1980 Suzuki GS

gs110x503124

Clear

Note to bidders: If you have feedback lower than 10 you must email me prior to bidding to review my terms and conditions. This Auction: First year for 1100 E 16-valve bike—came in 2 colors: silver and red. Rectangular headlight and integrated dash panel (vs separate gauges) were unusual for 1980. The body works were a result of the partnership with Target Design of Germany, a collaboration that also produced the love-it-or-leave it Buck Rogers Katana series. This is Akron Suzuki Works first effort to ‘certify’ the condition of a vintage motorcycle. We have evaluated the principal mechanical and electrical functions of this bike and certify that they are within the specification limits for the model when new. This means the cylinder compression is guaranteed to be 120 psi +/- 5 psi, the charging system output is about 12 amps at cold start up with a voltage reading of 13.8 at approximately 2500 rpm The brakes function as new The tires are new (rear) or nearly new (front) All electrical features work as expected (turn signals, horn, front and rear brake switches, all dash panel indicators, head light, tail light) The suspension components do not leak and the system has been set up with comparable static sag front to rear. The clutch pull is light, no false neutrals, easy shifting in and out of first gear with bike at rest. The bike accelerates easily to the red line No leaks of any kind from the engine, brakes or fuel system This example is an un-restored original. The first owner had the bike for 30 yrs and put just 7600 miles on it. The bike is completely stock in appearance, with only the minor changes mentioned below to improve cold starting, reliability, performance and safety. The E’s were ahead of their time in the early 80’s and aren’t out of place on the highway or back roads still today. This bike appears to have been very well stored with the original paint on body works and frame showing very well. Based on our evaluation of typical wear points, we believe the 8k miles on the clock is accurate. The engine and transmission are tight and smooth and the bike has none of the noises or rattles common to E bikes if they have not been ridden and maintained carefully. This bike starts right up from cold and idles steadily till warmed up, pulls out smoothly, brakes are quiet and progressive. Suspension works as new. All lights, gages, switches work as new. Riding experience is pure time warp. Body work is in remarkable condition, no cracks or repairs on the side cover tabs and slots, tank and frame paint shows lovely. Wiring, under tank and behind side covers is clean and tidy with factory tie downs and rubber boots in excellent condition--and even correctly positioned. Updates and reconditioning done on this bike included: · Brake system overhaul: both master cylinders rebuilt, calipers overhauled, front brake switch and warning cluster replaced, pads replaced as required (not much wear on pads in 8k miles but if they show any oil contamination we replace them, front left on this bike) · New Dunlop rear tire (and tube—we replace tube if ANY corrosion is showing around the valve stem). Front is a replacement Dunlop in good shape. · Carb overhaul: choke pick-ups drilled to .021”, pilots drilled to .018” to improve cold weather starting, low speed fuel air screws set for smooth, steady 900 rpm when warm, carbs synched on the bike. Bike starts instantly even at 40 degrees! · Fork seals replaced, fork oil upgraded to 20 wt based on experience in this climate, suspension balanced front to rear · Rear wheel bearings replaced · Handlebar switches checked, cleaned · Plug caps replaced · Air box serviced, new air filter element · Oil and filter changed, Castrol 10-40 · Chain cleaned and adjusted (original 630 O-ring chain in very good condition, no visible wear on sprockets) · Charging system tune up: all connectors, grounds cleaned or replaced and shrink-wrapped to prevent deterioration · Tank interior is original and completely rust free · Clear OH title ready for immediate transfer Flaws and Issues As an un-restored example there are a few cosmetic issues. The engine case covers show some clear coat deterioration more pronounced on the stator cover with the clutch cover showing nicely. We normally remove and polish these pieces but chose to leave them as-found on this bike. The plastic striping on the front fender and tail section (on the left side) has peeled somewhat (see pics on web photo server). I have the correct replacement striping from Reproduction Graphics Company. The front fender shows some touch up paint dabs but could be refinished with the correct striping if a buyer wished. Some fasteners show some corrosion such as the brake banjo bolts. These are available from various on-line sources. The exhaust system is beautiful but not perfect with a few small pits evident on close inspection; the header pipes, joint covers and mounting hardware shows very nice. There are no mechanical, electrical or functional issues. The bike performs and looks as it did when it left the showroom in 1980. Although I am not a dealer, I do make a living as “Akron Suzuki Works” repairing, restoring and selling vintage Suzuki’s. I’m a mechanical engineer with 35 yrs of hands-on tuning, modifying, racing, touring and rebuilding experience with Japanese and European bikes. About half of my work is GS restorations for clients such as this GSResources bike of the month which we did last year: http://thegsresources.com/halloffame/2010/gs_photo_aug_2010.htm I’m not listing these bikes to get rid of them, I’m listing them to find buyers who appreciate what these bikes were in the day and are willing to pay reasonable money for our efforts to make classic Suzukis as close to new in functionality and reliability as possible. So while I don’t have anything against bottom feeders (hell, that’s how I get these things at a reasonable starting point)! This would probably be a good time for you guys to push on to another auction because we aren’t going to get too far. Note to International Bidders: I will assist in shipping at your expense to just about anywhere in the world. Remember that ocean shipping requires a crate but air shipping may only require a pallet. Also note that this bike is over 30 yrs old so may qualify for import to many countries (Israel for example) at reduced tax rates. For the Lawyers…As everybody knows by now, you are buying a 31 yr old vehicle here which is sold as-is where-is with no guarantees that it will do what you, I or anybody else expects it to do. I do guarantee that it has been described accurately and back that up by canceling a sale if you win the auction and come to pick up the bike and it does not meet your expectations. Man I wish I’d gotten a guarantee like this from about half the bike sellers I’ve dealt with on eBay over the years! Additional Notes about Akron Suzuki Works I have a 2-bay shop and a few part-time Suzuki nuts who love to put GS bikes in primo condition for your daily riding and viewing pleasure. I look for low miles examples of GS750, GS850 and GS1100 bikes and get them looking and running as close to new as possible. We have sent bikes and parts to Europe, Canada, South America and all over the US. Our most recent export was a Suzuki to France last December. You can see more pics on my photo server at I need a few of you GS lovers out there to step up and buy some of our bikes or else as my guys keep threatening me, they may be forced to get real jobs. We can’t have that! After 60+ GS restorations in the past 6 years we have identified the weaknesses and common problems that these durable, well-designed machines suffered from. We go over each bike with these things in mind and make logical, professional repairs, upgrades and minor modifications to improve function and reliability. GS guys know I am referring to charging system problems, cold blooded starting, fuel system and carb problems and of course a long list of things that happen over time to any machine. We incorporate Suzuki factory service bulletins that have been issued over the years and we keep an eye out on the GSResources site and web forums for good ideas. We prefer genuine Suzuki OE parts where available including filters and gaskets because they tend to fit and last better than aftermarket parts. We select after market parts based on experience with what works best. We also take pride in making these bikes easy on the eyes. Whenever possible we leave the excellent quality factory paint alone. The alloy case covers, peg mounts and trim are usually giving up their clearcoat so we strip them and professionally polish them to a chrome-like finish.