When Honda released the CB750, other Japanese manufacturers had no other choice but to respond. Kawasaki made the choice to develop a little bit more power than the CB750 with the Z1, but Suzuki chose to stay with their specialty of two-strokes and in 1972 they released the GT750.
The prototype Suzuki GT750 was shown at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show in October of 1970 and launched in Japan in September 1971 as a sports tourer. Developed from the Suzuki T500 with an extra cylinder and liquid cooling, it was marketed as the Le Mans in the US and Canada. Looking at the success of the 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine, it was actually pretty bold from Suzuki to keep their 2-stroke engine. But the major innovation Suzuki added to their machine was liquid cooling, which lent itself to the international nickname of “Water Buffalo”. Indeed, the GT750 was the first mass production bike from Japan that featured it.
The ’74 model was called the L, and it was differentiated with thinner side panels that only said “GT750” – the Liquid Cooled badging was now displayed on the cylinder barrels. The forks no longer had gaiters, the carbs were now 40mm Mikunis, the dash got a gear position indicator, the airbox had chrome-plated covers, and the radiator got a plastic grill.
In addition, the exhausts were redesigned to allow for more ground clearance and the engine was slightly hopped up so it made 70 horsepower. Available color options were Flake Blue and Flake Orange.
This example is VIN: GT75042532. The seller purchased this example two years ago.
The odometer shows 43,929 kilometers (27,296 miles). During their ownership, the seller has put 5 miles on this example.
Maintenance:
The seller states that while they owned this example, it has been stored in a showroom on a trickle charger.
The seller also reports that the motorcycle received a full engine rebuild with a new crankshaft in 2017.
Modifications:
Ohlins shocks.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone tires with date codes of 1117 and 4016.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller reports there is a crack in the radiator cover.
The seller notes that though this example was stored on a trickle charger the battery has died, and he recommends a new battery.
Currently located in Pretoria, South Africa, this Suzuki is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any GT750 L stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.