Topic: My other motorcycles, non SOHC versions. The Wes Cooley has landed!

[Bankerdanny]

Always been a fan of the original Katana. A local dealer keeps part of his personal collection in the showroom including a really clean original Katana. I always pause for a few moments to take it in when I am in the store.

[honda_dog]

Very nice Suzuki's! Is the Kerker exhaust for the "E" still available?

I haven't found one, all I see are the V&H pipes. I've been looking, my baffle is a little worse for wear.

[honda_dog]

If you need to store one in my garage, I'll gladly oblige... and I'll even keep the tires from getting flat spots for you!

That might be a fun "swap". I ride over to your place, give you one of my bikes to "store", and you give me a bike to "store".....

Seriously, I have two pole barns, a 20x40 and a 24x44, if I had my way I'd have a lot more bikes.

[honda_dog]

Always been a fan of the original Katana. A local dealer keeps part of his personal collection in the showroom including a really clean original Katana. I always pause for a few moments to take it in when I am in the store.

I told my wife that once my Kat returns home from it's re-fresh, I was going to bring it in the house and display it in the living room...... that met with a really awkward silence. 

[SOHC Digger]

I told my wife that once my Kat returns home from it's re-fresh, I was going to bring it in the house and display it in the living room...... that met with a really awkward silence. 

With two pole barns, this is where you turn your garage into your own living room...

[honda_dog]

I told my wife that once my Kat returns home from it's re-fresh, I was going to bring it in the house and display it in the living room...... that met with a really awkward silence. 

With two pole barns, this is where you turn your garage into your own living room...

Trust me, it's been mentioned, from both sides....lol!

[dhall57]

I've got 4 bikes Dog and don't have the money, or the room for anymore. But you know how us old Honda motorcycle guys are, just out of habit we're always on Ebay, CL, etc. and when we stumble across something that's anywhere close to what we like it's hard to walk away from it and not bring it home. The first part of this year I had the wants bad for a early naked Goldwing, well guess what's sitting in my garage along with my CB 750's and my Harley Wide Glide, a original black naked 1977 GL1000 and as soon as I get brakes and tires on it I'll be going down the road on it

Their are several bikes right now that's got my interest: Honda CBX, Honda CB900f or CB1100f, and now since seeing yours Dog a Suzuki GS1100E. That is one sharpe bike. Being a owner of one give me your personal opinion of it and would you recommend it..

thanks
dhall
   

[honda_dog]

I've got 4 bikes Dog and don't have the money, or the room for anymore. But you know how us old Honda motorcycle guys are, just out of habit we're always on Ebay, CL, etc. and when we stumble across something that's anywhere close to what we like it's hard to walk away from it and not bring it home. The first part of this year I had the wants bad for a early naked Goldwing, well guess what's sitting in my garage along with my CB 750's and my Harley Wide Glide, a original black naked 1977 GL1000 and as soon as I get brakes and tires on it I'll be going down the road on it

Their are several bikes right now that's got my interest: Honda CBX, Honda CB900f or CB1100f, and now since seeing yours Dog a Suzuki GS1100E. That is one sharpe bike. Being a owner of one give me your personal opinion of it and would you recommend it..

thanks
dhall

That first paragraph sounds just like me. I cruise Ebay, CL & the 'net almost daily for bikes, parts etc.  I get an idea of what bike I want (sometimes I just see a bike going down the road and think "I've gotta have that one") and start looking. Most of my "wants" come from my impressionable days in college in the early 80's, when I subscribed to Cycle World, Cycle & some other motorcycle mags, looking at the pages wishing I could ride some of those "cool" bikes. I've been riding since I was 16 (16 was the earliest I could purchase my own motorcycle without needing Mom's permission to do so, BTW), although I was hit with the riding bug about age 13 or 14.

The bikes on your "interest" list are good ones, CBX, CB900f, CB1100f, all bikes I've looked at over the years, and IMO very worthy of owning. But, ever since I first saw the Suzuki GS1100E..... I couldn't live without one.

First, the bike was the "superbike" in it's day (and to some extents it still is). It was probably the fastest production bike of its time, 92+ HP, stock, 119 MPH in the 1/4 mile (on a personal note, I can leave my driveway and hit 60 MPH before reaching my neighbor's driveway, which is approx. 400 feet away). Alot of these didn't survive due to becoming drag bikes. The engine is another one of those "indestructible" engines, treat it right and it will last forever.  All that aside, the bike is just plain fun to ride. Tons of low-end torque, as quick as the 1997 Honda CBR600 F3 that I owned for awhile, and very good handling and cornering abilities. Fairly comfortable on the long rides (with the proper seat installed, lol!)  I know it's hard to say any one bike "has it all", but this one is pretty close. Yeah, in the long rides, the CB750K8 is more comfortable as is my VTX1300C, but in the short "fun" rides, the GS1100 wins in my book. The bike is physically smaller than it looks, making it easier to ride, but with tons of power. If you haven't guessed, yet, Yes, I would recommend it. It is my favorite of all the bikes I've owned. It basically replaced the CB750K as my daily driver..... although, thanks to this site, the K will be on the road by spring. 

If you need any more info, or any other reason to get the GS1100E, let me know, I'll be glad to help.

Joe

[honda_dog]

This is a disease.....

[Stev-o]

Very nice.  What exhaust is that, Dog?  Not stock, right??

[honda_dog]

Vance & Hines.

[Stev-o]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

[honda_dog]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

LOL! I don't know, yet.... the bike is on it's way to me. One of my long-distance purchases. I do have a V&H on my Katana, sounds good, loud, but not obnoxious. Back in the day, V&H was geared to Suzuki, they did branch out to Hondas in the 80's, and beyond, I believe.

As soon as it arrives, I'll start it up and let you know what I think.

[Stev-o]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

LOL! I don't know, yet.... the bike is on it's way to me. One of my long-distance purchases. I do have a V&H on my Katana, sounds good, loud, but not obnoxious. Back in the day, V&H was geared to Suzuki, they did branch out to Hondas in the 80's, and beyond, I believe.

As soon as it arrives, I'll start it up and let you know what I think.

Oh!  I saw it in your sig and thought you had it.  I almost always buy long distance.

[honda_dog]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

LOL! I don't know, yet.... the bike is on it's way to me. One of my long-distance purchases. I do have a V&H on my Katana, sounds good, loud, but not obnoxious. Back in the day, V&H was geared to Suzuki, they did branch out to Hondas in the 80's, and beyond, I believe.

As soon as it arrives, I'll start it up and let you know what I think.

Oh!  I saw it in your sig and thought you had it.  I almost always buy long distance.

This one's a 1980 Wes Cooley replica. The one in the sig, is my '82 Katana.

There's gotta be a support group or vaccine for buying motorcycles..... 

[Stev-o]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

LOL! I don't know, yet.... the bike is on it's way to me. One of my long-distance purchases. I do have a V&H on my Katana, sounds good, loud, but not obnoxious. Back in the day, V&H was geared to Suzuki, they did branch out to Hondas in the 80's, and beyond, I believe.

As soon as it arrives, I'll start it up and let you know what I think.

Oh!  I saw it in your sig and thought you had it.  I almost always buy long distance.

This one's a 1980 Wes Cooley replica. The one in the sig, is my '82 Katana.

There's gotta be a support group or vaccine for buying motorcycles..... 

Obviously, I don't know the Suzi's (I do have a '72 TS250 though, remember them?)

We are your support group! We support your decision to buy more bikes.  I got another one today too...

[dhall57]

This is a disease.....

You Honda dog you! Well in this case Suzuki dog. CONGRATS!!! Joe. I think I saw this bike(because it got my attention) or one just about like it during some of my daily window shopping on the internet. Do you know much about it: PO's, history, etc. Are you going to have to sell one to make room for this latest purchase or just park it beside all the others. Hahaha If your like me once I get-um I don't want to let any of them go. After working on them and getting them road ready, I have to admit I get attached to them. But the way it looks right now something is going to have to go before I bring anything else home My son mailed me the title to a 1970 Honda CD175(yeah CD not CB) several months ago that he bought for $100 and told me I could have it if i wanted it and that he would bring to me on his next visit home. That would give me 5 bikes, count-um 5!! We're all different, and I know its not always possible, but I try to find bikes that are close by and in my area(NC) or at least driving distance so I can see the bike up close and check it out and look it over and here it run etc,etc. I just don't like to buy bikes unseen, but it looks like it works just fine for you and stev-o The last bike I bought in April was the 77GL1000 GW. I found it in Dallas,NC about a 3 hour drive oneway for me. So about 10:00 one weekend morning my wife and I set out on a road trip with truck and trailer and made a day of it going to look at it to see if it looked has good in person as it did in the sellers photo. It must of because it followed me home Here's a pic of the Wang just arriving home with it and also the CD175.


I checked out all the pics you posted HD and thats one fine bike Now I really do have Suzuki GS fever!!!!! Your killing me dog, your killing me I fill the need for another road trip coming on. I need help, I think we all do!

Stev-o, ok tell me what other bike did you get the other day??? I've always likes Kaw Z1900's, just like yours also. Got a spare one

[honda_dog]

How's it sound? Loud and mean?? Surprised they never made an exhaust for the SOHC, I believe they make one for the DOHC.

LOL! I don't know, yet.... the bike is on it's way to me. One of my long-distance purchases. I do have a V&H on my Katana, sounds good, loud, but not obnoxious. Back in the day, V&H was geared to Suzuki, they did branch out to Hondas in the 80's, and beyond, I believe.

As soon as it arrives, I'll start it up and let you know what I think.

Oh!  I saw it in your sig and thought you had it.  I almost always buy long distance.

This one's a 1980 Wes Cooley replica. The one in the sig, is my '82 Katana.

There's gotta be a support group or vaccine for buying motorcycles..... 

Obviously, I don't know the Suzi's (I do have a '72 TS250 though, remember them?)

We are your support group! We support your decision to buy more bikes.  I got another one today too...

What bike did you get?

You have a '72 TS250? I need pics, please. My first bike was a '73 TS250, man, I loved that bike. I sold it when I went to college, Dad wanted it out of his garage.... been looking for one ever since.

Yeah, nice support group! My wife thinks I'm insane, BTW!

[honda_dog]

This is a disease.....

You Honda dog you! Well in this case Suzuki dog. CONGRATS!!! Joe. I think I saw this bike(because it got my attention) or one just about like it during some of my daily window shopping on the internet. Do you know much about it: PO's, history, etc. Are you going to have to sell one to make room for this latest purchase or just park it beside all the others. Hahaha If your like me once I get-um I don't want to let any of them go. After working on them and getting them road ready, I have to admit I get attached to them. But the way it looks right now something is going to have to go before I bring anything else home My son mailed me the title to a 1970 Honda CD175(yeah CD not CB) several months ago that he bought for $100 and told me I could have it if i wanted it and that he would bring to me on his next visit home. That would give me 5 bikes, count-um 5!! We're all different, and I know its not always possible, but I try to find bikes that are close by and in my area(NC) or at least driving distance so I can see the bike up close and check it out and look it over and here it run etc,etc. I just don't like to buy bikes unseen, but it looks like it works just fine for you and stev-o The last bike I bought in April was the 77GL1000 GW. I found it in Dallas,NC about a 3 hour drive oneway for me. So about 10:00 one weekend morning my wife and I set out on a road trip with truck and trailer and made a day of it going to look at it to see if it looked has good in person as it did in the sellers photo. It must of because it followed me home Here's a pic of the Wang just arriving home with it and also the CD175.


I checked out all the pics you posted HD and thats one fine bike Now I really do have Suzuki GS fever!!!!! Your killing me dog, your killing me I fill the need for another road trip coming on. I need help, I think we all do!

Stev-o, ok tell me what other bike did you get the other day??? I've always likes Kaw Z1900's, just like yours also. Got a spare one

Well, first off, I'm good at buying bikes, not good at selling them. lol! This one will fit nicely into my garage with his new brothers. I think I'm done for a long while, though. My wife's giving me the "that's about enough motorcycles" look....

This one is coming to me from California, and it went to CA from Miami, FL. so, it's been around the US.... This guy has had it for a few years.  I've actually been working on this deal for a few weeks, now, the owner sent many pics of the bike, so I could see it's condition. The bike has been repainted, new V&H exhaust, Stage 1 kit installed (comes with a Stage 3 kit), new tires. He's also sending a few extra parts, service manuals, extra keys, etc. I would like to get one in driving distance, but here in the midwest, some bikes just aren't available. This one is road-ready, it just sucks that it will arrive with snow on the ground, so I'll have to wait to ride it.

The Goldwing looks good. How much do those weigh? I've never ridden one, but had a friend who owned one back in the day. I also like that CD 175. That looks like a great project. I had my eye on a CL360 a few months back, but the need for a Wes Cooley, messed that up.

[dhall57]

I think a naked GW like this is around 600 lbs. It a hoss of a bike for sure, no light weight, makes my 750's feel small. And I think stock maybe 80-85 hp. I've took it down the road only a few times(taking in easy) needs brakes, tires, but I can tell this baby is going to be a Cadillac
It will definitely be my distance cruiser.
Had never heard of a Honda CD bike. I had only heard of CB Honda's. I had to google it to find out info on the bike. Mostly they were sold in other contries, very few in the USA. The CD175 as a 4 speed trans and even though its a twin cyl. it only has only 1 carb. Where as the CB175 is a 5 speed and 2 carbs. By the pics I see on the internet the bike my son has looks to be all there and still original and does run.
Same here on a CL360. Back earlier in the year I ran across I think it was 1976 CL360 here in town only a few miles from me. All original, great shape and under 2000 miles and wanted $1600 for it. Good deal but just couldn't pull the trigger on it. Shortly after this I got interested in the early naked Wings, well you see the end result of that Here's a pic of it. I take pics of every bike I go look at

[honda_dog]

Whew! That is a hoss..... I'd hate to have to pick that one, up.

The CD reminds me of the old Honda ads, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda".... That would be a fun project, only 1 carb, huh?, interesting.

[Bankerdanny]

Having had to pick mine up a couple times I can tell you that unless you are a power lifter it's not something you want to have to do frequently.

But once you get it on the highway all is forgiven because the GL1000 engine is glass smooth (really, I dind't understand how smooth a motorcycle engine could be until I got my GL on the highway the fist time). The miles just fly by. It also handles very well. Ask Sean Barney about following me along twisty roads during this year's relay rally.

[honda_dog]

I'd be the first to admit it, but the GW doesn't look like it would be a great handling bike, I believe you, and it just makes the GW that much more interesting.

[6adan]

Here are a couple of my GLs. What do you thank? I have several more that I need to get on the road or sell if anyone wants one.

[honda_dog]

Very nice, hell, I like both of them. Except, I can't read the tank on the second one.... tribal lingo?