1982 Suzuki GS1100GK from Canada

Summary:

Best bike I've ever owned

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.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th August, 2021

1982 Suzuki GS1100GK from Canada

Summary:

It looks different and has lots of guts

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.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2009

20th Nov 2011, 08:31

Hi, can you tell me where I can find a wire harness for my GS1100GK 1982?

In reply to 20th Nov 2011, 08:31

28th Apr 2020, 04:07

Ebay... that's where I got mine.

1982 Suzuki GS1100GK from United States of America

Summary:

This one is a keeper

Faults:

Mostly normal wear and tear, did have to replace the old worn-out rear air shocks with Progressive air shocks, which made a huge difference in the handling of the bike.

I also had the bike painted from the "Old Man Brown" as my wife called it, in a dark-night blue with silver inserts and grey trim. This changed the looks quite a bit.

Bike runs strong, is very comfortable on long trips, is extremely reliable and gets over 50 mpg on the road.

Good paint, new exhaust and polished aluminum, bike is always center of attention where ever I go.

General Comments:

This bike did not get a good review from Motorcycle magazine back in its day, and body parts are non-existing. It's still a very good bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2009

26th Sep 2011, 22:47

September 2011, I now have 42,000 on this bike, and it is running as good as ever. Needs minor work on the front brake calipers, but other than that, normal maintenance is all that I do. Doesn't use any oil, and is getting well over 50 miles a gallon. One of the best bikes I have ever owned.

10th Sep 2016, 14:09

Update, 9/2016: Bike now has 48,000 miles and is still a strong runner. Replaced rubber hoses and seals and other minor items. Did all the work myself without any problems whatsoever. Best bike I own.

In reply to 10th Sep 2016, 14:09

9th Apr 2020, 07:11

When you wrote "body work is non existing", did you mean your bike has had the fairings and bags removed? I ask to understand your gas mileage, because 50mpg is amazing on an 80s bike this heavy and powerful. Thanks for following up your first post - great to hear the story unfolding. I've got interested after seeing a GK rebuild video on YouTube.

In reply to 9th Apr 2020, 07:11

29th May 2020, 16:07

My 1982 GK also has gas mileage comparable to my 1982 GS 750T or my 850G. On my most recent ride, yesterday, I went about 125 miles and it got 51 miles per gallon on a ride that was out through the hills at varying speeds.

In reply to 9th Apr 2020, 07:11

18th Oct 2020, 10:12

No new body parts are available to purchase for this bike, but you can still get parts off of ebay. The gas mileage wasn't always this good, but has gradually increased as the motor continued to be broke in. I also noticed that it's running cooler. 50+ mpg is average on the highway with it averaging between 40-43 around town. The only problem I'm having now is being able to get it in for maintenance that I can't do myself. I'm on a waiting list with the only mechanic around and it has been a couple of months so far without a call. The bike is comfortable for a passenger and it doesn't struggle with the extra weight. This is a good basic touring bike that won't break the bank to own.