Head Gasket

[BlackandBlue]

Looks like my Natchez Trace ride did in the head gasket on my 83 1100E. Oil appearing between the two middle cylinders. I was shocked at the price of a new head gasket. $77 at Midwest Action Cycle. Bike Bandit about the same. Don't even want to ask a dealer. Anyone know a parts source with reasonable prices?

[bccap]

I'd double check the part number but ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1982-1983-SUZUKI-GS1000-GS1100-GS750-CYLINDER-HEAD-COVER-GASKET-11173-49222-/270912635574?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f13a6c2b6&vxp=mtr

[BlackandBlue]

I'd double check the part number but ?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1982-198...a6c2b6&vxp=mtr

Thanks, I will be replacing that one also when I do the job. But that is the valve cover gasket.

[bccap]

Oops ! Sorry about that. Cheapest I found was Boulevard for $67.

http://www.boulevardsuzuki.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=95948&category=Motorcycles&make=SUZUKI&year=1982&fveh=2156

[Nessism]

Sometimes OEM gaskets show up on ebay for good prices. Worth a check. What ever you do, stay clear of cheap aftermarket gaskets unless you want to gamble.
I'm not positive but think I have a spare head gasket if you strike out otherwise. Drop me a PM if you want to discuss.

[koolaid_kid]

Are the aftermarket head gaskets as bad as the valve cover gaskets?

[BlackandBlue]

Sometimes OEM gaskets show up on ebay for good prices. Worth a check. What ever you do, stay clear of cheap aftermarket gaskets unless you want to gamble.
I'm not positive but think I have a spare head gasket if you strike out otherwise. Drop me a PM if you want to discuss.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS-GS1100-GS1150-1100-1150-CYLINDER-HEAD-GASKET-/230755047821?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35ba12998d&vxp=mtr

As you said I think I would be afraid of this one for $30.00.

[koolaid_kid]

This is the line that should make you afraid: COMPARE TO PART NUMBER11141-49202 OR 11141-49230

Anyone that claims to be OEM and then puts the statement compare to should be avoided.

[Flatline_Racing]

Check/replace the o-rings on nuts for the two center front studs. They crack and make it liike like a head gasket leaking.

[BlackandBlue]

Check/replace the o-rings on nuts for the two center front studs. They crack and make it liike like a head gasket leaking.

Good point. After your post I looked at the exploded view again and I see them. My bike only has around 15k miles so hopefully this is the problem, not the head gasket.

[koolaid_kid]

I went through two aftermarket valve cover gaskets. They both literally shattered and left town right at the cam chain valley. One was on a GS rally, so I spent the next morning putting on formagasket so I could finish the rally. The second lasted less than 1k miles later and it shattered at the same place. Fortunately, that was in Indy proper so I just turned around and went home. OEM for that gasket for me from now on.

[ptexotik]

I went through two aftermarket valve cover gaskets. They both literally shattered and left town right at the cam chain valley. .

I'm about to install Z1. It's definitely not as wide as OEM.
Will report back.

[koolaid_kid]

I'm about to install Z1. It's definitely not as wide as OEM.
Will report back.

What is strange is that I have always put Z1 aftermarket gaskets on my Kawasakis and I have never had a problem. I have used Athena and Vesrah, and the GPz has a Cometic head gasket.

[BlackandBlue]

Check/replace the o-rings on nuts for the two center front studs. They crack and make it liike like a head gasket leaking.

Thank you FR! I replaced the mentioned o-rings and after three rides no oil between the two center cylinders. Glad you saw my original post.

[ptexotik]

I'm about to install Z1. It's definitely not as wide as OEM.
Will report back.

Update after 4 months: Z1 valve cover gasket has performed flawlessly ... and I've been 'under the hood' three seperate times. Think I'll stick with these gaskets.