GS1000 Evolution / Changes 1978 to 1979

[850 Combat]

I have seen some stuff on the internet to the affect that early 1978 GS1000's had different forks and shocks than later 1978's and 1979's. I don't know if that is true.

Anybody know precisely what evolution there was in the 2 valve chain drive GS1000's? Did '80's have CV's and electronic ignition? Did some have different fork and shocks?

[Nessism]

All GS models switched to CV's and electronic ignition in 1980. The GS1000 was no exception. To go with the CV carbs, there was a new head with larger ports - the same head as used on the 1000G for two years. Regarding forks, the only change I'm aware of was to add dual discs and maybe finish color. If you go to a parts fishe like Alpha Sports you can check part numbers to see if they changed from one year to the next. That's the easiest way I know to learn what interchanges between models, and what is different.

[barsnake]

I have any early 78 GS1000. The big difference was the single disc brake up front and spoke wheels. They added a plastic ignition cover on the later 78's, mag wheels, and the dual disc setup up front. Colors were different too. Mines maroon with an orange stripe, the later 78's included the (skunk) which was black with a white stripe. I have dual points with mine. I'm not sure if the later 78's had an electronic setup.

Cheers

[Big T]

No change in suspension from 78 to 79.

Standard models have wire wheels, 1 front disc , blue or red in 78
E model had stepped seat, cast wheels, dual front discs and self cancelling turn signals. 78 color was black with white stripe aka Skunk

79 had choke moved to handlebar, chrome sides on the air cleaner box and different paint jobs, gas tank had no horizontal indentation

80 - no wire wheel model, CV carbs, etc

Paul, you ever going to be in OR?

[hampshirehog]

Some of the 79 models had shorter fork springs - same length as the GS1000S.
Not all the 79 models had the chrome side panels on the airbox.
Some 79s had a rectangular front master cylinder.
Some 79s had the 50mm bolt spacing fuel tap.

The list goes on; the key thing is although there was probably a definitive model year, your description of evolution is absolutely spot on and some bikes came out from the factory with either 'last year's' or 'next year's' specs on them.

[toolman]

i changed my 78 forks with a 81 and they were about one and a half in longer witch helped the handling on my bike a bunch .koni's on the back with a 81 aluminium swing arm rounded it all out .
good luck ...toolman

[mustangflyr]

Gs1000 Evolution

Pertaining to 850 Combat's posting the twin disc GS1000's had the same forks and shocks except for the "S" different springs and "L" models leading axle forks, both had different shocks than the "E". 1980 brought on many changes on the 1000's as stated CV carbs, transistor ignition, combined R/R, 80 mph speedometer, front brake m/cyl and calipers, and the rotors were slotted. And the 1980 was either blue or red. No matter what it's hard to go wrong with a GS1000 (or any Suzuki) of any year or model just a matter of personal taste.

[Rover]

No change in suspension from 78 to 79.

Standard models have wire wheels, 1 front disc , blue or red in 78
E model had stepped seat, cast wheels, dual front discs and self cancelling turn signals. 78 color was black with white stripe aka Skunk

79 had choke moved to handlebar, chrome sides on the air cleaner box and different paint jobs, gas tank had no horizontal indentation

80 - no wire wheel model, CV carbs, etc

Paul, you ever going to be in OR?

I have several 78/79 GS1000's, one has the spokes and single disk(1978 I am the original owner,I also have a 78 with single disk and cast wheels,How common is this? My 79's have cast whhels and dual discs

[Nessism]

I have several 78/79 GS1000's, one has the spokes and single disk(1978 I am the original owner,I also have a 78 with single disk and cast wheels,How common is this? My 79's have cast whhels and dual discs

I don't think there was a model with cast wheels and a single disc. Nothing stopping a dealer from doing the change though.

[Big T]

I have several 78/79 GS1000's, one has the spokes and single disk(1978 I am the original owner,I also have a 78 with single disk and cast wheels,How common is this? My 79's have cast whhels and dual discs

Or simply putting a single disc cast wheel on it. I've seen some other bikes like this, maybe T models?

But no 78 had cast wheels, single disc

[Rover]

Or simply putting a single disc cast wheel on it. I've seen some other bikes like this, maybe T models?

But no 78 had cast wheels, single disc

I'll try to post a picture.

[Rover]

None
vBulletin Message Cancel Changes
Quick ReplyThis is how The bike came when I bought it in 2002.Except it had the maroon tank with orange stripe

[Nessism]

As stated above...

I don't think there was a model with cast wheels and a single disc. Nothing stopping a dealer from doing the change though.

[Big T]

As stated above...

I don't think there was a model with cast wheels and a single disc. Nothing stopping a dealer from doing the change though.

Or any number of prior owners