It's done: 1980 GS1100E restoration

[1100E]

Well, she's finally finished and ready to strut her stuff


Left-side, rear quarter view: Close to original with some subtle mods...


Front-left engine detail: Note OE exhaust and reproduction decals (and a lot more)...

The "Silver Streak" will be cruising the streets of New England starting next week, can't wait. As many of you know, I was fortunate enough to have had an '80 1100E (exactly like this) when they were brand new. I sold my '80E to upgrade to the champagne '82E and have kicked myself ever since... Don't get me wrong, I love the '82E, too, but the '80E was my first "superbike" and it will always have a sentimental place in my heart.

I bought this particular "80E from a GS Forum member (Mike Bradford - thanks Mike!) and went to John Wilson at Akron Suzuki Motorworks for the restoration. I've worked my butt off to afford the work done and I'm very grateful to be in a position to have done this resto. The work done on this bike is amazing, I'm not an expert wrench and couldn't have ever brought this E back to the mechanical and cosmetic condition seen above.

More pics to come...

[chef1366]

Good looking bike.
I'd think twice about actually riding it.

[Calvin Blackmore]

that thing belongs in a museum
at least bring it in the house in the winter

move your wifes chair out to the garage if need be.

stunning work you should be pleased
pleased and scared to drive it

[1100E]

Thanks guys, but I believe you have to ride these bikes to really enjoy them.

Oh, and I always store my bikes in the house during winter months - it gets too dang cold in the garage.

[SKD]

WOW, nice work, id be affraid to sit on her with shoes on....lol. great job on the bike..

[Baatfam]

Nice, very nice...

Every so often, someone puts up pics of a bike that I just know I could not be allowed to own or ride...
Way to nice for me...

[posplayr]

Very Nice, alot of work and bucks I'm sure. Exhaust is beautiful. I like the classic look and kept my 81 GS750EX all stock as well. While it is a 16V little brother, of course it is doesnt have the grunt of the 1100 .

Congrats

[steve murdoch]

Beautiful bike, Tom.
It looks new enough to have a factory warranty again.

[1100E]

Very Nice, alot of work and bucks I'm sure. Exhaust is beautiful. I like the classic look and kept my 81 GS750EX all stock as well. While it is a 16V little brother, of course it is doesnt have the grunt of the 1100 .Congrats

Thanks man, cost wasn't too bad, a lot less expensive than a new bike. I sure wish we weren't on opposite coasts, it would be great to have a pic of our two bikes!! It'd look like a print ad from 80/81 Your 750E is gorgeous btw, as nice as any 1100E IMO

Beautiful bike, Tom.
It looks new enough to have a factory warranty again.

Thanks Steve, much appreciated Can you imagine what Suzuki's response would be if I asked them for an extended warranty??

[jwhelan65]

Nice job Well done!

[Nessism]

Well done indeed. Gotta love a stock restoration like that. First rate! Enjoy!

[will61310]

July Bike of the Month??

[Ricko19]

Yes, definately has my vote for next bike of the month! Fantastic job, beautiful machine. Can't beat stock I reckon. I have the same model/colour 750 (wish it was the 1100)

Hope to have mine half as good as that one day!

[hikermikem]

Nice job, very, very well done... perhaps we'll cross paths here around NE this Summer.

[bonanzadave]

Exhaust is beautiful.

No doubt ! Did you have it re-chromed ? Fabulous !!