Motorcycle specifications SuzukiGSX 1100 F 1989 Cruise frigate

In 1987, Suzuki had to replace its GSX 1100 EF sports tourer (a GSX 110 0ES equipped with a full fairing). This model, which had already been relegated to sports tourer status with the arrival of the GSX-R 1100, could no longer compete with the recent Honda CBR 1000 F (1st generation) or the GPZ 1000 RX (aka Tomcat) released in 1986.

The result was the GSX 1100 F, whose design reflects Suzuki's ambition to make a name for itself in the field of sporty street bikes.

The engine is an evolution of the 4-cylinder SACS of its sister GSX-R. It has been reworked for greater mid-range torque and power, and has gained 2 millimeters in bore to reach a displacement of 1127cc. The GSX-R 1100 will be upgraded to this displacement in 1989, having previously made do with 1052cc.

The chassis is fairly classic, but designed specifically for this model. The first vintage was criticized on this point. While the bike is easy to handle and well-balanced (thanks to the 16-inch wheels, low seat height and reasonable frame width) and the braking is not particularly critical, the front/rear suspension tuning is not perfect. Suzuki reacted with a new geometry for the GSX-F in the next model year, further enhancing its liveliness and precision in corners.

the lines are in tune with the times, and seem to vacillate between sportiness and grand touring. And as with its competitors, the compromise is rather good, but not perfect. The bike is low and slender like a sports bike, comfortable and sober like a GT, but this compromise somewhat limits the protection of the bubble which, while it has the advantage of being electrically adjustable, remains a little too low and not wide enough.

The equipment, like the dashboard, is very complete, but lacks a little in terms of finish quality. Admittedly, at the time, many of the brand's models had this problem; Suzuki compensated by offering an unrivalled price/performance ratio.

Commercially, the big GSX-F bore the brunt of the first model's minor chassis problems. And although these problems were completely resolved by 1988, the F's image remained somewhat tarnished. It remained in the catalog until 1994 (1997 for some countries), and enjoyed a discreet career alongside its blood sisters: the charismatic GSX-R and the pullman GSX 1100 G, which arrived in 1991.

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