Re: Newbie question….

Posted by sgtslag on Oct 22, 2011; 3:23pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Newbie-question-tp3442970p3443706.html

As far as I know, GS was a Suzuki product line.  

My father had a 1980 GS850, and a 1981 GS1100.  Suzuki made superb bikes, back in the early 80's -- based on my riding experiences.  The 1980 GS850 had phenominal suspension, which really kept the wheel in contact with the road, while keeping the seat level, and smooth.  Saw one on CL last year.  If money were nothing to me, I would have it in my garage, waiting for a ride.

The GS1100 was a scream machine.  It had tremendous power, acceleration -- but it was top-heavy, with a full tank of gas.  It was quite clumsy in town, but superb on the highway, at speed.  When the tach hit 7,000 RPM, you had better be hanging on, as it becomes possessed:  it growls in a way that was a little frightening, and it takes off like a bullet.  I downshifted to pass a car on a 3-mile straight stretch...  Mistake.  The engine hit its power band, and shot forward like a rocket.  I was keeping it on the road by watching the ditches with my peripheral vision -- my head was jerked back, and I was holding on by my fingertips!  It scared Hell clean out of me.  I slowly closed the throttle, and eased my head forward so I could see again.  The car I passed wasn't even a spec in the mirror, by the time I saw the mirrors again.

My Dad was a Suzuki man.  Me, I like any of the three Japanese makers.  I have had excellent experiences with all three maker's bikes.  Harley's hold no interest for me, as I cannot tolerate the vibration.  Likewise, nearly all V-twins are a turn off for me, but that is just my personal preference.  Give me an inline four any day...

Cheers!