1985 Suzuki GS1100GK

Summary:

Smooth, powerful, comfortable and reliable

Faults:

Charging system was malfunctioning when I bought it. The dealer was no help at all. The local MC repair shop that did the machine work on my dirt bike knew the problem as soon as I described it. They had a new stator in stock, and had the new regulator in the next day.

I changed all the fluids and replaced the battery with the highest amp/hour rating I could find. I replaced the tires with a matched set of Conti Tour tires and had them spin balanced.

General Comments:

The bike I had was in very nice condition cosmetically when I bought it. I got it really cheap because of the electrical problem. After repairing it properly and catching up on the maintenance I rode the bike throughout the western states as time allowed. It performed flawlessly for the almost 3 years that I owned it.

The shaft drive was not as quiet as my BMW, and by comparison it's my opinion that it was a bit top heavy. The aerodynamics are pretty good for a bike of this vintage. Overall it's an awesome motorcycle for the money. Keep the maintenance up and ride it. I would expect somewhere near 100,000 miles of service if it is ridden in a reasonable manner.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2026

1982 Suzuki GS1100GK

Summary:

This one is a keeper

Faults:

Mostly normal wear and tear, did have to replace the old worn-out rear air shocks with Progressive air shocks, which made a huge difference in the handling of the bike.

I also had the bike painted from the "Old Man Brown" as my wife called it, in a dark-night blue with silver inserts and grey trim. This changed the looks quite a bit.

Bike runs strong, is very comfortable on long trips, is extremely reliable and gets over 50 mpg on the road.

Good paint, new exhaust and polished aluminum, bike is always center of attention where ever I go.

General Comments:

This bike did not get a good review from Motorcycle magazine back in its day, and body parts are non-existing. It's still a very good bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2009

26th Sep 2011, 22:47

September 2011, I now have 42,000 on this bike, and it is running as good as ever. Needs minor work on the front brake calipers, but other than that, normal maintenance is all that I do. Doesn't use any oil, and is getting well over 50 miles a gallon. One of the best bikes I have ever owned.

10th Sep 2016, 14:09

Update, 9/2016: Bike now has 48,000 miles and is still a strong runner. Replaced rubber hoses and seals and other minor items. Did all the work myself without any problems whatsoever. Best bike I own.

In reply to 10th Sep 2016, 14:09

9th Apr 2020, 07:11

When you wrote "body work is non existing", did you mean your bike has had the fairings and bags removed? I ask to understand your gas mileage, because 50mpg is amazing on an 80s bike this heavy and powerful. Thanks for following up your first post - great to hear the story unfolding. I've got interested after seeing a GK rebuild video on YouTube.

In reply to 9th Apr 2020, 07:11

29th May 2020, 16:07

My 1982 GK also has gas mileage comparable to my 1982 GS 750T or my 850G. On my most recent ride, yesterday, I went about 125 miles and it got 51 miles per gallon on a ride that was out through the hills at varying speeds.

In reply to 9th Apr 2020, 07:11

18th Oct 2020, 10:12

No new body parts are available to purchase for this bike, but you can still get parts off of ebay. The gas mileage wasn't always this good, but has gradually increased as the motor continued to be broke in. I also noticed that it's running cooler. 50+ mpg is average on the highway with it averaging between 40-43 around town. The only problem I'm having now is being able to get it in for maintenance that I can't do myself. I'm on a waiting list with the only mechanic around and it has been a couple of months so far without a call. The bike is comfortable for a passenger and it doesn't struggle with the extra weight. This is a good basic touring bike that won't break the bank to own.