need advice on buying an 83 gs1100es

[Anonymous]

I am looking at buying a 1983 gs1100es it looks to be in pretty good shape the engine doesn't have any major leaks and seems to run pretty well the throttle is a little sticky and it doesn't want to fall back to an idle right away. When the bike is idling there is a rattle that comes from the clutch case not real serious but noticable the big thing to me was that when the bike was started up it pushed a fair bit of bluish white smoke out of the pipes for about 10 seconds and then it was fine this was just on the first start up after that no problem ,I think maybe a valve issue , other than that it has new tires front and back steel braided brake lines front and back all body parts look to be in very good condition the bike has 62,000 kms which translates into 38'750 miles it is at a bike shop they were asking $2299.00 and we ended up settling on $1700.00 so I told him I would think about it, any and all advice would be much appreciated I have owned a few of these bikes before and really like them but I like to hear what others in the know have to say .....thanks....mark

[SqDancerLynn1]

The smoke is most likley valve guides or valve seals, Noise could be the clutch basket $$$, it could also be the timing chain tensioner. Sticky throtle - replace the cables, it could also be caused by leaking intake manifold rubbers.

[Carter Turk]

83 1100ES

Sounds like a fair deal, maybe alittle high on price. Is that U.S. or Canadian? The mileage seems high for the price as well. I paid $1700 U.S. for an 84 1150 ES with 10K in 1999. The fairing was in ok shape but not all the plastic mounting plates along the inner fairing were there. The body work you mentioned sounds in better shape.

Has the bike been sitting for awhile? Valves or rings on the smoke. Maybe get a leak down test done if its at a dealership That noise could be a loose inner clutch hub nut or worked over springs in the clutch hub. Get a nut from APE.

If you're inclined to work on it yourself, I'd go for it. Carter

[Anonymous]

Hi Carter thanks for the reply it has been sitting at their shop for a while it was a trade in on a new bike last year the price is 1700 cdn. do you think 1500.00 would be more realistic ...thanks...mark

[Anonymous]

Take a look at the prices on autotrader.ca If you do a search for bikes 1500 bucks and under you may see a couple clapped out scooters but nothing else. The November before last I bought my 1100 for 1400 taxes included with 77,000km and a clutch rattle. The paint on mine was mint, brand new, with a custom mural.

Steve

[skip]

the carbs may need balancing, that can make them idle high then fall back to normal lazily. I would be concerned about the rattle, the 1100 was famous for blowing up clutch baskets if the bike was abused . A hand gernaded basket can take out the whole motor if it lets go at high rpm so be careful.

[Carter Turk]

GS1100ES

I'd say buy it. Those bikes are pretty rare. You can't buy anything these days for that price that would be even close to half as fun. You could buy a new XR50R for $1100 or clapped out Chevy Luv Mikado or the 1100ES for $1500 and then take the clutch cover and oil pan off for a look, lube the throttle cable, buy a couple gaskets, you know, periodic maintenance.

Regarding clutch baskets grenading. What are the symtoms, noises behavior, etc., if any, of a clutch basket about to let go. Beside rattling is there anything more specific leading up to it? Skip has this happened to you on a non modified 1100-1150? or anyone else out there thats not on the dragstrip? Carter.

[Joe Nardy]

Shark,

I have an '83 1100E that I've owned since new(click link at bottom for pics). The clutch noise may not be anything to worry about. My bike has a clutch rattle at idle, especially when cold. This is not uncommon for these bikes. A good carb sync may get rid of it. Other than that, you might be concerned about the smoke but that may also get better with some fresh oil and regular running. Regardless, it sounds like you can get a classic '80's superbike in good running condition for a reasonable price. You will find all the help you'll need to fix anything on this site. There are some real wizards here that know everything there is to know about these bikes.

[Anonymous]

I bought an 83 1100E little less than a year ago for 1650. Had about 17,000 miles on it. I'd say condition was good to very good. Needed tires. It had a header and pods on it but came with the original exhaust and intake pieces in great condition (which I reinstalled). I'm also pretty sure it hadn't been run too hard. It hadn't been jetted right for the header and pods and would fall flat on it's face at 7000 rpm. Runs great after I replaced the exhaust and airbox and put back in original sized jets.
You can see pics at http://webpages.charter.net/pejackson/83GS1100E_1.htm

Opps, I forgot, had to put an oil pan gasket it too.