Kawasaki ZRX1200R Vs Suzuki GS1100 - Classic retro motorcycle battles antique cafe motorcycle!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- Ride along as I ride and compare Kawasaki's 2002 ZRX1200R and my modified 1982 Suzuki GS1100G back to back! In this fun comparison video I am with two of my all-time favorite motorcycles.
The ZRX was unique when it was introduced in 1999 being the only retro-styled performance standard of the time. Classically beautiful and packing a serious performance punch, the ZRX has aged well and become a collectible in the 20+ years since it was introduced.
Suzuki's GS1100G was the gold-standard of the big-bore standard motorcycles in 1982. Sporting a torquey 1100cc motor, all-day comfort and best-in-class handling, the GS1100G was a true GT motorcycle. My example has been lightly modified with upgraded brakes, upgraded suspension, lower handlebar and Delkevic exhaust to give it that early eighties superbike sound and feel.
What are these bikes like to ride? Let's find out together!
Coming up on the 18th anniversary with my 05 ZRX. I’ve been riding on the street for over 52 years and have owned just about every engine configuration out there yet still feel the ZRX to have the best engine ever put in a motorcycle. Instantaneous power in any gear from as low as 2000 rpm. Never had a problem with her. Carbs have never been touched and it fuels perfectly. Maintenance is pretty straight forward. I will say that my 66 year old body doesn’t find it as comfortable as it once was but that’s okay. Recently bought an BMW r1250gs to meet all my comfort needs. I’ll own the Kawasaki till I leave this world for the next. It was a Father’s Day gift from the wife. She’s a keeper too.
You're a fortunate man Bill!
That's a wonderful woman. Even tho I love my ZL900 Eliminator, my wife gave me the green light to buy a new gen II FZ-1 back in '09. Now, I have 3 great loves in my life. We're both lucky guys.
@@ppopovich2847 Right on!
My beloved 2002 ZRX1200R.
I have mine for 10 years now and its the green Eddie Lawson edition with a Kerker.
Along with my KLR650 the best bike I've owned and I've had over 75 motorcycles so far.
Kawasaki hit a home run with this one.
For sure!
I had a 2000 Kawasaki ZRX 1100 and I really missed that bike. I currently have a 2023 Yamaha MT 10 which I absolutely love.
Right on! The MT-10 is beast!
Great video! I have a 99 ZRX. Jetted carbs and Muzzy exhaust , love it. A great all around bike.
Thanks Arthur! I agree, the ZRX is an all-time favorite of mine.
I lust for that ZRX. It would compliment the two other Kawa’s in my garage. One is a 75’ Z1b, the other is a 07’. ZX6R. Only I would want the Kawasaki green.💚💚
Right on Chris!
20 years.... yes there's going to be a difference. Jon I purchased a 2001 ZRX1200 in black when they came out and now currently own a 82 GS1100G and a 85 GS1150ES in blue and white. While I enjoyed the Kawasaki I can honestly say that I like riding my Suzuki's better. My G is a "survivor" completely original and the ES is close except for exhaust, air and carbs ( that way when I picked it up ). I'm 60 and have owned a lot of bikes and don't go for it like I used to ( I have a modern Honda VFR1200X for not worrying about breakdowns and carrying stuff if I decide to go multi days ) but have fell in love with these old Suzuki's. There just fun to ride! Yes you have to tinker with them but when they're right you can't beat them plus the people walking up who used to have or etc. conversations. Even the younger generation. Like the braking power of the Kaw but I wouldn't trade either of mine for the nostalgia and smiles I feel tooling around the countryside....😃 20 years later and somewhat comparable?! Suzuki for the win on that note....
Awesome Roger, thanks for sharing! I have had many GS bikes over the years (4 currently) and still love riding them for the same reasons you mentioned. Just picked up a 1983 GS1100E with 4,901 miles that I'll be restoring to riding condition soon. It sounds like you have a really nice selection of bikes (always wanted to try out the VFR1200). Enjoy the Ride!
I have GS1150E and I love it . I haven't seen another one in a long time but now I know you're out there. Lol
I have 2 suzy gs-1000G`s and a 2002 zrx-1200r. I tried to tame down the instant rush of power of the
zrx by putting on a smaller rear-sprocket.It didnt change much, it still charges ahead quicker than
what i need.Both the 1000g`s have vetter fairings as temps here rarely go above 60f.They accelerate
more predictably yet are willing go-fast machines above 4k. The weight of the 1000g`s is not a problem
until you run into tight twisties when you can feel the mass of the bike at 50-70mph trying to push
you around.They were not designed for this.They were designed for comfort and w/a 5.8 g gas tank
and 40mpg you can travel anywhere comfortably.Good Review..Thankyou..Cheers.
Thanks Gilbert! Nice to meet a fellow GS and ZRX owner. Where are you from that it stays so cool? I had a GS1000G years ago and remember it fondly. It had a Vetter fairing on it that I removed (it gets pretty hot here). In comparison with the GS1000G, the GS1100G has a beefed up frame, larger diameter fork tubes and more grunt. However, the GS1100G still needed Progressive fork springs, new rear shocks and Spiegler brake lines to tighten things up in the handling and braking departments. It now rides firmer but is much better controlled and still all-day comfortable. When sport riding on the GS1100G, I surprise people on faster/newer bikes frequently. I just can't seem to leave my vintage bikes stock and I'm always trying to improve some aspect of performance. There's a Yamaha XJ1100J in process now that I just ordered Progressive springs for, so stay tuned for more comparisons. Cheers!
The ZRX reminds me of my CB1100F so I must find one same color as yours. Love your videos.
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying them!
I used to own a 1978 GS1000c. I currently own a 2003 ZRX1200. I certainly loved my GS1000 but the ZRX is so much better. Especially after up grading the forks with slightly stiffer springs, Race Tech rebound valving and a fork brace.
They're both neat machines (two of my favorites). No doubt the ZRX1200R would win around a track. But the GS certainly has the edge in comfort for a tall guy like me. I also like the shaft-drive. I've significantly updated the brakes and suspension on the GS, so the performance gap might be less than one would imagine. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 amen I couldn't agree more with what you said. I kinda like the GS more, especially the G Shaft. I'm a nut for the GSGLs.
@@marcalampi5036 Awesome! Have you seen all my GSGL content? I have lots of it on the channel. Cheers!
Had an early 80’s gs 800 awhile back (mid late 1990s)it was a huge dinosaur then as far as being huge and heavy .. but afte having major service done to it I can’t really complain ,it was a solid somewhat quick bike that never let me down .
The dash look just like or very similar to your gs,except I had a very inaccurate digital fuel gauge I had to learn to read 😂
Also my 800 was shaft driven….am only @ 7 mins +/- so I don’t know if the 1100 has chain or shaft.
Right on!
You probably had a GS850. The GS1100G in this video is a shaft drive bike.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 you’re probably right and was a 850 not 800, for some reason my mind remembered the oddity of cc being 800 instead of 750 or other usually found displacements ….but seeing as I can’t find a single reference to an 800 ever being made guess old age is messing with my memories …at any rate I also can find pictures of the 850 all over the internet and it looks exactly as I remember mine except I Know mine had a old school digital style fuel gauge ….like a light grey screen with black bars showing how much gas was in the tank …I know I’m not misremembering this as I had issues after having it serviced where it kept stalling .I thought it was an issue they didn’t fix but turns out the digital gauge that read between a 1/4 and 1/2 tank ,was actual “reserve time “ …talk about feeling stupid lol the mechanic figured it out in like 5 mins
I would love to see your collection. Love your videos of the old school bikes
Thank you!
Love the red zrx....been looking for one
They're great bikes. Good luck in your search! Cheers
Your perceptions about the zrx are similar to mine. What I like most about the zrx is its heavy duty feel - like if Harley were to make a Japanese in-line 4 this would be it. Especially the shifter, love how it takes a real kick to shift
Right on!
Another great review Jon, I own a 04 ZRX1200R in green, fantastic bike
Thanks Jo! That's a great color scheme.
its got to be the REX for me. great vid jon .
Right on! Thanks David.
A friend of mine bought the gs1100 tscc 16 valve Suzuki brand new back in 81. Only mods were steel braided front brake lines and a handlebar similar to the zrx. To this day I think that bike may have been the quickest I’ve ever ridden.
Right on Bill! Those bikes are still being drag raced today. Not only were they fast, they were incredibly robust. With a few tweaks, they are still awesome performers today. I can't wait to get my GS1100E 16-valve tscc on the road this spring.
Both beautiful bikes
Thanks Andy!
Interesting to notice the difference in instrument placement changes over the years, where the GS have its instruments more in the line of sight than the ZRX. I also fully agree that a well maintained older bike, especially with some suspension work, can do about the same as more current motorcycles. As long as you keep your speeds prudent for the public roads, as in south of 75 mph, there really is very little difference in the time it takes to go from A to B regardless of bike - the rider is usually the limiting factor and much more important than the bike. On a winding road, you could put Cameron Beaubier on the GS1100, and 99% of all riders would never know where he went. So what it boils downs to is this: If it makes you smile, ride it and don't bother about vintage or technology 😎
Right on!
I totally agree!
great review, I have a gs1100gl and a gs1100gk and a 2003 z1000, I think your review is spot on. I love my gs100gk the best for some reason and it gets great gas mileage.
Very cool - all of those are awesome bikes! You may want to check out the playlist on my GS1100L (GS1100GL) if you didn't see it already. I may do a back to back comparison of my GS1100GL and GS1100G (converted from the GK) in the future.
Makes me want to get a big old four again after more than 20 years on twins and singles?!
Right on! Gotta love the big fours!
I owned a GSX1100G back when I was in Australia. Came back to Malaysia but had to sell it off for funds of a new home. That was 7 years ago and now I'm riding a ZRX1200R. Brings back memories of the muscle G even though this one is a bit "sportier". My ZRX tends to experience a bit of speed wobble at about 100mph which I'd never experienced on the G. Is that normal or some typical replacement parts that I need to look out for?
I would check steering stem bearings first. Tires can cause similar issues as well.
The late 70's, early 80's Suzuki 4 Cyl engines were so good, ( I owned 2 of them ) even before the 4 valve per cylinder years . One of the biggest downfalls of the bikes back then was the lack of taller gearing. But of course it was a product of the 55 MPH laws back then. Which i think really was just a justification of saving money, but it is what it is. Honda was a company that appealed to hiway riders back then, cuz by 1982-1985 years, they had the V-4 engines , and most of those bikes had not only 6 speed transmissions, but overdrive gearing to go with it.
Agreed, the Magnas and Sabres had the legs and I love the sound and power delivery of a V-4 when it is running well. I've owned many V-4s over the years. However, V-4 powered bikes are often miserable to work on. They can be insanely complex: carb job, valve check, engine rebuild, etc. They are also heavy and, combined with the the abundant power, pushed the limits of suspension and brakes of the time. I will not buy a V-4 powered bike that is a non-runner.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , yeah, i had an '85 V-65 Sabre, i fantastic shape, and you are correct about the brakes and suspensuon. Honda was catering to us power junkies with that 1100 cc V-4 , no doubt. I have a much newer Honda V-4 now, with great brakes, pretty good suspension and i really like it. Gotta admit though, that every time i twisted the throttle on that '85 Sabre, i just smiled :) anyhow, keep up the good work, i enjoy the trips down memory lane !
@@flexjay87 Will do!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Where can I find that bikini ffairing?
@@dw8730 Google "Emgo Viper fairing". You should find it on eBay and elsewhere. Approx $80 new.
Hola Jon. Me encantó tu comparación pero desgraciadamente poco entendí (traduci todos los comentarios). Me trajiste nostalgia.😢.tuve hace mas de 20 años un kawasaki Kz1000 E1 shaft. Me encantaba el andar que tenia .muy lindas tus motos!! Saludos
Hola Ricardo, lamento que no hayas entendido más del video! ¿Viste los videos sobre mi eje KZ1000? Pondré un enlace a la lista de reproducción del eje KZ1000. Espero que disfrutes viendo esos videos. ¡Salud! th-cam.com/play/PL0gjN9hf6pSrbKFOKsGVTgLLfxYu1lKre.html
Great Review. I picked up a green/white 99 ZRX1100 about a year ago and love it, it only has 5500 miles and is in great shape. So much fun to ride. After watching your review, I'm curious, is there much performance difference between the 1100 and 1200?
Thanks Mark! As to a performance difference between the ZRX1100 and 1200 - on paper, the 1200 makes 15-20 hp more and more torque as well. The lower gearing on the 1100 somewhat compensates from a seat of the pants feel standpoint (especially at lower revs) but as the revs rise, the 1200 will walk away. The 1200 is also a bit more relaxed on the highway with the taller gearing. I have owned two ZRX1100s and three ZRX1200s over the years and they have been great bikes for me.🙂
I think most people installed the zzr1100 cams in the zrx1100 and it made a huge gain in power. More so than the zrx1200 apparently.
@@LTLT900 I did that in one of my ZRX1100s. It made a difference up top but a ZRX1200R with a pipe, pod filters, and a jet kit still made about 20 hp more.
And the zzr 1200 cams work well with that, the gpz 1100 cams worked very well with the 1100 more everywhere from 4500 on.@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538
@@georgejameson9317 Right on. I never understood why Kawasaki didn't simply put an unmodified GPZ1100 motor and 6-speed transmission in the ZRX.
I agree.
Right on Bill!
Jon..I live close to the border w/canada in Wa. state and we get 2-3 mo relief from the pacific coast storms. Where are you..? Both my gs`s would benifite from progressive fork springs as the added weight of the vetter fairing intrudes on the forks.One has Marzocchi Shocks and a built up motor
with a 4-1 exhaust, oh the headache of drilling out jets to make it run right..took time.The other is
completely stock.Both needed shims on the valves but i had those.I also have a naked 2002 sv-650
and in tight twisty Roads it takes no prisoners...Cheers...
Nice, I've been through that area years ago. It was nice weather when we were there. I'm in south central PA near Lancaster County. Tuning the suspension spacer length and the carbs for the pipe took time but the results are worth it.
Well Jon, I'm a fan of your Suzi GS1100....... more than that newer Kawi
Right on!
I have a 82 gs 850 love it
Nice!
Another great review!! I used to think that the green Eddie Lawson ZRX was the only way to go, but now I like the red, blue ,silver GPZ style even better. Do you feel like a Suzuki Bandit 1250 would the modern (ish) version of the GS1100 and combines the sporting potential of the ZRX?? I can't get over how comfortable the seat looks your Suzuki. Why, why can't modern bikes have seats like that??? It's almost as if designers in the 70:s and 80's expected people to actually sit on their bikes for more than 30 minutes at a time lol
Cheers 🍻
Thanks Brad! It's interesting that you say that about the color schemes. The red/blue/silver was my least favorite initially but I really like it now. I've owned a 1250 Bandit and it was a good bike. It is more plush with better wind protection than the ZRX and probably a better everyday driver. But styling, finish quality, and sporting potential are way behind the ZRX. If only my ZRX rode/drove like my Versys 1000 or my Versys looked like my ZRX I'd have the perfect modern motorcycle... but that sounds like a fun comparison!
That sounds like a fantastic comparison!! That is the constant battle I have when trying to choose a bike. Capable, cool but slightly unpractical or capable, practical but slightly uncool?? How about the FZ1 vs the Versys 1000?? Suzuki GSX S 750 vs the ZRX? Or some combination of the 4? Selfishly these are the types of bikes I'm looking at to replace my 2006 Yamaha FZ6 that has been the best all around bike I have ever owned lol. I really value your opinion. Cheers 🍻
@@bradmyers6429 I completely understand that battle! I've been chasing the perfect bike since I was 17. To me, being 6'-4" tall and a jaded power-fiend, the best combination of ride, comfort, features, ease of use, serviceability, excitement and performance is the Versys 1000/650 line (too bad about the looks). With that said, there are so many other great bikes currently available. Depending on personal taste/values, rider stature, etc. one could make a case for almost any machine. I no longer own the FZ1 or GSX-S750 (both good machines) so I can't do a video comparison. However, the Versys 1000 simply does everything better than either of those machines while fitting me better.
If you're patient and only buy bikes when you find them at a good price, you can try as many as you want, enjoy them while you have them and make a little money in the process. Your next choice doesn't have to be a life long commitment. 😉
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 "I've been chasing the perfect bike since I was 17." I resemble that remark. 40 plus years later, I am still looking 😄
@64faffi Right on! Still searching...
That's why there are multiple bikes in the garage. 🙂
ZRX ❤👍
Right on Georgee!
i want a zrx. my 929 hurts me.
Right on!
Put that Kawasaki up against the1984 GS 1150E Done deal
I would love to, but the ZRX has left the building to make room for others.😢
What's with thet throttle blip,before the shutoff ?
Habit I guess. And it gives viewers a chance to hear it from that perspective.
I heard that Suzuki has electrical problems.
It's a good idea to replace the regulator/rectifier if it is original. Otherwise nothing major. I've owned lots of the GSs.