@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 GS 1100 👍 was a extremely smooth and well balance motorcycle, I loved how quite it was. Wished they still made them. I think mine was a 1982 it looked just like your blue 1981 one. However mine was black. I used to love coming to a full stop momentarily without having to put a foot down and then take off again.
I like the blue Suzuki . Also like the chrome. Never rode either,but many years ago at Marcus Dairy in Danbury,CT. A young guy on the red GS 1100 E doing a wheelie standing on the pegs ,fell over backwards...I can still see the guy going over. Thanks for the review
Guy i used to ride with, bought a brand new one of these in 1983, the silver/ gray model, and it was the fastest stock bike in town for sure. . There's no replacement, for displacement ! :)
While I like the 8" headlight and yes a little more power on the 83 I'm personally digging the 81 more as far as looks. Riding my 82 G vs my 85 ES is exactly what you described. Just feels more nimble and maneuverable tooling around the countryside on the older one. Engines sound great on both and I really like the blue on that 81. Good job Jon!
Thanks, Roger! The 1982 G is a favorite of mine, and I plan on filming a comparison between the 1981 GS1100E and 1982 GS1100G soon. I had the GS1150ES as well but didn't like it as much as the earlier GS bikes (though it was faster). The 81 E styling is growing on me. Cheers!
Jon,thanks for the excellent video. In my youth,the 1981GS100EX was my dream bike.It made such a huge impact on me and I'm sure in the motorcycling world by overthowing the exotic 6cylinder Honda CBX from the king of the superbike chair. It beat the CBX in the quarter mile by a substantial margin according to the Cycle World magazine. Me , unlike you, like the styling of the 1981 GS1100EX much more than the 1983 model. The styling of the tank with its pinstriping is just awesome. I like the blue color too! As a side note I must add that the 1980 GS1100EX that I used to own , vibrated thru the handlebars much more than the GS750EX (4valve model) that I also owned. GS1100EX uses a pressed together Roller bearing crankshaft, Where GS750EX uses a one piece crankshaft. The 750 was silky smooth and purred like a swiss watch. I don't know if the difference in the construction of the crankshaft made this difference. As the motorcycles matured, nowdays more and more motorcycles use onepiece crankshaft instead of the pressed together crankshaft. May be Honda knew something all along, since they used the onepiece crankshaft from the beginning in their CB750? Keep good videos rolling ;yours are one of my favorite videos!!
Thank you! I had a 1982 16-valve GS750E recently, and it was very smooth. I guess it could have something to do with the crank. Without a counterbalancer, a 4-cylinder will naturally vibrate more with more displacement. My 81 1100 is smoother than my 83 1100. Go figure 🤔? Cheers!
Thank you very much for the great review and comparison of those two amazing GS's. I have never ridden an 83, but as I've said, I own an 81 just like yours. After your review, I know I have the right bike for me. I'm considerably shorter than you are so for the reasons you stated you prefer the seating position on the 81, I know I would be uncomfortable on the 83. I have stock handlebars on mine which allow me to sit comfortably in what I will call the sport bike position as opposed to the cruiser position. When I got the bike it did have shorter bars on it but fortunately, the stock bars did come with it. As for the styling, of the two I prefer the 81 except for the headlight and instrument cluster. I believe there is a reason Suzuki went back to the round headlight. Hence the reason I am converting mine to the headlight and instrument cluster of the 78 GS1000E that I owned. That change, at least for me, in addition to the seating position, will be the perfect GS. Thank you again for the great videos.
Great bikes and a very interesting video. As a short-@rse I think I'd also plump for the earlier bike with its more compact riding position and quicker steering, especially if you could fit a round headlight to it. I always thought the very first GS750 was the best-looking of the big Suzuki air-cooled 4-stroke fours, with the looks getting slightly worse as the range progressed through the 80s. (I'm in the UK where some of the styling differed from US bikes, in particular the first GSX TSCC fours weren't pretty over here)
Right on Jim! I agree - the first GS750E was a beauty. You can put a round light on the 1981 and it looks good. I would like to find a Euro big fuel tank for my 1981. The range is somewhat limited compared to my other GSs. Cheers!
Love your reviews Jon!! Was waiting for this one and it's another excellent Vlog. I think 1984 was the last year of the GSX1100 ... then the GSX1150E/SE came out which in period tests was truly a new generation in the levels of engine performance right up with the Fj1100/FJ1200. Keep 'em coming!
Great Video! This was one of my favorites. Being a huge Suzuki GS1100 fan and seeing 2 different years compared was great material. Good Job. Some of the differences really surprised me!
My ex-racer buddy had the Katana 1100. I never saw him leave my house with the front wheel on the ground !! Too much bike for me, so I went for the Katana 550.
In regards to appearance, the '81 (disregarding the rectangular headlight) bears a strong resemblance to the earlier 2 valve GS bikes, such as the GS 750 and GS1000. A more "classic" look. The '83 looks much more aggressive with it's gorgeous black engine and red paint. I can't help but wonder how a GS1000E would compare to these 2 bikes. Thanks for this comparo, keep up the excellent work Jon. Love it!
Thank you! I've owned the GS1000E previously. It was a great bike, but the 16-valve 1100s blew them out of the water motor-wise. I found the stock seat foam on the 1000 to be tall/thick, and that somewhat limited the "feel" of what the rear tire was doing. Also, I didn't like the slide type carbs as much as the newer CV carbs. I would love to own the last year GS1000S (Wes Cooley) since it looked great and had the CV carbs. Cheers!
I owned the square headlight version in Australia. Rode it everywhere and it was great. Never let me down. Only put braided steel brake lines on it. Met a kiwi guy who used to track race the gsx1100's back in the day, and dude could hustle that heavy old bike around a corner like no one else. Anyway, I sold mine to move on to another bike and still miss it. Currently looking for either of those suzuki's, here in Canada, as I love that era of bike. You have two beautiful examples there.
Thanks for sharing the memories, Jack! I love the old GSs, and they're still surprisingly competent in the twisties. I'll post a video if I decide to sell either one. Cheers!
Had both bikes. The '81 GSX was brand new ($4,300 Aus) the '83 GSX was a near new second hand bike 3 years later. Literally everything that was reported in this video was, in my experience, very accurate! (Well done👍) Had many bikes since but the '81 would be my pick for a fully-restored classic in red. An '05 Honda CB1300S and a 2014 Yamaha XJR1300 are my currant joy ride babies
Hola Jhon. Gracias por el comparativo..fuiste muy claro y preciso. Desde mi punto de observando el video me gusta más la 81.en las fotos de perfil se nota que la posición de manejo es mejor en la 81. Los colores y la Gráfica también. Queda solo para la 82 la entrega de potencia a bajo y media régimen. Tal ves el tablero de instrumentos sea un poco más completo en la 82. La GS 1100 81 sigue siendo lo más completo que haya echo Suzuki..De nuevo gracias Jhon por este comparativo. Saludos Ricardo
¡Gracias Ricardo! La GS1100E de 1981 puede ser mi motocicleta clásica favorita. Me encanta la comodidad, el manejo, la potencia suave y la facilidad de uso. Me sorprende que me guste tanto como a mí. La GS1100E 1982-1983 sigue siendo una gran moto, pero me gusta más la 1981. ¡Salud!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sabes por qué pasa Jhon. Como la importación en Argentina(el dolar aumento mucho)se cerró en el año 1982.( guerra de Malvinas) .quedó como modelo TOP la GS /GSX1100 81. después en los 90 se abrió de nuevo y un amigo compró una motocicleta 82( roja) .la trajeron usada de EEUU..pero bueno me parece que la calidad de la 81 es superior.
being a honda guy, i gotta be honest.its hard to go wrong with the old gs models.suzuki really did their homework before they jumped into the 4 stroke game.the 77 gs750 proved it.
I agree. As did the GS1000E and GS1100E that followed. The GS bikes were the first big Japanese bikes to handle well. Riding them back-to-back with other bikes of the era highlights how confidence inspiring they are. Cheers!
I owned an 83 GS1100E. After about 10,000 miles, It had a bad tendency to high speed wobble (like almost rip the bars out of my hands wobble). Had to fix that by modification that included a fork brace and cutting off the bottom of the fork legs and welding on 4 stud axel clamps. Other than that it was strong and dependable and lots of fun.
Wow! High-speed wobbles are scary. I haven't heard that to be a common GS problem like it was on the CBX and CB900F. I'm glad you worked to solve the problem and found a solution. Cheers!
I bought a new 1982 1100E in 1985 for $3200 (they had leftovers) Great bike, except they had crankshaft problems. The '83's had welded cranks that solved the problem.
Right on. I think the crank problems were more of an issue with the heavily modified GS1100Es that were used for drag racing. But the welded crank in the 1983 makes it the GS1100E to have. Cheers!
I would have loved to have these bikes back then but my budget kept me on GT500 and later GT750. Had a GS650 later but though it was a good bike and I made like 100.000km (60k miles) on it, the lack of torque lead me to buy my 1200 VMax in 95 and the 1700 VMax in 2017. Still have all these bikes and some more... What shocked me is the 8sec 40 - 80 in top gear. I mean I thought that these bikes are very powerful but time went on... the 1700 Vmax does that in half the time. Sometimes I forget how much bikes have developed. Great review 👏
Right on! Even the FJ1200 of 1986 was 2 full seconds quicker 40-80mph. However, if they had made a GS1700E back then, surely it wouldn't be as far off 40-80mph 😉. I've ridden most of the newer performance bikes, and they're incredible performers. They make 120+ mph seem like nothing. And for me, that's a big problem. I like the vintage machines that keep me honest. You really feel 85 mph+ speeds on an older bike. Cheers!
Another excellent video. I prefer the ‘83, due to the muscular look from the gas tank shape, more low/mid range power and the stretched out ergonomics. However, both bikes look painful to my knees getting bent like that. Just my opinion, and it was common for the time, is the grab rail behind the seat serves no purpose. Some technical questions for you; How did the 83 gain the mid range power?….different cams, valve size, carb size, airbox size??????? Did Suzuki make any changes to the frames?
Never been a pillion on one huh??😂 My old boss was an ex roadracer and gave me a lift on his early GSX1100 a few times. Believe me, you needed the straight arms , holding on to the grab rail so you didn't fall off the back.
@@redtobertshateshandles I had to ride on the back of a Kawasaki 1000. An emergency situation. I didn’t like the reach around, so I leaned back and latched onto that grab rail. It was tolerable for about a block. IMO it is not a natural position.
Thank you! The '83 got a new airbox, new cams with more lift and overlap, forged pistons, and a welded crank. Redline is 500 rpm higher than on the 1981 as well. As with the engine, there were small changes to the frame on the '82-'83 bikes. Looking at components from bike to bike, there are few parts that are the exactly the same. I'm 6'-4" so my knees are bent pretty far on most bikes. The '81 has more leg room. Cheers!
I had the 81 1100 and loved that bike. It was my 2nd all time favorite and wish I never sold it. But from your test here I feel the 83 motor in the 81 frame would be the best of both worlds. As far as style, I have to give the nod to the 83. I would love to have an 84 ES model. I await your comparison of all 3. PS, the TSCC is my absolute favorite motor to work on. Tune ups were a snap and no shims to deal with. I'll take the minimal hit in horsepower for that convince. But from my profile pic, my absolute favorite bike, even owning more modern bikes is still the FJ1200 3CV with modded wheels and suspension. Thank you for this nice review of one of my all time favorite motorcycles.
You're welcome, Craig! I was thinking about a 1981 with the 1983 engine swap 🤔. I owned the 1150ES previously and, quite frankly, much prefer the 1980-1983 1100E bikes. The 1150 was quicker but very buzzy, had terrible air flow over the fairing (loudest fairing ever), and the anti-dive was even worse. It would effectively lock the front suspension under braking and could cause wheel lockup if you hit a sharp bump while braking hard. I put mine down while stopping at a red light where there was rippled pavement. There were also clutch basket issues, and the front brakes often warped. My bike seemed to have all the common issues 🙄. It was beautiful but a letdown quality-wise when compared to the earlier GS bikes and to the FJ1200. Cheers!
I had a 1981 gS 1100, same color same everything as the bike in the test. I now have a 2023 GSX S1000 and I would trade it for an 1100 1981 any day. I like my 2023 but I really loved the 1100 198. A lot of that is due to the seat and the position as you mentioned.
Right on! I just went for a 40 mile ride on my 1981 today. I wish it could have been longer. Suzuki did such a great job on them (though it won't keep up with a GSX-S1000). Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I put 50,000 miles on my 81 and could go 1,000 miles in a day stopping for fuel only. I am older now but 100 miles on my gsx s1000 is too much. I saw a magazine article that claimed 130 hp at the rear wheel by rejeting and removing the air box cover. I twisted the crank and had a welded crank put in under warranty. It ran high 10s.
I love the way these bikes look! The 70s style of the 81 and the 80s future styling of the 83 both look great if you ask me. I wish Suzuki made it's dirt bike transmissions as good as the street bikes lol. I have 2 eighties model RMs with no 1st gear lol
Ok. I lived with these bikes brand new out of the crate. Working at a Suzuki dealership and traveling the US on them. I loved them. They had flaws. Chain drive is number one. If you drive lot chains and sprockets are a pain. Suzuki mufflers only last a couple years then rust out period. Sometimes sooner. Too expensive to replace. I eventually went with gs850g and a gs1100g. Better. Along came gsxr1100g. Way better. Too late for me. From 1980 to 1990 I struggled with rusting out pipes and replacing chains and sprockets. Highway speeds eat chains and sprockets. And yes I used the best quality. Oh well. Still love the styling and engines of the two Suzuki's in this video.
Very cool, thanks for sharing the memories! I have a GS1100G and GS1100L in the garage to keep these Es company. I'm also a big fan of the Suzuki shaft-drive bikes. Cheers!
Thanks Jon, great content, I love this era of bikes, I have a 77KZ 1000, needs bringing back to stock, bit of a project, even with only 26k KLMs, Canadian bike.😁
Nice! I have a basket case 1977 KZ1000 waiting until my 1978 KZ1000 is finished. I haven't decided yet to complete it or sell it. They are very easy to work on with nice parts availability. Good luck on your restoration! Cheers!
I'm only a little guy and prefer the earlier bike. I like the compactness and chuckabilty. I never found it lacking in bottom end either. You're correct about the later bike being stretched out. I don't think the anti dive detracts much. I've never seen the need for a gear indicator. Change up until you stop, go down until you stop. Put the bike in neutral and then you know where first is. Normal style bikes?? I think the Z1000J is the best.
The gear indicator simply keeps me from trying to shift to a non-existent 6th gear while at higher speeds. I ride lots of bikes without one, but I certainly don't mind having it. I would love to ride a KZ1000J. I have a KZ1000 CSR, which has a similar frame and engine - a little less power on the CSR. It is very light-handling and a hoot to ride. Cheers!
I used to have the exact same 1983 GS1100E in Red/Black... and it remains one of my favorite bikes I have ever owned. Big, powerful, smooth, torque anywhere/anytime... and to my eye - the best looking of all the all the air-cooled GS bikes. I now have both a Bandit 1200 and a Gen 1 Hayabusa (2003 Anniversary Edition), and I love them both, but for riding on a daily basis, I can't honestly say that I prefer either of them over my old GS1100E... possibly the B12 by a slight margin... and the 'Busa does out handle them both on fast rides... but in the real world, not so much. Yes, one thing I do recall is that for my 5'9" frame, it was a long reach to the handlebars - even more so with a Corbin seat (came with the bike) which was a bit lower, but also seated you further back due to the sloped front section... for this reason I preferred and went back to the stock seat... I also have a 1979 GS1000S, and though its great, the older 8-valve engine didn't match the power of the '83 GS1100E... Great video! Thanks for posting and for the memories! Cheers!
Right on! It sounds like you've got some nice machines there. I love the GS1000S as well. To me, it's the prettiest big GS. Although, I have seen an 83 1100E with a red color-matched S fairing that is absolutely stunning. I've owned the Bandit and the Busa, and they're awesome bikes, but it's the classics that keep me coming back. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I put a GS1000S front fairing on my Red '83 GS1100E and painted it red to match.... I cut a little bit of the headlight hole to fit the big 8" one of the GS1100E, it looked almost perfect on that bike! Funny thing is I traded a $25 bag of weed for the Factory original GS1000S front fairing back in the late 80's... that fairing alone would be worth so much $$ today! Good times!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I graduated High School in 1978 and bought myself a then -brand new 1978 GS750 (standard, dark blue, with wire wheels and single disc up front)... several years later I added to that and bought a 1981 GS750E (16-valve/square headlight bike) - had them at the same time at the same time, and did a side-by-side roll-on high-gear "drag race" with them with a buddy on the freeway... the 16 valve bike won, but not by much! I sold them both in 1988 which funded my 5-year old used 1983 GS1100E ("Big Red")... it was in great shape and was beautiful like your bike, but with a Corbin seat and a Kerker 4-1 pipe... rode it for 3 happy years, until my heart was stolen by a 5-year old used 1986 RG500 I bought in 1991... I still have it to this day! It started my fanatic behavior as a RG collector and I am currently at *8* of them - of all different sizes and years (50cc - 500cc). I am a Suzuki Collector/Restorer/Rider and have a total of 41 bikes... almost all of the ones I ever wanted... but that changes every year! Hehe... great video - thanks again for posting!
@vmontijo Right on! I would love to check out your collection. The RGs are a better investment than the GSs at this point. I would like to ride an RG500 eventually. They sound so cool on the pipe. Cheers!
The rider's pegs,placed further back in the 83. Therefore , it was impossible to connect the shifter directly to the shiftshaft.In 1983, this category and in general, the motorcycles began to shift towards the sporty , from there the change in design was derived (when in this case, the design is the main difference between the two motorcycles, as mechanically, they are almost identical).hence the difference in the position of the rider's pegs
Right on. I was surprised when I started looking closely at the components that there are very few shared parts between these two bikes, other than engine covers. Even the valve cover gaskets are different between the two bikes. There were also lots of changes made between the externally similar 82-83, including airbox, cams, pistons, crank, etc. Cheers!
Hey Jon, again, thanks for posting a very well done Video. I really like both machines. the '83 is the most collectable of that line, the "go fast" guys like its factory welded flywheels of that year.
Value wise, the Katana is the most collectible. It's amazing to me that it's often the worst-selling bikes that become the most collectible. I'm hoping the value on the 1980-1983 bikes will catch up soon. Cheers!
I’ve been waiting for this review, great job Jon. If I’m being honest I like the look of the 81 with the square headlight. I’m also surprised by the roll off acceleration. Almost a second. Again great job Jon. I wonder how either one would compare to a Gs 750e.
I'll have to look up what US model that is. Here in Australia, the TSCC models got their own designation GSX. The GS 750 two valve feels slow, just like a 750/4 Honda. The four valve engines rev much more freely ( including the SP500) than the two valve engines. The four valve 750 feels like the 1100 without the sheer grunt. 350 less cc's. It's a great bike if you can get one, but if I had the choice, the 1100 is it. That grunt is awesome. I remember a goofy guy who got us to fit an 810 or something kit to his 750 two valve, and it was underwhelming. Still very slow to rev. And slow, slower than a four valve 750. Once again, if I could find a nice 750 two valve, I would buy it.
Thanks, Andrew! Lots of people seem to prefer the looks of the 1981. I should be able to get a better time for the 81 in the roll-on test. Conditions weren't great when I was filming. However, the test is reflective of the tuning on the 83, and it has a noticeable edge down low in the power! The 750s shared the frame with the 1100s (I'm pretty sure), so the only real difference is the power, and that makes the 1100s my choice. My last 750 was a 1982 GS750E 16-valve featured on this channel. It was quick-revving, smooth, and comfortable - a great bike, really. Cheers!
@redtobertshateshandles The US designation was GS1100E. Everywhere else, it was GSX1100E. Same with the 750s. We just looked at the head to see if it was a 16-valve bike (rectangular end caps) vs the 8-valve (round end caps). I have two 16-valve 1100s and two 8-valve 1100 shaft-drive bikes in the garage currently. The 16-valve bikes only have the advantage above 6k rpm. Below that engine speed, the 8-valve 1100s have a slight advantage. Surprising but true. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I don't know why the kept the GS designation in the US. I think that you're correct about the 2 valve low end power. It's just that riding a TSCC 1100 for the third or fourth time I had one step out with new tyres. It never happened with any other bike and I rode many two valve bikes. I probably rode more two valve 1000's and 1100s than any other bike besides tiddlers.
I like the 81. The only thing in the styling I don't like is the basic shape of the gas tank , that came on a lot of Japanese bikes back then. Enjoyed the video and comparison, Jon. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Man i dumped my 81’ish gs 850 and twisted bars was the majority of the damage ….I stupidly assumed the worst amd sold off for a couple hundred(after putting $2k in buying and having it fixed up) …guy who bought it did the old bicycle knees on sides of tire and twisted bars straight ….i was shocked motorcycles workd same as bicycles ….it was the bike i finally took my road test on in 1995 which is sort of funny … but i loved the shaft drive ,which i wasnt overly friendly too 😬.
Yes ! It wasnt just me , the 81 surprised w handling feel . ..i was in my 20’s in 90’s when i had the 850 …i wasnt always the smartest and would “ bar hop” on weekends with another friend riding his bike w me . And lets just say id get a lil braver into and out of corners on the way home back then🤷🏼♂️
The brakes work well enough with the steel-braided lines for street riding. I would use block off plates and disable it if I were doing more aggressive riding on a regular basis. Cheers!
How many regular miles (if NOT aggressive) will the 83' get knowing the 81' has so many improved manners? *when/where do u draw the line on a bike like this 83 to peal it off ur stable due to another bike that fills the roll exactly better.?. (Q: Comes to mind when watching someone OWN both...)
Hi Kevin, where are you located? Additionally, how much would you like to get for the seat? Mine's still in good shape, but it wouldn't hurt to have a spare. Cheers!
Great review, I prefer the styling of the 83, but it sounds like the 81 has the more natural seating position....I was looking for an 82 or 83, maybe I should look for the earlier model 👍
Right on! There's no right answer here. Both are great bikes. Both models won 10 best awards. If you find a nice one, regardless of year, I recommend picking it up. Cheers!
@a1fixitguy309 Yes, they do, and no, I can't. While that's a great idea for a video, I'm not a two-stroke guy, and there are those much more qualified to make that video. Cheers!
I watched your video with interest. I owned a 1980 GSX1100 for a good number of years. Mine was the ET, I believe the 81 model was the EX, but essentially the same bike (although, I reckon the European GSXs looked better with a larger, more curved tank). An important point I think worth making in relation to your findings is that this is not quite the like for like comparison that it might seem. When the 80 bike came out, it was Suzuki’s big sports bike of the day and did exceptionally well in production racing. When the 82 EZ came out (essentially an ES without the fairing?) it was perhaps regarded as more of a cooking version sold alongside the sportier Katana (1100 & 1000S), so didn’t quite fill the same market slot as the previous bike. This would explain the greater emphasis on low end power and slower steering which you mentioned.
@gav3695 Right on! The improved low-end power was definitely street oriented. I have since gotten to ride a friend's 1983 GS1100ES, and it steered noticeably quicker than my 1983 E. Upon closer inspection, the ES had a narrower front tire mounted, which accounted for the quicker steering. So, I plan to mount a narrower tire in the future. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Assuming the 83 bike still had the 19" front, I'm pretty sure it would originallly have been fitted withe the same size of tyre. Best of luck with the tyre change. BTW, my bike was anything but standard - fitted with a Yoshi big bore kit and lumpy cams, gas-flowed head. Lots more power and torque. Very popular engines for tuning.
Very interesting comparison this time Jon. We know u like them Suzis' so to get ur take year to year IS helpful and probably accurate. Also, knowing how u luv that 81' ... ever think to change sprockets targeting lower end performance.?.
I am happy with the current gearing on the '81. Any lower would compromise highway speeds. It is only "down" on power compared with the tuned-for-torque '83. It would be an easy change if one wanted to do so. Cheers!
Hi Jon I have not heard from you about any other thing done on the Suzuki gs1255 if you still have it it would be nice if you could do a test drive and compare to the gs1100 bikes
I sold the Bandit 1250 this Spring to make room for other projects. I hated to see that one go! It would have been fun to compare the new and old Suzukis. Cheers!
Fun n detailed comparo Have you tried a '05 Bandit GSF 1200 S? I sure like mine. Lots of torque without needing to rev it hard. Is it basically the same engine design as the 1100?
I have owned every generation of the Bandit 1200. They're a fun bike and a good performance value. The Bandit motor is based on the 1986 GSX-R1100 motor. It was completely new and different from the original GS1100E motor. Cheers!
@a1fixitguy309 That's a great idea for a video, and I just might make a video on it. The short answer is, yes, if properly set up, you can see hp gains at certain rpm with an aftermarket exhaust (such as Kerker). Cheers!
Interesting to note how you're inclined to ride the 81 harder than the 83 bike almost as if the 81 bike is the more modern of the two. Also Interesting to see the similarities and differences between them and my GS1200 Bandit.
It was an interesting comparison to do and one that surprised me in many ways. The compactness of the 1981 just fits me better ergonomically and the narrower front wheel turns in quicker. However, the 1983 has serious grunt and it would be interesting to do a timed session through a set of twists to see which one I'm going quicker on. The stock hp on these bikes and the Bandit is very similar. Cheers!
Some of the earlier 4-cylinder 1000cc bikes had a kick starter. I've used it on my KZ1000 ST. The 4-cylinder bikes start very easily with a kick starter. It was the big twin and single cylinder bikes that were a real pain to kick start. Cheers!
@plap. Respectfully, having adjusted all 16 valves on my 1981, I know it's a 16-valve bike. You can tell a 16-valve bike by the valve cover end caps. If the ends are rectangular, it's a 16-valve machine. If the ends are round, then it's an 8-valve bike. I hope that helps. Cheers!
Don’t know where you got your info, but the GS1100E was 16v in 1980. I roadraced a 1981 GS1100E in the open GP class with an engine I built myself, and it was most definitely 16V.
I have the identical 81 model so I am a bit biased. I think the 82-83 are butt ugly compared to the 81. I have always heard the anti dive was a joke. I recommend the chain conversion, the difference is hard to believe.
LLOVED THE VIDEO, , THE 81’ for me. If and when you ever decide to sell one, i would be i terested in further conversation. James fitzpatrick Shannon st. 05753. They are both beauties, thanks.
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Absolutely love these GS Suzukis!
Right on, me too!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 GS 1100 👍 was a extremely smooth and well balance motorcycle, I loved how quite it was. Wished they still made them. I think mine was a 1982 it looked just like your blue 1981 one. However mine was black. I used to love coming to a full stop momentarily without having to put a foot down and then take off again.
@KeepingWatch95 Right on! I rode the blue one earlier this week - still a great machine! Cheers!
I like the blue Suzuki . Also like the chrome. Never rode either,but many years ago at Marcus Dairy in Danbury,CT. A young guy on the red GS 1100 E doing a wheelie standing on the pegs ,fell over backwards...I can still see the guy going over. Thanks for the review
Right on, James - the blue one seems to be a crowd favorite! Ouch! That sounds painful. Keep the rubber side down. Cheers!
Guy i used to ride with, bought a brand new one of these in 1983, the silver/ gray model, and it was the fastest stock bike in town for sure. . There's no replacement, for displacement ! :)
Right on!
Nice review. I have all three. 1981/82/83 and I prefer the 1983. The 1983 seems to be the better all around bike of the three that I have.
@@nliii9703 Right on! I appreciate your feedback. Cheers!
What a great video!! I am 28 but i love bikes from those good old days!! Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷
Thank you! Greetings from Pennsylvania, USA!
While I like the 8" headlight and yes a little more power on the 83 I'm personally digging the 81 more as far as looks. Riding my 82 G vs my 85 ES is exactly what you described. Just feels more nimble and maneuverable tooling around the countryside on the older one. Engines sound great on both and I really like the blue on that 81. Good job Jon!
I love the Muth inspired styling of the 83. First bike l ever rode that snapped the front end up at 85 miles an hour. Awesome machine.
Thanks, Roger! The 1982 G is a favorite of mine, and I plan on filming a comparison between the 1981 GS1100E and 1982 GS1100G soon. I had the GS1150ES as well but didn't like it as much as the earlier GS bikes (though it was faster). The 81 E styling is growing on me. Cheers!
@@othgmark1 Right on! I had the original Katana 1000 years ago - I should have kept it! Cheers!
Jon,thanks for the excellent video.
In my youth,the 1981GS100EX was my dream bike.It made such a huge impact on me and I'm sure in the motorcycling world by overthowing the exotic 6cylinder
Honda CBX from the king of the superbike chair.
It beat the CBX in the quarter mile by a substantial margin according to the Cycle World magazine.
Me , unlike you, like the styling of the 1981 GS1100EX much more than the 1983 model. The styling of the tank with its pinstriping is just awesome. I like the blue color too!
As a side note I must add that the 1980 GS1100EX that I used to own , vibrated thru the handlebars much more than the GS750EX (4valve model) that I also owned.
GS1100EX uses a pressed together Roller bearing crankshaft, Where GS750EX uses a one piece crankshaft. The 750 was silky smooth and purred like a swiss watch.
I don't know if the difference in the construction of the crankshaft made this difference.
As the motorcycles matured, nowdays more and more motorcycles use onepiece crankshaft instead of the pressed together crankshaft.
May be Honda knew something all along, since they used the onepiece crankshaft from the beginning in their CB750?
Keep good videos rolling ;yours are one of my favorite videos!!
Thank you! I had a 1982 16-valve GS750E recently, and it was very smooth. I guess it could have something to do with the crank. Without a counterbalancer, a 4-cylinder will naturally vibrate more with more displacement. My 81 1100 is smoother than my 83 1100. Go figure 🤔? Cheers!
Beautiful '83, loved mine. Such a great overall package. Thanks for doing this.
You're welcome!
Thank you very much for the great review and comparison of those two amazing GS's. I have never ridden an 83, but as I've said, I own an 81 just like yours. After your review, I know I have the right bike for me. I'm considerably shorter than you are so for the reasons you stated you prefer the seating position on the 81, I know I would be uncomfortable on the 83. I have stock handlebars on mine which allow me to sit comfortably in what I will call the sport bike position as opposed to the cruiser position. When I got the bike it did have shorter bars on it but fortunately, the stock bars did come with it. As for the styling, of the two I prefer the 81 except for the headlight and instrument cluster. I believe there is a reason Suzuki went back to the round headlight. Hence the reason I am converting mine to the headlight and instrument cluster of the 78 GS1000E that I owned. That change, at least for me, in addition to the seating position, will be the perfect GS. Thank you again for the great videos.
You're welcome! You'll have to send me some pictures when you complete the conversion. Cheers!
I had to go look at the 78 GS1000E. I was young then and didn't even know that bike existed. Looking at it now, it was ahead of its time.
And the 81 is better looking. Pinnacle of motorcycling in many ways.
@@wayne3340 Right on!
Great bikes and a very interesting video. As a short-@rse I think I'd also plump for the earlier bike with its more compact riding position and quicker steering, especially if you could fit a round headlight to it. I always thought the very first GS750 was the best-looking of the big Suzuki air-cooled 4-stroke fours, with the looks getting slightly worse as the range progressed through the 80s. (I'm in the UK where some of the styling differed from US bikes, in particular the first GSX TSCC fours weren't pretty over here)
Right on Jim! I agree - the first GS750E was a beauty. You can put a round light on the 1981 and it looks good. I would like to find a Euro big fuel tank for my 1981. The range is somewhat limited compared to my other GSs. Cheers!
I had a 1981 GS750E same blue color that i bought new , sure does brings back good memories .
So cool!
Love your reviews Jon!! Was waiting for this one and it's another excellent Vlog. I think 1984 was the last year of the GSX1100 ... then the GSX1150E/SE came out which in period tests was truly a new generation in the levels of engine performance right up with the Fj1100/FJ1200. Keep 'em coming!
Thank you! In the US, the 1100E ran through 83. The GS1150E/ES came out in 84. I don't know what was available when in other markets. Cheers!
once again , great vid . thank you for sharing Jon
You're welcome!
Great Video! This was one of my favorites. Being a huge Suzuki GS1100 fan and seeing 2 different years compared was great material. Good Job. Some of the differences really surprised me!
Thanks, Rob! I was surprised by this comparison as well. Cheers!
My ex-racer buddy had the Katana 1100.
I never saw him leave my house with the front wheel on the ground !!
Too much bike for me, so I went for the Katana 550.
My older brother bought a brand new blue Katana 1100. I saw 140 mph on the speedo and 120 often. They go.
Right on!
@@redtobertshateshandles Right on!
In regards to appearance, the '81 (disregarding the rectangular headlight) bears a strong resemblance to the earlier 2 valve GS bikes, such as the GS 750 and GS1000. A more "classic" look. The '83 looks much more aggressive with it's gorgeous black engine and red paint. I can't help but wonder how a GS1000E would compare to these 2 bikes. Thanks for this comparo, keep up the excellent work Jon. Love it!
Thank you! I've owned the GS1000E previously. It was a great bike, but the 16-valve 1100s blew them out of the water motor-wise. I found the stock seat foam on the 1000 to be tall/thick, and that somewhat limited the "feel" of what the rear tire was doing. Also, I didn't like the slide type carbs as much as the newer CV carbs. I would love to own the last year GS1000S (Wes Cooley) since it looked great and had the CV carbs. Cheers!
I owned the square headlight version in Australia. Rode it everywhere and it was great. Never let me down. Only put braided steel brake lines on it. Met a kiwi guy who used to track race the gsx1100's back in the day, and dude could hustle that heavy old bike around a corner like no one else. Anyway, I sold mine to move on to another bike and still miss it. Currently looking for either of those suzuki's, here in Canada, as I love that era of bike. You have two beautiful examples there.
Thanks for sharing the memories, Jack! I love the old GSs, and they're still surprisingly competent in the twisties. I'll post a video if I decide to sell either one. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hey thanks man. That'd be great. Yeah lovely bikes, even today
@@Jack908r I agree, Suzuki did a great job on the GS line of bikes. Cheers!
Had both bikes. The '81 GSX was brand new ($4,300 Aus) the '83 GSX was a near new second hand bike 3 years later. Literally everything that was reported in this video was, in my experience, very accurate! (Well done👍) Had many bikes since but the '81 would be my pick for a fully-restored classic in red. An '05 Honda CB1300S and a 2014 Yamaha XJR1300 are my currant joy ride babies
Very cool! Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you still have a couple of nice bikes in your garage 😉. Cheers!
Hola Jhon. Gracias por el comparativo..fuiste muy claro y preciso. Desde mi punto de observando el video me gusta más la 81.en las fotos de perfil se nota que la posición de manejo es mejor en la 81. Los colores y la Gráfica también. Queda solo para la 82 la entrega de potencia a bajo y media régimen. Tal ves el tablero de instrumentos sea un poco más completo en la 82. La GS 1100 81 sigue siendo lo más completo que haya echo Suzuki..De nuevo gracias Jhon por este comparativo. Saludos Ricardo
¡Gracias Ricardo! La GS1100E de 1981 puede ser mi motocicleta clásica favorita. Me encanta la comodidad, el manejo, la potencia suave y la facilidad de uso. Me sorprende que me guste tanto como a mí. La GS1100E 1982-1983 sigue siendo una gran moto, pero me gusta más la 1981. ¡Salud!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 sabes por qué pasa Jhon. Como la importación en Argentina(el dolar aumento mucho)se cerró en el año 1982.( guerra de Malvinas) .quedó como modelo TOP la GS /GSX1100 81. después en los 90 se abrió de nuevo y un amigo compró una motocicleta 82( roja) .la trajeron usada de EEUU..pero bueno me parece que la calidad de la 81 es superior.
@@ricardoberterame5950 👍🏻
being a honda guy, i gotta be honest.its hard to go wrong with the old gs models.suzuki really did their homework before they jumped into the 4 stroke game.the 77 gs750 proved it.
I worked in a Suzuki shop and honestly a GS750 is just a refined 750/4 Honda.
I agree. As did the GS1000E and GS1100E that followed. The GS bikes were the first big Japanese bikes to handle well. Riding them back-to-back with other bikes of the era highlights how confidence inspiring they are. Cheers!
I owned an 83 GS1100E. After about 10,000 miles, It had a bad tendency to high speed wobble (like almost rip the bars out of my hands wobble). Had to fix that by modification that included a fork brace and cutting off the bottom of the fork legs and welding on 4 stud axel clamps. Other than that it was strong and dependable and lots of fun.
Wow! High-speed wobbles are scary. I haven't heard that to be a common GS problem like it was on the CBX and CB900F. I'm glad you worked to solve the problem and found a solution. Cheers!
I bought a new 1982 1100E in 1985 for $3200 (they had leftovers) Great bike, except they had crankshaft problems. The '83's had welded cranks that solved the problem.
Right on. I think the crank problems were more of an issue with the heavily modified GS1100Es that were used for drag racing. But the welded crank in the 1983 makes it the GS1100E to have. Cheers!
I would have loved to have these bikes back then but my budget kept me on GT500 and later GT750. Had a GS650 later but though it was a good bike and I made like 100.000km (60k miles) on it, the lack of torque lead me to buy my 1200 VMax in 95 and the 1700 VMax in 2017.
Still have all these bikes and some more...
What shocked me is the 8sec 40 - 80 in top gear. I mean I thought that these bikes are very powerful but time went on... the 1700 Vmax does that in half the time. Sometimes I forget how much bikes have developed.
Great review 👏
Right on! Even the FJ1200 of 1986 was 2 full seconds quicker 40-80mph. However, if they had made a GS1700E back then, surely it wouldn't be as far off 40-80mph 😉. I've ridden most of the newer performance bikes, and they're incredible performers. They make 120+ mph seem like nothing. And for me, that's a big problem. I like the vintage machines that keep me honest. You really feel 85 mph+ speeds on an older bike. Cheers!
Another excellent video. I prefer the ‘83, due to the muscular look from the gas tank shape, more low/mid range power and the stretched out ergonomics. However, both bikes look painful to my knees getting bent like that. Just my opinion, and it was common for the time, is the grab rail behind the seat serves no purpose.
Some technical questions for you;
How did the 83 gain the mid range power?….different cams, valve size, carb size, airbox size???????
Did Suzuki make any changes to the frames?
Never been a pillion on one huh??😂
My old boss was an ex roadracer and gave me a lift on his early GSX1100 a few times.
Believe me, you needed the straight arms , holding on to the grab rail so you didn't fall off the back.
@@redtobertshateshandles I had to ride on the back of a Kawasaki 1000. An emergency situation. I didn’t like the reach around, so I leaned back and latched onto that grab rail. It was tolerable for about a block. IMO it is not a natural position.
Thank you! The '83 got a new airbox, new cams with more lift and overlap, forged pistons, and a welded crank. Redline is 500 rpm higher than on the 1981 as well. As with the engine, there were small changes to the frame on the '82-'83 bikes. Looking at components from bike to bike, there are few parts that are the exactly the same. I'm 6'-4" so my knees are bent pretty far on most bikes. The '81 has more leg room. Cheers!
Really good video comparison sir. You know your stuff and what is not shown on the typical videos.
@@edwardweiszbeck1649 Thanks, Edward!
That sound takes me back 40 years.
👍🏻
I had the 81 1100 and loved that bike. It was my 2nd all time favorite and wish I never sold it. But from your test here I feel the 83 motor in the 81 frame would be the best of both worlds. As far as style, I have to give the nod to the 83. I would love to have an 84 ES model. I await your comparison of all 3. PS, the TSCC is my absolute favorite motor to work on. Tune ups were a snap and no shims to deal with. I'll take the minimal hit in horsepower for that convince. But from my profile pic, my absolute favorite bike, even owning more modern bikes is still the FJ1200 3CV with modded wheels and suspension. Thank you for this nice review of one of my all time favorite motorcycles.
You're welcome, Craig! I was thinking about a 1981 with the 1983 engine swap 🤔. I owned the 1150ES previously and, quite frankly, much prefer the 1980-1983 1100E bikes. The 1150 was quicker but very buzzy, had terrible air flow over the fairing (loudest fairing ever), and the anti-dive was even worse. It would effectively lock the front suspension under braking and could cause wheel lockup if you hit a sharp bump while braking hard. I put mine down while stopping at a red light where there was rippled pavement. There were also clutch basket issues, and the front brakes often warped. My bike seemed to have all the common issues 🙄. It was beautiful but a letdown quality-wise when compared to the earlier GS bikes and to the FJ1200. Cheers!
I had a 1981 gS 1100, same color same everything as the bike in the test. I now have a 2023 GSX S1000 and I would trade it for an 1100 1981 any day. I like my 2023 but I really loved the 1100 198. A lot of that is due to the seat and the position as you mentioned.
Right on! I just went for a 40 mile ride on my 1981 today. I wish it could have been longer. Suzuki did such a great job on them (though it won't keep up with a GSX-S1000). Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I put 50,000 miles on my 81 and could go 1,000 miles in a day stopping for fuel only. I am older now but 100 miles on my gsx s1000 is too much. I saw a magazine article that claimed 130 hp at the rear wheel by rejeting and removing the air box cover. I twisted the crank and had a welded crank put in under warranty. It ran high 10s.
I love the way these bikes look! The 70s style of the 81 and the 80s future styling of the 83 both look great if you ask me. I wish Suzuki made it's dirt bike transmissions as good as the street bikes lol. I have 2 eighties model RMs with no 1st gear lol
Right on! I'm not sure what happened to the dirtbikes, but I love the slick-shifting GSs. Cheers!
I had the same terrible and black 83. That one is beautiful
Thank you!
Ok. I lived with these bikes brand new out of the crate. Working at a Suzuki dealership and traveling the US on them. I loved them. They had flaws. Chain drive is number one. If you drive lot chains and sprockets are a pain. Suzuki mufflers only last a couple years then rust out period. Sometimes sooner. Too expensive to replace. I eventually went with gs850g and a gs1100g. Better. Along came gsxr1100g. Way better. Too late for me. From 1980 to 1990 I struggled with rusting out pipes and replacing chains and sprockets. Highway speeds eat chains and sprockets. And yes I used the best quality. Oh well. Still love the styling and engines of the two Suzuki's in this video.
Very cool, thanks for sharing the memories! I have a GS1100G and GS1100L in the garage to keep these Es company. I'm also a big fan of the Suzuki shaft-drive bikes. Cheers!
Nice review! I'd go for the 1980/81 every day for the looks alone - good to hear it is also the better motorcycle.
Thanks! Lots of people seem to prefer the looks of the 1981. Cheers!
Thanks Jon, great content, I love this era of bikes, I have a 77KZ 1000, needs bringing back to stock, bit of a project, even with only 26k KLMs, Canadian bike.😁
Nice! I have a basket case 1977 KZ1000 waiting until my 1978 KZ1000 is finished. I haven't decided yet to complete it or sell it. They are very easy to work on with nice parts availability. Good luck on your restoration! Cheers!
I'm only a little guy and prefer the earlier bike. I like the compactness and chuckabilty. I never found it lacking in bottom end either. You're correct about the later bike being stretched out. I don't think the anti dive detracts much. I've never seen the need for a gear indicator. Change up until you stop, go down until you stop. Put the bike in neutral and then you know where first is.
Normal style bikes?? I think the Z1000J is the best.
The gear indicator simply keeps me from trying to shift to a non-existent 6th gear while at higher speeds. I ride lots of bikes without one, but I certainly don't mind having it. I would love to ride a KZ1000J. I have a KZ1000 CSR, which has a similar frame and engine - a little less power on the CSR. It is very light-handling and a hoot to ride. Cheers!
I used to have the exact same 1983 GS1100E in Red/Black... and it remains one of my favorite bikes I have ever owned. Big, powerful, smooth, torque anywhere/anytime... and to my eye - the best looking of all the all the air-cooled GS bikes. I now have both a Bandit 1200 and a Gen 1 Hayabusa (2003 Anniversary Edition), and I love them both, but for riding on a daily basis, I can't honestly say that I prefer either of them over my old GS1100E... possibly the B12 by a slight margin... and the 'Busa does out handle them both on fast rides... but in the real world, not so much. Yes, one thing I do recall is that for my 5'9" frame, it was a long reach to the handlebars - even more so with a Corbin seat (came with the bike) which was a bit lower, but also seated you further back due to the sloped front section... for this reason I preferred and went back to the stock seat... I also have a 1979 GS1000S, and though its great, the older 8-valve engine didn't match the power of the '83 GS1100E... Great video! Thanks for posting and for the memories! Cheers!
Right on! It sounds like you've got some nice machines there. I love the GS1000S as well. To me, it's the prettiest big GS. Although, I have seen an 83 1100E with a red color-matched S fairing that is absolutely stunning. I've owned the Bandit and the Busa, and they're awesome bikes, but it's the classics that keep me coming back. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I put a GS1000S front fairing on my Red '83 GS1100E and painted it red to match.... I cut a little bit of the headlight hole to fit the big 8" one of the GS1100E, it looked almost perfect on that bike! Funny thing is I traded a $25 bag of weed for the Factory original GS1000S front fairing back in the late 80's... that fairing alone would be worth so much $$ today! Good times!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I graduated High School in 1978 and bought myself a then -brand new 1978 GS750 (standard, dark blue, with wire wheels and single disc up front)... several years later I added to that and bought a 1981 GS750E (16-valve/square headlight bike) - had them at the same time at the same time, and did a side-by-side roll-on high-gear "drag race" with them with a buddy on the freeway... the 16 valve bike won, but not by much! I sold them both in 1988 which funded my 5-year old used 1983 GS1100E ("Big Red")... it was in great shape and was beautiful like your bike, but with a Corbin seat and a Kerker 4-1 pipe... rode it for 3 happy years, until my heart was stolen by a 5-year old used 1986 RG500 I bought in 1991... I still have it to this day! It started my fanatic behavior as a RG collector and I am currently at *8* of them - of all different sizes and years (50cc - 500cc). I am a Suzuki Collector/Restorer/Rider and have a total of 41 bikes... almost all of the ones I ever wanted... but that changes every year! Hehe... great video - thanks again for posting!
@vmontijo Right on! I would love to check out your collection. The RGs are a better investment than the GSs at this point. I would like to ride an RG500 eventually. They sound so cool on the pipe. Cheers!
@@vmontijo Awesome!
The rider's pegs,placed further back in the 83. Therefore , it was impossible to connect the shifter directly to the shiftshaft.In 1983, this category and in general, the motorcycles began to shift towards the sporty , from there the change in design was derived (when in this case, the design is the main difference between the two motorcycles, as mechanically, they are almost identical).hence the difference in the position of the rider's pegs
Right on. I was surprised when I started looking closely at the components that there are very few shared parts between these two bikes, other than engine covers. Even the valve cover gaskets are different between the two bikes. There were also lots of changes made between the externally similar 82-83, including airbox, cams, pistons, crank, etc. Cheers!
Very impressive comparison between these two iconic bikes. Great job Jon. I am 6'6" tall, which would be better for me?
I'm 6'-4 and the 81 is more comfortable for me. It has more leg room. However, both bikes are quite roomy. Cheers!
Jhon te pregunto ya que no me cierra la conversión. Cual es tu altura en cm o metros?
Hey Jon, again, thanks for posting a very well done Video. I really like both machines. the '83 is the most collectable of that line, the "go fast" guys like its factory welded flywheels of that year.
Thanks, Steven. Yep, there were lots of internal changes in '83. It would be fun to put the '83 motor in the '81. Cheers!
Love Both these Bikes 👍...
Right on, Glenn! Me too. Cheers!
Both nice, the 83 is like a toned down Katana, whilst the 81 is quite unique and the more collectible IMO.
Value wise, the Katana is the most collectible. It's amazing to me that it's often the worst-selling bikes that become the most collectible. I'm hoping the value on the 1980-1983 bikes will catch up soon. Cheers!
I’ve been waiting for this review, great job Jon.
If I’m being honest I like the look of the 81 with the square headlight.
I’m also surprised by the roll off acceleration.
Almost a second.
Again great job Jon.
I wonder how either one would compare to a Gs 750e.
I'll have to look up what US model that is. Here in Australia, the TSCC models got their own designation GSX.
The GS 750 two valve feels slow, just like a 750/4 Honda.
The four valve engines rev much more freely ( including the SP500) than the two valve engines.
The four valve 750 feels like the 1100 without the sheer grunt. 350 less cc's.
It's a great bike if you can get one, but if I had the choice, the 1100 is it. That grunt is awesome.
I remember a goofy guy who got us to fit an 810 or something kit to his 750 two valve, and it was underwhelming. Still very slow to rev. And slow, slower than a four valve 750.
Once again, if I could find a nice 750 two valve, I would buy it.
Thanks, Andrew! Lots of people seem to prefer the looks of the 1981. I should be able to get a better time for the 81 in the roll-on test. Conditions weren't great when I was filming. However, the test is reflective of the tuning on the 83, and it has a noticeable edge down low in the power! The 750s shared the frame with the 1100s (I'm pretty sure), so the only real difference is the power, and that makes the 1100s my choice. My last 750 was a 1982 GS750E 16-valve featured on this channel. It was quick-revving, smooth, and comfortable - a great bike, really. Cheers!
@redtobertshateshandles The US designation was GS1100E. Everywhere else, it was GSX1100E. Same with the 750s. We just looked at the head to see if it was a 16-valve bike (rectangular end caps) vs the 8-valve (round end caps). I have two 16-valve 1100s and two 8-valve 1100 shaft-drive bikes in the garage currently. The 16-valve bikes only have the advantage above 6k rpm. Below that engine speed, the 8-valve 1100s have a slight advantage. Surprising but true. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I don't know why the kept the GS designation in the US. I think that you're correct about the 2 valve low end power. It's just that riding a TSCC 1100 for the third or fourth time I had one step out with new tyres. It never happened with any other bike and I rode many two valve bikes. I probably rode more two valve 1000's and 1100s than any other bike besides tiddlers.
@redtobertshateshandles Above 6k rpm, the 16-valve bikes are ferocious.
I like the 81. The only thing in the styling I don't like is the basic shape of the gas tank , that came on a lot of Japanese bikes back then. Enjoyed the video and comparison, Jon. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks, Henry! Lots of people seem to prefer the looks of the 1981 (beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Cheers!
The GSX had a larger, more rounded tank. I think it looked better. Do a search. It gives the bike quite a different look.
Man i dumped my 81’ish gs 850 and twisted bars was the majority of the damage ….I stupidly assumed the worst amd sold off for a couple hundred(after putting $2k in buying and having it fixed up) …guy who bought it did the old bicycle knees on sides of tire and twisted bars straight ….i was shocked motorcycles workd same as bicycles ….it was the bike i finally took my road test on in 1995 which is sort of funny … but i loved the shaft drive ,which i wasnt overly friendly too 😬.
Yes ! It wasnt just me , the 81 surprised w handling feel . ..i was in my 20’s in 90’s when i had the 850 …i wasnt always the smartest and would “ bar hop” on weekends with another friend riding his bike w me . And lets just say id get a lil braver into and out of corners on the way home back then🤷🏼♂️
It's amazing how well built the classic bikes were. They took a spill much better than the newer bikes. 😉
@@vicpnut1 I'm glad you survived those days! For me, alcohol and vehicles don't mix. I'm intoxicated by the power as it is!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yeah same for now , when in teens to 20’s (80’s and 90’s ) i had some growing up to do .
@@vicpnut1 For sure, we all did!
To my mind, the 1981 with a round headlamp and the 1983's instrument pod would be perfect.
Right on!
Jon , have you considered disabling the Anti -Dive 'gadget' on 83 GS just to see if the brakes would work better ?
The brakes work well enough with the steel-braided lines for street riding. I would use block off plates and disable it if I were doing more aggressive riding on a regular basis. Cheers!
How many regular miles (if NOT aggressive) will the 83' get knowing the 81' has so many improved manners?
*when/where do u draw the line on a bike like this 83 to peal it off ur stable due to another bike that fills the roll exactly better.?.
(Q: Comes to mind when watching someone OWN both...)
I've got a 82 1100e that I bought new. Thinking of selling it this summer
Where are you located? I may be interested if you're fairly local. Cheers!
Wish I still had my 83 but I say that about all the bikes I have had.
Right on! I completely understand. Cheers!
I have my old seat from my 83 GS1100E if your interested it's in great condition. No tears
Hi Kevin, where are you located? Additionally, how much would you like to get for the seat? Mine's still in good shape, but it wouldn't hurt to have a spare. Cheers!
Great review, I prefer the styling of the 83, but it sounds like the 81 has the more natural seating position....I was looking for an 82 or 83, maybe I should look for the earlier model 👍
Right on! There's no right answer here. Both are great bikes. Both models won 10 best awards. If you find a nice one, regardless of year, I recommend picking it up. Cheers!
Does "Expansion Chambers" really make a different on the 2 stroke bikes....can you make a video on it?
@a1fixitguy309 Yes, they do, and no, I can't. While that's a great idea for a video, I'm not a two-stroke guy, and there are those much more qualified to make that video. Cheers!
I watched your video with interest. I owned a 1980 GSX1100 for a good number of years. Mine was the ET, I believe the 81 model was the EX, but essentially the same bike (although, I reckon the European GSXs looked better with a larger, more curved tank).
An important point I think worth making in relation to your findings is that this is not quite the like for like comparison that it might seem. When the 80 bike came out, it was Suzuki’s big sports bike of the day and did exceptionally well in production racing. When the 82 EZ came out (essentially an ES without the fairing?) it was perhaps regarded as more of a cooking version sold alongside the sportier Katana (1100 & 1000S), so didn’t quite fill the same market slot as the previous bike. This would explain the greater emphasis on low end power and slower steering which you mentioned.
@gav3695 Right on! The improved low-end power was definitely street oriented.
I have since gotten to ride a friend's 1983 GS1100ES, and it steered noticeably quicker than my 1983 E. Upon closer inspection, the ES had a narrower front tire mounted, which accounted for the quicker steering. So, I plan to mount a narrower tire in the future. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Assuming the 83 bike still had the 19" front, I'm pretty sure it would originallly have been fitted withe the same size of tyre. Best of luck with the tyre change.
BTW, my bike was anything but standard - fitted with a Yoshi big bore kit and lumpy cams, gas-flowed head. Lots more power and torque. Very popular engines for tuning.
@@gav3695 Right on! I'm sure yours was an animal. Cheers!
Very interesting comparison this time Jon. We know u like them Suzis' so to get ur take year to year IS helpful and probably accurate.
Also, knowing how u luv that 81' ... ever think to change sprockets targeting lower end performance.?.
I am happy with the current gearing on the '81. Any lower would compromise highway speeds. It is only "down" on power compared with the tuned-for-torque '83. It would be an easy change if one wanted to do so. Cheers!
Hi Jon I have not heard from you about any other thing done on the Suzuki gs1255 if you still have it it would be nice if you could do a test drive and compare to the gs1100 bikes
I sold the Bandit 1250 this Spring to make room for other projects. I hated to see that one go! It would have been fun to compare the new and old Suzukis. Cheers!
Fun n detailed comparo
Have you tried a '05 Bandit GSF 1200 S?
I sure like mine.
Lots of torque without needing to rev it hard.
Is it basically the same engine design as the 1100?
I have owned every generation of the Bandit 1200. They're a fun bike and a good performance value. The Bandit motor is based on the 1986 GSX-R1100 motor. It was completely new and different from the original GS1100E motor. Cheers!
Does a Kerker header really made a different....can you make a video on it?
@a1fixitguy309 That's a great idea for a video, and I just might make a video on it. The short answer is, yes, if properly set up, you can see hp gains at certain rpm with an aftermarket exhaust (such as Kerker). Cheers!
'82 1100E in Champagne, please. 😎
Right on!
Interesting to note how you're inclined to ride the 81 harder than the 83 bike almost as if the 81 bike is the more modern of the two. Also Interesting to see the similarities and differences between them and my GS1200 Bandit.
It was an interesting comparison to do and one that surprised me in many ways. The compactness of the 1981 just fits me better ergonomically and the narrower front wheel turns in quicker. However, the 1983 has serious grunt and it would be interesting to do a timed session through a set of twists to see which one I'm going quicker on. The stock hp on these bikes and the Bandit is very similar. Cheers!
Can hou find me an '81 in good condition (not a project)?
How much are you looking to spend and where are you located?
I was wondering how tall you are? I know that makes a difference in the seating in the riding position.
6'-4". Surprisingly, I like the less stretched out seating arrangement of the '81. Cheers!
I wonder if they would have ever put a kick start on these as a back up, if anyone could have started them.
Some of the earlier 4-cylinder 1000cc bikes had a kick starter. I've used it on my KZ1000 ST. The 4-cylinder bikes start very easily with a kick starter. It was the big twin and single cylinder bikes that were a real pain to kick start. Cheers!
1983 is the first year of the 16 valve engine. The 81 is 8 valve. It runs better because it breaths better.
@plap. Respectfully, having adjusted all 16 valves on my 1981, I know it's a 16-valve bike. You can tell a 16-valve bike by the valve cover end caps. If the ends are rectangular, it's a 16-valve machine. If the ends are round, then it's an 8-valve bike. I hope that helps. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 good to know
Don’t know where you got your info, but the GS1100E was 16v in 1980. I roadraced a 1981 GS1100E in the open GP class with an engine I built myself, and it was most definitely 16V.
The 1981 is nice but I never liked the rectangle headlight on those.
Yep. Some love it, some hate it. Cheers!
How tall are you? My dad was 6'2 and preferred bigger bikes. His all-time favorite was the 82-83 GS1100.
@@ridemywheelie I'm 6'-4" tall. And I like your dad. He has great taste in bikes!
Never owned a Suzuki. Maybe in the future...
I've owned many of the classic Suzukis, and they've treated me well. Cheers!
Great job 👍😊
Thanks, Eric!
2:16 The swing arm is made of WHAT??! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Al-you-mini-um!
I have the identical 81 model so I am a bit biased. I think the 82-83 are butt ugly compared to the 81. I have always heard the anti dive was a joke. I recommend the chain conversion, the difference is hard to believe.
Right on. Styling is certainly subjective. If you're talking about the 530 conversion, my 1981 already has it. Cheers!
The 81 all day
Right on!
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Thanks, Amir!
2:49 "An-tie dive"! Why do Yanks say "anti" like that? It's physically easier to pronounce it properly, and takes less time to say! Yanks are weird!
Auntie-dive! 🙂
GS1150E wins. LOL
I've had the GS1150ES, and it was fast. I would like to do a back-to-back comparison with the GS1100E bikes if I get the chance. Cheers!
LLOVED THE VIDEO, , THE 81’ for me. If and when you ever decide to sell one, i would be i terested in further conversation. James fitzpatrick Shannon st. 05753. They are both beauties, thanks.
Thanks, James!