what is the ride like.....compared to modern bike and XS11?

[Guest]

OK, this might seem like an odd question.
I have liked the old UJM big bikes like this for years. Probably because I grew up in the 70's and 80's.

I have owned a couple of XS11's (80 and 81)
Right now I own a 2009 Harley Street Glide. Not because I am a Harley guy....but because through some trades I ended up with one. I will ride it a couple of more weeks and sell it. The original plan when I put the truck up for sale that ended up with me and a Harley was buy a bike to ride, a project bike, and then pay off some bills.

I am looking real serious at a GS1100 to ride (E, G, GK....whatever I find at the time) and maybe another to rebuild, although I might go with something smaller for my first money pit, I mean rebuild. lol.

My question is. What is an early 80's GS1100 like to ride compared to a more modern cruiser, and compared the the XS11?

For background. My commute is about 55 miles each way...1/2 straight state highway, and the other 1/2 interstate. once or twice a month I might use it for trips from my home (Oklahoma) to KS, MO, or Nebraska. There are some hills and curves not too far from me, but I am not a "canyon carver" that is trying to ride sideways or anything. I like to be first across an intersection....but other than that, I am a speed limit kind of guy.

[Steve]

Can we assume, for the sake of argument, that your "modern cruiser" is some sort of V-twin? Not necessarily a Harley, as there are many clones out there.

If your only experience was with an XS(ive)11, you already have a small preview. The XS might have had a touch more torque, but that shaft drive would try to launch you UP when you hit the throttle.
A chain-driven GS1100E is still the basis for many drag racers. For those who don't need the ultimate in acceleration, a shaft-driven GS1100G will do quite nicely. You will have to look down occasionally to remind yourself that you are on a shafty, because it is NOTHING like the XS. For your longer trips (or carrying home a gallon of milk from the corner store), the GS1100GK is a decent choice. Again, it's shaft-driven, but almost feels like a chain. I have gone to the extent of adapting the GK rear luggage to my 850, because I like the way it integrates. Not quite as roomy and practical as the luggage on my Wing, but not that bad, overall.

"First across the intersection"? You can do that on a 450, you don't need an 1100.

.

[gs11ezrydr]

Torque and acceleration,sounds like an gs1150e would get you where you want and be more comfortable, you do a few mods to the 1150 and depending what you do, it will hold it's own against a lot of new bikes, if you ride it.

[bwringer]

One thing I will say is that the 1100E is loooooooooooong compared to the GS850/1000/1100 shafties. I honestly greatly prefer the handling and comfort of my 850G, and I've heard the same from several others.

As far as engine manners, there's really nothing as buttery smooth as well sorted-out carburetors. Very few, if any fuel injection systems are anywhere near as smooth and intuitive. That said, later model fuel injection systems are very, very close. And getting carbs to that absolutely dead-nuts level of perfection can drive you absolutely bonkers.

Well sorted-out GS brakes and suspension with modern pads, shocks, springs, tires, etc. can be surprisingly good -- far better than most give them credit for, frankly.

I'd say the biggest immediate difference between a vintage bike and a modern bike is frame flex. In your usage, you may never notice. But when you start to push things a bit in the twisties, you'll feel the GS frame twist, flex, and wiggle where most modern bikes the frame is dead solid. To a large degree, it's predictable and you can ride around it but ultimately the frame is the limit to how hard you can push the bike. GS frame geometry and stiffness are far better than any of the competition from the '70s and '80s, but up compared to a bike from the late '90s or later, there's a big difference.

That said, many cruisers do not boast frames of modern design, and their geometry is severely compromised by design (fork angle and cornering clearance, for example). So a vintage GS will likely out-handle just about any modern cruiser.

[Nessism]

A properly maintained and sorted out UJM is a wonderfully useful and enjoyable bike to ride. The power is more than adequate and the bike may well be faster than many modern cruisers even. Where the newer bikes win out is in terms of needed maintenance. 35 year old bikes need a lot of TLC to keep them going whereas newer bikes should need far less mechanical involvement. If you are the type of guy that just wants to ride then I'd stay with newer bikes. If part of your motorcycle experience enjoyment includes tinkering and doing maintenance then an older bike may be an excellent choice.

[mcompton1973]

I dont NEEEEEDDDDDD an 1100....but I would get blown away on the interstate everyday. hahaha.....or at least thats my excuse to buy an 1100.

I seriously doubt that I would be pushing any bike I get to any real feeling of frame flex etc. lol.

I AM the kind of guy that likes to wrench on my own stuff. Valve adjustments and stuff are something I LIKE to do...when I make time.

To me, there is a cool (geek) factor in riding something different than everyone else, and keeping something on the road a long time (The truck I traded had almost 400k miles) but I dont want to ride something that is from the stone ages in terms of enjoyment compared to more modern bikes was all.

[mmattockx]

but I dont want to ride something that is from the stone ages in terms of enjoyment compared to more modern bikes was all.

Since you are comparing to cruisers the GS will be very equivalent. Both have old tech damper rod forks, skinny bias ply tires, old tech brakes and are generally of the same technology vintage. The riding position will be more comfortable on the GS (IMO, I don't like the sit up and beg cruiser position with high bars) and you will have more power on the GS if the cruiser is a v-twin. Since you ask about the XS11, the GS will be very similar to it in all respects because they are from the same time period. The GS might handle a bit better because the XS is more cruiser oriented in the riding position but that's about it.


Mark

[nejeff]

I had an XS1100 Special as a daily rider before I replaced it with my GS850G 5 years ago. I have a XS11 standard on the lift that will be replacing my GS850G as soon as I get it ready. Both are great bikes, Suzuki has the better shaft drive but many make too much of the "shaft jacking" of the Yamahas. A slight lift in the rear is notable, more if you get on it hard. The gs1100G (k) is also a bike worth considering. Good luck

[John Park]

I had an XS1100 Special as a daily rider before I replaced it with my GS850G 5 years ago. I have a XS11 standard on the lift that will be replacing my GS850G as soon as I get it ready. Both are great bikes, Suzuki has the better shaft drive but many make too much of the "shaft jacking" of the Yamahas. A slight lift in the rear is notable, more if you get on it hard. The gs1100G (k) is also a bike worth considering. Good luck

It's not the lift that concerns me, it's the squat when you back off in a corner in a low gear at high rpm that drives your foot peg down toward the pavement. As long as you know what to expect, it's fine, but the reaction to back off the throttle when you're in too deep is ingrained. It never concerned me on an 850G, but I never rode it that way. I rode a 650 yamaha with OEM shocks and that was pretty random and scary on the bumpy, twisty backroads around here.

[GS1150Pilot]

I loved my old XS11 standard. Handled for dogs#it, but what a motor!

[limeex2]

For comfort its tough to beat the old UJM's. The older GS's had the best seats I have ever sat on. Believe it, or not if you get some lower bars and lean into the wind instead of hanging on for dear life it makes a huge difference. NOT crazy low, enough to get a little lean. I regularly do 200+ mile days running the alphabets in Wi., and have done Sturgis in 1 day(750?) 3 times on my Sprint, but that has a little fairing. Kinda cheating...