1986 SUZUKI GSX-R1100 SLABSIDE

RARE MINT ORIGINAL PAINT CLASSIC

EXTENSIVELY SERVICED, TUNED & DETAILED

AN INVESTMENT-GRADE CLASSIC

RARE FIRST-YEAR GSX-R1100 | ORIGINAL FACTORY PAINT & BODYWORK | 26,000 ORIGINAL MILES | VANCE & HINES EXHAUST | DYNOJET STAGE 3 |

30 HOURS OF SHOP LABOR + $1,100 IN PARTS = $6,900 IN PARTS & LABOR INVESTED

A RARE & EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR!

A LEGENDARY FIRST-GENERATION SUPERBIKE

PRESERVED IN REMARKABLE ORIGINAL CONDITION!

Feast your eyes on this absolutely spectacular 1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100 Slabside, one of the most iconic and historically significant Japanese superbikes ever manufactured!

This is the legendary first-year GSX-R1100, the machine that helped redefine the superbike category with its lightweight aluminum frame, massive air-and-oil-cooled four-cylinder engine, aggressive racing-inspired bodywork, and extraordinary performance.

This particular example has just 26,000 original miles, retains its stunning original factory paint and bodywork, and has an incredible three-owner history.

Finding a nearly 40-year-old GSX-R1100 in this level of original condition is becoming extraordinarily difficult. These were high-performance motorcycles built during the golden age of superbike racing. Many were raced, crashed, heavily modified, or simply worn out over decades of use.

This motorcycle is different.

It has been lovingly maintained, carefully preserved, and passed between three lifelong friends who grew up riding sport bikes together. Its original paint, factory body panels, original turn signals, remarkably preserved hardware, and beautiful overall appearance speak volumes about the care it has received.

It has also just undergone an extensive $6,900 cosmetic and mechanical reconditioning at Kaplan Cycles, performed by our experienced technician Justin, who specializes in high-performance motorcycles.

The result is an exceptionally original, fully sorted, outstanding-running vintage superbike that looks absolutely stunning and performs every bit as impressively as its appearance suggests.

This is not a ground-up restoration. It is something increasingly difficult to find: a beautiful, predominantly original survivor with the mechanical work already completed!

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WHY ORIGINALITY MATTERS – A $100,000 RESTORATION STORY!

To fully appreciate this motorcycle, it helps to understand what it takes to restore a first-generation GSX-R1100 to this level of appearance.

We recently completed another 1986 GSX-R1100 here at Kaplan Cycles for one of our most valued clients.

That motorcycle underwent an extraordinary nut-and-bolt restoration performed by our master restoration technician Dean, who has been with us for approximately a decade.

The project took nearly two years to complete and required an astonishing 490 hours of labor.

The factory-style multicolor paintwork alone consumed approximately 200 hours of painstaking preparation, refinishing, and graphic reproduction work.

At today's professional restoration labor rates, 490 hours represents:

• $73,500 in labor at $150 per hour

• $95,550 in labor at $195 per hour

That is before accounting for many of the necessary replacement parts and additional materials.

In other words, recreating a GSX-R1100 to this standard can easily become a project approaching or exceeding $100,000.

And that is precisely what makes this particular motorcycle so special.

This 1986 GSX-R1100 retains its original factory paint, original bodywork, original finish on many of its components, and remarkably consistent, authentic patina throughout the motorcycle.

From approximately ten feet away, it presents comparably to our extensively restored example, while retaining the authenticity and character that only an original survivor can offer.

The original paint and graphics alone are a tremendous asset.

The fit and finish of the body panels are outstanding. The rear solo-seat cowl fits beautifully, without the common mounting-point stress cracks found on many surviving examples.

Even the original engine hardware and exposed studs retain remarkably clean finishes, with none of the heavy corrosion so often associated with motorcycles that have endured decades of improper storage.

You cannot simply recreate that kind of originality.

For the collector who understands the enormous cost of high-end restorations, this motorcycle represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved example without having to undertake a massive restoration project.

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AN EXTRAORDINARY THREE-OWNER HISTORY

One of the most interesting aspects of this GSX-R1100 is its ownership history.

According to the previous owner, this motorcycle has belonged to just three individuals, all lifelong friends who grew up in the same community riding sport bikes together.

The original owner purchased the motorcycle and eventually sold it to one of his riding buddies.

When that owner decided to move on, he sold it to their third friend, who continued preserving and enjoying the motorcycle until it was acquired by Kaplan Cycles.

All three owners were passionate motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciated this machine for what it was.

Unlike so many GSX-R1100s from this era, this example was not subjected to a lifetime of racetrack abuse or extensive cosmetic modifications.

It was reportedly stored indoors under exceptional conditions, and its preserved original finishes strongly reflect that history.

The most recent owner reluctantly decided to part with the motorcycle after experiencing a significant health issue. With the tremendous performance of the GSX-R1100, he felt it was time to retire from riding such a powerful sport bike.

His careful ownership is readily apparent throughout the machine.

Three owners. Approximately four decades of history. Original factory paint. Just 26,000 miles.

That combination is becoming increasingly difficult to duplicate.

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$6,900 IN PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL & COSMETIC RECONDITIONING

This motorcycle has recently received an extensive top-to-bottom service and mechanical inspection here at Kaplan Cycles.

Our technician Justin thoroughly inspected, serviced, rebuilt, and upgraded the necessary components to bring this remarkable survivor to the outstanding running and riding condition it exhibits today.

FRONT END, BRAKING & CONTROLS

• Brand-new Pirelli front tire, professionally mounted and balanced

• Both front brake calipers completely rebuilt

• New front brake caliper pistons

• New front brake caliper seals

• Front brake master cylinder rebuilt with new seals

• Front brake system flushed and bled

• Fresh Prestone DOT 4 brake fluid

• Replacement clear windscreen installed

• Original windscreen retained and available with the motorcycle

• New reproduction mirrors installed to replace faded originals

• Original factory front turn signals retained

• Front fork seals previously replaced by the former owner

The front braking system has received comprehensive attention, providing the next owner with the benefit of professionally rebuilt components rather than simply relying on decades-old seals and hardware.

ENGINE, CARBURETION & FUEL SYSTEM

The legendary 1,052cc air-and-oil-cooled inline-four is an absolute powerhouse and one of the defining features of the original GSX-R1100.

This example has been fitted with desirable period-style performance upgrades that perfectly complement the motorcycle's racing heritage.

Performance equipment includes:

• Full Vance & Hines 4-into-1 performance exhaust system

• K&N high-flow air filters

• Dynojet Stage 3 carburetor jet kit

• Professionally cleaned and serviced carburetors

• Carburetion carefully tuned by our technician

• New fuel lines

• New inline fuel filter

• Fuel system thoroughly flushed

• Fresh gasoline

• Fuel petcock checked for leakage

• Engine oil changed

• Engine and fuel system inspected for leaks

This is a complete Vance & Hines header-back exhaust system, not merely an aftermarket slip-on muffler.

Combined with the high-flow filtration and Dynojet Stage 3 carburetor tuning, it gives this GSX-R1100 an absolutely phenomenal personality.

Our technician reports that the machine runs exceptionally strong, with crisp response and tremendous acceleration throughout the powerband.

The engine pulls like a freight train!

The motorcycle performs so impressively that it feels like it could have additional internal engine modifications, although none are being represented or claimed.

The unmistakable sound of the Vance & Hines four-into-one exhaust is a huge part of the experience.

This is exactly the kind of performance, sound, and character that made these early GSX-R1100s legendary!

REAR END, DRIVETRAIN & BRAKES

• Brand-new Pirelli rear tire, mounted and balanced

• Brand-new premium EK gold drive chain

• Brand-new front drive sprocket

• Brand-new rear drive sprocket

• Rear brake caliper completely rebuilt

• New rear brake caliper pistons

• New rear brake caliper seals

• Rear brake master cylinder rebuilt

• New rear master cylinder seals

• Rear hydraulic brake system flushed and bled with fresh fluid

• Rear drivetrain and chassis inspected

• Original rear turn signals preserved in outstanding condition

The EK gold chain is a particularly attractive upgrade and reflects the attention to quality we apply to our motorcycle reconditioning projects.

With new tires, new chain and sprockets, and fully rebuilt front and rear hydraulic braking systems, many of the most important age-related maintenance items have already been addressed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & FINAL INSPECTION

• High-beam lighting issue diagnosed and corrected

• High-beam relay replaced

• Low-beam relay replaced preventively

• Electrical components inspected and sorted

• Comprehensive 100-point motorcycle inspection performed

• General chassis and mechanical systems checked

• Road-tested and evaluated by our technician

The bike starts, runs, rides, and performs exceptionally well.

Justin's assessment is that this is a motorcycle he would confidently recommend to a friend or family member based on the condition and mechanical work performed.

Total recent Kaplan Cycles reconditioning work order: approximately $6,900.

Importantly, this motorcycle was already in exceptional cosmetic condition when it arrived. It did not require an extensive restoration or professional detailing to achieve its current appearance.

That is a testament to the quality of the original motorcycle and its previous caretakers.

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ORIGINAL FACTORY PAINT, BODYWORK & EXCEPTIONAL PRESERVATION

The first-generation GSX-R1100 is instantly recognizable by its angular, flat-sided fairings, earning it the now-famous "Slabside" nickname.

Its full racing-style bodywork, classic Suzuki graphics, aerodynamic windscreen, aluminum chassis, and iconic silhouette have made it one of the most collectible sport bike designs of the 1980s.

What makes this example remarkable is the amount of original equipment that remains intact.

Highlights include:

• Original factory paint and graphics

• Original Suzuki fairings and body panels

• Original factory rear solo-seat cowl

• Beautiful original fairing alignment and panel fitment

• Original factory front and rear turn signals

• Original engine finishes

• Exceptionally clean exposed engine hardware

• Original wheels and numerous original chassis components

• Consistent, authentic age-related patina

• Replacement seat upholstery

• Replacement clear windscreen

• Replacement reproduction mirrors

• Desirable period-style performance upgrades

The rear solo-seat cowl deserves special attention.

These original cowls frequently develop cracks near the mounting points or suffer from poor fitment after years of removal and installation.

This example retains its original Suzuki cowl, which fits beautifully and is exceptionally well preserved around the mounting points.

Even the original turn signals remain intact.

These are particularly important on early GSX-R models because original factory turn signals are increasingly difficult to source in excellent condition.

On a motorcycle that was frequently raced, crashed, or modified during its lifetime, finding the original bodywork and factory signals intact is a major advantage.

HONEST COSMETIC DISCLOSURE

We believe strongly in accurately representing the motorcycles we sell.

According to the previous owner, this motorcycle experienced a minor stationary tip-over in the grass.

Evidence of that incident includes:

• Small hairline/spider cracks in the fairing

• A small area of cosmetic scuffing that was previously touched up

These imperfections are relatively minor and consistent with a low-speed stationary tip-over.

The original turn signals, levers, and bar ends remain intact and in very good condition.

We have not identified evidence of a major crash, but the motorcycle's complete historical accident record cannot be independently guaranteed.

Rather than repainting the affected sections and sacrificing the original finish, we have elected to preserve the motorcycle's authentic factory paint and character.

This is an original survivor, not a freshly repainted show bike, and that authenticity is a major part of its appeal.

Please review all photographs carefully and contact us with any questions regarding its cosmetic condition.

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THE ORIGINAL 1986 GSX-R1100 – A SUPERBIKE THAT CHANGED MOTORCYCLING

When Suzuki introduced the GSX-R1100 for the 1986 model year, it sent shockwaves through the high-performance motorcycle industry.

Building on the groundbreaking GSX-R750 concept, Suzuki created a liter-class superbike with true racing DNA.

Its combination of massive performance, race-inspired ergonomics, lightweight aluminum construction, and advanced oil-cooled engine technology placed it among the most formidable production sport bikes of its generation.

FACTORY MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are representative of the original model and may vary by market. Performance figures are not dyno-tested claims for this particular motorcycle.

Suzuki's SACS oil-cooling technology allowed engineers to extract tremendous performance from the big four-cylinder engine while avoiding the additional complexity and weight of a conventional liquid-cooled system.

The result was a motorcycle with breathtaking acceleration, unmistakable mechanical character, and a power delivery that remains thrilling even by modern standards.

The GSX-R1100 also became an immensely popular platform for performance tuning and racing during the late 1980s.

That racing heritage is one of the reasons original examples are so difficult to find today.

Many were modified for competition, heavily customized, damaged, or simply ridden hard.

A clean, original-paint 1986 Slabside with a known three-owner history and extensive documented recent service is a very special find.

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A TRUE COLLECTOR'S MOTORCYCLE THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY RIDE

There are essentially two ways to own an early GSX-R1100 today.

You can purchase a tired project motorcycle and invest an enormous amount of money restoring it, often exceeding the finished motorcycle's market value.

Or you can acquire an exceptionally preserved original example that has already received the mechanical attention necessary to make it enjoyable.

This motorcycle offers the second opportunity.

With its original paint, preserved factory bodywork, desirable period performance upgrades, new tires, new chain and sprockets, fully serviced fuel system, rebuilt hydraulic brake systems, and comprehensive professional inspection, it represents a compelling combination of originality and usability.

It would make an outstanding addition to a vintage Japanese superbike collection, an impressive display in a motorcycle showroom or private collection, or an unforgettable machine for an experienced enthusiast to enjoy on the open road.

Imagine arriving at a vintage motorcycle event, a Sunday morning bike gathering, or Daytona Bike Week on this legendary first-generation GSX-R1100.

Even surrounded by modern high-dollar motorcycles, this machine commands attention.

The aggressive Slabside bodywork, original Suzuki graphics, unmistakable 1980s superbike styling, and sound of the Vance & Hines exhaust make it impossible to ignore.

This is a machine from an era when manufacturers were pushing the boundaries of performance and building motorcycles that would become legends.

They simply do not make them like this anymore!

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WHY BUY THIS GSX-R1100 FROM KAPLAN CYCLES?

At Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, we have spent years preserving, restoring, servicing, and sharing some of the world's most exciting vintage motorcycles.

We understand what it takes to bring these classic machines back to exceptional condition, and we know firsthand the tremendous expense involved in properly restoring rare Japanese superbikes.

That experience is exactly why we appreciate this motorcycle so much.

This example needed preservation and careful mechanical reconditioning, not hundreds of hours of cosmetic restoration.

Our skilled technician Justin personally completed the mechanical work and carefully evaluated the finished motorcycle.

We have invested approximately $6,900 into preparing it for its next owner.

It is an exceptionally well-preserved, professionally serviced, original-paint classic with tremendous performance and outstanding eye appeal.

Whether you're an experienced vintage Suzuki collector, a longtime GSX-R enthusiast, or someone looking to own one of the defining superbikes of the 1980s, this motorcycle deserves serious consideration.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

Financing Available: Financing options may be available through Freedom Road Financial for qualified buyers, subject to lender approval and vehicle eligibility.

Nationwide Shipping: We can help arrange licensed and insured enclosed motorcycle transportation directly to your door anywhere in the continental United States. Shipping costs are additional unless specifically agreed otherwise.

Personalized Sales Assistance: Contact Ken Jr. at Kaplan Cycles to discuss this machine, ask questions, arrange an inspection, or coordinate your purchase.

Visit Us: Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum, Rockville, Connecticut.

Website: www.KaplanCycles.com

We welcome serious inquiries and encourage prospective buyers to review the photographs, videos, and available service documentation.

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FINAL THOUGHTS – AN ORIGINAL SLABSIDE LIKE THIS IS HARD TO REPLACE!

1986 SUZUKI GSX-R1100

26,000 ORIGINAL MILES

THREE-OWNER HISTORY

ORIGINAL FACTORY PAINT & BODYWORK

LEGENDARY 1,052cc OIL-COOLED FOUR-CYLINDER

VANCE & HINES FULL PERFORMANCE EXHAUST

K&N HIGH-FLOW FILTERS

DYNOJET STAGE 3 CARBURETION

NEW PIRELLI TIRES

NEW PREMIUM EK GOLD CHAIN & SPROCKETS

FRONT & REAR BRAKE SYSTEMS REBUILT

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICED & CARBURETORS TUNED

COMPREHENSIVE 100-POINT INSPECTION

APPROXIMATELY $6,900 IN RECENT RECONDITIONING

OUTSTANDING RUNNING & RIDING CONDITION

RARE, BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED FIRST-GENERATION SLABSIDE!

This is one of those motorcycles that makes you appreciate just how special the original GSX-R generation really was.

The styling is timeless. The engineering is legendary. The performance is exhilarating. And the condition of this surviving example is something we rarely encounter.

When you consider the cost of restoring one of these machines and how few remain with their original factory finishes intact, the opportunity to purchase an example this well preserved becomes even more attractive.

Don't miss your opportunity to own one of the motorcycles that helped define the golden age of Japanese superbikes!

Contact Ken Jr. at Kaplan Cycles today!

Kaplan Cycles – Preserving Motorcycle History, One Legendary Machine at a Time.

God Bless America!

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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”

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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

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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.

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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.