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.

1982 Suzuki GS1100GK

Summary:

I love the bike, but don't like the electrical problems it has

Faults:

The front fork seals leaked.

The electrical system quit charging the battery.

The windshield got very cloudy.

General Comments:

The bike has great pick up, especially for a touring bike which is heavy.

I like the way the full fairing blocks the cold, wind and rain.

The drivers foot-pegs are not in a position that is comfortable for a taller rider.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th October, 2007

19th Mar 2015, 13:45

Quote "I love the bike" but would not buy another from this manufacturer, sounds legit.

1982 Suzuki GS1100GK

Summary:

This bike is ugly... but fun to ride

Faults:

The voltage regulator burned while riding at high speed. This caused the stator wiring to melt. Rewired this part of the harness after replacing the regulator.

General Comments:

This bike is handles very well, especially in high speed corners and at low speeds in the parking lot.

While the seat is comfortable for long periods of time, the foot peg position causes cramping for those of us with long legs. A pair of highway pegs mounted forward of the engine on the crash bars solved this problem. Long days in the saddle are a breeze.

The fairing does make a lot of noise, but the trade off in bad weather and wind protection is worth it. I packed my empty spaces full of packing peanuts which reduced some of the noise.

The fuel economy is not the best... only about 38 MPG on the highways. It has a touring range of about 300 miles.

The trunk and hard bags are great!!! Easily holds enough gear for a weekend ride without having to strap extra luggage to the passenger seat.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2006

3rd Sep 2008, 21:32

I have to say, I love my 82 GS1100GK, and with 38,000 on it I have really not had many problems at all.

For handling I find it wonderful, and on the highway this bike will fly.

I get a lot of people saying how much they like my bike all the time.

Finding parts has never been a problem at all, and I will ride this bike until I can no longer get parts for it.

10th Dec 2009, 17:26

I have to agree, My 82 GK is a wonderful bike that I will never part with it. Easy to ride, good gas mileage, still looks great and is cheap to maintain. It's a 9+ out of 10.

4th Mar 2010, 18:19

I love this bike. Mine has 130000 km on the odometer and still runs strong. Costs very little to maintain and brings a smile to my face when it starts in sub zero temperatures.

Rick Oshawa Ontario.