GSX 1100 F

[GR4]

Hi,
I've been away from bikes for a number of years but am planning a return. Budget is quite low, but I always got on best with big bikes. Heart says full sports, head says sports tourer. May be an opportunity to go for a very clean '88 GSX 1100. Does anyone have experience of these ? If so, I'd appreciate any comments/advice. I assume I'm right in thinking it isn't worth a lot ?
Thanks.

[Mon Ami Mate]

Do you mean the one with the power windscreen? This was as much use as an ashtray. Great engines though - very tuneable. Spoilt by a horrendous chassis, far too much weight, awful brakes and dodgy build quality.

You'd be much better off with an early ZZR1100 (not that I'm biased or anything. Oh, alright then, I'm very biased).

[GR4]

Thanks for this. Yep, that's the one, complete with 'Suzuki Power Screen' technology ! So is it broadly a detuned GSXR motor in a heavier, poorer handling package ? This is really an opportunist thing with a very tidy example coming up, but I am sure you are right that I should consider the alternatives.

[Mon Ami Mate]

GR4 said:

Thanks for this. Yep, that's the one, complete with 'Suzuki Power Screen' technology ! So is it broadly a detuned GSXR motor in a heavier, poorer handling package ? This is really an opportunist thing with a very tidy example coming up, but I am sure you are right that I should consider the alternatives.

That is basically it - IIRC a detuned GSXR1100L engine (itself an evil handling bastard, killed Phil Mellor at the 1989 TT)in a flabby chassis. It is seriously tuneable, and for many years was the preferred lump of choice for drag racers. They just did the sensible thing and chucked the rest into the nearest skip...