longwinded memories of a GS

[Charlie G]

yep....I think about it, and the noise of the exhaust...I can hear it in my mind...and remember that ride from San Jose to San Francisco. This was 1983 and I was 7 or 8 and it feels like yesterday in some ways....


marvin, and Jeep. I agree on that price, I was hoping more knowledgeable folks would concur.

thanks.

I think the wheels on that bike would be easy to trade for some stock ones and even make a few bucks.The price is a bit high. I paid $300 for a thrashed, complete non runner last summer. A nice running stock one like your Dads may be hard to find but not inpossible. Be patient... there there. Become a craigslist stocker. Oh and welcome for a Bay Area Boy(old man).

cg

[peels]

cool...good thought! But I think thats too much $ to even start from. Ill watch for a new ad with price lowered

You know, it really doesn't have to be a "skunk" just the same layout....mechanicals and all that, and I just dig the stock wheels. I did see a gs with wire wheels not too long ago that was gorgeous. Looked very european. anyways.....

I'm looking for the "feeling" or aesthetics that I remember. stock engine and exhaust, chain drive, stock seat shape. I would consider putting on slightly more aggressive (forward) handlebars though. And Id consider giving it a subdued paintjob. silver or black... nothing crazy.

[Redman]

..................
You know, it really doesn't have to be a "skunk" just the same layout....mechanicals and all that, and I just dig the stock wheels. I did see a gs with wire wheels not too long ago that was gorgeous. ......

Wire spoke will be a 78. (and some 79?).

80 and after had larger stator in charging system, better headlight, electronic ignition (not breaker points), slotted brake disc, CV carbs and some other design changes.

Same layout you mentione would be G (shaft) or E (chain) model, or maybe a T (chain), but not an L model.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/All-Suzuki/all_suzuki_models.html

.

[peels]

It was an E skunk, as you guys call it. no doubt about it. Chain drive. I remember soaking the chain all day in oil when firing it up after years of sitting .

still pretty sure it was 79, no indent on the gas tank.

seriously think the owners manual said "gs1000/gs1000e" this is a 20 year old memory though LOL

no not an L, not a fan of the raked curly handlebars cruiser look. Looks like motorcycle companies try to emulate harley...and that is unacceptable to me.

I'm just going to keep looking, but in no hurry. But it would be cool to have one by fall for a winter project....

thanks again everyone.

[dorkburger]

Good idea taking your time and being selective..You will have a better chance of ending up with what you really want. I sold my near perfect 1150e, because i was smitten with the es model and quickly bought one when it came to me. LIterally. I was at the local shopping mall when a gentleman approached me, seeing that i was on a gs. He told me he had to clean out his moms garage and there was a 1200 mile 1150 es for sale among other things. It turns out that in 1200 miles it was crashed and repaired ,and the back tire was bald from burnouts. I paid 1500 for it in '99, which i didn't think was bad. Looking back i probably could have kicked in more money and found a nicer one....Thats ancient history now though. 13 years later i still own and love it, despite it scars. Some came with it, some i've added.

[mhobryan]

I think this is what you are looking for?.... You can typically get a MC shipped for abt $400...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/suzuki-gs-1000e-/300879463412?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item460dd043f4

[anthonygs1000]

this is local to me....

def. not a fan of the wheels. stock magz are fine. or the exhaust.

and not a fan of the price with the work Id have to do...gas tank....

not that the price is bad, just doesnt have all of what I want.

what do you folks think?


http://ottumwa.craigslist.org/mcy/3626239626.html

I Think that bike would be a real sweat heart with a little work, 16,000 miles for a 34 yo bike really ?????? $1650 lol that cheep ! and the Lester mags are the $#it( the rims alone are worth minimal $4oo. ) if the bike runs and rides It is worth every penny. If it is close to you I would go take a look ! what would it hurt ? save on shipping and you could put your hand and eyes on it IN person. Cash talks show the man $1200 and laugh all the way home

my 2 cents

ANT P.S. Look How Clean the bike is There is no rust !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[wedoo2]

If that skunk is not worth $2000 then I don't know what is.

[peels]

I Think that bike would be a real sweat heart with a little work, 16,000 miles for a 34 yo bike really ?????? $1650 lol that cheep ! and the Lester mags are the $#it( the rims alone are worth minimal $4oo. ) if the bike runs and rides It is worth every penny. If it is close to you I would go take a look ! what would it hurt ? save on shipping and you could put your hand and eyes on it IN person. Cash talks show the man $1200 and laugh all the way home

my 2 cents

ANT P.S. Look How Clean the bike is There is no rust !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

not arguing any of that. it is very clean.

it just isn't what I'm looking for. At this point. Soon, that may change, and Ill overlook some of that aesthetic stuff and just build what I want.

I would be recreating my dad's Motorcycle.

we'll see.

I think the price is nice if that tank wasnt goobered. And it had the stock exhaust.

It might be "worth it" to somebody....just not to me, personally.

[peels]

revisiting....

welp...the GS idea will have to wait.....

this was another daydream bike......I found one.

[dorkburger]

Thats a far departure form an old gs....looks good. Enjoy and ride well.

[Redman]

revisiting....

welp...the GS idea will have to wait.....

this was another daydream bike......I found one.

.......

...well
Okay.
That will be fun too.

Per my observation of riders on BMWs;
- now you will have to also spend more on a jacket and pants than the cost of that GS you were looking at.
- and gloves and helmet and boots also total cost more than the GS you were looking at.

(again, just my observation.)

Not that you are not welcome here.
Do tell us of your adventures.

.

[peels]

...well
Okay.
That will be fun too.

Per my observation of riders on BMWs;
- now you will have to also spend more on a jacket and pants than the cost of that GS you were looking at.
- and gloves and helmet and boots also total cost more than the GS you were looking at.

(again, just my observation.)

Not that you are not welcome here.
Do tell us of your adventures.

.

haha nope, thats not me. Im not THAAAAT guy...unless my Wifey sees fit to spoil me at christmas. Its a 99% commuter. I did score a helmet in the deal(since I lost mine somehow), and a BMW rain jacket. But neither were expensive.

funny though. Just Wanted to ride...the bikes aren't ALL different... Naked standard, air cooled (well oil cooled) Plus, Looks like the boat is going to be a big time drain(As I expected) Hell, just the trailer lights are enough to cause tourette's outbreaks. SO good running bike was needed.

Ill still daydream about a skunk gs until I have one.

see you fine folks on the road.

[Reddog170]

Nice bike there. I bought an old skunk when I was 17, around the spring of 92, but it did not run when I got it. Worked on it for a while then sold it to my brother in law who then traded it in on a newer model.
Where about se iowa are you? Might be able to help you out finding a Skunk if you are still wanting one. Shaun

[peels]

Nice bike there. I bought an old skunk when I was 17, around the spring of 92, but it did not run when I got it. Worked on it for a while then sold it to my brother in law who then traded it in on a newer model.
Where about se iowa are you? Might be able to help you out finding a Skunk if you are still wanting one. Shaun

if you are in Winfield, i am not even 15 minutes south of you. new london

hah were about the same age too... got excited there for a sec that you have the one I was looking for...But I think my Dad sold his in 94....? We lived on the Danville Blacktop at the time. And I think it was an older guy who bought it.... but I could be wrong. I have the memory of a rock.

I am no longer actively pursuing one...but I like looking all the same. During the winter, I think I will get restless and search harder. So you can keep your eyes open... but dont break a leg.... Ill be riding this bike I just bought until I cant feel my toes on the way to work.