Retirement

[michael1954]

Retirement. What a great thing to look forward to. Congratulations! I will be retiring after 32 years working as a merchant marine engineer at teh end of December. People do not realized the implications of working as a sailor. First off I would not change a thing! But what people do not understand is that I will work 4 months on and 4 months off, give or take a few days or weeks depending on the run. In 32 years I have not experienced a spring... summer... fall... all at the same time. Last year I had to sail ALL of the riding season and only got a few miles on one of my 8 bikes that year. All others sat dormant for the 2 years. Sad! LOL! But I have learned how to lay up bikes... that is for sure!

So next year I will be retired. I will enjoy the spring... summer... and fall riding seasons for the first time in 32 years. I will break out each bike and ride it... do all the required maintenance on it and move on to the next. I will make ALL the bike shows and local bike runs/meets. It will be an amazing start to the newest chapter in my life!

So retire as soon as you can and enjoy life! You get one chance at it and you need to make the best of it.

My 2 cents on retirement. LOL!

Well I did just that! Let me know when you retire and ever head into Texas. Mighty big place to ride around in, and a little too hot right now, but beautiful place to ride in the other 3 seasons, including Winter

[offroadfx4_imp]

Congrats!

You couldn't have picked a better year to retire!

Same for me in May if I survive LOL

[michael1954]

Congratulations on the retirement! I'm headed into my 15th year teaching 7th and 8th grade science. I'm thinking you are not going to miss all the "fun" this year. ha!

Thanks! The Covid was a big part of my retirement at this time of the year. Had Heart surgery 3 years ago, and my docs wanted away from so many people. Loved teaching, and I will miss it. Still going to tutor my AP Chemistry class for free from home at nights. I talked them into taking it and it is a difficult class. Kids keep you young! Got plenty of time to tinker on my bikes and car now!

Congratulations on your retirement, Michael. I hope you don’t find the transition too painful. Enjoy the new bikes.

Thanks, the pain is trying to find time to schedule all the jobs I want to work on at home! Brake calipers on the GS750 1st.

Congratulations on retirement, from a noble profession too!

Both of those bikes were/are superb bikes, very easy to work on and reliable. Pull the tank off with one bolt, and the valve cover is right there. No shims, just threaded tappets like a Honda 90. The brittle cardboard valve cover gasket that bakes to the head and cover surfaces is the worst part of it.

I was Service Manager at a Suzuki dealer then and recall a few of the 1100s had warped rotor issues. Stator windings and especially regulators were other areas of concern. I would at least flush the braking systems on both, but expect to rebuild them as a precaution. Then you're good for another 10-20 years.

Thanks. Any hints to a good pair of rear shocks for either GS. I am having trouble finding 'good' shocks that have that open clamp-like attachment area at the bottom, not an eyelet. I do not know what it is called, but most shocks seem to have a circular eyelet though.

Congrats on the retirement! I'm hoping that day arrives in a couple of years.

My dad had a 1981 GS1100E that I ended up bringing to Texas with me when I was in college. This is the bike when he first bought it.



He went on to trick it out with some fairing work and took it on a trip around Europe.



It was a great bike. If I recall correctly, it was one of, if not the fastest production bike for the time. I remember having a hard time keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st gear until the fairing--and even then it was very easy to do wheelies.

Envious that you've found one in good condition! Enjoy it.

Really nice pixs. I will post both in time. I want to work on the 750 first, and I should get the 1100 at the end of the month. I read the 1100 was Bike of the year at Cycle World for 81' thru 83', and very fast. Cannot wait to compare it to my two 1100 Hondas.

Happy retirement , retirement was the best job I ever took after working hard all my life.

Thank you. I look forward to my next job. Life on my time.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?

[pekingduck]

Congratulations on the retirement! I'm headed into my 15th year teaching 7th and 8th grade science. I'm thinking you are not going to miss all the "fun" this year. ha!

Thanks! The Covid was a big part of my retirement at this time of the year. Had Heart surgery 3 years ago, and my docs wanted away from so many people. Loved teaching, and I will miss it. Still going to tutor my AP Chemistry class for free from home at nights. I talked them into taking it and it is a difficult class. Kids keep you young! Got plenty of time to tinker on my bikes and car now!

Congratulations on your retirement, Michael. I hope you don’t find the transition too painful. Enjoy the new bikes.

Thanks, the pain is trying to find time to schedule all the jobs I want to work on at home! Brake calipers on the GS750 1st.

Congratulations on retirement, from a noble profession too!

Both of those bikes were/are superb bikes, very easy to work on and reliable. Pull the tank off with one bolt, and the valve cover is right there. No shims, just threaded tappets like a Honda 90. The brittle cardboard valve cover gasket that bakes to the head and cover surfaces is the worst part of it.

I was Service Manager at a Suzuki dealer then and recall a few of the 1100s had warped rotor issues. Stator windings and especially regulators were other areas of concern. I would at least flush the braking systems on both, but expect to rebuild them as a precaution. Then you're good for another 10-20 years.

Thanks. Any hints to a good pair of rear shocks for either GS. I am having trouble finding 'good' shocks that have that open clamp-like attachment area at the bottom, not an eyelet. I do not know what it is called, but most shocks seem to have a circular eyelet though.

Congrats on the retirement! I'm hoping that day arrives in a couple of years.

My dad had a 1981 GS1100E that I ended up bringing to Texas with me when I was in college. This is the bike when he first bought it.



He went on to trick it out with some fairing work and took it on a trip around Europe.



It was a great bike. If I recall correctly, it was one of, if not the fastest production bike for the time. I remember having a hard time keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st gear until the fairing--and even then it was very easy to do wheelies.

Envious that you've found one in good condition! Enjoy it.

Really nice pixs. I will post both in time. I want to work on the 750 first, and I should get the 1100 at the end of the month. I read the 1100 was Bike of the year at Cycle World for 81' thru 83', and very fast. Cannot wait to compare it to my two 1100 Hondas.

Happy retirement , retirement was the best job I ever took after working hard all my life.

Thank you. I look forward to my next job. Life on my time.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?
I don't think the GS750's shocks can be taken apart. Can the GS1100's shock fit?

[michael1954]

Congratulations on the retirement! I'm headed into my 15th year teaching 7th and 8th grade science. I'm thinking you are not going to miss all the "fun" this year. ha!

Thanks! The Covid was a big part of my retirement at this time of the year. Had Heart surgery 3 years ago, and my docs wanted away from so many people. Loved teaching, and I will miss it. Still going to tutor my AP Chemistry class for free from home at nights. I talked them into taking it and it is a difficult class. Kids keep you young! Got plenty of time to tinker on my bikes and car now!

Congratulations on your retirement, Michael. I hope you don’t find the transition too painful. Enjoy the new bikes.

Thanks, the pain is trying to find time to schedule all the jobs I want to work on at home! Brake calipers on the GS750 1st.

Congratulations on retirement, from a noble profession too!

Both of those bikes were/are superb bikes, very easy to work on and reliable. Pull the tank off with one bolt, and the valve cover is right there. No shims, just threaded tappets like a Honda 90. The brittle cardboard valve cover gasket that bakes to the head and cover surfaces is the worst part of it.

I was Service Manager at a Suzuki dealer then and recall a few of the 1100s had warped rotor issues. Stator windings and especially regulators were other areas of concern. I would at least flush the braking systems on both, but expect to rebuild them as a precaution. Then you're good for another 10-20 years.

Thanks. Any hints to a good pair of rear shocks for either GS. I am having trouble finding 'good' shocks that have that open clamp-like attachment area at the bottom, not an eyelet. I do not know what it is called, but most shocks seem to have a circular eyelet though.

Congrats on the retirement! I'm hoping that day arrives in a couple of years.

My dad had a 1981 GS1100E that I ended up bringing to Texas with me when I was in college. This is the bike when he first bought it.



He went on to trick it out with some fairing work and took it on a trip around Europe.



It was a great bike. If I recall correctly, it was one of, if not the fastest production bike for the time. I remember having a hard time keeping the front wheel on the ground in 1st gear until the fairing--and even then it was very easy to do wheelies.

Envious that you've found one in good condition! Enjoy it.

Really nice pixs. I will post both in time. I want to work on the 750 first, and I should get the 1100 at the end of the month. I read the 1100 was Bike of the year at Cycle World for 81' thru 83', and very fast. Cannot wait to compare it to my two 1100 Hondas.

Happy retirement , retirement was the best job I ever took after working hard all my life.

Thank you. I look forward to my next job. Life on my time.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?
I don't think the GS750's shocks can be taken apart. Can the GS1100's shock fit?

Only Honda and Suzuki used an inverted "u" at the lower mount - a clevis. They interchanfe, but the Suzuki's clevis was usually offset about 6mm inward from center, so a Honda shock for it might need the top mount should be shimmed out a bit.
Back then, the stock Suzuki shocks were pretty good, and few people replaced them. The GS1100 also had adjustable damping, and was plush compared to other bikes, including the CB1100. I'd try them out first before trying unknown aftermarket "one size fits all" Chinese dampers.
I think for the GS1100, I am going to install Progressive Shocks. The shocks on the GS750 are Showa shocks which explains why there were so little complaints, but they have pitting on the chrome and do not look real good. Any suggestion on how to nicen them up?
I don't think the GS750's shocks can be taken apart. Can the GS1100's shock fit? The shocks currently on the 1100 are Emgo. The 750 and the 1100 came with the same Showa shocks. The problem is, I cannot find any nice OEM shocks for either bike, and the ones currently on the 750 are not very nice, chrome pittings/rusting.
That is why I will probably go Progressive shocks since they make the size I need for both bikes.

[pekingduck]

Progressives are a good choice.