Stock '82, '83 bar ends

[Rob S.]

Could someone who owns a restored or relatively stock '83 11E post a picture of the handle bar ends?

I have these ornate silver-colored ends that just seem too light to be weights, and I'm not crazy about them. I've never even seen bar end weights on an '82 or '83 1100E, only the '84 1150's.

image.jpg

Thanks.

[Griffin]

Rob,

Up through 1982, Suzuki didn't include bar end weights (Suzuki calls them "balancers") on the GS models. Starting in 1983, they changed the grip style and added balamcers to many models.

There were four different OEM styles, in three different weights. The shaft driven bikes had a chrome finish. The chain driven bikes had a gloss black finish. Near as I can figure, they were broken down as such:

GS550E/ES: Short length, small diameter, black
GS550L: Medium length, small diameter, chrome
GS700/750/1100E/ES: Medium length, small diameter, black
GS850G/1100G: Medium length, small diameter, chrome
GS1150E/ES: Long length, large diameter, black (massive!)

Here's a picture of the relative sizes:
GS1150, 700-1100, 550 Weights.jpg

You want to find the middle one. Some of the parts (screws, rubber inserts, etc) are still available from Suzuki, some you will have to scrounge around on ebay for. All of them will fit, so if you find some for a different GS model, they might not exactly match what was originally on there, but they will at least be OEM style and have the weight to actually provide some vibration damping.

EDIT: I might have an extra set kicking around. I'll try to find them this weekend. If I do, I'll PM you and we can figure something out.

[Rob S.]

Much thanks, Grif!