6th Gear went bye bye

[DanC]

I bought a 1980 GSX1100 that runs great with the exception of one thing, It will not shift from 5th to 6th, it is as though 6th does not exist.
Thanks for your time.

[rustybronco]

it is as though 6th does not exist.
Thanks for your time.

You might be correct in that it doesn't exist... as it doesn't.

[tkent02]

No GS bigger than 550ccs has a sixth gear. The sixth spot for the gear indicator is there, just to fool new guys.

[hikermikem]

I bought a 1980 GSX1100 that runs great with the exception of one thing, It will not shift from 5th to 6th, it is as though 6th does not exist.
Thanks for your time.

I still look for 6th gear on my '81 1100E every now & then too...

[koolaid_kid]

I still look for 6th gear on my '81 1100E every now & then too...

Me too. Sure would be nice to have one.

[Steve]

No GS bigger than 550ccs has a sixth gear.

I will ammend that to say "No GS bigger than 550ccs left the factory with a sixth gear."

Some owners have put a set of 650 cylinders and pistons on a 550 lower end to have a six-speed, chain-driven 673cc screamer.

.

[tkent02]

Kinda like the one in my garage?
Unfortunately, it's not there yet. Too busy riding.

[78gs1000]

Blimey! All of you have gone insane, my 79 gs 1000 has 9 gears! shifts in and out of gear just fine for all 9!!

[landshark]

I heard talk of dropping a zx6 box into the 1100's, anyone heard of that?

[Suzuki_Don]

My 700 has 6 gears. As per STEVE's suggestion earlier.

[DanC]

confused about the 1980 gsx1100

Thats just wrong putting a fake gear (6) that doesnt exist...If thats the case.

I seem to be needing to shift from 4th to 5th at 55pmh and feels like Im pushing it at 65-70?

the rpms are unkown at this time as I am waiting on a new cable, but I can hear the winding of the engine and at 65 - 70 I feel like its up there...... any thoughts?

all my title and the tag I find on this says GSX1100. no E no nothing, how do I tell what it is exactly so I dont make MORE stupid mistakes...thanks from the newbie!

[81ZUKI75]

In the USA that would be referred to as a "GS1100LT"...

L= styling
T= 1980

It was born a 16 V, 1100CC, chain driven, "cruiser".

[Big T]

In the USA that would be referred to as a "GS1100LT"...

L= styling
T= 1980

It was born a 16 V, 1100CC, chain driven, "cruiser".

Exactly correct

Not an E at all

[tkent02]

the rpms are unkown at this time as I am waiting on a new cable, but I can hear the winding of the engine and at 65 - 70 I feel like its up there...... any thoughts?

Wind it out, the engine is designed to spin at high RPM, all the time. It runs efficiently that way, and it will last forever. If you don't like the sound, go listen to a Formula 1 race before you go riding. It's a beautiful sound.
If you still don't like the sound of a high performance high RPM engine, buy a Harley and chug to your heart's content.

[7981GS]

If the higher rpm's at cruising speed bother you,
change the counter-shaft sprocket to a 16T.
You will lose between 300-500 rpm at 65 mph.

Daniel