1980 gs1100 l

[2techguys]

Hello
My first post. Not sure if this is the place to do it but here goes. I am going Monday to buy a 1980 1100 L. Looks to be in showroom condition. 17000 miles. $2800
Does this sound like a reasonable price.
Thanks

[rphillips]

Yeah, probably reasonable. I'm thinking "80" was the only year for the 16V GS 1100 chain drive 'L'.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Prominent forum member Brian bwringer lives in Indianapolis. I'm guessing, but maybe he'd take a look at it if you want. He's a great guy to have as a neighbor. He's owned and done lots of work on, knows probably about as much as anybody about these bikes.

[rphillips]

Oh yeah, 2techguys, I forgot... Welcome!!!

[duaneage]

Looks can be deceiving. The best looking bikes can still have electrical issues and carb problems. L models are not as desireable as G or E models unless you are into the cruiser look. If the bike has sat instead of being driven it may need more attention. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[Suzukian]

It's an "L" model, it can't possibly be worth more than $1000 bucks, even if it was. Ewww

[rphillips]

Yep, I'm not fond of the "L's" either, but that's just me and you, others really like them. That being said, the "L's" are just as good of bikes as the "E" og "G".

[Suzukian]

When people would come in with them, after they purchased them from us. they would always ask me if there was something they can do to "change the look". After they purchased they bikes, they couldn't stand the negative remarks. I found that a set of 4" Risers and a nice set of flat,or semi flat, slightly turned back handlebars did wonders for the bike. Lots would lower the front end an inch. Some would get the seats reupholstered to get rid of the huge step, and they would buy better shocks, as the stock ones weren't any good anyways. Yo hand to change the cables though, or do some fancy rerouting, as they were long. The brake lines could stay. They looked a loot better than stock, we also removed the "sissy" bar. It was a long time ago. I think $2800 bucks is too much for that bike. I picked up a Kawasaki 2004 ZZR1200 last Summer with 3875 original miles for $2200 bucks. That bike is easily worth $4 to $4k. I am of the .002 cents opinion that $that or any of those "L" models aren't worth more than $1500 bucks, but I wouldn't pay that much for one. If it was a "G" model, that might be different,t as I am thinking of making a trike, even then, I still wouldn't pay much for it. There's a 1100E posted for $1200 here, that's a bike worth looking at. It has an '82 engine in an '83 frame for $1200, but overall, that is priced in line with it's value.

[2techguys]

Got down there to look at the bike. Not even close to showroom condition. The bike had been sitting since July of last year. 2022 gas smelled like varnish, wouldnt fire a lick. Took almost 2 people to pull the clutch lever in. Rust in alot of places. Left muffler rusting through. Tank had scratches all over it. Very dissapointed. Had an extra engine and new clutch basket with it. I walked away from it. I dont think I would have given a $1000 for it.
I need to get the carbs rebuilt on my 77 GS750. Any advice on where to send them?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Coupla members here do carbs:

Nessism & chuck hahn are 2 that come to mind and their work highly regarded. I'm sure there are more.

[rphillips]

Surely the ad for that 1100 "L" wouldn't have been misleading... Learned long ago, you won't know what it is till you see it. Also, for me, riding the"77" GS750 will be a much better than the "L".

[Suzukian]

'77 GS750 is a really nice bike. I've sen some of those turned into really bad ass Cafe Racers. You would have hated that "L" model.

suzuki-gs750.jpg

[rphillips]

OOoohhh, I stand corrected, the "L" would be waaaay yonder better and nicer than this GS750.

[gustovh]

Back in 2002, January, I rode the back of my brothers bike, down to Fresno Cal. to pick up my 80 1100L sight unseen. 1024 miles on the odometer. She started right up…I loaded my gear, attached a fly screen and headed back north to Portland. The bike ran great until after a fuel stop north of Sacramento when the water now in my tank finally reached my carbs. Not a good thing to happen with it now turning dark. I won’t bore you all with what happened over the next 36 hours.

Needless to say I still ride the old girl, now sporting over 40,000 miles and a new look.

Cheers V