I was a young electrician in '86. driving to a job and seen this beautiful maroon XS850 Special on the side of the road for sale. I pulled over and fell in love. $1200 USD for it with 5k easy miles. Perfect condition. Simple, no messy chain, wonderful triple music. I ride a Z900 now, among others, but I have a real soft spot for that bike. I'd rather be riding back in the 80's, instead of this nuthouse now in the states.Great video.
I was a young kid working at the local Yamaha shop in 1979 - 1981. I had a Rd350 and wondered what anyone could possibly see in the XS750 and XS850. They were just big heavy things I had to push in and out of the shop. About 20 years later, I was a big heavy thing myself and really enjoyed those triples. Had a bunch of them now
RD350 story...in about 1979 I was riding my recently acquired Honda 400 Hawk (1 of 3 in a row I owned). An RD350 pulled up along side me on a 2 lane street. We both dropped a gear or two and took off. It was close but the Yami was a couple of bike lengths behind by the end of it. I guess I have to mention...he had his girlfriend on the back and I was solo. Damn fast chainsaw those smokey bandits. I always wanted one after that but never did.
@@stevest1300 oh yeah they were light and quick. Used to roast Honda 750 and even GS 1100 in town. 0 to 50 or so was incredible but they couldn't really push a lot of air out of the way. Big bikes would catch me as soon as they got into 2nd gear. Lol. Stay in town and don't let the big bikes get over 50mph and that little bike was awesome. 😎
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that four of these five bikes had shaft final drive. There’s always been a lot of prejudice against shafties in the motorcycle world, but as dailies, they’re great. Low maintenance, not a problem in wet, gritty conditions and don’t throw chain lube all over the back of the bike.
I have a 39 year old honda 700sc nighthawk imported to Britain. I've had her for a long time, "betty" has shaft drive and plenty of power to get me about and is my daily ride. Even done the tt on her. She will be going again soon. Bloody brilliant bike.
I had the D series of the 3 cylinder shat drive Yammies, the worst of them but, mine had been highly modified so it actually was a pretty good bike. I loved the thing anyway and against other race setup 750s it struggled but, was still much quicker than the stock ones. The only thing mine seriously lacked was a decent headlight. The first, the D series still had an incandescent bulb which was pretty crap. The later E model at least used a Halogen headlight. I could have, should have changed that but instead I added a couple of driving lights which I could only use for short periods as the charging couldn't keep up. I did love the shaft drive, partly because of the low maintenance but mostly because it was so much easier to keep the bike looking pretty. You do lose more performance with shaft drive, that's why any serious performance bike will be chain drive, it's the lowest friction of the 3 main drive types, it's not a huge difference but if you're after every bit of acceleration chain is the go.
Hey from Canada! At seventy years old I still own and ride a few nice contemporary bikes. One of my bikes is a Suzuki GS850G I bought new in 1980. It’s still in the garage with over 200 000 trouble free kilometers on the odo. Besides being unbreakable, it isn’t a great bike, but it’s a great bike to me.
I started my apprenticeship in a Suzuki shop to become a mechanic in 1986, during this time the 850G was one of the most reliable bikes around. I have had a 650 G Katana and until a few years ago a GS 750 (chain drive), that bike also had a kickstarter. Horrible brakes, broke out in sweat more than once, especially under full load 😅 Now the only oldtimer in my garage is a RD 350 YPVS from 1984 (RZ in the US), which is ridden frequently. Although a 2stroker, it also is super reliable, it never failed since I have rebuilt it 2 years ago.
The XS 850 looks like a pretty decent machine even now. 79hp for an 850 is respectable for a daily rider. Everyone’s all caught up in 150hp + these days but they’re not always practical and you’re wringing their necks in the smaller capacities. Rode the earlier Suzuki GS1100 all around the Atherton Tableland two-up in the late 80s and it was quick, comfortable and had perfect manners. Quite a revelation after Commandos, Bonnevilles and Tridents to find a Japanese bike that really did the business.
I had 2 mates who had them. Both said it was the worst bikes they ever had. The suzuki gs850 however was very reliable and solid. Mine did so many miles over 85000 miles
The Yamaha XS bikes from that era were excellent machines. Had an XS500 twin for years, with that squared off tank and add clubman bars it looked killer. The XS750 was a very underrated touring machine. The XS850 even more so. I love the styling of the whole series from that era.
I guess a similar bulletproof bike was any shaftdrive Honda Nighthawk with hydraulic self adjusting valves from 550 650 and 700cc. Just indestructible except for front fork seals. They were surprisingly fast, smooth as butter and all they wanted was clean oil.
I still have Betty. Black 700sc nighthawk and ill never get rid. I have other bikes but Betty is the most comfortable and reliable bike I've had in 43 years as a biker.
All the bikes you listed, I'd be happy to have in my garage! Back in the day (1988) I had a 85' VMax and loved it. I worked a dealership in Arizona and we got lots of bikes on trade too. The Honda V65 Saber & Magnas were an absolute pleasure to ride as well! Sport bikes are what killed cruiser and UJM sales back then. Seems like ADV and naked bikes are what rule the roost now. I just got back into ride last year and bought a Kawi z900RS and love it!
Those V4 Hondas after about 86 were awesome. I have two 87 Magnas and except for the fact that parts are non-existent, they are still a pleasure to ride - wide power band and you don't need to rev them to 15000 RPM to get anywhere.
@@yrreteugarps2835 The first V4 Bikes from Honda nearly killed the whole V4 engine range, the 750S and VF750F of 83-85 had serious cam wear issues that Honda at first, refused to even acknowledge. And even thought the 400, 500, and 1000 cc bikes never had the same problems they were tarred with the same brush. It took the 86 VFR750 to finally show Honda could build a V4 that wouldn't shit itself.
In the 80s, a guy living nearby had that Yamaha 850 triple, while I had a parallel twin 180º crank Suzuki. I really envied the soundtrack (and the cleanliness of the shaft drive) of that Yamaha. Although I could never own one, it did influence my ownership years later of a BMW R100RS and a MotoGuzzi Norge 1200, albeit neither a triple, but at least shaft driven.
Greetings from the UK 🇬🇧 Excellent video! They were all stylish, classic bikes with character and should have been best sellers. All identifiable from a distance, unlike today's computer designed clones. Maybe I'm just getting old but I know what I like! (Including the models!!)
thanks buddy. getting old maybe but you are still correct. How good a motorcycle is, is often measured in horsepower while on the race track this may be the case it doesn't apply on the road.
I admit to have been one of those people who undermined the GSX1100G back in the '90s, but nowadays I wish there were more of them around in the used market.
Hey pardner, just found your channel. This is great stuff! I had a first generation XS-750 (1977). Mechanical ignition -- three sets of points on three timing plates. A perfect tune-up would last 700 miles if you were lucky. I put a set of clip-ons on it and gave myself enough of a scare that I went home, reinstalled the stock bars, and mounted a Vetter fairing. Happy memories come flooding back. Thanks for your good work. I'm now a subscriber.
My first big bike was a second hand Yamaha XS750 a big bike for a 8.5 stone teenager, I part exchanged it for a CB900F a quick bike at the time a little later I bought an Eddie Lawson replica & chopped that one in for a GPZ900R another great machine later couldn’t help myself and purchased a GPX1000RX still riding today with a very special Thruxton R and various array of enduro machines enjoyed your videos many happy memories 😊
I remember riding a XS-850 I was thinking about buying. Decent bike, but I found a XS-1100 with faring and hard bags for just a bit more. Made a decent touring bike, plenty of torque.
@@motorcyclecafe oddly, the 850 I rode was parked in a tight spot on a grassy slope, so it really felt huge trying to extract it from it’s spot and not drop it.
My first motorcycle was a XS750 with every touring accessory and many aftermarket accessories. I was 19 and it was 4 years old with only 3000 miles on it. The moto guzzi 1000s is an amazing bike! Love the green frame and stripe.
I owned a 1985 Kawasaki Eliminator (900cc). I wish that I still had it. 1985 was a great year for Kawasaki, in addition to the Eliminator, they offered the 900GPZ and the 750 Turbo (which I had for about 7 years). Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.
I loved my XS850 and I love Guzzis. I shoulda bought the wire wheeled 1000s with big carbs but I just couldn’t afford it a the time. I bought my wife a Cagiva Alla Azzura, the was going to be Ducati 650 Pantah while we lived in Italy. In spite of the Kawasakiesque styling it was a truly superb motorbike.
I owned a GSX1100G and it was totally reliable (even after 80,000) and easy to maintain but it just didn't handle as easily as the Bandit 1200 I replaced it with. The long wheelbase, raked forks and long shaft drive made for VERY lazy steering on the GSX1100G compared to my 1996 Bandit 1200 (which was replaced later on by a 2006 Bandit 1200).
You gotta love those oil/air cooled Suzuki motors, very under stressed and bags of torque, I have an 86 GSX-R1100 which has the 1052cc version, and a GS1200 SS which uses the Bandit 1200s 1157cc one. My brother has a 05 GSX1400 which uses a 1,402 cc version, although it still only makes around the same Hp as the Bandits 1157 one, it has a shed load of mid range. Suzuki really got their moneys worth with that engine.😏
@Homie Not really... The diff is in "cruising" vs "touring", not "Euro" vs "American". One is more a "getting there thing", the other more a "getting noticed thing", and believe me, we have just as many of the latter as you have :D :D :D
@Homie basically.... But I really still do not see a "Euro" or an "US" in it, unless you want to call all bikes with lots of Chrome and long forks "Harleys"... That's a bit the same as calling every painkiller an Aspirine, not my thing. More like cruising on bikes built for appearance over functionality vs Touring on bikes built for functionality over appearance. Some of the Guzzi's and Beemers IMHO are hideous, while several Harleys really can be functional and comfortable long distance runners. Not sure why you want to make it a "Europe vs US" thing, or a "Harley vs the rest of the world" thing. Absolutely NOT what I had in mind...
Thanks for putting these bikes in the spotlight. I love shafties too and three of your featured bikes were on my list of candidates when I was shopping for a new ride at the time they were on the market.
I've always liked the ST3, thought about buying one in the day, but bought an Aprilia Falco, now that was a good and very underrated bike. When me and my mate, who had one of the first RSV's in the UK, went to the Alps the Falco was better out of the twisties due to its low down torque, the RSV had it power at the top end. Good vid👍
Thanks buddy. I doubt anyone would ever need more power on tap that what a Falco had. Not that I've ever ridden one but I have ridden a Tuono, matter fact I nearly bought one it was that good.
I agree, though I’ve never owned either. The ST3 is a very interesting bike, and I now definitely want one. I might even need one...🧐😎😜 This whole vid is an eye opener.
@sig23 the ST4 was a stupid idea. You can put a sporty engine in a cruiser (FZX), butt make sure it's reliable and dependable. Not the case here. Oh yeah the Falco, another underrated gem
@@sig2322 Have you sussed out DIY belt changes? Watched a few vids on here, on the subject. Certainly feasible, but a bit of a ball-ache ... STs certainly very interesting, but I don't know whether the belt faff wouldn't irritate me in time. How much are the belts going for now? Mind you.... Probably less of a pain than doing the shims on a viffer! (not had 1, but you hear the moaning dontcha)
Excellent video - nicely done and greetings from your colonial brothers in Canada. I agree with all of your selections and would add only the Suzuki GS850G to that list. I had a 1979 850G and it was superb. A tad heavy, but wow - what a seat, steady handling, great brakes and it was as reliable a chunk of granite. It had all kinds of top notch features: gear indicator, fuel gauge, self-cancelling turns signals (that worked really well) and both a kick and electric starter (not that I ever had to kick it).
had a carmine red 1979 XS Eleven Special SE. Torque monster and I loved that thing all through high school. Straight line bike not made for curves but still tons of fun
I had the GSx1100G for a long time. Put over 100000km on mine with very little going wrong with it. You’re right about the power. 80k to 160k happened in the blink of an eye. If you’re lucky enough to actually own one, maintain the drive shaft. Mine chewed the splines due to lack of lubrication, surprisingly easy fix though.
Had a Yamaha XS850 Special. Mild cruiser styling. Very comfortable, powerful, good tourer especially with the shaft drive. Unfortunately the big end bearing went on mine, on the middle cylinder. Some said the middle cylinder got less cooling than the other two because it was behind the front wheel. Might be something in it, might be an old wives' tale! Good film, we're probably of a similar age as I'm familiar with most of the bikes in your selection.
I still have my RD350 track bike. Highly modified engine and TZ factory race pipes. So much fun to pull it out occasionally and go for a ride. I have a Honda VTR 1000 that I ride regularly.
The Yamaha 850 had cured the problems with the original 750, 2nd gear pop out & oil consumption, and was a wonderful bike all around. I've had several Moto Guzzis and my current California @ has this same engine. Bulletproof and absolutely a lifetime keeper. I had a GS1100 from 1982, the predecessor to this video bike. It was fast, very fast, Torquey as hell, great brakes and unbreakable. This is a very good video, spot on.
Yeah you were spot on with why the Eliminator🤭 didn't sell, also, they had released the 900cc version, (using the GPZ900R engine) the year before, so still probably had some unsold stock. Like you said, anyone wanting a "Power cruiser" would have probably gone for the more outlandish VMAX. Still a cool bike, tho i haven't seen a 900 or 1000cc one in years and years.
I have a Ducati 900SS and an ST3. It is one of the best sport touring bikes ever made, it has the best mid range power in mountain passes of any Ducati, its super comfortable, super powerful and a delight to ride with the vastly more upright sport tour position. Now that it is hard to get parts for them they are becoming valuable like all Ducaties. Compared to all my mates monsters & such, there is no way in hell anyone can keep up with it, it is so smooth through the tight stuff and so powerful out of corners that i often find myself riding alone after an hour of exhausting everyone. But it really comes into its own on tours, i can easily take enough camping gear for a month away and will ride from Brisbane to Melbourne with out giving your a sore bum. It can easily sustain over 130kph all day long and has never broken down in over 10 years of riding. Here in Australia not many were in circulation and when designed were out of most Australians price range. This is the main reason they were not so popular at the time. It is with out any doubt one of the best high performance tour bikes ever made, and will be worth a fortune as a collector in years to come.
The ST3 was my first Ducati. Wonderful bike. So easy to throw it through the twisties and very stable. I agree about the wrist strain at low speed, but almost all my riding was through the countryside, so that was a non issue. Nice to see someone give props to it.
Great video. Aside from the ST3 I share your taste in bikes, what I would call Real Bikes. Oh to have a big enough garage. I can dream. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks buddy. I don't really have any favourite types of motorcycles. I like all types and sizes, I just try to stick to the facts. Even finding out how much power some bikes had can prove difficult sometimes, there is so much incorrect info out there! Seen one reputable site that has the top speed for a 1967 Bonneville at 157mph LOL.
Another one is the 2000 gsx 750 f. On italy people dislike it when come out, but is a Great bike with cheap maintenance and great power, you can do all with this bike, commuting, sport drive, travel...
🙏 Excellent post. First bike I remember being on was my fathers Triumph Bonneville in the 70s. GPZ, Ninja and gsxr. Being a mechanical fitter he rebuilt many bikes over the years now calling it a day after a rebuild of a Panther. So sad I didn't take his advice and learn engineering as I've no mechanical knowledge. I've never purchased a bike after 2003, I want a bike I can ride not the bike doing the ride for me. Now on the hunt for 60s BSA bikes although I'd love the early Norton race bike. Off to binge watch 😁
@@motorcyclecafe I'm sure he was thinking if selling it. It's apparently not a normal panther. Can't remember what dad had said about it, different seat, tank or something but had been factory. He does have a Sun or similar name sitting pride of place in his lounge, well seen my mother isn't there any longer 😁. All I know is the licence plate is on the front mudguard and it's a single seater, rather low miles yet some horrible maroon colour you'd expect on a bus or lawnmower
I rode a ST3 a few times - my buddy had one. At the time i had a BMW R1100S BCR. I liked the friendly nature of the ST3 more than the BCR. The BCR had, surprisingly, a bit more power and gobs more cornering clearance. I'd really grind the ST3 in the corners, perhaps it was the setup? Earlier I had a Ducati Multistrada 1000DS, great bike but with some serious design flaws. I still think about getting another Duc, one from that era. I don't know about the 3V, but the 2V aircooled engine was simple and easy to work on. Checking and setting valve clearance was easy, as was all the other little things to do (dry clutch!).
The ST3 was only a dry clutch for the first model year. Dry clutch, wet clutch each have their advantages, I'm happy with either. I too had an early Multi a 2007, it was probably the best bike I ever had, but every one is different. I even used to tow a trailer with mine. I still miss that bike.
@@motorcyclecafe The tank on my Multi swelled and cracked, was replaced by Ducati after a bit of stone walling. I never trusted the electronic suite either, though I did ride it down and up Baja. My mentioned buddy bought it from me (still has it, the electronics have held up fine), he owns many other Ducs, even a MH Special. I have a three level cervical fusion now, can't ride a sport bike anymore! I'm looking for a 800 Hypermotard, rare bike. There are lots of 1100's around, but those just seem a bit over the top. I really think Ducati lost a lot of their appeal going away from the crafted tube trellis frames, just not as visually appealing anymore. I owned one 4V - a S4R Monster, truly a fun bike, for a 30 minute ride. It was just too much power for tight sandy mountain roads. It had an especially fine dry clutch and a deep mellow Arrow exhaust. People would gather around when I fired it up.
Maybe it's because I am a Guzzi addiction, but, to me, the 1000S is the most beautiful bike ever built. And, yes, they didn't sell well (as with most Guzzis,because they aren't for everybody), but look at the prices now and you will see how desirable they are now. Wish I had bought one before they went through the roof.
I appreciate the time effort and perspective you put into these nostalgic gems. I recently purchadesed a2004 ST4s the ST3's bigger brother and you are right it is absolutely stunning to look at and and even more exciting to ride. I was happy before but upon viewing this video masterpiece I am elated. Love that xs850 May all the great bikes of the era be remembered and restored and of course RIDDEN!
Excellent bike compilation and reviews - having owned or ridden them adds to the authenticity. Would be happy with any bike on this list. Not much of a cruiser guy, but I've always liked the V-max ... now I'll be keeping an eye out for the ZL1000 !
I still have fond memory from my old XS-750 f from 1979. . the black cherry color was delicious too it is just the 2 gear that was troublesome if you were'nt cautious on 1 / 2 shift at beyond 4500 rpm. .. . . About the Guzzi, I remember a comparo ride with this Guzzi, Suzuki GS 1000 s and a GPZ 1000. . . . At a stop for gaz and food, the guys were talking. . Marc Cook saying that riding the Guzzi was a effortless. smooth and relaxed ride with infinite lean angle and torqy engine . . The other 2 were bashing at him for going way too fast , that they could not keep up with him and he was a total, dangerous madman on the Guzzi. . .. . Marc did not understand his friends. . .because he felt his ride had been smooth and relaxing. . .! ! ! !
Ive owned a couple of TRX's, they are brilliant bikes, and very easy to modify. I put a YZF750 6 speed box in mine (drops straight in) along with a YZF 750 complete front end and a Ohlins rear shock, plus a OVER racing 2 into one exhaust. The problem was, when they were new, they were a bit expensive, if they had been priced a bit better they would have sold much better.
My first bike was a Suzuki VX800,i rode it across the U.S. and beat the hell out of it and it would not die. It had the factory bikini ferring and looked awesome in metallic burgandy.
Yamaha triples had a horrible reputation for second gear failures. I was a Yamaha dealer mechanic in the late 70s and early 80s. One of my fellow mechanics always got the Yamaha triple transmission jobs because he could crank them out. He actually was able to repair/replace the broken parts by going through the clutch basket, cover rather than pulling the engine and splitting the cases.. I flipped motorcycles for decades. I would find bikes that had been sitting, I would buy them, fix them, and either ride them for a while, and then sell them, or sell them right away. One of the machines I would never consider was the Yamaha 750 and 850 trip because of their transmissions.. not only would I not buy one to flip, but I would not buy one to ride myself, because when you have a transmission lock up, pulling the clutch, and does not save you. Because the transmission is after the clutch in the driveline. If the transmission locks up because of broken parts, getting jammed between the gears, pulling the clutch isn’t gonna do a thing. That transmission will lock,and the rear wheel will stay locked until you come to a screeching - smoking stop by the hopelessly locked rear wheel( if you’re lucky)- or worse.
People that know bikes knew the Guzzi was special in an old-school way even when it was new. Rather than make a retro, MG just kept making and improving a bike that belonged in the early 1970s now with the big-valve engine. The thing still had points in the US models anyway. Guzzi was hanging on by a thread at the time. Cannot find one for sale these days, and if you do they are ridiculous money.
I bought a new ZL1000 Kawasaki in August of1988. A month later it took me and my wife plus a mountain of luggage, down to the Bol D'or in the south of France, and onwards to Northern Spain. It was comfy, smooth, and very capable through the twisties, if you were heavy on the counter steering! Wind blast was an issue at high speed, but I knew that would be a problem when I got the bike. It was bloody quick in a straight line and I do miss it!
I had an XS750E, which was pretty good. Yamaha sorted out the remaining problems and it became the XS850 which was apparently the one to have. I was happy with mine though!
I was the happy owner of a Ducati ST3 S ABS, that I sold for family reasons. For the first time in many motorcycles ( a KTM Duke II included), I felt safe leaning in turns and breaking hard. This bike was a rail and yes the noise, the rumble when you close the throttle. One problem, in Cali, emission control, they were never able to tune the injection properly and it was lean and annoying when taking off.
An interesting list. It could be argued that in the early 80s Yamahas had the best brakes amongst all Japanese manufacturers. The XS850 was hurt by the reputation for oil consumption gained by its predecessor, the XS750. Every Moto Guzzi could be on this list: year in, year out their sales rarely reach into the 5 figures in any model year. Finally, I would argue that Japanese motorcycles of the 1980s reached "peak seat", that was a time when standard motorcycle saddles reached the zenith for comfort. They were thick, wide, and long. Perfect for all day comfort.
I know I am a few years in advance here, but talking of comfort. The most comfortable seat Ive ever sat on was the Honda VFR 750 . In 1991 i went from Hamburg to Calais via Antwerp., had a short break on the Hovercraft to Dover. Without further ado then through London to Cheltenham. Some 1100Km in a day. Went to the Pub and walked normally.
The Moto Guzzi 1000S was in its’ best form when it had the 1000cc engine from the LeMans4, with big valves and 40mm carbs. Still a classic now. I own a few classic Guzzis. Wouldn’t part with them ever.
Excellent vid and I concur with your commentary …..,Bravo mate 👍 On a side note I just bought an ST3 last week and for all the reasons / benefits you stated… Great value for money too
I had a Yamaha xs1100 I loved it it had awesome power and was fun to ride not many bikes at the same time we're faster. Now the bikes are insane fast you can buy almost any kind and it'll go 200 miles an hour right out-of-the-box
I miss the hot cheesecake that used to be in all the motorcycle ads like the Norton girl. I miss the old days. There was such a variety of engines available back then. Now w/O the tank badges it is hard to tell one from another.
Always found Guzzi's a bit agricultural and if you needed a dealer they were hard to find. Put 75k on my 1200 Bandit great all-rounder. Tried the Ducati unfortunately too small for my 6'6" frame. Good list good chanel . If I can't be ridin enjoy readin about them
Although I haven’t owned a bunch of different motorcycles, in my 55 years of riding I’ve ridden many many f the greats. Presently at 68 years of age my passion for bike hasn’t waned . In my garage now I have a ZX6R and a classic 75 Z1b. I maybe old, but I ain’t dead. 😎
As a man of culture, I would like to point out that the young lady in white showing us the ZL1000 is 'little caprice' google that and see what you get lol.
Another banger, bud. I have a 1980 Honda CB650 custom, the ugly duckling middleweight. One of those not quite a cruiser and not quite a sport bike bikes. I didn't really like it at first and bought it thinking I would change out the tank snd seat to make it look like a 650 super sport. It only had 2500 miles on it so I decided to keep it as is. It has really grown on me. Not sure how to explain it, I just really like it's weirdness in a nostalgic way. I feel like I need to listen to Centerfold by the J Giles Band or My Sharona before I ride.
Actually the CB650 custom looks near identical (except for the motor) to another great bike I owned the CX500 custom. I loved that bike & engine, I could not fault it. Just because a bike is different or doesn't sell big numbers doesn't mean it's not a great bike! Enjoy buddy!
@@motorcyclecafe I've had 3 CX500's and always wanted a custom but we never crossed paths. Few years back when about to get another bike, it was either a CX turbo for around $10k or a Suzuki M109R Boulevard for $8k. Bought the 109 because power and newer. Pity, cause the novelty wore off in under 3 years because it was such a chore to drive around town cornering. Sold it to buy a new Greenspeed recumbent trike which is much more fun in town!
My dad had an XS750, great bike, my XSR900 is it's spiritual successor, 115hp, but I'd kill for that tank range! The Guzzi 1000S is a beautiful machine, unlike the GSX1100G......
Good video, and I've owned 4 of the 5 (never had the Ducati). I fiddled the Kawasaki a bit - bars, exhaust and dampers - but left the others pretty much alone. The one thing uniting these bikes is that they are all great, long-legged mile eaters. You know, the kind of machine a REAL motorcyclist wants. Cheers.
Dead to rights on the GSX1100G....those were unknown, but stomping good bikes. My entire fleet consists of oddball, unloved, but really great bikes. I might be a bit biased, but I've owned enough bikes to know when one is good/unloved vs just plain bad. VX800......shaft drive, v-twin, never really fit in anywhere but did everything well. TDM850.....tall, stable, super reliable and can actually go offroad well. The most ridden of all my bikes. GSF400......hyperactive little 4-cylinder, a gorgeous trellis frame, solid brakes and all the looks. VTR250......the mini v-twin Interceptor. Great on gas, Honda durable and easily routs a Ninja 250 despite having similar specs. NT650 Hawk.....Way ahead of its time, could have been the SV650 of its day if everyone wasn't going crazy for heavy inline fours at the time. PC800......Too weird, too ahead of the curve, people forgot it was a Honda and was bound to be a great machine. Those who did buy one, kept them!
@@motorcyclecafe I flipped bikes for a while, so some of them I fell into and kept them, and others I've wanted since I was young. Theres also an FZR1000, KLX650R and a bagged, lowered custom VN1500A to round things out.
You forgot one not so often sold bike, that is awesome. Triumph sprint rs 955i. The whining, hoarse sound of the 3 cylinder was addictive, it delivered a huge wave of torque❤.
The Guzzi 1000S suffered primarily to a terrible U.S. to Lira exchange rate, putting the price near $5,000 when introduced. The first year had the big valve, big carb LeMans engine, later had a smaller valve unit. Today it is a sought after classic demanding more than $10,000, IF you can find an owner willing to sell. As to it being a “lifetime” bike, Guzzi can be that. I bought my 1986 LeMans 1000 new and 38 years later still enjoy it while many other bikes have come and gone.
Many years ago I had guzzi 750 targa, looked like the le mans, put together out of left overs but fun to ride, the most important aspect of biking. I have a gsx1100g and although its getting heavier to move around just love the acceleration and power of the bike reminds me of the pure bulk of cbx and z1300. It is a bike that always feels planted, solid and just itching to go, not the best handling or braking of newer bikes but a true beast of a machine.
Many, many years ago, I had the first model XS750, a mate had the second model & yet another mate had the XS850 & it was a far superior machine in virtually every way. I'd still buy one if I saw one at the right price. And those beautiful 1000S Guzzis... What can I say? As you said, still one of the best looking bikes on the road & I'd be lying if I said they weren't on my mind when I bought my V7II. I won't comment on the other bikes. I've had mates who had the Kwaka & the Suzi who swore by them but I never got a ride. As for the Ducati, well, I still have a bad taste in my mouth from when I owned a Pantah back in the dark ages. 'Nuff said! Thanks for a very interesting video. You've gained a subscriber.
@@motorcyclecafe Ha ha ha!!! It wasn't a lemon as such, I just hated the way it demanded to be treated like a racebike as far as servicing & riding the damn thing went. Of all the bikes I've had (& there's been more than a few) it is probably the one I have the least pleasant memories of. But, that's just one bloke's opinion I guess. Ride safe & fast mate! I look forward to checking out your other videos. I suspect we agree on many things...
Thanks for this review - interesting stuff and good information. I've always liked them, but never had a chance to ride a Moto Guzzi. The engines sound great and they (the engines) look like a metal sculpture. I reckon you loved yours! I very nearly bought a Ducati ST3 when I was looking for a Sport Tourer but ended up getting a Honda VFR instead due to cost. I was older at the time (50-ish), and the Honda's bars were a bit low for me which was easily solved by installing some spacers. After that it was very comfy and easier to ride for long distances.
I can tell you why the YAM XS triple was unpopular. A friend had the silver 750 three into one. I had the red 77 750 three into two. Both were absolute trash and spent more time in the dealership getting extreme warranty work than they did on the road. By the time the 850 came out the bugs were fixed but it must have been too late. Later I had a GSX 1100 G and it was a gem. It still has a cult following.
I had an ST2 as well a few years back. While the ST3 is better and looks a bit better, mainly due to the better looking headlight assembly. In reality the ST2 is just as good. I would be happy with either. I do prefer the ST2 over the ST4 though just because of it's bottom end grunt.
Great vid mate. The gsx morphed into the bandit and carried on with good success I think. One you missed was the GSX RF900 a well under rated sports bike. I never had the privilege to ride one but had a country road exchange and was well impressed 👍 135 hp @ 10000 rpm (rear tyre: 88.1 kW / 118.2 hp @ 10000 rpm ) ; Max Torque. 100.2 Nm So not reving it's tits off.
Thats the bike that had all those vents in the fairing i think. Never rode one but i have no doubt they were pretty good. Its impossible to include them all though, thanks for watching
Sir, I would give my left nut to own ANY ONE of these classic bikes. My only toss to fame is that I owned the very first Yamaha RD 400c sold in Quebec, Canada, back in 1976. Every where I went it drew stares and questions, until my cousin bought one also, then there were 2 in Quebec. 😂. Put many, many curved roads into a nervous state driving that jet around. My fave road was from Montreal to Lake George, NY via the ol’ Route 9, which went from Plattsburgh down to the Lake via the most majestic up&down, left&right beautifully treed route, all the way dotted with the all American small towns USA. I tear up remembering those days. 🇨🇦👍
Nice video, man ! 😊👍 I loved your choice of machines. I learned how to ride on a 1982 Suzuki GS1100G(shaft drive). I still miss that fat girl. I considered the GSX1100G when the time came to buy my own motorcycle but I got carburetor and rusty tank burns while owning the 1982 so I walked away and bought a 2003 SV1000N. So far she's treated me VERY well. That Yamaha XS 850 was a total looker. 👌😍 Sad the same can't be said about most of their machines nowadays, specially their MT lineup.
I bought an GSX1100G 3 years ago and traveled to France, Croatia, Luxembourg, Italy and Austria on it with my girlfriend on the back. I am reaching the 100.000 km this year and she is still running great. And the community for this bike in Germany is small, but really great.
As an owner of 2 Guzzi’s, indeed they might be for a lifetime. With a bit of technical knowledges, easy to maintain. It doesn’t destroy the tarmac leaving its spot but very reliable. New price might be a bit on the high side but really worth it. A pity it doesn’t attract the younger riders.
You are 100% spot on Guzzis have often copped a bad wrap in magazine reviews etc coz they have less power and stuff. But anybody who really knows their stuff knows they have the power where its needed. They just have so much character, handle perfectly and I love them!
I had the Mk1 Yamaha XS 750 and rode it 2up from the Uk to Rome and back without any problem. Did my own maintenance and never had a problem with burning oil. Maybe I was just lucky, but with the shaft drive and low end performance it was like a poor man’s BMW!
@Motorcycle Café Bought it used (like all my bikes) from a US Navy member transferring. He purchased it new, in Spain. Dude was huge and everything was set soft! New tires and set up and it transformed more than I could imagine, That bike was the easiest bike to ride fast that I've had. I think the Futura may have been faster, but it was harder to really press on.
I recall lusting after a Guzzi 750 S3 in 1975 on sheer looks alone, and subsequently its successor the 850 Le Mans, but both were priced well beyond tempting my pocket. However to offer perspective, the Le Mans was priced at AUD$5250 in early 1977 at a time when I paid just AUD$5450 for a brand new Toyota Celica LT just 6 months prior, the RA23 original Celica styled body with the newly introduced 2 litre motor! Comparatively a Ducati 750SS cost AUD$2750, the 860GTS AUD$2450, and a 900SS cost AUD$3250. I had an acquaintance/work colleague I occasionally rode with in 1977 and 1978 who owned the Le Mans. Also rode Pacific Highway overnight Brisbane-Sydney return New England-Brisbane once with a rider on an 750 S3 accompanying myself on a 750SS, a good friend on a 750GT and another rider on an R90S. I recall it's 'steady Eddy' effortless cruise and power delivery with its shaft drive, and it may have been the rider but the 750 S3 with its unswept exhausts (corrected on the Le Mans) and shaft drive was the most underwhelming performer overall in the twisties. I have to admit, even with my Ducati blind bias at the time (spit) it was undeniably the aesthetically most stylish of them all. The release of the S3 styled 1000 in 1990 didn't really make sense except to a nostalgia niche cashed up 'now or never' opportunity buyer.
Crikey they sure were expensive ay? But you certainly mentioned a lot of absolute classic motorcycles in your comment. What a sight you guys must have been?
@@motorcyclecafe They were good days for motorcycling. I was reasonably cashed up, single and in my 'European phase', with Ducati getting my money. Got better half a decade later by which time Japanese suspension, brake and frame techology had caught up and exceeded European. I usually owned a couple of bikes at any one time, sometime three including the dirt bike. I had had Japanese (all brands) in the interim, and went back to Japanese totally by 1985. With you mentioning nice bikes which never sold well, it brought to mind the Kawasaki GT750 shaft drive circa 1982 (?). Nothing to excite awe, but just an all round truly pleasant, good handling, practical and reliable bike to own and ride. I had one on loan for several months from a very generous motorcycling friend I'd known a long time, and grew very fond of it. So much so I very nearly bought it and probably would have had I not been caught up in work demands calling me away.
I grew up in the 70s and 80s and have ridden since 1977. I love the Japanese bikes you've chosen. Forget the MG and the Ducati unless you have grease as a permanent feature behind your fingernails. As much as I love bikes from the last century, I'd never own one. The introduction of linked ABS and traction control was a revolution in bike safety and real world performance. I wouldn't leave home without them.
