Suzuki didn’t start producing 4 stroke engines until 1976 when they released their first GS model, the 750. Before that, the company strictly made two-stroke machinery, and were the last of the Japanese manufacturers to begin producing 4-stroke engines. They patterned, a nice way of saying borrowed, their 4-cylinder engine from Kawasaki, more specifically the Z1 900. Kawasaki separated themselves with the handling of these early 4 strokes, as they were said to be far superior than the other similar bikes on the market
The GS1150 came along in 1984, and it was in the top of the power tier of the time when it did. An advertised 120 hp was huge power for the time. Another notable feature was the Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber (TSCC). TSCC basically referred to the angle of the intake valves and the semi hemispherical shape of the combustion chamber. This was said to create a swirl effect in the air fuel mixture. Suzuki claimed that this made for a more power than a standard combustion chamber design. The most direct competition for the GS1150 was the Kawasaki 750 Turbo, the Honda’s VF1000 Interceptor, and Yamaha’s FJ1100. The GS came second in a comparison test in 1985 in straight ¼ mile drag race testing to the FJ1100, and middle of the pack in top speed with 142.62 MPH. With the power the bike was putting out I was a little surprised by this, but at the end of the day Cycle Guide magazine decided that the GS was the best of the pack for sport touring and everyday riding. Check out this overview of the GS1150 on Motorcycle Classics by Margie Siegal from March/April 2016.
This 1984 EF model looks to be a time capsule. The seller is short on details, but the bike has 20,613 miles. It is all original, which from what I can tell, is rare due to the temptation to add speed parts to these bikes. The seat, paint, and graphics are in excellent shape. I’m not sure what draws me in most with this bike. The power and the 80’s angles for sure, but that K.I.T.T from Knight Rider tail light may seal the deal.
Find this Suzuki GS1150EF in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada for $4,250 (Canadian) here on Craigslist.