Faults:

Typical Suzuki GS charging issues, but nothing a new stator and reg/rec can't fix.

General Comments:

This bike kicks ass and comes back for more! Sure it's a bit heavy weighing in at almost 600lbs, but the torque and power more than compensate. I ride like a bit of a hooligan and this bike can take it! Even though it's a bit on the heavy side, it's still nimble and responsive. Highways are a breeze and overtaking anyone in 5th gear with a twist of the wrist is pure pleasure. The torque and power delivery is really surprising. This thing likes to fly. Regularly cruise at 140kmh.

Electronics are a bit dodgy, but a new stator and reg/rec will fix that. It will keep going regardless of any electrical issue though, it just doesn't stop. No oil? no problem... it'll get you home.

Faults:

Needed new tires and windshield, oil change and plugs to certify.

Starter motor and voltage regulator, then speedometer cable all went in my first summer.

Replaced valve cover gasket, and forks leak air slowly.

I am constantly charging my battery, but it's a cheap one.

General Comments:

All in all it's a great ride so far. Nothing too hard to fix for being a 1982.

Can get parts from a local dealer, but costly.

Very fast on highways and handles smoothly.

Highway pegs are a must for long rides.

The motor is strong and can take a beating.

Faults:

Windshield is now a bit cloudy from 25 years of bending stresses.

General Comments:

In '86 it was winterized properly (for 20 years), and now with a new battery it starts and runs just fine. Next year it's a classic!

I will consider selling it only because my wife is more comfortable in her Mazda Miata.

Faults:

Fork seal, usual maintenance.

General Comments:

This is the most bullet-proof engine you can get. I love it. Just love it.

Faults:

The only thing that went "wrong" was the voltage regulator which burned out. I replaced it with a used one I got for $50 at a junkyard.

And the valve cover gasket leaked a couple of times.

It seemed to go through a battery every couple of years.

Plus wear items like disk brake pads, tires, fork seals.

But that's pretty good considering it was a ten year old bike which I bought on my credit card and drove all year round for ten more years. Never adjusted the valves or the carburetors.

It still had the original clutch, although it was starting to slip. I never had to replace the clutch cable or brake lines. I only changed the spark plugs once.

General Comments:

This was a tough reliable bike with lots of go and great brakes.

Not great on gas. It got about the same gas mileage as our car, a 1986 Chevy Nova.

It was a performance bike masquerading as a touring bike. It was not comfortable for the driver at all, but strangely, passengers found it comfortable.

The stepped saddle and high foot pegs made for an uncomfortable seating position. I replaced the saddle with a flat seat.

I hated the fairing. It rattled and you couldn't get at the motor. I replaced it with a small windscreen.

But the panniers and top box were excellent.

It was not good for touring. It was under geared and revved really high on the freeway, but you couldn't change the gearing because it had a shaft drive. The handlebars buzzed and after a couple of hours your hands and forearms got sore.

I gave it to a friend because I was leaving Canada. I didn't get a single ticket on it in ten years.