Suzuki GS650, best vintage cruiser motorcycle?

[@steveh7823]

The 40 yr vintage should give the bike a good few handicap bonus points. I would put reliability at 9 considering its age and the fact that parts have a specific life expectancy. Performance is also good for the same reason. The position of the foot pegs was a missed opportunity by Suzuki to capture more cruiser support. I sat on a new GSX1000 in a showroom and bikes like yours are so much better. The GSX instantly felt bulky but cramped and uncomfortable. Other bikes similar to yours that are keepers for me: the Katana 650 version of your bike (such a winning look), Honda CX550/650 (euro spec, v rare), there was a Suzuki VX800 Harley style twin also a great classic cruising bike imho.

[@davidrochow9382]

I have the 83 VF 45 Magna ,which by the looks of it ,is the Honda equivalent except it has an hydraulic clutch and twin front discs (which had to be replaced as they were warped) and here's some of the stuff I did to mine. I changed the handlebars for more of a touring style and last year I replaced the rear shocks for YSS and put stronger springs and thicker oil in the front forks and now it handles great and no more numbness in the hands after about 30 minutes of riding. All the hoses and electrics have been updated also. The only things that haven't been touched are the motor ,gearbox, radiator, shaft, seat, tail light, wheels and number plate light. Living in Australia the main thing that amazes me about your used bike market are the prices. Even with the exchange rate your prices are unbelievable. For example my VF Magna here is insured for Aust.$10,000( about US $6,500) and the insurance company didn't even question the price. Sometime you should check out our Market place and see the price yourself. As an example of new bike prices the 23 Honda Rebel 1100 with the auto trans cost over Aust $21,000 on the road to buy here .

[@CageFreeTom]

I have the GS750, got it less than a grand and loving it. Little elbow grease to get it running, but well worth it.

[@MrBobbyOne1]

I bought this bike brand new in 1984. In my book the shaft drive, digital gear read out and fuel gage set it apart and futuristic for that time. It was powerful and easily handled two up. It was easy to do wheelies without trying. When new brakes and suspension were perfect. I hated to part with it when I gave up riding for a while when my first born came along. Wish they still built them as I would love to have it back.

[@tiffaniehelm8532]

Just got my 1982 GS650GL yesterday. Noticed in another video you rode around horsetooth, I’m a short ride away from there. Keep posting, the videos are cool

[@ForceMoto]

Nice, I hope your bike doesn't give you any trouble. The roads around Horsetooth are some of my favorite to ride.

[@Diharce_Official]

I just bought one of these for $400 everything works getting a new battery for it and new handles I’m 16 this is my first bike! I’m super excited to start learning everything about it

[@hasanraza4650]

Very informative. I like the look of this GS650GL very much. Actually I am a cruiser fanatic.

[@tuckersautter1832]

I have a 1981gs650e and cant find any reviews on it so I checked out this bike