Mark,

I submit my 1980 GS1000S for bike of the month.

This is a bike I have been wanting since I was 16 years old. I remember going to the Suzuki dealer and looking at these bikes brand new. My father wanted me to get a smaller bike for my first street bike.

As time went on, the 1000S was harder and harder to find. A buddy of mine had the bike in the back of his barn since he stopped racing it. The bike was just a frame and motor when I bought it. Unbelievably, the body work was still intact and in good shape.

I have been finding the parts to restore this bike since I bought it. I have been putting this bike together little by little for the last 15 years. In the meantime, I have been riding a multitude of other bikes which include a 1978 GS1000 and 1982 1000S Katana, which is done much the same as this bike.

My 20 year old son is into these bikes as much as I am and we have been working on this bike as well as the same modifications to the Katana, which is now his. We like to think of it as Retro-Stock. It’s been a long time coming but I have finally put the bike on the road and it was well worth the wait.

The bike has a lot of modifications. I have integrated a 1999 GSXR SRAD 750 front end, front fender, front wheel, six piston Tokico calipers, swing arm, rear wheel, and mono shock. Also, I have added a Zero Gravity smoked windscreen. I have amazingly tracked down an Eikoh racing seat like the one Wes Cooley used to run while racing. I have also added a full Yoshimura exhaust with a modified midpipe. K&N air filters were added and I am running 29mm smooth bore carbs. The bike has Vortex fully adjustable rear sets. The decals were made by Reproduction Decals.

Also, the use of the GS Resources website and forums have played a big part as to advice, tips, and useful information to help get this bike running and restored.

Thanks,

Mike Cunningham 

Connecticut
USA