What the "L" means

[GSXR7ED]

Less cares given. Yea yea, they aren't as pretty but they rip just the same. Font does look like that Laverne L..

Your first post...and you’re from LA? Whereabouts?

Ed

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[Brendan W]

The answer is in the question.
What the 'ell is that?

[eight]

Your first post...and you’re from LA? Whereabouts?

Ed

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West LA right now. Just picked up my first GS, its a Laverne. I thought I'd sign up and read up here. Have not ridden for a while, but I was pretty good on a ten speed so I should be fine.

[GSXR7ED]

West LA right now. Just picked up my first GS, its a Laverne. I thought I'd sign up and read up here. Have not ridden for a while, but I was pretty good on a ten speed so I should be fine.

Cool...yeah, you should be alright. My first bike was a Y2K gixxer 750 and I made it out alive! Lol

I departed LA in 1986 and ended up on the East Coast thanks to the US Air Force.

Sounds like you moved to Cali...

Ill take this discussion elsewhere...

I had an L seat on my T until I bought a second T. I still have an L headlight that needs to be swapped over...but it works as intended so no rush.

Ed

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[bwringer]

There are very few L models left with the original handlebars. Everyone should ride one (a short distance) if you have the chance to understand just how wrong and hellish a handlebar can be. It's an experience.

Once the handlebar is sorted out ($20 or so and an hour of sorting out revised cable, wire, and hose routing), the L models handle pretty much exactly the same as the E or G standard-style models, and maybe even a little better since you're seated a little lower and so your CG is lower. The steering geometry with the leading axle fork ends up exactly the same since Suzuki juggled the steering stem dimensions.

If you have long legs, the seating position bends your knees a bit more. If you're vertically challenged, it works out much better. You are more locked into one position, but the seat is still very comfy; just not one of the very best ever like the G models.

Drivetrains are the same, although some models end up with slightly lower gearing and a little more scoot off the line thanks to the 16" wheel vs. the 17" on the E or G models.

The L exhausts are a little shorter and have a bit more growl, which many find pleasant.

The smaller tank on many L models is one unavoidable downside if you're the iron butt type.

Overall, there's absolutely no reason to hate on an L other than the original handlebar and maybe the smaller tank. Changing the handlebar is a fairly trivial task, so you can set that aside entirely. And if you're tall, you won't like the lower seating position, but there are also a lot of folks that prefer it. Many L models are a teensy bit quicker and most sound a little better.

And AFAIK, the L models outsold the "standard" models back in the disco era, so there seem to be more of them out there today.

[GSXR7ED]

There are very few L models left with the original handlebars. Everyone should ride one (a short distance) if you have the chance to understand just how wrong and hellish a handlebar can be. It's an experience.

Once the handlebar is sorted out ($20 or so and an hour of sorting out revised cable, wire, and hose routing), the L models handle pretty much exactly the same as the E or G standard-style models, and maybe even a little better since you're seated a little lower and so your CG is lower. The steering geometry with the leading axle fork ends up exactly the same since Suzuki juggled the steering stem dimensions.

If you have long legs, the seating position bends your knees a bit more. If you're vertically challenged, it works out much better. You are more locked into one position, but the seat is still very comfy; just not one of the very best ever like the G models.

Drivetrains are the same, although some models end up with slightly lower gearing and a little more scoot off the line thanks to the 16" wheel vs. the 17" on the E or G models.

The L exhausts are a little shorter and have a bit more growl, which many find pleasant.

The smaller tank on many L models is one unavoidable downside if you're the iron butt type.

Overall, there's absolutely no reason to hate on an L other than the original handlebar and maybe the smaller tank. Changing the handlebar is a fairly trivial task, so you can set that aside entirely. And if you're tall, you won't like the lower seating position, but there are also a lot of folks that prefer it. Many L models are a teensy bit quicker and most sound a little better.

And AFAIK, the L models outsold the "standard" models back in the disco era, so there seem to be more of them out there today.

Thanks for the breakdown of components on the “L”.

When I bought my “T” back in October 2012, it had an “L” seat on it and I believe the chrome headlight is also from an “L”. Parts are interchangeable so PO seemed to make it work.

The only drawback it seems...is the peanut tank...and shorter seat isn’t desirable for taller riders. Other than that, just the stigma attached to it.

Ed

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[eight]

You forgot the best thing about the L model. They are so unhip that collectors and purists all stick their noses up at first sight. Its like taking a time machine back decades on prices. Bars swap yes sure, tank or wheels if you must.

Or just enjoy cruising them ugly as is if you couldn't care "L"ess.

[Grimly]

I'd have an L, no problem. As bwringer says, the shortcomings are easily addressed or can be lived with.
Heck, my XS650 was the factory Special version, and once I'd disposed of the stupid cow-horn handlebars it's been absolutely fine. About the only thing that gives away its origin is the 16" rear wheel, and I'm in no hurry to change it.

[Steve]

There are very few L models left with the original handlebars. Everyone should ride one (a short distance) if you have the chance to understand just how wrong and hellish a handlebar can be. It's an experience.

And, for some strange reason, it's only the Suzuki version of the "L" bar that is such exquisite torture. While some might argue about the overall height, the angle of the handgrips is the worst part. For those who use a windshield and tour, rather than lean into the wind and attack, taller bars are not bad. The Suzuki L bars, however, put an evil twist at the wrist.

Drivetrains are the same, although some models end up with slightly lower gearing and a little more scoot off the line thanks to the 16" wheel vs. the 17" on the E or G models.

Not sure about the chain-driven versions, but the 850L has an ever-so-slightly taller gear in the transmission that pretty much offsets the smaller diameter of the rear wheel.

.

[kerrfunk]

Last bike I would never own?

because you won't need to buy anything after you've found the perfect bike? I understand.

I love the L. Only thing I don't like about the L is the teeny tank. Seriously. A hundred miles is about my max, and even then I get nervous around eighty miles.

I love my L bars. People always say the thing about wrist angle, but it fits me like a glove, I swear. I might change the angle of the bars by an inch, but naw, I like the bars.

The seat is low, and my legs do get a little restless. But with a small tank, that's okay

Ls are also full of chrome. And they don't have that little storage trunk at the taillight like the Es.

[hank2]

I wouldn't reject an L either, but the bars would have to go. I've been tempted by several very clean and low priced L's I've seen listed in my general area. Mostly GS850L's. Also many, many brat bikes or attempts among the L's for sale. Usually way over priced or very cheap and don't run or didn't quit in time with the Sawzall.

[bwringer]

...Not sure about the chain-driven versions, but the 850L has an ever-so-slightly taller gear in the transmission that pretty much offsets the smaller diameter of the rear wheel..

Yep, I didn't really mention that, but there's one tooth difference in the 850G vs 850GL fifth gear, so they end up about the same RPM/MPH-wise and performance-wise.

Now that I think about it, I don't know whether the 1000G/GL and 1100G/GL have the same difference. I guess if anyone cares deeply enough, (I sure don't) they can go trawling through the fiches to find out.

[eight]

Does rotating the bars not help the angle? I would think that would be the first try. Funk's bike looks like the bars are lower than the brochure pics.

Now looking at the bars and thinking, I would imagine the longer your torso, the better the angle.

[GSXR7ED]

because you won't need to buy anything after you've found the perfect bike? I understand.

I love the L. Only thing I don't like about the L is the teeny tank. Seriously. A hundred miles is about my max, and even then I get nervous around eighty miles.

I love my L bars. People always say the thing about wrist angle, but it fits me like a glove, I swear. I might change the angle of the bars by an inch, but naw, I like the bars.

The seat is low, and my legs do get a little restless. But with a small tank, that's okay

Ls are also full of chrome. And they don't have that little storage trunk at the taillight like the Es.

My "T" has lots of chrome too!

Seat is low enough for my short legs.

It's good you love your bike...that's all we can do is love our bikes.

Ed

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[thkbaron]

I thought lame. I'm finally getting rid of my seat. I'm a short dude but I think they sit pretty damn high actually. All shiny new though they do look pretty nice. But then again all the old bikes new look awesome.