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Anonymous

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'82 GS1100L, about 33 mpg? currently 11K on clock. Is this correct. Little jerky and hesitant too until it gets about a 1/2 hour of riding in. Not that i am conserned about the fuel, but could be viewed as an indication of engine condition. Like all is ok or something is wrong! I don't ride real hard. Combination back road and highway. Like to feel strong acceleration sometimes. No where near redline or full throttle. Just got this bike, like this forum. But some of it scares me! All the talk of oil leaks, noises, stators, etc. This engine is strong and solid. Should i be waiting for a catastrophe?
thanks
 
The simplest thing to do is pull the spark plugs, keep track of their order, and check the color of the insulators. They should all be consistent, and should all be light brown to light tan, not black, not snow white, not sooty, not wet with oil or gas. Use the Search feature to find a spark plug analysis chart that some GSers have posted here.

For example, if plugs 1 and 4 are generally the same, and plugs 2 and 3 are generally the same but plugs 1 and 4 are clearly different from 2 and 3, then you've got an ignition problem, probably a bad coil.

If any/all the plugs are black and sooty, you're running rich; if white or very light grey, you're running lean.

Next thing to do is connect the spark plug wires to the spark plugs, before you install the spark plus, and ground 'em to the engine (you can do this one at a time, using insulated handle pliars). Hit the starter button (make sure the kill swith is in the "run" position) and look at the spark as it jumps the gap in each spark plug. You should see a nice fat, blue spark, on all four plugs. If you do, your ignition components are fine (except you might have to check ignition timing, best done with a timing light).

If your ignition components and timing are check out OK, you've probably got dirty and/or mis-adjusted carbs. See the carb disassembly/cleaning/repairing/reassembly picture sequence here on the GSR, or simply bring your bike and your big fat checkbook down to your (hopefully trusted) local motorcycle dealer or private mechanic. Also, check/adjust carb synchronization

There's lots of help here on the GSR. Post questions, get replies, and start wrenchin'!

Good luck, and welcome to the GSR forum.
 
P.S. Your gas miliage is very poor. I typically get around 40 mpg (worst 38 to best 43) with my GS1000 with old-style slide carbs and "regular, normal" riding habits (whatever the hell that is!). You should get close to that with your 1100 and more modern CV carbs.
 
My 85 1150E averages 40-43 mpg with the carbs set a touch on the rich side.
The plugs burn a dark brown. I would think you should get about 40 mpg or more.

Earl
 
earlfor said:
My 85 1150E averages 40-43 mpg with the carbs set a touch on the rich side.
The plugs burn a dark brown. I would think you should get about 40 mpg or more.

Earl
Click to expand...

Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been averaging lately 50-55 mpg. On hills, 2-up and all :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
Even WFO 8O
well maybe not that well :twisted: :twisted: :evil:
 
But some of it scares me! All the talk of oil leaks, noises, stators, etc. This engine is strong and solid. Should i be waiting for a catastrophe?
Click to expand...

Suzuki's GS series of bikes are highly reliable. Some people think it is the most reliable engine series made. The GS1100 engine is still going strong in drag bike racing, making ton's more horsepower than stock. They were overbuilt for reliability and longevity. I ran across a website where a person stated he had 340,000 miles on his GS850 (I'll try to find it again and will post it here if I do). Most of the problems you are reading about come from the fact the bikes are 20 to 25 years old. Rubber seals do get brittle with age, and wiring can get frayed or corroded also. You won't read very many tthreads saying "I blew up my engine!" Just go thru the wiring, cleanining the contacts and replace frayed or brittle wire. If you see an oil leak check out this website, then ask questions.
These are great bikes.
 
Chances are your carbs need a thorough cleaning, as well as replacing of gaskets and o-rings. This can make a world of difference in fuel mileage, starting, and idling.

I've bought four GS's -- four 850's and now my 1100GK. Everyone needed complete carb overhaul. You may think the bike runs OK, until after the carbs have been professionally and thoroughly cleaned, at which time you'll wonder how you ever ran it before!

Nick
 
It is amazing what a little carb work will do for these machines.
When I had my motor re-built, because it had been neglected,not because it's a bad motor, the mechanic didn't realize that he installed the wrong jets. He did do a great job on the motor.
Anyway I had another mechanic, who owns 4 GS' re-jet and rebuild the carbs. WOW :!:
For the last 6 years I've basically done normal maintenance, oil,filter,tires
and a clutch, chain. Normal stuff. My bike is a 1980 GS1000S.
I get 40+ mpg, and ride it hard. These are classic machines, over engineered and they do have quirks. Easy to work on, no computers, no re-mapping fuel injection,nothing weird.

Don't be afraid, be aware.
Ask questions, use the search feature and have a good time
 
78 GS1000, 45mpg on short trips, 55 to 60mpg highway at legal speeds. I have to use 96RON unleaded tho, compression ratio is a bit high.
 
Excessive stop and go riding. short trips, frequent use of the choke, and a heave right hand can all effect your gas millage 33mpg is not real bad but not real good either. But I dont know your riding style
 
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