Market Segment:
Large displacement sport touring motorcycle
Key Competitors:
Honda CB900F, Yamaha XS1100, Kawasaki KZ1000
Vehicle Highlights:
Powerful inline-four engine, shaft drive (GS1000G variant), sophisticated handling for its era
Value Proposition:
Essential technical resource for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the GS1000, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, inspection, tuning, carburetor synchronization, valve adjustment, piston and cylinder diagnosis
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification (Mikuni VM34), disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, fuel tank and petcock service
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system, spark plug specifications, timing adjustment, coil testing
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, reassembly, clutch service (wet multi-plate), shift drum and fork alignment
Drivetrain:
Final drive chain inspection and adjustment, sprocket replacement
Brakes:
Front and rear brake caliper overhaul, hydraulic system bleeding, pad replacement, master cylinder service
Suspension:
Front fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil specification and level, rear shock absorber inspection and adjustment
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (alternator, starter motor, battery), lighting system, switches, fuses
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, steering head bearing adjustment, wheel bearing service, body panel removal and installation
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, lubrication points, air filter cleaning/replacement, spark plug replacement, oil changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults
Repair:
Step-by-step guides for major component rebuilds and part replacements
Adjustment:
Carburetor idle speed, mixture, ignition timing, clutch and brake lever free play
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
DOHC, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, Air-cooled
Displacement:
997 cc (60.8 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
70.0 mm x 64.5 mm
Fuel System:
4 x Mikuni VM34SS Constant Velocity (CV) Carburetors
Horsepower Claimed:
Approximately 90 hp @ 8,200 rpm (GS1000E/S models)
Torque Claimed:
Approximately 74 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpm (GS1000E/S models)
Ignition Type:
Suzuki PEI (Points Elimination Ignition) CDI System
Timing Adjustment:
Manual adjustment using timing marks and feeler gauge/timing light
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.7 L (3.9 US qt) with filter change
Oil Type:
API SE, SAE 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific Suzuki recommendations)
Cooling Method:
Air Cooling
Type:
5-speed, constant mesh, sequential manual
Clutch Type:
Wet, multiple-disc, cable-actuated
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios documented in manual (e.g., 1st: 2.5, 2nd: 1.8, 3rd: 1.4, 4th: 1.1, 5th: 0.9)
Drive Type:
Chain drive (GS1000E/S), Shaft drive (GS1000G)
Chain Type:
530 O-ring or standard chain (if applicable)
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 2.75:1 (chain drive, 16/44T)
Oil Type:
API GL-4 SAE 80W-90 gear oil for shaft drive models (refer to manual for specific GS1000G)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1495 mm (58.9 in)
Length:
Approximately 2220 mm (87.4 in)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 235 kg (518 lbs) for GS1000E
Wet Weight:
Approximately 255 kg (562 lbs) with fluids
Front Wheel Size:
19.00 x 2.15 inch
Rear Wheel Size:
17.00 x 3.00 inch
Bolt Pattern:
5-spoke cast alloy or spoke wheels, specific bolt patterns documented
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable for motorcycles of this era.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, Single rear disc brake (or drum on some early models/variants)
Tire Size Front:
3.50-19 or 100/90-19
Tire Size Rear:
4.00-17 or 110/90-17 or 120/90-17
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 km (1,800 miles) or 6 months (refer to manual for exact Suzuki recommendation)
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 12 months
Chain Lubrication Interval:
Every 500 km (300 miles) and after washing or rain riding
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)
Fork Oil Type:
Show's Suspension Fluid SS-8 or equivalent SAE 10W fork oil
Fork Oil Level:
Refer to manual for specific fill height (e.g., 150 mm from top with fork compressed)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, steering head bearings, fork seals, CDI unit failure, swingarm bushings
Carburetor Problems:
Float bowl leaks, pilot jet clogging, worn diaphragm seals
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connections, failing regulator/rectifier, aging wiring harness
Engine Performance:
Loss of power due to valve seat wear, incorrect ignition timing, or carburetor maladjustment
Oil Filter Equivalent:
K&N KN-144, Hiflofiltro HF144 (verify compatibility)
Spark Plug Oem:
NGK D8EA or ND X24ES-U (verify for specific model)
Brand Legacy:
Suzuki has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, particularly in the sportbike and touring segments.
Gs Series Context:
The GS1000 was Suzuki's flagship motorcycle of the late 1970s, building on the success of the GS750 and competing with other Japanese manufacturers' liter-class offerings.
Variants:
Available in GS1000E (standard), GS1000S (Cosmic) and GS1000G (shaft drive) models, each with minor styling and equipment differences.
Production Years:
1978-1982
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Motorcycle Journal Reviews:
The GS1000 was widely praised by motorcycle publications of the era for its strong engine, comfortable ride, and good handling, often winning comparison tests against rivals.
Performance Ranking:
Considered a top-tier performance motorcycle in its class during the late 1970s.
