does this look like a good buy?

[Steve]

A lot of the guys here think the Ls suck because the L stands for Lady's model. They have higher, pull-back handlebars and a lower, stepped seat. Suzuki, along with all the other Japanese manufacturers, were going for that "classic" Harley look. The bars and seat force you into more of an upright, cruiser riding posture, and some of the guys here prefer more of a lean over the tank, not quite a full racing tuck position.

The opinion here at my house is that the low seat and pull-back bars are perfect for my vertically-challenged wife. After all, it's her bike. We have a windshield on the bike, so the lean-forward posture is not necessary to negate wind effect.

Mechanically, it's not so different, it just puts you into a different riding position.

.

[gustovh]

You will find the L an easy layed back ride. They have "great power" and Sex apeal, and look good too. Should get 50 + mpg crusing at 70 or so. The other guys are just jelous. Is dat spelt rite?
V

[Larry D]

Did somebody say something about "Ls"
You gotta love 'em !!!!

[twr1776]

bwringer I'd say grabbit for $400 to $500 or so if the exhaust is somewhat functional (not some open-piped hillbilly thing). It's the middle of an ugly winter and you have at least $400 to $500 or so more to spend on it plus some time and lovin' before it's fit for the road.

I always thought "L" stood for luxury. I agree with Brian but would maybe go with a 400.00 offer and see what happens. The 850 is an excellent bike but it still is a non-runner at this time. It does have what appears to be a rattle can paint job which might or might not look good up close. I am a bit of an "L" purist but if you can get the bike and put in the 400 - 500 to get it roadworthy it would be a pretty good deal IMHO. Look at the inside of the tank and the electrical system to see if they are in decent shape.

The "new tires" bit made me LOL. I don't think those evil ribbed monstrosities have been made since the '80s. It will DEFINITELY need new rubber.

The tire tread pattern looks to me like the old Dunlop Qualifiers which are still made but IMHO crap. I would figure with your upgrading costs new Progressive fork springs (around $ 80) for safety and rear shocks if the budget allows.

[awjonesii]

There is nothing wrong with an "L" model. Like someone said earlier its all in the seating position. But the seating position of the bike you're looking at already has bars like I have on mine and the "L" makes for a great corner carving machine. I'm sure there are a few people here who can vouch for me on that.

Its all about what kind of style bike you like/and or what kind of bike you can get a decent deal on.

Most importantly - ride safe and ride hard whatever you ride.

[twr1776]

awjonesii There is nothing wrong with an "L" model. Like someone said earlier its all in the seating position. But the seating position of the bike you're looking at already has bars like I have on mine and the "L" makes for a great corner carving machine. I'm sure there are a few people here who can vouch for me on that.

I will vouch for Al on the carving, another bonus is that it is easier to hide within the more than 12 bike long HD formations when you have to push your way into them to partially pass and then wobble a couple more corners with them before completing the pass on the rest of the formation Nothing I would ever condone or participate in but just a story I heard once.

[almarconi]

A lot of the guys here think the Ls suck because the L stands for Lady's model

For some reason, I can't see many ladies being able to ride around on a 1100L

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I thought "L" was for "Laid back"?

The leading axle on the front makes for quick steering, good in the twisties. It's the handlebars that most people don't care for. That's easily remedied. I don't care for the stepped seat, but that can always be modified. They are nice machines.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[nisom512]

Hi,

I thought "L" was for "Laid back"?

The leading axle on the front makes for quick steering, good in the twisties. It's the handlebars that most people don't care for. That's easily remedied. I don't care for the stepped seat, but that can always be modified. They are nice machines.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

lucky for me the handle bar issue has already been remedied.

WEll I am going to look at the bike tomorrow at 10am I think I am going to offer 500 I just feel like im low ballin him if I say 400 (like some of you on here have said and I dont want to make him mad so he wont give it to me for 550. So $500 and ill work from there.

The bike is at his dads house and his dad said I should offer 550 and he will probably snap it right up. So ill do 500 and go from there.

I will keep you guys posted on if I buy it or not.

Thank you for all your help.
Jake

[nisom512]

Well I bought it I paid $500 and now she's mine. it will need some carb and brake work plus new rear rotor and pads, but other than that the bars he put on are nice and the bike is pretty clean, He also rejetted it but couldnt remember what stage he put in. so that sucks. but oh well I hope he did it right.

Thank you all for your help.
Jake

[BassCliff]

Ahhh, the adventure begins!

Please keep us informed, with lots of pictures.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

L was for "Low Slinger" as I recall. One of those silly Japanese to english translations.

[duaneage]

I don;t like L models because they have smaller gas tanks and the different fork angle makes them handle funny.

[Nessism]

I don;t like L models because they have smaller gas tanks and the different fork angle makes them handle funny.

Suzuki slackened the head angle by about 1 degree and added the leading axle fork so the front end will look "kicked out". The leading axle fork pretty much offsets the head angle change though so steering should be the same - trail is the same between the regular models and the L's.

[Larry D]

It comes down to riding position.
Do you prefer to lean slightly over the tank putting weight on your hands, arms and shoulders ? This position, I feel, is better for carving up the corners. It's a more aggressive position.
I prefer to to more upright with less weight on my arms and more on my butt. I feel this position, is more relaxed, and just simply more comfortable for me. And I'm not an aggressive rider.
I don't have the longest legs either and the stepped seat makes my footing much better. No tippy-toes.