GS750 Restoration Part 20

This is the last in this long series. The bike is finally finished and roadworthy. Thanks for watching and subscribing! Cheers Phil.

[@kevinshea3991]

I can remember back in the summer 1979 getting my subscription to cycleworld ,cycle news and looking at the ads for this the Suzuki gs 750 . This is the bike that I wanted to get this was my dream bike after a couple of summers saving I finally got a bike but not the gs I ended up getting 1981 Honda 750 f but to this day I still have a place in my heart for the 79 gs 750 e .

[@plaxsax]

There’s something about the look of the GS750. Always loved them and very happy I have one again. Still turns heads. So does my 1984 1100 Katana! 😁

[@user-jb7uz4hs2i]

I have spend the last three days watching each video of your restoration. Absolutely top shelf effort Sir , you have my respect! I owned one on 1982 and have such fond and nostalgic memories of my bike. Two years ago I bought a 2001 Suzuki GSF 600, only done 13,500 mies. Not quite the same machine but very close as the feel and the handling is so akin to my old GS 750. 63 now and been riding since 1979 when i passed my test. Buying and doing some sort of restoration on a GS 750 is not out of the bounds of possibility having been inpired by your fab video! Enjoy your bike and stay safe!

[@plaxsax]

Thanks for the comments. I love doing these sorts of projects. Finding old bikes that haven’t been restored is getting harder though. Good luck with you search and thanks for watching 👍🏼

[@kenichirokato4993]

Wonderful. I am a Japanese who was riding the late model of GS750 22 years ago. No one in Japan has restored it so perfectly. It was a light and easy-to-ride GS, but I haven't seen it stolen now. I was nostalgic and envious and watched all the videos. Please continue to take good care of yourself. You are incredibly great.

[@plaxsax]

Thank you for your kind words! I love the GS Suzukis and enjoyed the project. Stay tuned for a new project soon, and yes, it is another Suzuki!

[@jwandc3]

Thanks for this excellent series Phil. You did a fantastic job and I learnt so much from you. So much so that I decided to buy a 1978 GS750 project bike and have a go myself. Wish me luck! Cheers.

[@plaxsax]

Go for it! I love these bikes. Glad you liked the series. Cheers!

[@andrewkidger7048]

Wow, what a great series to watch and what a great bike, really brought back memories of when I had my Red 1979 Gs550E, in the early 80's, mine had twin discs and alloys, you just can't beat these classic 4 cylinder Suzuki's, I am also thinking of purchasing a Gs850g for a project restoration, Great diy skills used there Phil, looking forward to another possible project restoration !!, Well done Phil, I'm green with envy now !!, All the best

[@plaxsax]

Glad you liked the series Andrew. Mate of mine had a GS850G (and also an 1100G). Great bikes, very smooth with the shaft drive and very comfortable. Good luck!

[@daviddanielstephenson2833]

I remember these old girls well, It was when I began my motorcycle apprentiship in May 77, I really like the spoked wheels the best, wonderful job.

[@plaxsax]

Thanks David. Always loved the look of the GS750s. Still turns heads today.

[@Jeromey28]

Great stuff Phil. I have a 1977 GS750 that I am attempting to rebuild and I have a soft spot in my heart for this bike because I bought it used in 1980 to ride with a buddy from Schenectady, NY to San Francisco, CA that same year. Great memories. Thanks so much for doing this series & keep playin' dem Blues! Peace.

[@enzobigazzi1321]

Ottimo restauro su una ottima motocicletta. Un saluto dall'Italia.

[@Zeroplanetz]

I’ve got my grandfathers 1983 GS850GL. It currently does not run. The petcock does not turn. But it does try to turn over. So that’s good news. But I’m going to repaint it and all as soon as I can get it figured out to running.

[@christyler373]

well done fab job thanks from england

[@stevedavid6207]

Must have felt great to ride it after a year and a half of working on it......I would have been grinning from ear to ear.

[@plaxsax]

Yep it was satisfying Steve. I'm still having issues with the paint on the tank but apart from that I'm very happy. BTW there could be a new project starting soon so stay tuned!

[@jman1957]

Great Bike! Had one back in 1979! Wish I still had it..

[@bapete5159]

Me too.....wish I still got it.....cracking bike.....👍🇬🇧🤓

[@stevewilkin3977]

Had the gs550 1978 model twin discs up front and alloy wheels - best bike I ever owned.

[@andrewnewman6510]

Great job, this stuff is starting to become a passion of mine. I own a 82 Gs 1100e, and I’m going down the path you went down. Congrats it looks amazing....

[@plaxsax]

My friend has a 1982 GSX1100EZ that used to belong to me before I bought the Katana in 84. Still on the road after I got it going again after 19 years off the road. No videos though just some photos.

[@jackjaeger2189]

I've enjoyed the series as I have a soft spot for the GS750. My brother bought a 78 and when he did I bought a GS400. I rode with guys that had faster bikes and I either had to keep up or ride by myself. A few years ago I bought a 78 750 and did a nice restoration I didn't keep it as I had a very nice Gold Wing. You have a lot of patience and great skills and I would have liked to watch you do a lot more actual wrenching instead of telling us what you did after the fact. Great work sir.

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Jack. Glad you enjoyed it. They are a great bike and I love the looks of them. I get it about showing a lot more work being done but it does slow the process down a lot. Plus there would be a lot more swearing! 😁 Thanks for watching! 👍🏼

[@spotsterjon74cu]

Great series of vids, the old GS looks bloody lovely. Thanks

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Jon. Glad you like it!

[@Swokpmund]

Fantastic work my friend...! Watched all episodes in one day..! Thank you!

[@plaxsax]

Thanks for watching Stay tuned, another project coming soon!

[@johncarella1836]

Absolutely Gorgeous bike!!! I just got one the exact same year make and model! Great videos! Would love too see you do another one!

[@plaxsax]

Thanks John. Keeping my eye out for another project but finding bikes that have not already been restored is hard. Check out my other videos on the GSX750 if you haven't already. Cheers.

[@tiga76]

Nice restoration project. I have same bike 1977 version in red and restored it in almost similar way but not so thoroughly. Spoked wheels and single disk brake only available in 1976 version in France. Double disk in front and baton wheels from 1977. I installed electric ignition and led lights as alternator is weak on this bike. Very good job, bravo ! Average value in France for a GS750 is 4000 Euros. Workshop manual is available free in Internet which is very useful.

[@plaxsax]

Good to see these classics being saved. I had a 1977 blue one back in the early 80s which is what attracted me to this project. It had a single disk and I converted it to dual using the front end off a GT750. Glad you like the series.

[@stevedavid6207]

Here in the US prices have skyrocketed, one in good shape now runs around $10,000.

[@plaxsax]

@@stevedavid6207 Trying to find bikes that haven't been restored is getting harder. I get most of the enjoyment out of doing it myself and solving the problems as they arise rather than buying one done by someone else. All up, including purchase price this cost me around AUS$10k, but it's staying with me!

[@086DEN]

Thanks for all the great videos on this, I had a gs750 a few years ago but now I'm rebuilding a 1978 gs1000, this is a great help, thanks again, Denis here in Ireland

[@plaxsax]

I love the GS Suzukis. Good luck with the project. Have a Guinness for me!

[@berniewolf6740]

Nice work Mr Sax!

[@droitwichblue]

Got to say bike looks and sounds brilliant Phil. Its coming up to winter here in the UK and time for me to start tearing my blue 77 GS750B down. I have bad compression and it's not a smooth runner so I will be dipping in I'm sure to past episodes to check for pitfalls and fixes here. Great to see it running and looking like new but sad in a way its over! Thanks for going to the effort of sharing what you've done I'm sure it will be of help to many folk fixing their bikes in future especially me as I venture into, what is now, the less slightly unknown! Cheers Phil, best regards Dave in UK

[@bob4bob3bob2bob]

What he said.

[@plaxsax]

Thanks David and James. I must admit the project came to a fairly abrupt end once the roadworthy stuff was so easy, and I was like "now what?". Good timing actually as I'm moving house so plenty to keep me busy. Great to hear another blue 77 model still running. They are a great looking bike. Getting it running right is just a matter of elimination starting with compression, air leaks and finally carburetor cleaning, checking jets and tuning etc. Be careful of the after market jet kits, mine had one in it and the replacement jets labelled the same size were completely different. I went back to the originals which luckily I got with the bike. Feel free to reach out if you have questions. I am no expert but mine is running quite well now, just one cylinder running a bit rich but nothing major. Cheers and thanks for watching!

[@kencarter4385]

Phil, Cheers from Knoxville, TN. Great job on the bike and excellent job on the videos...some of the best I've seen. I just finished watching all 20 videos back to back. You have given me the inspiration I need to get started on my 1979 GS750.

[@plaxsax]

Hi Ken, 20 videos back to back! You must be sick of my face 8^) Glad you liked them. I was inspired by the likes of GoonZquad etc and also its good to have a record of what I did and also help others doing the same. Good luck with your build. Cheers.

[@jackdavis9020]

Brilliant series Phil, thoroughly enjoyed it from up here in Scotland!

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Jack, it has been fun. Keep warm!

[@ronegan2840]

Awesome! Loved seeing this. Grew up on GS’s, 550E, 425, 650. Best series ever.

[@plaxsax]

Best series ever! I'm famous! Thanks Ron glad you liked it as much as I liked doing it. Cheers.

[@calebbarnett3049]

It should have the vin on the frame next to the handlebar

[@plaxsax]

Back before 1980 they didn't have a separate VIN they just used the chassis or frame number. Frame number is on the headstock.

[@garethlipyeart6520]

grand job mate theres a real minter on ebay uk very tempted got a gs850gt love that .

[@plaxsax]

Thanks mate. Love the old GSs. My mate bought a GS1100G the same time I bought the Katana back in 84. Very comfortable bike to tour on. 👍🏼

[@uk-freedom182]

GOOD ONE

[@manuelbarrios6621]

Thanks master, great work. learn many things with you, the best to you !!!

[@raysoucy1637]

Nice job, mate!

[@karlvanboxel561]

Very nice job man you’ve got some very good skills I was a bit concerned that I didn’t c u gap the piston rings hopefully u did off camera 😂 I’ve learnt lots off U tube and your series had been great How about a gsxr750 or 1100 for your next project some of those old oil boilers r getting on a bit and will need some luving 👍😎

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Karl, yes I did check the ring gaps before installation. Next project I think will be my cousins 1984 GSX750. Stay tuned!

[@jean-claudebikerparis1426]

I bought this bike same color in July 1977. your bike has one brake disc. It's the primary model. My bike had one disc and Suzuki installed one more disc. I had 4/1 Marving

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Jean-claude, my original that I bought second hand back in 1983 only had one disk. I eventually upgraded it to twin disks using a front end off a GT750. Stopped much better after that!

[@himm735]

Great Job... I also play guitar and ride/rebuild Suzuki's. Your like a better version of me... so thanks for that.... lol... anyway I'm doing a 81 gs1000GL and 72 GT750 right now... i bit off a lot but i know if i stick with it......

[@plaxsax]

Ha! Glad you enjoy the bike and music videos. I love my Suzukis. My 3 (and my partners FZ600S) are now at their new home in the NSW southern highlands near some fantastic roads. Your 72 GT750 sounds like a great project, not sure what my next one will be but I'll find something eventually. Cheers.

[@markroberts8034]

Thanks for all your hard work doing the series. I'd like to know how you reset your speedometer in part 10. I have two 78's and a 79 and am interested in refurbishing the clock sets.

[@plaxsax]

Hi Mark, hmm that's stretching my memory. I cant remember the process exactly but I think I managed to remove the secondary shaft somehow which allowed me to rotate the individual numbers and then replace the shaft. Sorry I cant remember the exact details. I probably did a bit of research on the net so there may be something out there. Good luck with it.

[@robertedge5928]

Fantastic series Phil, binged the lot in 3 evenings. Love the innovation especially the way you made templates for the headers - very clever. I am rebuilding the engine on my 78 GS imported from Australia. Mostly following Haynes but it’s a bit vague on o rings around the studs holding down the cylinder head. Tells me put the head gasket on, put the rectangular rubber around the cam chain tunnel, then lower the head down. No mention of o rings . Do you remember if you put o rings over the 4 outermost studs together with the head gasket to seal the oil channel as it goes up between cylinder barrel block and head? I can’t remember as I dismantled it so long ago . Any help greatly appreciated 😀

[@plaxsax]

Hi Robert, thanks for the feedback and glad it's helping people out. There are definitely O rings around the outer studs on the head. Some head gaskets come with them molded into the gasket whereas with others they come separately which may be why the haynes manual doesn't mention them as it assumes its part of the head gasket. Mine came as separate O rings so I had to just put them in place before lowering the head.

[@robertedge5928]

@@plaxsax ok great thanks Phil. I will get some on order and get on with other bits while I wait

[@jrbass62]

I have a red 77 b model. restored.. NEED a luggage rack for it...Love it!!

[@plaxsax]

Mine did have a luggage rack when I first got it but I sold it with a bunch of other left overs a while ago. Sorry.

[@jerryfarmer5989]

I didn't like the black head light bucket on my '78. I got a chrome bucket off a 1000 that looks a lot better. I've had mine for some 30 years after carb issues, no rear brake and lousy seat all better now from finding stuff. It is a very powerful good riding machine.

[@plaxsax]

Yep, the GS750 I bought in 1983 was my first big road bike and I loved it. Great bikes.

[@user-pj2ow9yu3y]

おめでとう🎉ございます

[@Stevemiester]

Been great to watch the progression from the beginning. Thanks for all the info and thorough documentation! I've got a '79 GS750 L that needs work, so I'll definitely come back to this series for reference. What would you estimate the total ballpark cost of this restoration to be? Obviously a labor of love, but just curious.

[@plaxsax]

Thanks for the feedback Steve. I have purchased what needed to be spent to get this bike back to the way I wanted it. All up including initial bike cost it was a bit over AUS$10k all up.

[@vadimkargin3200]

Good job! I have a '82 GS750T. Love that bike. Whats next?

[@plaxsax]

Thanks Vadim, my current project is getting my house ready for sale and moving to a rural property with a huge shed. One end for motorcycle workshop and one end for music studio. Whats the next motorcycle project? Dont know, but I will be looking for a suitable project to keep me busy. Thanks for watching.

[@bob4bob3bob2bob]

Anyone ever said, you look like Van Morrison?

[@plaxsax]

Ha! that's funny, as a sax player I am often asked to do Van Morrison songs!

[@TroelsMeyer]

Thanks a lot for filming this project. I just started a project just like it, only chosen the red variant but also 1977 with spokes wheels. Can I contact you if needed?

[@plaxsax]

Sure. Good luck with the project. Great bikes that still turn heads! 👍🏼

[@markleadbeatter6196]

Your GS turned out really well and is a credit to your efforts. Can I ask if you replaced your handlebars and is so, where you got them from, as I need a set for my own GS550E. Thanks

[@plaxsax]

Hi Mark. I don’t think they’re original but they were on the bike when I bought it. Pretty close to the original shape.

[@markleadbeatter6196]

@@plaxsax Thanks for the quick reply Phil, I will keep looking for something to do the job and hope you are still enjoying your GS

[@fabricewattez]

Thanks for sharing Phil, how was the ride?

[@plaxsax]

Been a few rides since then 😉 but they’re all good 👍🏼

[@AbhinavSingh-bl3yj]

Hi Mate, Really liking your detailed videos for the GS750. I am rebuilding a 1977 gs750 and am stuck with badly worn crankcase cushions. These are two thick rubber cutions. I can't find them anywhere and the crankcase doesn't go on without them. Any help on these parts would be really helpful. I am in brisbane.

[@plaxsax]

Hi, not really sure which parts you are talking about. Maybe have a look at the parts drawings on partzilla.com for this bike and point out which exact part?

[@AbhinavSingh-bl3yj]

@@plaxsax part number is 1148445000 and 1148545000

[@Hoplite9]

Nice bike, had a black one, shipped it to the UK for my assignment with the USAF. All good for about a month then some wanker nicked it. Great assignment otherwise.

[@plaxsax]

Bugger! At least you learned some local language like "wanker".

[@roderickeash3216]

That had to have cost a fortune.

[@plaxsax]

Yeh, about AUS$10k all up. Worth it to me though.

[@roderickeash3216]

I could see that. I bought a new 78 GS750 and rode it 3000 miles on my honeymoon. Omaha NE USA to Mexico and back.

[@plaxsax]

Pretty comfortable touring bike. Back in the 80s I rode mine two up from Sydney to Ceduna South Australia. About 3800km. Not bad on dirt as well.

[@MegaJackpot180]

love this bike so much what colour is it cant find the code

[@plaxsax]

Hi Adrian, if you watch part 2 I discuss the paint colour in detail. You'll probably have trouble finding anyone to mix up the original paint code 03J. I have noticed there are some current Ford cars that have a blue which looks very close so maybe get that code.

[@cavalcade1400]

I have a 78 gs 750 which I took out of the shed after 18 years. reconditioned it all. I have one question re the carbs---what where the final fuel screw turns out ? and what where the final airscrew turns out ? I have the fuel at 7/8 turns out and the air at about 1 3/4 -2 turns out.

[@plaxsax]

Its a bit of a balance between the two so one will affect the other. From memory mine are both around 1 1/4 out. Idles ok and the plugs look pretty good as well.

[@cavalcade1400]

thank you. Mine has stock jetting but runs a 4:1 kerker. ( will increase the pilot jet from 15 to 17.5 this spring) Have a question on the carb balancing. Used the Suzuki carb balancer. When you adjusted the slider by taking the top of the carb off and used the adjustment screw etc to raise or lower the slider, did you do it with the engine running ? what i mean is did you stop the engine, do a little adjustment , put the cap back on and start the bike and see if the balance ball came to the middle etc? From the manual it looked like carb sync'ing adjustment was done with the carb caps off and the engine running---not the best way I think.

[@plaxsax]

@@cavalcade1400 Hi Roger I have a four guage carb balancer and did it with the tops of all the carbs off. It seemed to run ok so I dont see a problem doing it that way, plus you are just trying to get them all the same, not adjusted to some particular number. Of course if they are a long way out you can do a preliminary adjustment with something like a drill bit between the bottom of the slider and the carb body using the idle screw to set the first one but for fine adjustment the vacuum gauges are the way to go. Cheers.

[@stevedavid6207]

If you'd be interested I have a notice sent from suzuki in 1977 with corrected carburetor adjustments for 1976 and 1977b and 1977c bikes, I have a 1976 bike I bought in late 76 when I was 19 in still near showroom condition, I've had it all my life. Has 44,000 miles of pure joy on it now. If you'd be interested in those carb specs I'd be happy to text or email them to you. Steve

[@plaxsax]

I'd definitely be interested thanks. Are you on FB? I can message you.

[@stevedavid6207]

@@plaxsax .....yes, on FB.. Steve David. Oregon, USA.

[@lauderdale77]

Just bought one that was restored and it has new electric and it’s zapping my battery.

[@plaxsax]

I’d put a current meter between the battery and the positive lead to see how much current is being drawn the start pulling fuses to see what’s causing the draw.

[@lauderdale77]

@@plaxsax thanks so much. Appreciated

[@kingofarctic8474]

The bike has become fantastic! You've done a great job! Here is my 1977, from the other side of the earth, Norway; kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHWdZZvZqlmrrM

[@plaxsax]

Cool! Twin disk front end as well. Nice bike and thanks for watching!