Is the 1980 16 valve GS1100L Hard to Find?

[RustyTank]

Funny, most folks seem to turn their nose down at the L styling, opting to change to straighter bars and a flatter seat. I guess there is some love for the L after all.

Rich, I've turned my nose up at the styling too, then I saw GSR member LOTO's 80 GS1100L, pictured here, and something clicked inside and I thought I'd look further into it. He has a thread on here from back in 2017 detailing him cleaning the bike up.

[gustovh]

Well I guess that I will jump in here. I have been riding a 1980 1100L for 19 years now amongst other bikes. To my mind the 16 valve 1100 engine turns up faster and gives better mileage. The seat sucks for my boney butt. My carbs have a stage one treatment and I run pods. Some parts are very hard to get, like new fork lowers. I replaced my tank with one from a 81 750 so I now have a reserve, on and pri. The engine is smooth strong and easy enough to work on.

Each machine has it’s own personality and this one loves to carve corners....or maybe it’s me.

V

[RustyTank]

Some parts are very hard to get

Now that's an interesting piece of information, and something to consider.

[gustovh]

Now that's an interesting piece of information, and something to consider.

Yes it is, but that said engine, sprockets, chain and the like are not a problem.

V

[Steedracer]

As soon as I get my valve cover gasket back on this evening, mine will be for sale. :-)

[gs scott]

And can anyone tell me why on some websites it's referred to as a GSX and not a GS? Is it a regional difference?

I've only rode the 16 valve engines since 82, and I absolutely love them. Super strong engine with room to grow. So I can't add anything to the 8 vs. 16 valve discussion other than both engines are strong and will go way faster than is legal. Some say the 8 valve is a less buzzy configuration but the 16 valve never bothered me at all. A friend had the 1100L 16 valve and he wishes he never sold it - LOVED that bike.

But to answer your other question, the GSX designation was used by Suzuki worldwide EXCEPT in the US, and it was used to designate the 16 valve engine machines, in particular the 1000SZ, 1100E, ES and SZ/D and the other countries later models beyond 83. (I don't think the 1150 air/oil cooled models were ever labelled as GSX though - just the TSCC machines. Perhaps our friends/mates on the other side of the pond could chime in.)

[RustyTank]

As soon as I get my valve cover gasket back on this evening, mine will be for sale. :-)

You're such a tease.

Steedracer, I don't imagine I'll be in a position to look for one for another year or so. We'll see what happens though

[RustyTank]

I've only rode the 16 valve engines since 82, and I absolutely love them. Super strong engine with room to grow. So I can't add anything to the 8 vs. 16 valve discussion other than both engines are strong and will go way faster than is legal. Some say the 8 valve is a less buzzy configuration but the 16 valve never bothered me at all. A friend had the 1100L 16 valve and he wishes he never sold it - LOVED that bike.

But to answer your other question, the GSX designation was used by Suzuki worldwide EXCEPT in the US, and it was used to designate the 16 valve engine machines, in particular the 1000SZ, 1100E, ES and SZ/D and the other countries later models beyond 83. (I don't think the 1150 air/oil cooled models were ever labelled as GSX though - just the TSCC machines. Perhaps our friends/mates on the other side of the pond could chime in.)

That explanation regarding the use of the GSX name is really helpful Scott. Thank you.

And I love hearing your experience with your 1100L. Thanks for chimin in.

[rphillips]

Rekon other parts, body, inst., forks, etc would interchange with other "L" models. Would make the parts a lot less hard to get.

[RustyTank]

Rekon other parts, body, inst., forks, etc would interchange with other "L" models. Would make the parts a lot less hard to get.

You'd think wouldn't you? And it's a valid point rphillips. Gustovh mentioned that some parts for his 80 1100L were very hard to come by. I can only assume that those difficult parts to find are specific to that year model.

[Eli69]

I know the seat is different. I bought a seat for an 82. Derp. It don't fit.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

I've only rode the 16 valve engines since 82, and I absolutely love them. Super strong engine with room to grow. So I can't add anything to the 8 vs. 16 valve discussion other than both engines are strong and will go way faster than is legal. Some say the 8 valve is a less buzzy configuration but the 16 valve never bothered me at all. A friend had the 1100L 16 valve and he wishes he never sold it - LOVED that bike.

But to answer your other question, the GSX designation was used by Suzuki worldwide EXCEPT in the US, and it was used to designate the 16 valve engine machines, in particular the 1000SZ, 1100E, ES and SZ/D and the other countries later models beyond 83. (I don't think the 1150 air/oil cooled models were ever labelled as GSX though - just the TSCC machines. Perhaps our friends/mates on the other side of the pond could chime in.)

Yes, Scott is correct regarding the GS v GSX designation for Suzuki models of the era. The X is the identifier for a 16 valve engine hence GSX. GS identifies an 8 valve engine. Both these codes were used worldwide by Suzuki except for the USA where the X to denote the 16 valve engine was not allowed to be used, US ruling. The 1985 1150 Suzi in Australia is an GSX1100EF. The EF 1150 engine is considered by many to be the best air cooled big bore transverse 4 engine built, rock solid, plenty of torque and still pretty quick for the last of the old school power plants. Installing one in my 1981 Katana project.

Cheers.

[shipley74]

1006170_10151742638141369_2090905623_n.jpg

You are correct, sir. Later L models had the 8 valve engine, which was just an enlarged version of the previous liter bike. 1980 was also the only year an L model had chain drive.

I have a 81 gs1100L chain drive with the 16v motor

[GregT]

Yes, Scott is correct regarding the GS v GSX designation for Suzuki models of the era. The X is the identifier for a 16 valve engine hence GSX. GS identifies an 8 valve engine. Both these codes were used worldwide by Suzuki except for the USA where the X to denote the 16 valve engine was not allowed to be used, US ruling. The 1985 1150 Suzi in Australia is an GSX1100EF. The EF 1150 engine is considered by many to be the best air cooled big bore transverse 4 engine built, rock solid, plenty of torque and still pretty quick for the last of the old school power plants. Installing one in my 1981 Katana project.

Cheers.

The GSX 16valve - or more correctly 4 valve per cylinder - carries right across the capacity range.
GS - 2-valve - and GSX - 4 valve versions came in 250 and 400 twins. 550 and 750 fours too. The 650 and 850 fours only had 2 valve per cylinder versions.

I think the US market 16V GS700 is the only one without a GSX version as it was never marketed outside the US to my knowledge anyway.

[rphillips]

Hey shipley74, welcome !! Just wondering if you've looked at the mfg. date on the steering stem on your bike?, not saying there weren't any, I just don't remember an "81" GS1100L 16 v chain. I've heard that some states list the model, when they put it on the title, the year when bike was first sold. I haven't seen this, just heard of it happening. But looking at the model info, on this site, I find the GS1100 "L" in "80", "81", "82", & "83"(without the "GL" means chain dr.). & GS1100 "GL" (shaft dr.) were "82" & "83" only...Very interesting !!!