Suzuki GS1100EX reviews

This is my second old GS. I had a 1980 GS850 shaftie and drove the crap out of it. after several years of messing with ancient Triumphs and BSA's i was looking for a good reliable bike that wouldn't scare my wife. I went for a 1981 GS 1100. Asides for an occasional valve cover gasket leak its always gotten me home. I'm currently prepping the bike for a 1000 mile 24 hour ride across the southwest. Sound crazy? I don't think so, aside for electrical shortcomings these engines are bullet proof. 21years and 39K miles. aside for a GSX 1100G there's nothing that can fulfill her many duties as well. Even if i get another bike i'll keep her. Show less

I purchased this bike new 19 years ago. When it was new it was the quickest, fastest motorcycle you could buy. Now, a good 600 has more top speed. However this bike is still very enjoyable to ride. It is a comfortable, stable platform for touring. A very good commuter. Has great low-end and mid-range power for a 4 cyl. bike, and enough top-end to be entertaining. Though it won't run with the newer openclassers. It has been super reliable, with the exception of the reg/rectifer going bad at approx 10K mi. This is common problem with the older GS Suzukis. There were many times over the years that I wanted to get a newer sportbike. But as I get older, I'm glad I still have this GS1100ex. It is all the street bike I need. Although the new bikes excel at certain areas, I would have to purchase several of the newer bikes to cover all of the areas the GS is still quite good at. I would not hesitate to recomend any of the older GS series to a person looking for a good allround streetbike. There is a web-page, The GS Resources, that provided a good deal of useful information to those who have a liking for these fine old bikes. Show less