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, check out this profile from Motorcyclist magazine. It 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: GS1000534685.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 2,000 kilometers. The odometer shows 50,992 kilometers (31,685 miles).
Iconic helped the seller source the bike through a shipment of bikes from South Africa, though it is originally an Australian model and features the Australian paint livery (different than other countries). “I bought it from Iconic in 2022. I wanted to get it as nice as possible and modify it with some modern parts. It needed a paint job and the stock exhaust was toast. I painted the engine black to get an aggressive look and make the chrome Kerker pop. Finished the project last year and rode it around on weekends which always got lots of positive comments. I am getting older and have too many bikes. Maintenance is becoming a problem so time to sell off some of my carburated bikes. The gas here in California ia an issue.”
Maintenance:
When the seller initially acquired it in 2022, he had Iconic rebuild and sync the carbs. He also had the “wheels powder coated. Tank relined. Complete paint job by Matt of Color Zone Designs in Huntington Beach. New Tires. New Ohlins Shocks. Kerker 4 into 1. Stainless steel engine bolts. Accel coils and wires (new). New steel brake lines front and rear. New chain. New carburetor intake boots.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean/sync the carbs, flush the hydraulic fluids, and clean/lube/adjust the chain. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 21/22
Tire Date Code Rear: 36/22
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95%
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 37 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.86V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.2V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 4 Miles
Notes:
-Head Gasket is weeping slightly
-Oil filter is leaking
-Generator Cover is leaking
Recommendations:
-Oil and Filter Change
-Replacement of the following gaskets:
-Head Gasket
-Generator Cover Gasket
Modifications:
Ohlins shocks.
Kerker 4-into-1 exhaust.
Steel brake lines.
Pingel petcock, Accel coils and wires.
Complete paint job, tank reline.
Foam grips.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road Classic tires with date codes of 2122 and 3622.
The sale includes two keys.
The sale also includes the tool kit, OEM tire pressure gauge.
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 Arizona title with registration current through February 2027.
Have any GS1000S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
