1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100 Slabside – 5,248 Miles – One-Owner Original Survivor

THE SUPERBIKE THAT REWROTE THE RULEBOOK

You are looking at what is widely regarded as one of the most outrageous and iconic superbikes of the 1980s: the first-year 1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100, affectionately known as the “Slabside” because of its unmistakable flat-sided fairings.

With its twin endurance-style headlights, aluminum frame, massive 1,052cc Suzuki Advanced Cooling System four-cylinder engine and unmistakable red, silver and blue graphics, the original GSX-R1100 didn’t merely enter the open-class superbike category—it changed it forever.

Instead of installing a large engine in a heavy steel chassis, Suzuki became obsessed with weight reduction. The result was a motorcycle producing nearly 130 horsepower while weighing approximately 437 pounds dry. That combination made the GSX-R1100 one of the lightest, fastest and most intimidating production motorcycles the world had ever seen.

ONE PRIVATE OWNER SINCE 1986

This extraordinary example has only 5,248 original miles and remained with the same private owner from 1986 until we acquired it.

It is unquestionably the finest original first-generation GSX-R1100 we have ever had through our facility.

This motorcycle retains:

• Original factory paint

• Original fuel tank

• Original fairings and bodywork

• Original seat and upholstery

• Original aluminum frame

• Original wheels

• Original exhaust system

• Original intake and airbox

• Original factory emissions equipment

• Original gauges, controls and cycle parts

• Correct red, silver and blue factory graphics

Most surviving GSX-R1100s were raced, crashed, modified, stretched, converted into streetfighters or stripped of their original exhaust, intake and emissions equipment. Finding an exceptionally original example is difficult. Finding one with 5,248 miles, long-term ownership, original paint and this level of mechanical preparation is almost unheard of.

EXCEPTIONALLY PRESERVED ORIGINAL CONDITION

The condition of this motorcycle is remarkable.

The original fuel tank is straight and free of dents. It does not have the typical wear caused by years of boots, riding suits or dirty jeans rubbing against the paint. The original seat upholstery remains exceptionally well preserved, and the factory fairings still wear their original finish.

A typical 40-year-old motorcycle can require 30 to 40 hours in our detail shop. This motorcycle needed only 10 hours—the same amount of detailing we might perform on a nearly new motorcycle with a few thousand miles.

There has been no repainting or cosmetic restoration performed on this motorcycle. We made the deliberate decision to preserve its factory finish because a motorcycle is original only once.

For complete transparency, the right-side fairing has a small crack, and the silver section on the left side has a minor abrasion. Either area could have been repaired or touched up, but we chose to preserve the motorcycle’s originality rather than conceal its history. Please review all photographs carefully.

A RACING AND PERFORMANCE LEGEND

The GSX-R1100 was devastatingly effective from the moment it arrived.

Its aluminum chassis, enormous power and endurance-racing-inspired aerodynamics made it a dominant platform for professional racers, club racers and privateers. Suzuki was offering substantial contingency money at the time, so many of these motorcycles went directly from the showroom to the racetrack.

In its debut year, the GSX-R1100 won the big-production class at the Isle of Man TT with Trevor Nation averaging approximately 111 mph around the legendary Mountain Course.

It was equally shocking at the drag strip. Although the GSX-R1100 was designed as a road-racing superbike, period testing recorded a quarter-mile time of 10.39 seconds at 132 mph—faster and quicker than any other motorcycle previously tested by that publication.

Unlike the contemporary Yamaha VMAX, which was designed primarily for straight-line acceleration, the GSX-R1100 could accelerate, brake, turn and compete successfully on a racetrack. It was one of the most complete high-performance motorcycles of its generation.

Unfortunately, that performance also meant that countless examples were raced, crashed, heavily modified or converted into extended-swingarm drag bikes. That history is precisely why an original survivor of this caliber is so significant today.

NEARLY $11,000 IN PROFESSIONAL RECOMMISSIONING

Kaplan Cycles has completed an extensive mechanical recommissioning and preservation service totaling $10,896.92 before tax.

The work included approximately $1,206 in parts and materials, 42 hours of mechanical labor at $195 per hour and an additional 10 hours in our detail shop at $150 per hour.

This was not a cosmetic flip or a quick carburetor cleaning. The motorcycle was comprehensively inspected, serviced, tuned and road-ready prepared from top to bottom.

ENGINE AND STARTER SYSTEM

• Removed the side and lower bodywork

• Removed the flywheel cover

• Replaced the flywheel

• Replaced the starter-clutch mechanism

• Installed a new flywheel-cover gasket

• Installed a new engine-oil filter

• Filled the engine with one gallon of premium Spectro 10W-40 motorcycle oil

• Inspected and tested the engine and starter systems for correct operation

FUEL SYSTEM AND CARBURETORS

• Drained and removed the fuel tank

• Internally cleaned and externally polished the original fuel tank

• Rebuilt the fuel petcock

• Installed new fuel lines

• Installed new vacuum lines

• Installed an inline fuel filter

• Removed and split the complete four-carburetor rack

• Replaced the fuel-inlet fitting O-rings

• Replaced all float needles and seats

• Replaced all carburetor-bowl gaskets

• Reinstalled genuine stock-size Mikuni pilot and main jets

• Set the pilot screws to 3½ turns out

• Precisely synchronized all four carburetors

• Replaced the intake-manifold O-rings

AIR, IGNITION AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

• Installed a new air filter

• Cleaned the original airbox inside and out

• Installed four new NGK JR9B spark plugs

• Filled, charged and installed a new Yuasa battery

• Installed a battery-tender lead

• Serviced and rebuilt the starter switch

• Tested the wiring harness

• Tested all switches and controls

• Tested the charging and electrical systems

• Verified proper operation of all lighting and electrical equipment

TIRES, WHEELS AND FINAL DRIVE

• Installed a new Metzeler Roadtec 110/80-18 front tire

• Installed a new Metzeler Roadtec 160/60-18 rear tire

• Retained the correct original tire sizes

• Installed new front and rear valve stems

• Dynamically balanced both wheel-and-tire assemblies

• Cleaned and inspected the front sprocket

• Cleaned and inspected the rear sprocket

• Installed a top-of-the-line EK ZVX3 530 gold drive chain

• Adjusted the drive chain to factory specification

BRAKE AND CLUTCH HYDRAULICS

• Flushed the complete front-brake hydraulic system

• Flushed the rear-brake hydraulic system

• Bled both brake systems with Motorex DOT 5.1 fluid

• Replaced the front hydraulic clutch line with a stainless-steel unit

• Flushed and bled the hydraulic clutch system with Motorex DOT 5.1 fluid

• Tested the brakes and clutch for proper operation

LIGHTING AND BODYWORK

• Installed replacement rear turn signals

• Retained the original front turn-signal housings

• Rebuilt the front signals using new reproduction internal components

• Installed a high-quality reproduction mirror set

• Carefully cleaned and preserved the original bodywork

• Completed a 10-hour professional museum-quality detail

FINAL INSPECTION AND ROAD-READY PREPARATION

• Tightened the exhaust-header fasteners

• Performed a complete chassis nut-and-bolt inspection

• Inspected the bearings, controls and operating systems

• Verified correct operation of all switches and electrical equipment

• Verified proper operation of the repaired systems

• Precisely tuned and synchronized the engine

• Completed a final quality-control inspection

READY TO RIDE, SHOW OR COLLECT

This GSX-R1100 starts, runs, shifts, brakes and performs exactly as a properly sorted example should. The carburetors are precisely synchronized, the hydraulic systems have been serviced, and it has a new battery, new spark plugs, new Metzeler tires and a premium EK gold chain.

It needs nothing except a new owner who understands how difficult it is to find an original first-year GSX-R1100 in this condition.

We paid a premium five-figure price to acquire this motorcycle before investing nearly another $11,000 in its professional recommissioning. It will not be the least-expensive GSX-R1100 on the market—but inexpensive examples cannot be transformed into an original, 5,248-mile survivor with this provenance.

You could spend years searching and still struggle to find another one this original, this well preserved and this comprehensively sorted.

FINANCING, SHIPPING AND TRADES

Financing is available to qualified buyers.

We can arrange licensed, insured and enclosed transportation directly to your home. Trades will also be considered. Whatever the barrier to ownership may be, our team will do everything possible to help make the purchase happen.

For additional information, photographs, service records or purchase assistance, please contact:

Kaplan Cycles
Main Office: 860-454-7024

Ken Kaplan Jr.
Direct Line: 860-454-7101

All motorcycles of this age are sold as-is unless otherwise stated in writing. Mileage is represented as actual based on the motorcycle’s history, condition and documentation. Personal or third-party inspections are welcome before the completion of the sale.

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire one of the most important Japanese superbikes of the 1980s in outstanding original condition.

Good luck bidding, and God bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.