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.
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.
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.
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 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)
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.