Kawasaki Eliminator 900 Vs Suzuki GS1100L - Sound, Acceleration, Showdown!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 92

  • @michaelloughlin1597
    @michaelloughlin1597 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    First of all, I love the channel. Great to see all these older bikes in their glory. I have had a ZL 900 for almost twenty years and not once has it failed to put a smile on my face when riding it! I totally agree with the abismal fuel range. First time I rode the bike I ran it out of gas at about 80 miles! Thank God for reserve. I think you have to view a bike like the Eliminator the same way you look at the old muscle cars from the 1960's. The new cars and bikes are quicker and handle better but there's nothing like the looks of the old mustang's, cuda's, V-Max, Eliminator's. Ride safe all!

  • @stillridin
    @stillridin ปีที่แล้ว +3

    in 1991 I was 18 and bought my first bike, a red 1985 900 Eliminator. I Learned how to ride on that thing, I loved it..

  • @NJS-TL1000S
    @NJS-TL1000S ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm loving the review on these two motorcycles ... Both looking very smart and in beautiful condition. Very un-biased comparison and giving viewer plenty of info on the individual machines ...
    The footage is very clear and sound really comes in well from the audio catching the hum from the bikes.
    Top review, top quality video. 🙂👍 PS ... Suzuki gets my vote ... but I love the colour of the Kawa ...

  • @mrmatt7210
    @mrmatt7210 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Having owned a GS850L I can say the two things I loved about this series of bikes was the torque and the seat comfort. To be clear, you dont need to wind this bike hard to get moving quickly, and the seat was comfortable enough to make a days worth of riding a reasonable choice.

  • @alexk5990
    @alexk5990 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    These videos are great, I don't know why you don't have more viewers!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@alexk5990 Thanks, Alex! I appreciate the feedback. And, feel free to let your friends know about the channel. Cheers!

  • @henryhawk978
    @henryhawk978 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Very nice comparison and both are great bikes and shaft drive. Myself, I like simplicity, practical and logical so I'd go with the Suzuki. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

  • @timkis64
    @timkis64 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    i expected the suzuki to be a bit better in the twisties.suzukis of that era had a smoothness of operation thats hard to perfectly put into words.but when you feel it, you know it.thanks jon.allways appreciate your videos & insight.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      It is easy to ride quickly in the twisties and very well-balanced. I hope I didn't communicate otherwise in the video 😬.

    • @timkis64
      @timkis64 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i worded it wrong.i meant i expected the suzuki to do better than the kawasaki in the twistys. your description was fine.guess i didnt have enough coffee in me at the time.sorry jon.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @timkis 64 No problem at all. It is more flickable and intuitive in the corners. The Eliminator takes getting used to - it is more stable at high speed but requires more muscle to change direction.

  • @user-sh5dy5tr9d
    @user-sh5dy5tr9d ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yessir...awesome bikes! I'm familiar with both, but have not ridden either of them. Really like the GS. 👍
    Eric in NC

  • @roberthaldeman5312
    @roberthaldeman5312 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like your reviews of 80"s Suzuki.
    My friend had a 82 1100L I had a 81 750L and my other friend had a 550L. Good Times

  • @duaneluchsinger5736
    @duaneluchsinger5736 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Jon, thanks for reliving this era of “thrust therapy” two wheelers for us older guys. I owned several bikes of this era(GPZ1100, GS1100E, V65 Magna, V65 Sabre, KZ1300, Z-1B). The Eliminator is one I would have loved to own along with the Yamaha Vmax but never did. Gotta say I loved the look of the Eliminator. Got to ride one once and was impressed with how tight and functional the bike felt…got that feeling again as you wound it up going through the gears. These are great reviews. Keep up the good work.

  • @ejrupp9555
    @ejrupp9555 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Had both simultaneously ... fix and sell guy. Kept the GS and sold the Eliminator for a Kawi GPz 1100 which I will never sell. The GS now-a-days is considered a tame bike. That tank on the eliminator was a deal breaker for me ... relegated it to a toy.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You're not wrong. The limited range is the only factor that keeps the Eliminator from being a "serious" motorcycle.

  • @russ3080
    @russ3080 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Was on nights the last 10 days. I’m biased towards the ZL, but I have owned both. Both bikes are a blast to ride. The ZL always did better above 75 mph. But if you don’t want to stop every 75 miles, the XS is the winner

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Very true. The ZL is more stable at speed and the stock bars provide the needed lean into the wind blast. Too bad about the limited range. If only the ZL had been set up with a shorter wheelbase and larger tank...

    • @russ3080
      @russ3080 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 that would be a Amen to both! Lol

  • @spaceflight1019
    @spaceflight1019 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Magazine testers of the ZL900 loved the easily accessible power and the bike's stability on the road. They also liked the seat and riding position. They didn't like the smallish gas tank or the gas mileage. So...
    Kawasaki gave them the ZL1000. The new Ninja 1000 engine endowed the bike with a sub-3 second 0-60 time, slightly better mileage, and a 5 gallon tank. Buyers said "meh", Kawasaki built 2500 bikes before discontinuing the model.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep. The ZL1000 was a better all-around bike, but the V-Max put all the other muscle cruisers on the trailer and effectively killed the V-65, Eliminator, and Madura 1200. The ZL1000 may have been the best all-around bike of the bunch.

    • @spaceflight1019
      @spaceflight1019 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 If I had to pick one of these two the GS would get the nod. Motorcycles aren't supposed to have radiators and water pumps, and the GS1100 is just like the GS850G I had, just moreso.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@spaceflight1019 Right on!

  • @sergeyboldyrev1149
    @sergeyboldyrev1149 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for the review. I have a Kawasaki Eliminator ZL 400 now and although only 400cc it is not as fast as a 900cc it is a lot of fun and sounds great. You can forgive the tank capacity for the sound of the exhaust and great ergonomics

  • @daniellargey8430
    @daniellargey8430 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When the Big Kawi Eliminator 900 came out, I just had to have one. Hooligan ride for sure I used to rip up the roads with a big ole smile. I also had a 79 KZ1300 with a dg 6 into one pipe at the same time , among others. I guess I enjoyed my twenties the right way as I came out alive.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So cool 😎! I actually had a KZ1300 as well with the DG 6 into 1. It was a black one and had a GPZ fairing. Nice bike but heavy. The Eliminator was the performer of the two. Cheers!

  • @DayRider76
    @DayRider76 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm going to go ride my GS1000L today!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice, I hope to get that chance as well!

    • @mkilic10
      @mkilic10 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I missed one with 14k miles on it. The seller was asking $900 for the bike.

  • @brandonrudicell4064
    @brandonrudicell4064 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great test on these bikes. I had he "85 Eliminator when I was 15-17. I dont know how accurate the speedo was, but I do know I got it to 155 twice. Granted I didn't weight as much back then lol. The local drag races on the weekends hated me.

  • @Aprojeep
    @Aprojeep ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I can't wait to buy another Eliminator

  • @nicholash8021
    @nicholash8021 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I hit 155mph on my Eliminator and still had room to go but had to stop due to a jersey barrier. The road was on a slight incline too. I weighed 175lbs, so I don't think 160 is too optimistic. I will never forget it.

  • @venturiduese
    @venturiduese ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fantastic! I like this old japanise Bikes. I drive a GSX 1100 F from the year 1989 and i love this bike.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Very cool 😎! I previously owned a beautiful 1989 GSX1100F Katana as well. I will do a full review of it in the future. Cheers!

  • @leonmarker7482
    @leonmarker7482 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What handlebars are on the Suzuki? I am an original owner of a 1982 GS1100L and the bars are pulled back, looking to go with what is currently on yours. Also, my 82 had the 85 mph, and the 83 had the 160, which I currently have on mine. Thanks for the video, I used to ride mine with a buddy that owned an Eliminator just like yours. Brought back great memories!

  • @blipco5
    @blipco5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    First off.. both of those bikes are gorgeous! The big Suzi looks like they designed it start to finish before they built them. The Eliminator looks like they designed it most of the way, then after they started building them they realized they needed more stuff. So after they added these things they had to add more side covers to cover them up. Kinda clunky looking in places. Does that make sense?
    Wouldn’t mind having either.

  • @bratcafe5632
    @bratcafe5632 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm 5'7".....Loved my eliminator
    Wish I could buy a new one today...

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      I just saw the new 400 Eliminator. I asked when the H2 Eliminator is coming out. The Kawasaki dealer told me not to hold my breath. Too bad!

  • @ispeed1971
    @ispeed1971 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yep I test rode a TL1000R for a friend who was just getting into riding. I told him not a good beginner bike at all. He bought it anyway and made it about 2 miles and wrecked. Not a fan at all. Make nice garage art but that's about it

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      When people get on the wrong bike, then wreck, it's not good for the sport. It isn't the bike's fault a novice was riding. And the TL1000R is not for beginners. A Hayabusa is easier to ride! Cheers!

  • @vanningale495
    @vanningale495 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the Vmax 1700 now and it's a beast. I also have the VTX1800, and BMW K1200s now. All pull much harder. In my ZL900 days I was expecting more, like tire shredding launches from the ZL900. The ninja 900 would happily pull wheels in first, expected the retuning to more torque would add strength to a launch experience. The Ninja 1000R was alway quick and exhilarating, as is the Vmax. The ZL was a mild animal to my experience, didn't pull hard to my mind. Even my BMW K1200s is quicker to 60. Again a good bike, just felt sedate to me.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      It seems like something was off with that particular Eliminator. I have another ZL900 video coming out on Saturday. Let me know what you think. Cheers!

  • @vanningale495
    @vanningale495 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had the ZL900 and was always looking for more punch and power. Cornering was not its strong point. Brakes were just OK. Put about 30k mikes on the bike, solid reliable machine. I also had the Ninja 1000R of which the ZL900 was generationally similar, but the R was a beast, while the ZL was timid.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      Respectfully, I've never heard someone refer to the ZL900 as timid. While my 1989 ZX-10 (dynoed at 126 hp) was faster, the ZL900 was easier to launch hard, had great mid-range power and every one I've ridden was exciting to ride. The ZX-10 would dominate on faster, sweeping roads but we're talking highly illegal speeds here.

  • @chrisw3771
    @chrisw3771 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Of all the bikes I've owned the Eliminator is the one I wish I'd never sold. Been looking at ones for sale & thinking my Superglide Sport has nothing on them.

  • @jbtoptc7327
    @jbtoptc7327 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OH YEAH ! 😁

  • @stuntman660
    @stuntman660 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Suzuki sounds great and maybe just because it's a video and not being in person but the Suzuki looked faster. love the older bikes!!

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      They both feel plenty fast from the saddle. The Suzuki has a full Delkevic exhaust, which is why it sounds better. Cheers!

  • @1990-t1j
    @1990-t1j ปีที่แล้ว +1

    GS for me. Viva Suzuki!

  • @TheOverisel
    @TheOverisel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ok the title to your videos is often "A vs B.". You grew up as I during the era where all many cared about when we bought the magazines was the 1/4 drag tests. That was all that mattered in the shootouts with Jay Pee Wee Gleason being the man! Why don't you get a buddy and do what your title says? Have one bike vs the other in at least a roll on straight line acceleration race like all of us guys did back then and maybe still do today? Your ALREADY doing a ripping thru the gears blast so why not get a friend and do both bikes in a roll race??????? I do like your channel.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks Mike! First of all, good suggestion, thanks. I would like to be able to incorporate more features in my videos in the future. I think roll-on acceleration runs would be a fun real-world comparison, but even that is one-dimensional.
      As much as I was a numbers guy back in the day, I now realize that, in the real world, the absolute numbers don't matter. For example, when I was a much younger man, I went riding with two friends, each of us on a different bike. On a deserted road, we ran three drag races (yes, it's stupid to do a three-wide drag race). We each won a race. On paper, one of the bikes had a clear advantage, but the guy with the best start won each time. In the corners, it's the same. The fastest bike around a track is not the fastest bike on any given road on any given day. It's why I try to describe what each bike is like to ride. The seat-of-the-pants feel is what you live with daily on any bike.

    • @TheOverisel
      @TheOverisel ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 roll on racing is one dimensional but that's what bikes were about in the 70s and 80s!!!! It was all that mattered. Why do you think the suspension and brakes were sub par for taking curves? Because like the muscle car era it was arm straightening eye watering acceleration. PERIOD. A 70 Chevelle with a big block or Hemi Cuda did one thing well and it was not cornering braking or touring. It was hammer drop racing. I realize these old bike NOW are daily commuters and countryside tourers. That How I used my 79 XS1100F and my 83 GS1100E 16 valve. But in their day these two bikes I mentioned were purchased because they out accelerated their competition - at least for their year of manufacture. My current ride is a 2019 FTR1200 and I don't carve canyons or tour the nation but I sure as hell role on race anyone who challenges me! I sold my TSCC 1100E GS last year. I always got challenged by hopped up sportsters. The Vance and Hines 4 into one, the Dyno Jet stage 3 carb modifications and the APE pod filters would make that engine sing above 6K and leave the befuddled bearded HD rider in the past. It was a different time back then where acceleration ruled. Nobody cares how much you can squat. It's how much you can Bench. Im not suggesting your videos be SOLELY about acceleration, rather Id like to see your paired up bikes roll race.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheOverisel Right on. No doubt the power to weight and corresponding acceleration are addictive.

    • @spaceflight1019
      @spaceflight1019 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@TheOveriselAt the end of the day, it's about how and where you ride. I've always been a "lunchbox" rider, one of those guys who bungeed the lunchbox to luggage rack. When I was in field service it was about reliability, competency, and gas mileage on everything from interstate highways of Ohio to the winding mountain roads of West Virginia. It was a tossup between the GS850G and the KZ650B2A as to which one was best. The 1973 Z1 that was between those two was too temperamental and didn't handle the mountain roads very well. Unless you live on a racetrack or dragstrip the magazine tests are barely realistic.
      Both of these motorcycles work well in the real world, unlike many narrowly focused sportbikes.

  • @DayRider76
    @DayRider76 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The GS's are not a big engine in a cruiser. They would be better described as a sport bike, wearing cruiser clothes.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Right on. That applies to most of the early Japanese "cruisers". Until Japan blatantly copied HD's low-slung, heavy, slow-revving V-twin, short-travel suspension, feet-forward riding position, and classic styling, formula, their "cruisers" had much more of a performance bias.

  • @raf900foss9
    @raf900foss9 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have 86 model ZL9 open pods 140 main jets Campbells x-pipe screems.
    ps open it up a bit you are only hitting lower power range.
    stock exhaust is a heavy boat anchor.
    I am light5ft 7 just over 150 suited up. bike is just under 500 lbs full fluids.
    with my set of 34 mm carbs 150 mains it is tough to beat on 0-62 mph
    smoke em if you got em.
    not made for long rides, go home get the ZRX and let her eat.
    that is my set up.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@raf900foss9 Thanks! I am filming a new road test review on the ZL900 to be released on Saturday. Perfect timing on your comments. Cheers!

  • @Jmacfann
    @Jmacfann ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im biased as I have owned a few GS850,1100 8 valves. Still have and ride a gs1100gk (its my old brown pickup truck of a motorcycle) There are not to many people that like the LTD styling which is great as it means the old GLS and Kawai LTDs are cheap money

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      You're correct. The LTD styling, as popular as it was in the 1980s hasn't caught back on yet. And it means you can get good deals on classic bikes for the time being. But I'm seeing the prices on these bikes starting to climb so don't miss out! Cheers! P.S. I've had two GKs over the years. Great bikes!

    • @Jmacfann
      @Jmacfann ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 GK specific parts are sometimes a pain to find but luckily its 99% 850,1100 parts. I have always been a fan of Suzuki and their interchangeability with parts. Bandit 1200 engine in a katana is a pretty easy swap.

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Jmacfann That would be a sleeper!

  • @jonbowden5207
    @jonbowden5207 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Oh come on... the GS motor was never in a sport bike... it was in Regular Motorcycles. While not a fan of the L, compared to E or G... but I'll take the Suzuki

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The GS motor is derived from the original 2-valve GS1000 motor. I have the E and G as well. Surprisingly, below 6k rpm, the 2-valve bikes pull harder.

  • @Chittybang1821
    @Chittybang1821 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That instrument cluster whatever you want to call it on the eliminator is so ugly

    • @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
      @jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It reminds me of something on a much older bike. But I don't think it bothers me as much as it bothers you. 🙂 Cheers!

  • @yomommaahotoo264
    @yomommaahotoo264 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A bike just doesn't look right with a radiator.