1981 GS1100E info

[crc1214]

Allright....... I've posted some questions for one bike I'm interested in (the 1985 GS700E), and now I want to post some questions for another bike I'm interested in purchasing........ a 1981 GS1100E.

From what I've read, it's a FANTASTIC bike, with the 82 being slightly better as far as handling.

I just want to hear some feedback from you 81 GS1100E owners out there, and tell me what you think of your bikes.

Any handling issues, wierd mechanical issues, etc.

I've heard that the early GS1100's had some problems with the crankshaft under stress, so Suzuki welded it somehow in the later models??? I saw where a popular mod on the early models is to do this. Would the 81 have been welded at the factory? If not, how expensive is this kind of mod?

Also..... did the 81 still use roller-bearings in the engine, or the plain automobile type bearings?

The one I'm looking at is completely stock (inc. airbox/pipes), with some scratches and dings here and there, with 30K miles on the clock. Doesn't need a single thing. 1750. Good deal?

Thanks,
Chad

[Anonymous]

they handle pretty well, we arent talking gsxr or anything close, but still a blast to ride, if u want better handleing go with new springs or go the upgrade route. i got my 82 1100 with 34000 for 600, so talk to the guy. unless the paint and everythiing looks good, id try and talk him down.

[crag antler]

$1750 with 30k seems a little high to me. I paid $2200 for my 83 with 22K on it.
I'm sure some will say a little high.
Check/PM Jethro as he has an 81 GS1100 and probably knows alot, him or Hap

[Anonymous]

Well, I have an 82, but the engines are the same and most things apply to both...

Any handling issues, wierd mechanical issues, etc.

Mechanically they are very sound, bordering on bulletproof. Just watch for the usual 25 year old vehicle problems. Electricals, especially regulator/rectifiers, are somewhat weak and have not gotten better with age...

Handling? Well, it's 25 years old and weighs 600lbs... It will not run with a new GSXR. Beyond that, it was considered a good handler in it's day.

I've heard that the early GS1100's had some problems with the crankshaft under stress, so Suzuki welded it somehow in the later models???

That's modified/high HP/drag racing kind of stress. Normal street use is not a problem. The 83 1100's and all 1150's (I believe it was) were welded. Not worth it unless you are doing a serious rebuild for lots of power.

Also..... did the 81 still use roller-bearings in the engine, or the plain automobile type bearings?

Roller bearings. I believe all the GS1100/1150's used rollers and they switched over with the GSXR's.

The one I'm looking at is completely stock (inc. airbox/pipes), with some scratches and dings here and there, with 30K miles on the clock. Doesn't need a single thing. 1750. Good deal?

If it runs well and makes no funny noises, that sounds like a very fair price. I would probably buy it for that...


Mark

[Jethro]

I love my 81 1100. So much so I bought an 83! The 81 does have roller brearing cranks, and apparently the welding of the crank happened halfway through production (or so I heard) so it's hard to tell if yours would be welded. Handleing is pretty good, not awesome, but does just fine. I'd upgrade to progressives in the fork if you can. As with all the GS line, it's indestructable. I got mine for free from a buddy, but I'd probably pay 1200-1500 for one totally stock. A stock bike is a really good thing, you don't often see that year bike stock because people used to hop 'em up somthing serious.

[Anonymous]

Suzuki started welding the cranks in mid 1982, but hey never welded the journal at the primary gear, even in the later models, go figure. The clutches were weak for hot rodding, some came apart without hot rodding. Sometimes the gen. rotor & starter clutch would come loose & mess up, or break off, the left end of the crank. Not something I would worry about, but it did happen to a few of them. The "82" and newer had a different left end on them to fix that problem. Wouldn't take engine apart to weld crank unless really going to abuse bike. For normal riding, just ride it. If the bike looks & runs good, seems like a pretty good deal. To me, a stock bike is worth more than a bike with mods, ie. pod filters, 4 into 1 pipes, custom paint etc. I like original.

[first timer]

i have heard that the leading axle type forks on the 80/81 were not very good they tended to get some speed wobbles up high, and would produce some wierd gyroscopic forces on the forks because of the lead axle. i heard this from a ex racer from back in the day.

can anyone verify this or deny this?

-ryan

[Jethro]

I can tell you that my 81 gets way less speed wobbles than my 83. Don't know why, I think my 83 tire is poorly balanced. The 81 is as comfortable at 110 as it is at 45.

What color is the one you are looking at?

[earlfor]

Re: 1981 GS1100E info

All 1100/1150's have roller bearings on the crankshaft. 30K is not a lot of miles for an 1100. If its in good condition, taken care of and doesnt need a lot of work, $1750 is a fair price. Between the two bikes you're looking at, I would go for the 1100 without any hesitation at all. :-)

I believe 81 was the first year the factory welded the cranks. Not at all positive though. Some here will be an authority on that point for sure, it just isnt me. LOL

Earl

Also..... did the 81 still use roller-bearings in the engine, or the plain automobile type bearings?

The one I'm looking at is completely stock (inc. airbox/pipes), with some scratches and dings here and there, with 30K miles on the clock. Doesn't need a single thing. 1750. Good deal?

Thanks,
Chad

[Jethro]

I believe 81 was the first year the factory welded the cranks. Not at all positive though. Some here will be an authority on that point for sure, it just isnt me. LOL

Yup, halfway through 81, I'm sure of it. 82 was the first year they did it on all the 1100's, but the only way to be sure on the 81's is to crack the cases.

[crc1214]

Thanks for all of your replies! I think the guy will take 1500.

By the way, the color is red.

The thing that really made me chuckle was the fact that yes, the tires are good......... and the front is even brand new....... but it's a frickin' Cheng Chin...... hahahahaha...........

Why you would put a little cheapy tire like that on a 600 lb. power-house is beyond me.

Maybe so he could just technically say "it has a new front tire"?

That may be the first thing that gets replaced, to match the Dunlop on the rear!

I'll keep you guys posted. First, my winter project (the CB650 Custom) has to sell. Then I may purchase this bike. I'll know for sure in a month to 6 weeks.

Chad

[earlfor]

I would ask the guy if he would take a deposit to hold it and explain you needed to sell your bike. Cant lose anything for asking, and getting shot is relatively rare. :-)

Earl

I'll keep you guys posted. First, my winter project (the CB650 Custom) has to sell. Then I may purchase this bike. I'll know for sure in a month to 6 weeks.

Chad

[crc1214]

That's a good idea Earl, I may just have to check on that.

As far as getting shot....... no, that is a rare occurrence up in these parts. You run into that sort of thing once you go south of I-70 and into the hills!!!

And it's not a rare occurrence for you because you're at least 50 miles south of the Alabama border!! Most people call that area the "pan-handle" - I call it the "arm-pit"........ LOL..........

They don't call it a shooting up there, they call it "Southern justice"....... hahahahaha........

Chad

[earlfor]

I'm not exactly near the panhandle/Alabama border. Thats a good 550 miles north of me. :-) :-) I can see Havana from where I am. :-)

Earl

That's a good idea Earl, I may just have to check on that.

As far as getting shot....... no, that is a rare occurrence up in these parts. You run into that sort of thing once you go south of I-70 and into the hills!!!

And it's not a rare occurrence for you because you're at least 50 miles south of the Alabama border!! Most people call that area the "pan-handle" - I call it the "arm-pit"........ LOL..........

They don't call it a shooting up there, they call it "Southern justice"....... hahahahaha........

Chad

[Anonymous]

To me, a stock bike is worth more than a bike with mods, ie. pod filters, 4 into 1 pipes, custom paint etc. I like original.

I agree. Stock bikes have more potential to run well without constant fussing, too.