Suzuki GS1100E 1982 - Seattle WA area

[denydog]

I've decided to put the 1982 Suzuki GS1100E, that I purchased new that summer 30 years ago, up for sale.  It was ridden regularly up until 1993, but at that point I put it in the corner of my garage partly because the carburetors needed cleaning, but mostly because I was involved in other activities.  In late 2006, with 26,000 miles on it, I put it back on the road after going through most of the bike, cleaning, and replacing a number of parts ($1,700  worth) with primarily nos. The bike currently has 35,800 miles on it.

Parts replaced in 2006:
 
Various bolts and rubber parts     
Carburetors cleaned  & O-Rings replaced, vacuum synchronized
K&N Air filter  
Battery              
Fork seals, bushings, and one new fork tube (due to an original surface plating defect)  
Progressive fork springs     
Braided steel brake lines     
Front Brake master cylinder piston assy     
Front Brake Wheel Calipers rebuild kit     
Clutch cable     
Speedometer cable     
Throttle cable     
Electrex regulator/rectifier     
Pirelli Sport Demon tire front     
Pirelli Sport Demon tire rear     
Tubes     
D.I.D 630V O-Ring chain     
15 tooth front sprocket     
41 tooth rear sprocket (one up from stock)     
Hydraulic Front brake switch     
New NOS Main wiring harness (just because)     
Vesrah brake pads
Checked Oil Pump pickup screen
Koni Shocks in 1988

The bike is in good condition overall, and runs great, with all systems functioning. About what you'd expect from a 30 year old bike that was well maintained, and well cared for. The one notable  exception is the #4 head pipe/muffler which is broken after it joins the muffler. It looks like it broke due to vibration/metal fatigue. It is not rusted, and I wonder if it can be welded, but really don't know. I have a hose clamp on it for the time being. There is also a scrape mark on the right muffler from a low speed low side back in '85. This, the only time the bike went down. Although there was the time I dropped it in my garage. A couple of plastic studs on the side cover were repaired, and there's a couple broken bosses attaching the front sprocket cover.  The paint is all original, just showing slight, but normal aging.

Asking price $2,600.  Includes original Owners Manual, Service Manual, and Tool Kit.

Current pictures:

[kwb377]

 

In 1987 I had an '82 KZ750 Spectre...pretty hot $hit for a 16 y.o., I thought at the time. But my neighbor had a red '82 GS1100E, and everytime he left the neighbohood and turned onto the main street, he'd wheelie it the half mile or so until out of sight. That bike was the object of my dreams and desires. Hmmm, wonder if I can raid the gun closet and find something to sell...

[sammyseaman]

 

[bubba zanetti]

Beautiful !  The only thing that bike needs is a set of Pirelli Phantoms !    

[Frankienuckles]

This bike is identical to one that I used to own, except mine was not quite as nice as this one. This thing is sweet!

[Jeff]

Sweet.

Now, we don't know each other, and I don't know your situation. If you bought that new, that means you bought it when I was 8. So, you've been at this longer than me. But I suggest you rethink selling that beauty of a motorcycle. If you don't NEED that $2600 or whatever you get for it, you should keep it.

Just my $.02.

Jeff

[denydog]

Good point. I have had it for 30 years. I still enjoy riding it fairly regularly, and don't like the idea of parting with it after all this time. It's just that it seems more of an unnecessary indulgence these days, and I could use the money for another one of my hobbies. If it doesn't sell I won't be too disappointed.

I'm thinking about riding it down to Backfire Moto this evening.

[ConPilot1]

Sweet.

Now, we don't know each other, and I don't know your situation. If you bought that new, that means you bought it when I was 8. So, you've been at this longer than me. But I suggest you rethink selling that beauty of a motorcycle. If you don't NEED that $2600 or whatever you get for it, you should keep it.

Just my $.02.

Jeff

I agree. Think of what she might be worth to a collector in 15-20 years. That bike is in damn near new condition despite the mileage, which is nothing by our standards.
Taht's a really nice classic rider.  

[Flyover Country Joe]

  Thinking back to when I rode my Dad's GS 750 to high school, really lusted after the GS1100...............like I needed anything faster than that. :eek:GLWS.................I think.........


                                                       Joe

[olderigetfasteriam]

I had a 79 GS1000N ( N as in no fancy wheels, spokes on that baby). I traded it when I bought my RZ350. Wish I had them both back.

[denydog]

The Backfire Moto event was fantastic. The energy at these vintage type events is amazing.

[ConPilot1]

I just LOVES classic original, cafe'd and restored vintage Japanese stuff.  

[MisterSmooth]

I'd forgotten the 1980's speedos went through that phase when they maxed at 85mph.    What a ridiculous idea.  

Although I suppose that's preferable to limiting the motorbike to 85 mph.  

Your bike is such a nice example.    I lusted after the red 1983, personally.  Never had the nerve to buy one at the time--it was just too big and powerful!  

Now, of course, a 600cc sportbike makes about the same amount of power and weighs 100 pounds less.  

[sporty bob]

I really wouldn't sell it unless your financial situation is dire.  You can never get back an original bike that you bought new.  What a beautiful piece.  I hope you can continue to enjoy it.  Whatever you do don't sell it to someone that is looking for a first bike and doesn't appreciate it's collector provenance.

Sporty Bob
Pella, Ia

[denydog]

Whatever you do don't sell it to someone that is looking for a first bike and doesn't appreciate it's collector provenance.

Agree with that. I don't like the thought of selling it to someone who'll run it into the ground, so to speak.

Though I did put it on Craigslist today for the first time.

[denydog]

The- Someone from Craigslist offered me $2,000 but it's still for sale -Bump

[Stray Cat]

Advertise it with VME. http://vmemc.org/
If you aren't a member I can submit the add for you. The newsletter deadline for Sept/Oct is August 1.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Advertise it with VME. http://vmemc.org/
If you aren't a member I can submit the add for you. The newsletter deadline for Sept/Oct is August 1.

What Randy says. I wouldn't bother with Craigslist. That site is just for douchebags who will never love your bike like you do  

I, for one, can attest to the love and care that this bike has enjoyed for the last 30 years  

[Jeff]

I still think that if you don't NEED to sell it that you should keep it.

Jeff

[MisterSmooth]

The- Someone from Craigslist offered me $2,000 but it's still for sale -Bump

Two grand is not enough.