Suzuki GS1100 Specifications

• The GS1100 of the 1980s is considered a classic tourer. Andrew Dernie/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Suzuki launched its GS tourer-style motorcycle series in 1976. First offered were a GS400 and a GS750. To compete in the market with other big four-stroke road-going bikes, Suzuki developed the GS1000. By 1982 engine displacement had grown enough that the line became the GS1100 line. The GS1100 came in a variety of trims; A GS1100 with shaft drive, for instance, was called the GS1100G. Shaft drive means the power from the engine was transferred via a spinning shaft to drive the rear wheel. Suzuki marketed the GS1100G from 1982 to 1984. It was a large tourer style bike.

Engine

• The GS1100 had a 1074cc engine (the figure refers to the volume of space swept by the pistons) and was a four-stroke, which means it takes four piston strokes to complete an engine cycle. The engine's four cylinders were arranged in a line. The valves were controlled by a double overhead cam system, whereby a camshaft directly operated the intake and exhaust valves.

  The engine had a bore and stroke of 2.8 by 2.6 inches and a compression ratio of 8.8 to 1. The bore is the diameter of the engine cylinder opening and the stroke is the total distance the piston travels up and down. Compression ratio is the ratio of the volume between the piston and cylinder head before and after a compression stroke.

  The carburetor type used was a MIKUNI BS34SS. The engine was air-cooled. Polyurethane foam was used as an air filter. The engine was lubricated by a wet sump. The bike had electric start and a transistorized ignition system.

Chassis

• The bike had dual disc front brakes and a single disc rear brake. A disc brake is a metal disc fixed to the wheel. When force is applied by pulling on the brake lever, causing a caliper to push brake pads onto the disc, creating friction and slowing the wheel. The bike had five manual gears.

  The front suspension used telescopic forks, which had coil springs and oil damping to absorb impact. The rear suspension swing arm had coil springs, oil damping and adjustability.

Dimensions

• The GS1100 was 98 inches long, 36.6 inches wide and 60.8 inches high. It had a wheelbase of 58.9 inches and a ground clearance of 5.7 inches. The rake (angle of steering) was 40 degrees, and the bike had a trail of 4.65 inches. The turning radius of the GS was 8.5 feet.

  Both tires were tubeless. The front tire was an 110/90-19 62H; the rear tire was 130/90-16 67H.

Performance

• With 100 horsepower, the GS1100 could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph.