GS1100E Tank on a 1100 GL Will it work?

[lifguardct]

Will a 1981 GS1100E Tank work on a GS1100 GL?

[chiphead]

I believe the rear mounts are different. Also the 1100E tank is larger. So I would say no.

[Don-lo]

I'm pretty sure the forks will bang into the tank.

[bwringer]

No.
Nein.
Nyet.

Sorry.

[TheCafeKid]

the forks wont bang into the tank. It can be DONE, but would require some slight modification to the frame. The "L" model tanks, as well as 82 and up G models, well most of em anyway, from say, 80 on i believe, had two vertical mounts in back, and the pins or whatever you want to call them that the front of the tank hangs on were posted much further down the spine of the bike than the E models. Some of the EARLY L models had the same rear mount as the Es, but again, had the pins further down the backbone. I have a few ideas on how to change this up, but it would require some welding skills.

[lifguardct]

Ok, thanks for the help guys.

[bwringer]

the forks wont bang into the tank. It can be DONE, but would require some slight modification to the frame. The "L" model tanks, as well as 82 and up G models, well most of em anyway, from say, 80 on i believe, had two vertical mounts in back, and the pins or whatever you want to call them that the front of the tank hangs on were posted much further down the spine of the bike than the E models. Some of the EARLY L models had the same rear mount as the Es, but again, had the pins further down the backbone. I have a few ideas on how to change this up, but it would require some welding skills.

Well, sure, anything is possible with enough explosives and a welder...

[doctorgonzo]

Well, sure, anything is possible with enough explosives and a welder...

Kid would know...

[TheCafeKid]

Well, sure, anything is possible with enough explosives and a welder...

Well, im just SAYIN, it can be done. I have come to the idea that Suzuki DIDNT change the frames as far as neck geometry from the Es and Ls (excluding the Hans Muth 1100s design of course) I cant verify this, as ive never had an L and E model bare frame side by side to compare to, but if my assumption is true (and lets face it, Zook didnt like to retool for sh1t) one could theoreticly change an L into an E with minimal welding and frame changes. :P

[Don-lo]

I'm pretty sure that the forks and the triples are different, with the L model forks coming closer to the frame, enough to interfere with an E tank unless it was moved back.

[bwringer]

The challenge is on, the gauntlet is thrown! Who will be the first to try cross-dressing a shaftie and a, um, er, "chainie"?

I know two guys in Indy with pristine 1100Es -- an '82 and an '83. Next time one of them is over at the lab, maybe I'll ask if we can give this a try.

I think the main hurdle might be that the 1100E tank is a lot longer than a GL tank.

I wouldn't be surprised if the front of the tank slots right in (Suzuki never changed anything unless they were forced to, but who knows), but I'm pretty sure the rear would end up too far back. And then where would one sit?