryside tourers. That How I used my 79 XS1100F and my 83 GS1100E 16 valve. But in their day these two bikes I mentioned were purchased because they out accelerated their competition - at least for their year of manufacture. My current ride is a 2019 FTR1200 and I don't carve canyons or tour the nation but I sure as hell role on race anyone who challenges me! I sold my TSCC 1100E GS last year. I always got challenged by hopped up sportsters. The Vance and Hines 4 into one, the Dyno Jet stage 3 carb modifications and the APE pod filters would make that engine sing above 6K and leave the befuddled bearded HD rider in the past. It was a different time back then where acceleration ruled. Nobody cares how much you can squat. It's how much you can Bench. Im not suggesting your videos be SOLELY about acceleration, rather Id like to see your paired up bikes roll race.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@TheOverisel Right on. No doubt the power to weight and corresponding acceleration are addictive.

[@spaceflight1019]

​@@TheOveriselAt the end of the day, it's about how and where you ride. I've always been a "lunchbox" rider, one of those guys who bungeed the lunchbox to luggage rack. When I was in field service it was about reliability, competency, and gas mileage on everything from interstate highways of Ohio to the winding mountain roads of West Virginia. It was a tossup between the GS850G and the KZ650B2A as to which one was best. The 1973 Z1 that was between those two was too temperamental and didn't handle the mountain roads very well. Unless you live on a racetrack or dragstrip the magazine tests are barely realistic. Both of these motorcycles work well in the real world, unlike many narrowly focused sportbikes.

[@Jmacfann]

Im biased as I have owned a few GS850,1100 8 valves. Still have and ride a gs1100gk (its my old brown pickup truck of a motorcycle) There are not to many people that like the LTD styling which is great as it means the old GLS and Kawai LTDs are cheap money

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're correct. The LTD styling, as popular as it was in the 1980s hasn't caught back on yet. And it means you can get good deals on classic bikes for the time being. But I'm seeing the prices on these bikes starting to climb so don't miss out! Cheers! P.S. I've had two GKs over the years. Great bikes!

[@Jmacfann]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 GK specific parts are sometimes a pain to find but luckily its 99% 850,1100 parts. I have always been a fan of Suzuki and their interchangeability with parts. Bandit 1200 engine in a katana is a pretty easy swap.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Jmacfann That would be a sleeper!

[@jonbowden5207]

Oh come on... the GS motor was never in a sport bike... it was in Regular Motorcycles. While not a fan of the L, compared to E or G... but I'll take the Suzuki

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The GS motor is derived from the original 2-valve GS1000 motor. I have the E and G as well. Surprisingly, below 6k rpm, the 2-valve bikes pull harder.

[@Chittybang1821]

That instrument cluster whatever you want to call it on the eliminator is so ugly

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It reminds me of something on a much older bike. But I don't think it bothers me as much as it bothers you. 🙂 Cheers!

[@shawnmclaughlin7418]

Suzuki sucked until 1985. And we all know what bike changed them forever.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Um... You may not like the pre-sportbike era, but Suzuki made some world-beating machines prior to the GSX-R1100 and 750. The original GS750, GS1000, and GS1100E were the best bikes you could buy in their day.

[@shawnmclaughlin7418]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 i base my opinion on what I have owned and ridden and sales numbers I currently own a suzuki now and its been my 4th and I only end up with one because its the most affordable option for what my interest were at the time so I guess I could have just said that suzuki is no ones first choice.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@shawnmclaughlin7418 I respectfully disagree. If I had to pick a bike to keep and ride forever it would be my 1982 GS1100G. So, a classic Suzuki is at least one person's first choice. 😉

[@yomommaahotoo264]

A bike just doesn't look right with a radiator.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It does spoil the lines a bit...

[@skipintroux4444]

It has a bigger radiator than it’s GPZ900r brother engine too. Made for doing burnouts and sitting around posing at stop lights without overheating 🤣.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Skip Introux Makes sense.