In 1978, Yoshimura had the incredibly talented Wes Cooley campaigning a Kawasaki KZ1000, but they weren’t winning races. Once they switched to the Suzuki GS1000, however, their luck began to change – Cooley proceeded to win both the ’79 and ’80 AMA Superbike Championships. All the while this was happening, Suzuki decided to release a Euro-only sport version of the GS1000.
Once American dealers got a peek, they started clamoring for them, too. Enter the Suzuki GS1000S, of which only 500 were imported to the states in ’79. Though it was never officially given the name by Suzuki, riders around the country were eager to call it the Wes Cooley Replica.
The 997cc inline four cylinder produced 90 horsepower, which was good enough to propel the 524-pound bike to a top speed of nearly 130mph. For more on the bike that changed many American minds about Suzuki’s sporting credentials, Motorcyclist magazine makes reference to a 1979 issue of Cycle Guide – the GS1000S “demands recognition as the finest all-around ride motorcycling has to offer.”
This example is VIN: GS1000524778. The seller states “Always wanted a Cooley – found this one and it’s been part of my 80’s collection for sometime.”
The odometer shows 14,469 miles. The seller has put zero miles on the bike during his ownership
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we replaced the battery, cleaned the inside of the fuel tank, replaced the petcocks, cleaned/synced the carbs, changed the oil and filter, replaced the fuel crossover tubes, and throttle cable. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: GOOD LINED
Engine Oil Level: GOOD
Engine Oil Quality: NEW
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: MARGINAL DARK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: MARGINAL DARK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: FAIL WORN
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: FAIL
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS TAIL LIGHT
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch:
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80
Forks: LT FORK LEAKING
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: 70
Tire % Remaining Rear: 60
Tire Press. Front: 36
Tire Press. Rear: 38
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.2V
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: YES
Test Ride Distance: 3MI
Notes:
•FRONT AND REAR BRAKE FLUID DARK
•CHAIN WORN
•TURN SIGNALS INOP
•FORK LEAKING
•TIRES AGED MORE THAN 5 YEARS
Recommended repairs:
•Bleed front and rear brakes
•Replace chain and sprockets
•Diag turn signals inop
•Rebuild forks
•Replace front pads
•Replace front and rear tires
Modifications:
Vance and Hines exhaust.
Duel piston front brake calipers with steel braided lines.
Wheels and shocks painted black.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Spitfire 11 tires with date codes of 198 and 218.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Suzuki is offered on a clean Virginia title. Have any GS1000S Wes Cooley Replica stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
