GS 1100 shaft drive, weak or strong?

[Anonymous]

I have just got into the GS bikes, Have a stock 82 GS 1100 GL and I am in love. I am wanting to know if the shaft drive system is strong enough to stand some occasional drag strip type abuse. Thanks in advance. Don Jackson

[dpep]

NO! If you want to drag race, get a chain driven GS. They work better for that purpose and their final drive mechanism is far easier and cheaper to replace. The shaft drive Suzukis from 82 forward had soft splines on the rear wheel. They wear out and have to be replaced at 30,000 miles or so under normal use. Drag racing would reduce that mileage considerably. You don't have to baby the G models by any means, but ride them for their purpose. Twisties, ok. Drag racing, not ok.

[Anonymous]

dpep, thanks for the response. I was not intending to drag the GL, but wanted to know what to expect if I decided to "drop the hammer" every now and then. Only had the bike a week and so far I have treated it with kid gloves. I love it and don't have the time or extra money to fix something broken by abusing the bike. Thanks again, Don Jackson

[bwringer]

On the street, ride the snot out of it. The bike will love it, as long as you don't lose your license.

If you're expecting to actually take it to a drag strip and run a few quarter miles, then no, don't do it.

For actual racing use, you want the easy serviceability, lighter weight, greater driveline strength, and easy gearing changes of a bike with a chain.

For riding fast on the street, go right ahead and have fun! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: