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.

Faults:

Typical Suzuki GS charging issues, but nothing a new stator and reg/rec can't fix.

General Comments:

This bike kicks ass and comes back for more! Sure it's a bit heavy weighing in at almost 600lbs, but the torque and power more than compensate. I ride like a bit of a hooligan and this bike can take it! Even though it's a bit on the heavy side, it's still nimble and responsive. Highways are a breeze and overtaking anyone in 5th gear with a twist of the wrist is pure pleasure. The torque and power delivery is really surprising. This thing likes to fly. Regularly cruise at 140kmh.

Electronics are a bit dodgy, but a new stator and reg/rec will fix that. It will keep going regardless of any electrical issue though, it just doesn't stop. No oil? no problem... it'll get you home.

Faults:

Needed new tires and windshield, oil change and plugs to certify.

Starter motor and voltage regulator, then speedometer cable all went in my first summer.

Replaced valve cover gasket, and forks leak air slowly.

I am constantly charging my battery, but it's a cheap one.

General Comments:

All in all it's a great ride so far. Nothing too hard to fix for being a 1982.

Can get parts from a local dealer, but costly.

Very fast on highways and handles smoothly.

Highway pegs are a must for long rides.

The motor is strong and can take a beating.

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.