1974 Suzuki GT750

The story of the Suzuki GT750 begins in October 1970, when the first prototype for the bike was unveiled at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show. The bike received much praise and positive feedback and was launched in Japan in September 1971. The bike was designed as a sports tourer, with the GT in the name standing for Grand Tourismo, meaning “grand tour. It was launched as Suzuki’s answer to the superbikes of the day, such as the Honda CB750 and Triumph Bonneville.

The GT750 was the first Japanese serial-manufactured motorcycle with a liquid-cooled engine. It was developed from the engine of the Suzuki T500, the differences being the extra cylinder and liquid cooling. It was a unique engine construction in its day and today considered one of the classic Suzukis, loved by its owners. Known as the Le Mans in America, it received the nickname ”Water Buffalo”, and other nicknames in other countries. It was generally known as ”Kettle” in Britain and ”Waterbottle” in Australia. Although smooth, quiet and comfortable, the GT750 was big and heavy. This huge, wide-engined bike, was one for those who wanted the biggest and most powerful machine they could legally ride on the road.

In 1972, the first model year of the GT750, some minor changes were made. The Exhaust Coupler Tube System (ECTS) that connected the left and right-side exhausts was designed to boost low-end torque. Also included was Suzuki’s SRIS (Suzuki Recycle Injection System), which lowered the visible exhaust smoke by collecting and burning residual oil/gas lying in the bottom of the crank chambers. This was a first for any two-stroke from any manufacturer.

In 1973 the GT750 received some minor changes, it was announced that there would be extra chrome plating and two 295 mm discs replacing the drum front brake. No other manufacturer was offering dual front disc brakes at this time, so this was quite a marketing coup for Suzuki