Suzuki GS1100L (GS1100GL) Review - Superbike DNA in a Cruiser Package!

[@gaboonv1per]

In 1982, at 22 years old, I bought a Suzuki GS 650L, had it until I was 27, and unfortunately, I had to let it go. I've missed it every day since. Now, like you, Jon, I've started to find and collect them, I love these bikes. Thank you. 🏍🏍 🏍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! You're welcome.

[@terrypikaart4394]

Had a 79 1000L, loved that bike!.. It was a big step up from a old xs650.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@jimmyscott3597]

Ive got an 83 gs1100L just picked it up a few weeks ago and brought it back from the dead. Its a great cruiser for two up.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Jimmy!

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

A beautiful bike. It is regrettable that many modern bikes do not have the sheer class of this one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@dezmondwhitney1208 I agree. People often stop and comment about this bike when I ride it. It has a nice combination of styling, colors, and artfully done mechanical bits. Cheers!

[@indiancreek1570]

Another awesome old classic alive and well thanks to you,

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@indiancreek1570 Right on!

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

Beautiful bike. The paint-scheme does put it apart from others, gives it a high quality look. Well done!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@stefanbernardknauf467 Thanks, Stefan!

[@stefanbernardknauf467]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Oh, btw, the supposed lean carburettor setting appeared to be kinked fuel hose! So much for carb tuning skills over here 😄😄😄. Safe ride!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@stefanbernardknauf467 At least you found the problem! Cheers!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Good morning Jon ☕️. Yessir, that's a beauty! As far as looks go, the cruiser style, such as the LTD, XS special, CB custom...have always appealed to me the most. The exhaust note from this bike is especially awesome! Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@user-sh5dy5tr9d Right on, Eric! I really like the sound of the Suzukis with the Delkevic exhaust as well. Cheers!

[@thebeez9487]

Such a good looking bike. I love those 80's Suzukis. 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@thebeez9487 Right on, me too!

[@flexjay87]

I agree the bike looks great with this paint scheme. It sounds good and runs good, thats all you can ask :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@devilsreject320]

Had gsx 250 L many a moons ago. Very similar but smaller I miss that bike. Was Japanese import. Have Gsxr750 2010 now boy can it move. It's a shame because I can't after a ride. Move are walk for a couple days!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I can relate to that! I love the sportbikes when I'm riding aggressively - but I'm miserable on them when I'm not. Cheers!

[@timkis64]

i imagine that is a fun ride, i dont often like aftermarket exaust sound, but it sounds great without being obnoxious.just a nice muffled growl.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@timkis64 Right on! The sound makes it hard to stay out of the throttle. Cheers!

[@MrFelixGun]

Another great video, Jon. I'm jealous of all the awesome vintage bikes you get to ride. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@MrFelixGun Thank you!

[@shinethelight01]

A good looking paint job on the '83! The Delkevek exhaust sounds Amazing too. The entire line of Suzuki GS motorcycles were high quality products.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree!

[@rogermcadams8806]

Good review Jon! Kinda neat because a friend of mine just purchased identical bike ( same color scheme factory seat/bars/exhaust etc. ). Runs great after carb rebuild but like you said feels smaller than my G. Kinda like the vibe of the chrome fenders with that color and the blacked out engine though.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Roger! It is the shorter mans' GS1100. People come up to me often and compliment the looks of this bike. Cheers!

[@bernardboshoff154]

Back in about 1984, I was looking for a large Japanese shaft drive bike, and I went for a test ride on a new, off the show room floor, Suzuki GS1100G, and the engine vibration was so bad that I couldn't grip the tank with my knees, and my hands were numb after only 4 Km of riding. I took it back to the dealer and said, "no thanks", and went and bought a new Yamaha XS1100H, which was as smooth as silk.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@bernardboshoff154 I own both currently. I don't doubt your experience. However, my GS1100G is all day comfortable and not excessively vibey. But it's not as smooth as the Yamaha. Cheers!

[@jonbowden5207]

The 850G was smoother...

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jhon.estupenda prueba. No sabia que existia el 1100 con cabeza de 2 valvulas.. en realidad las Custom no me llaman la atencion pero tu al bajarle el manillar le diste un toque mas agresivo.( parecido a la linea SR de Kawasaki) .saludos jhon y gracias por el video.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

De nada Ricardo. Yo no soy un fanático del "cruiser", pero no me importan tanto las barras inferiores. ¡Salud!

[@tw1340]

Beautyful bike...love it!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@tw1340 Thanks, Tommy!

[@joehou2647]

I just bought a 82 hs1100L and i love it. Kept in great condition and looks great with the dark blue color. The thing that confused me is that the L series doesnt have much info online but the GL has way more info.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@joehou2647 The official name for the shaft-drive GS1100L is GS1100GL. In 1980-1981, they made a chain-drive, 16-valve GS1100L, which is rare. Cheers!

[@Zenpalmelao]

Love it! Thanks 🙏

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome!

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Yes, beautiful bike! Luckily for us the big 4 had a second level of cruisers (Intruder, Shadow, Eliminator etc) that were even more laid back, so these were stuck in the middle, thank goodness. The bar change is mandatory. I was going to sell off my 1980 CB650 because I couldn't go more that 20 minutes on that torture rack, until I fitted CB750 bars. Now it is a delight even though there isn't much I can do about the seat to footpeg position, which is less than ideal.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@rolandwheeler4842 The second round of big-bore Japanese cruisers was actually heavier, more complex, and faster - V65 Magna, Madura 1200, V-Max and Eliminator 900/1000. Then came the unfortunate V-twin Harley knockoffs ☹️, which were slower and even more uncomfortable. Just my personal opinion here 🤷. Cheers!

[@aamirmalik9053]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@henryhawk978]

Nice review, Jon. Fellow not far away has a GK, stripped of it's luggage and fairing and square headlight to round. Took it down to the frame, stripped painted and cleared, then a red paint job. Asking 2300 with 38k on the meter.. Is there oil in the swingarm with the shaft? Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Henry! I don't think there's any oil in the swingarm section - just grease on the spline ends. Are you thinking of picking it up?

[@henryhawk978]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 hey Jon , got a question. One owner 83 GS1100E less than 10k on the bike. All original except header and slip-on. Blue. The lady says it hasn't ran since 2010 and says it needs battery and tires. I've seen pictures only , it looks great.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@henryhawk978 Sounds like one to pick up if the money is right. Just keep in mind that everything will need to be gone through - brakes, electrics, fuel tank, carbs, etc. Also, you're taking a gamble on engine health, transmission health, etc. They're easy to work on and nice when they are done. Good luck!

[@henryhawk978]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 3200.00

[@henryhawk978]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 if I had your email I would forward the pictures

[@craigalbright5126]

I have a 86 gs550L the thing screams ✌️

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@craigalbright5126 Right on!

[@craigalbright5126]

I just put it to rest,and bought a new MT07 😁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@craigalbright5126 Also a nice bike!

[@menom7]

Hi Jon, Great video as always! Question..........,You said in the video,that the rear brake disc was a "dual" piston caliper,but then You showed it and it too,resembled the front calipers that are only single-piston!?!? Just thought I'd mention that. Thanks Jon.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@menom7 What you can't see from that angle is the second bleeder valve for the inboard piston on the rear brake. It has a piston on each side of the disc, unlike the front calipers, which have a single piston on the outside. Cheers!

[@menom7]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Well that explains it! Lol. Thanks so much for replying Jon,I appreciate that! : >)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@menom7 You're welcome!

[@davidsaliba9209]

Could you post the specific specs for the handlebar upgrade? Also, the specific part numbers for the carb jet upgrade? Thanks!! I had an 850G back in the late 80's and bought a GS1100L two years ago. I'm getting it back on the road.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@davidsaliba9209 The bar is an Emgo Magna Wide handlebar, and I switched to a GS1100E clutch cable from Motion Pro. 42.5 pilot jets and 117.5 mains are one size up from stock and a good starting point for jetting with the Delkevic exhaust and stock airbox. I'm running 45 pilots and 120 mains currently (two sizes up from stock on each). Good luck with your GS1100L!

[@davehooper5115]

I love it..... how does it compare to Yamahas XS 11?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@davehooper5115 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5LXmIuCrqd6jMksi=XbjogVoX7lGv8rv9

[@davidrochow9382]

Many years ago I owned the GL 850g and found it was a great bike. I now own the Honda 82 VF750 Magna which is also shaft drive. I agree with you 200 percent about getting rid of those stupid cruiser style handle bars.With the ones I had on mine after about 20 minutes my hand were just about numb but now they are some much better. I also find that the 750 needs a bigger tank as I find 13 litres is not enough. I'm just wondering what your opinion of the 1100 Suzuki compared to the 1100 Magna from the same year is as they were both Japanese cruisers even though the Honda was a V4?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@davidrochow9382 The 1100 Magna (I've owned 2) was a very different animal. It was very smooth, had plush longer-travel suspension, and I liked the 6-speed on the Magna. But, it was SO heavy, uncomfortable for me, very complex, and I don't want to own a classic V-4 due to the difficulty working on them. As a classic bike that I want to maintain, there's no comparison. I'll take a simple air-cooled, inline 4 any day. Cheers!

[@NobleEndeavours123]

I have a 1981 Suzuki GS1000GL so I quite enjoyed this review of the 1100. Just recently switched out the handlebars like you described in your video. About to upgrade the electrical system. The one sticking point I have is finding a new exhaust that fits. I wonder if the 1100 exhaust you mentioned would work with my 1000? Very enjoyable review. I also enjoy riding my bike on country lanes and smaller roads outside of town. It works fine on both large highways and inside the city however riding those peaceful farm lanes is where my enjoyment seems to peak! :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@NobleEndeavours123 Very cool 😎! I think the Delkevic exhaust would work with the 1981 GS1000L. It has the same bodywork as the GS1100GL, doesn't it?

[@NobleEndeavours123]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 They look the same and I know that with a bore kit I can get the 1000 up into roughly the same CC range. My only concern would be if the cylinder head assembly needs the exhaust pipes placed differently.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@NobleEndeavours123 I don't think the heads have different spacing. I have a 1981 GS1000L parts bike, and the stock exhaust systems look identical. The Delkevic exhaust has separate down tubes as well. Cheers!

[@NobleEndeavours123]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 That's exactly what I was looking for. I will go look into the Delkevic then. Thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@NobleEndeavours123 You're welcome!

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

You have some of the nicest looking bikes! How many do you currently own?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ScottMiller-tu3gg Thanks, Scott! The number of bikes varies month to month. I go through several every year. Cheers!

[@robertrodriguez8167]

So on your opinion the GS shafts were the best of the shafts drive bikes?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I do love the Suzuki's, but Kawasaki, Honda, and Yamaha made some nice ones as well. I like the handling of the Suzukis because they don't seem to jack up and down nearly as much as some others on and off throttle. Also, the Suzukis have minimal driveline lash where it is pretty pronounced on some of the other manufacturer's shaft-drive bikes. Cheers!

[@bobpagels4818]

👍

[@Adrian-s7b]

Hello, I'm from Poland, my question is whether you also have such a big problem with the availability of exactly 1100?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Adrian-s7b Do you mean difficulty with parts availability for the GS1100L?

[@Adrian-s7b]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I mean specifically the availability of the motorcycle on the market.Is it a strong unique ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Adrian-s7b It is difficult to find nice classic motorcycles. I don't look for a specific model when I am looking. I just keep my eyes open for clean, mostly original machines. Cheers!

[@CCitis]

How many bikes in your fleet?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@CCitis It varies from month to month.

[@albertwolf731]

Ditch that 85 mph speedometer!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@albertwolf731 It just makes it easy to peg the speedometer every time you ride it 😉. Cheers!

[@simonapeters4372]

Real bikers wear boots common sense is not that common anymore

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@simonapeters4372 Not a bad idea, Simon. If any of us goes down, we will be forced to take responsibility for our choices in gear. But, I'm thankful it's still a choice. Cheers!