🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

GS1150

Year:

1986

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Motorcycle Segment:

Sportbike/Touring

Manual Product Code:

Likely a unique identifier for this specific manual, often internal to publishers or Suzuki

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The GS1150 was Suzuki's flagship large-displacement motorcycle in the mid-1980s, targeting riders seeking performance, touring capability, and a premium riding experience in its era. It competed with other Japanese and European litre-class sportbikes and sport-tourers.

Competitors:

Direct competitors included models like the Honda CB1100F, Yamaha XJ1100 Maxim, Kawasaki GPZ1100, and potentially European offerings from BMW and Ducati.

Highlights:

Shaft drive, powerful inline-four engine, comfortable ergonomics for touring, advanced (for its time) suspension and braking systems, and robust build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and diagnostics for the 1986 Suzuki GS1150.

Pages:

Estimated 300-500 pages based on typical factory service manuals of this era.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English (typical for Suzuki factory manuals distributed globally)

Format:

Likely printed physical manual; digital formats (PDF) may also be available through third-party sellers.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the entire engine, including top-end (cylinder head, valves, camshafts), bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons), lubrication system, and cooling system.

Fuel System:

Carburetor tuning, rebuilding, and synchronization; fuel tank and petcock inspection and service; fuel filter replacement.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, spark plug specifications, coil testing, CDI unit diagnostics, and related wiring.

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, shift mechanism service, and transmission fluid checks/changes.

Chassis:

Frame inspection and repair, steering head bearing service, suspension (forks and rear shock) overhaul and adjustments, wheel bearing maintenance.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake line inspection and replacement, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, battery), lighting system, and accessory circuits.

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, fuel tank mounting, and other external component servicing.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication points, tire pressure checks, and general inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Adjustments:

Valve clearance adjustment, carburetor synchronization, clutch and throttle cable free play adjustments, suspension settings.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, wear limits, electrical resistance values, and diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Extremely high. Covers everything from basic pre-ride checks to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Details:

If digital (PDF), expect searchable text, high-resolution diagrams, and bookmarks for easy navigation. Printable quality would be high for both digital and original print.

Print Quality:

Original factory prints are typically high quality, with clear text and well-reproduced diagrams. Reproduction manuals aim to match this standard.

Binding:

Original factory manuals often feature a robust binding suitable for shop use, such as saddle-stitching for thinner sections or perfect binding for larger volumes. Reproduction manuals will vary.

Paper Quality:

Typically printed on durable, matte-finish paper to reduce glare in workshop environments. Paper thickness would be standard for manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, DOHC, air-cooled, inline-four cylinder

Displacement:

1135 cc (approximate, may vary slightly by specific market configuration)

Bore X Stroke:

74.0 mm x 64.5 mm (typical for this engine family)

Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (typical)

Valve Train:

DOHC, 16 valves (4 per cylinder)

Horsepower:

Approximately 105-115 HP at 8500 RPM (factory estimate)

Torque:

Approximately 90-95 Nm (66-70 lb-ft) at 6500 RPM (factory estimate)

Carburetion:

Mikuni BS32 (likely) constant velocity carburetors, 4 x 32mm

Fuel Capacity:

Approximately 20-22 liters (5.3-5.8 US gallons)

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 3.5-4.0 liters (with filter change)

Oil Type:

API SE, SF, SG rated 10W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate

Transmission Oil Type:

API GL-4, SAE 80 or 90 hypoid gear oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 2200-2250 mm (model dependent)

Overall Width:

Approx. 800-850 mm (model dependent)

Overall Height:

Approx. 1200-1250 mm (model dependent)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 230-245 kg (model dependent)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 250-265 kg (model dependent, with all fluids)

Front Tire Size:

120/90-18 (typical)

Rear Tire Size:

130/80-18 or 140/70-18 (typical)

Wheel Type:

Cast alloy wheels

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1500-1530 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards Era:

Compliance with 1980s safety standards for motorcycles; advanced active safety features were minimal by modern standards.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (often with 3-piston calipers on front and 2-piston on rear).

Suspension Features:

Adjustable front forks (preload/damping on some models) and adjustable rear monoshock or twin shocks (preload/damping).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, taillight, and turn signals. Reflectors on front and rear.

Frame Construction:

Steel frame, typically a double-cradle design, providing structural integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Not applicable for this era of motorcycle. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.

Rider Aids:

None by modern standards. Rider aids primarily consist of effective braking and well-designed suspension.

Connectivity Features:

Not applicable. Analog instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights).

ECU Control:

Minimal. Primarily mechanical ignition timing and CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) control, not a full ECU.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 km (approx. 2,000-3,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise interval.

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 6,000-10,000 km (approx. 4,000-6,000 miles). Critical for engine performance and longevity.

Chain Lubrication Adjustment:

Regularly, every 500-1000 km (300-600 miles), and adjust tension as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000-15,000 km (approx. 6,000-9,000 miles) or as per manual recommendation.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SE, SF, SG rated 10W-40 or 20W-50 (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

Transmission Oil Specification:

API GL-4, SAE 80 or 90 hypoid gear oil (refer to manual for exact recommendation)

Carburetor Issues:

Potential for worn jet needles, emulsion tubes, and float bowls leading to rough idle or poor fuel mixture. Diaphragm wear in CV carbs can affect throttle response.

Electrical System Concerns:

Aging wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, and potential failure of the regulator/rectifier are common issues in bikes of this age.

Suspension Wear:

Fork seals can leak, and rear shock absorbers may lose damping effectiveness over time.

Cooling System Reliability:

While air-cooled, ensuring proper airflow and maintaining the engine's internal condition is crucial for managing heat.

Preventative Care:

Regular cleaning, lubrication of pivot points, and ensuring all fasteners are secure are vital for long-term reliability.

📚 Vehicle History

Suzuki Legacy:

Suzuki has a long history of producing high-performance motorcycles, known for innovation in engine technology and sportbike development since the 1960s.

Gs Series Context:

The GS series was Suzuki's dominant line of motorcycles in the 1970s and 1980s. The GS1150 was an evolution of earlier large-displacement models, aimed at providing more power and refinement.

Predecessors:

GS1000, GS1100 models. The GS1150 benefited from advancements in chassis design and engine tuning from these predecessors.

Successors:

The GS series eventually evolved into the GSX-R line, introducing liquid cooling and more advanced performance characteristics, though some GS models continued alongside.

Production Years:

The GS1150 was produced for a relatively short period, primarily in the mid-1980s (circa 1984-1986), before Suzuki transitioned to its liquid-cooled GSX-R models.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 1986 GS1150 are not widely publicized, it was generally well-received by motorcycle press for its performance and comfort, solidifying Suzuki's position in the large-displacement motorcycle market.

Performance Reviews:

Contemporary reviews often praised its powerful, smooth inline-four engine, stable handling, and comfortable riding position suitable for longer distances.