Picked up a non-Suzuki the other day.

[JTGS850GL]

Ya, many of the bikes of that era had issues with 2nd gear. Honda and Yamaha especially were susceptible. I've seen Yamaha Cavalcades go for real cheap because of it. Ole Suzies seemed to avoid much of that except in extreme cases. They were built like a brick outhouse. As long as we ignore the electrical issues or course.

[Jedz123]

Yep, I'm well aware of the second gear issue. I consulted with a couple of V65 guys prior to purchase who informed me of the questions to ask. There's no issue with the one I bought (hopefully) as far as I know, the seller is a motorcycle guy (he has 18) so I sort of trust his opinions, also. I was also told that the second gear issue generally occurs before 20,000 miles or so. Mine has 42,000 miles on the clock. Time will tell, nothing is guaranteed on a used bike.

Good to know . I loved my V-4 750 Saber, just couldn't really justify holding on to it, I ended up trading it for a GS with complete R&R sand stator failure... LOL felt more at home with that.

Ya, many of the bikes of that era had issues with 2nd gear. Honda and Yamaha especially were susceptible. I've seen Yamaha Cavalcades go for real cheap because of it. Ole Suzies seemed to avoid much of that except in extreme cases. They were built like a brick outhouse. As long as we ignore the electrical issues or course.

LOL Yeah... You can limp it home with a blown 2nd gear. Not so much with a blown R&R or stator... Unless you buy a couple of Batteries and have someone follow you home. I may have done that once

[suzuki_dog]

Good to know . I loved my V-4 750 Saber, just couldn't really justify holding on to it, I ended up trading it for a GS with complete R&R sand stator failure... LOL felt more at home with that.

LOL Yeah... You can limp it home with a blown 2nd gear. Not so much with a blown R&R or stator... Unless you buy a couple of Batteries and have someone follow you home. I may have done that once

I've pushed more than one bike home with electrical issues..... hopefully those days are over?

[Killer Canary]

I think Sabres also look sharp with the matching Hondaline fairing.

[wymple]

I would own a nice Sabre if the money was there. I care less about the ugly Magnas. I think the Japanese back then got together and decided they would all make their parts money on 2nd gear issues, LOL. To be fair, it was mostly Yamaha, the famous triples were notorious. But I've passed on a Kaw and a Sabre for that reason.

[1100E]

I've always loved this exact year and color scheme, never owned or rode one. Great find!!

[suzuki_dog]

I think Sabres also look sharp with the matching Hondaline fairing.

Yeah, I'd like to find a nice one. I'll keep looking.

[suzuki_dog]

I would own a nice Sabre if the money was there. I care less about the ugly Magnas. I think the Japanese back then got together and decided they would all make their parts money on 2nd gear issues, LOL. To be fair, it was mostly Yamaha, the famous triples were notorious. But I've passed on a Kaw and a Sabre for that reason.

This one doesn't have the second gear issues.... at least not that I know of. I looked for awhile before I felt comfortable buying this one for the price I paid. There's alot of them out there that are way overpriced for what they are.

I agree about the Magna.... ugly in my eyes. The V4 Forum members have other ideas, the Magna is by far the most popular bike over there. The good thing is, not everyone has the same tastes....

[suzuki_dog]

I've always loved this exact year and color scheme, never owned or rode one. Great find!!

Me too, I held out until I found one this color.

[GS1000S]

I had an 84' in maroon/blk. color combo. It had a ton of torque, very fast and smooth, and I liked the V4 sound of it but never felt good in the corners like my GS1100E. I also like the blue/blk. colors. I think before long they will do like the CBX and become highly collectable but we'll see.

Pat

[suzuki_dog]

Not sure about the collect-ability.... they are the "redheaded stepchild" on all the V4 forums, with the poster child being the Magna.

I agree with you, I'm not comfortable cornering with the V65, it definitely doesn't handle like any of my GS's. That doesn't mean I hate it, just not the same....

[Ecklund]

I had an 84' in maroon/blk. color combo. It had a ton of torque, very fast and smooth, and I liked the V4 sound of it but never felt good in the corners like my GS1100E. I also like the blue/blk. colors. I think before long they will do like the CBX and become highly collectable but we'll see.

Pat

The Sabre version may continue to increase in value but its tough to see how they will ever be in CBX range. Besides the second gear issue the V4s have also have a possible cam oiling issue.

While technically advanced and well executed bikes, they just don't have the looks to become very valuable.

I like them for what they are, great value for a fast rider. Yours sounds like its well past any inherent mechanical issues. Good price for a great riding bike.

[suzuki_dog]

The Sabre version may continue to increase in value but its tough to see how they will ever be in CBX range. Besides the second gear issue the V4s have also have a possible cam oiling issue.

While technically advanced and well executed bikes, they just don't have the looks to become very valuable.

I like them for what they are, great value for a fast rider. Yours sounds like its well past any inherent mechanical issues. Good price for a great riding bike.

Thanks. Yeah, it's definitely not a CBX and I don't believe it's going to ever be all that collectible. I bought it for the curiosity factor, and I like fast motorcycles (within reason).

[GRAND ROUGE]

Beautiful machine, Suzuki_dog. I like everything about it. Back in the day there have been V 65's and Yamaha Ventures in the family.....lots of miles on em and no issues with the transmissions or oiling or cams. We just rode em and maintained em and enjoyed every mile doing so.

Looking at your Sabre has got me wanting to find one again.

[suzuki_dog]

Beautiful machine, Suzuki_dog. I like everything about it. Back in the day there have been V 65's and Yamaha Ventures in the family.....lots of miles on em and no issues with the transmissions or oiling or cams. We just rode em and maintained em and enjoyed every mile doing so.

Looking at your Sabre has got me wanting to find one again.

That's how my quest started, saw one last fall and had to find out what it was. Then, spent a good portion of the winter looking for one.