Honda CB750 Vs Suzuki GS750E - Vintage 750 motorcycle comparison!

In this ride comparison video, I am looking at and riding two of my recent 750cc vintage motorcycle rescues. First up is the 1979 Honda CB750K (Honda's second generation CB750). Next up is Suzuki's 1982 GS750E (the second generation GS750). Both of these bikes have 750cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve motors with 5-speed transmissions. However, the ride and feel of these machines is really different from one another. Ride along with me and find out what each of these vintage beauties is like out on the open road!

[@danchefurka2332]

I own a completely restored 1982 GS 750 E. It was restored with new O.E.M.Suzuki parts. I forget all about the thousands I spent on it every time I get on it and open the throttle !! This bike is a Class Act in every sense of the word. No wonder it out performed every other motorcycle back in 1982. Great suspension, superb engine, very comfortable ergonomics, super sexy looks, fabulous transmission, and great power and acceleration. I'm looking for another GS 750 to restore. Dan.... Alberta Canada

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@danchefurka2332 Very cool, Dan! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@neighborhoodlegal9929]

I had a GS750Ez. I think it was a 1982. Bought it new for about $2000. Came with an 85mph speedometer which I quickly changed to 140. My friend and I would go about once a month (weather permitting) from LA to Las Vegas. Valet park at Caesars. Got it up to about 130 and hitting a tubleweed at that speed turns it into dust.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing the cool memories!

[@Ready72000]

I owned a couple of 1981 Suzuki 750s back in the day and they were great bikes. I would buy one again today.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Ready72000 Right on!

[@TroyaE117]

The constant problems that afflicted Honda with their cam chain tensioners never afflicted Suzuki. Worth noting.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Automatic adjusters are nice!

[@cardiffchris]

I miss all the 4cyl bikes i ever owned. GS650g Nighthawk 650 & 700 V65 Magna

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You owned some great machines!

[@HandyL]

Oh man I want a GS750, 1977 preferably. It just seems like the perfect all around bike. No too hot, not too cold, not too big, not too small, not too hard, not too soft. The Goldilocks of classic motorcycles 🤣

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're on to something there...

[@robertdennis550]

I had an early 1977 Suzuki and loved it the only issues I had were the back brakes were a bit touchy (they corrected this later) so the back end tended to want to come around in a panic stop. The other issue was the seat was kinda hard and needed more padding. Suzuki addressed this as well but otherwise, this was my baby. It had the right balance of comfort, handling, speed and refinement.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@robertdennis550 Hi Robert, I agree. I had the privilege to ride a '78 briefly and really enjoyed it!

[@Ready72000]

Spot-on correct. I really enjoyed my 1981s and would buy one today. 👍🏼

[@HandyL]

@@Ready72000 right on! I should start looking for one soon before they are all gone or the price inflates. I remember when 70-72 Chevy Chevelles and El Caminos were a dime a dozen then suddenly so hard to find and ten times the price.

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

Great work Jon, I‘ve owned and done loads of miles on the SuzukiGS750E, same color as yours but with more orange in the decals. Yours looks resprayed. Experienced very positive results after these following modifications and I promise, you won’t recognize your bike after this; Progressive Fork-Springs and new Rear-Shocks - let’s face it, suspension sags in by about an inch after 15 years and these mods will improve any bike. Bridgestone Battlax- BT45 rubber front and rear, makes life also safe in the wet. Decided on slightly narrower bars up front to bring more weight and give a better feel of the front wheel. My tours were visiting MotoGp in Brno (Czech Republic) back then, which is 600miles (1000Km‘s) in one direction from Düsseldorf. Having worked as a Honda mechanic when the above mentioned CB750K was new (I‘m 66) I was surprised to see that you’re having vibration issues, this shouldn’t be the case as being (in Europe) a more touring orientated motorcycle. Carbs balanced and maybe a decent tune-up? I currently tour on an Interceptor- 1997 Honda Vfr750f due to excellent wind protection she offers with easier or less servicing required, plus better Gas mileage. Hope the above info was useful, Best greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the tips! The GS750E was resprayed. It was all black (without side panels) when I got it. I got the panels, painted them, added new badges, and did the pinstriping myself. I have since sold the 750E and 750K to make room for more projects. I have a GS1100G with the mods you mentioned, plus Spiegler steel braided brake lines, Delkevic exhaust, etc. It runs and stops and handles amazingly well. I have run the Bridgestones on it and liked them. Currently, I'm running Shinko 230s, and they work amazingly well. Cheers!

[@Bellathebear777]

I've enjoyed many Hondas 70s -80s. My first was a 400 supersport, my brother sold me ( canary yellow) with 1500 miles on it. Good lookin little bike. I truly enjoyed & appreciated that bike. Young dum, my fault, hit car @ 100 mph. Grateful I'm alive. Then I went to the 750s. I basically ignored other manufacturers. My last Honda was a cbx. I didn't care for the swingarm. Anyhow, After yrs of not owning a bike, I came across an 82 GS 750E, with 14K odom. The Price was right, all original, & in Xlnt condition. I was looking, but i couldn't find a Honda of that era in this condition, for this price point. I really didn't know what I was buying. Now, "I love this bike! It has all the power I've ever wanted. It handles Excellent, It's Very smooooth. I recall my hands going numb, on all" the Hondas. I'd have to stop, to bring my hands back to life. My numb hands took precedent, over an enjoyable ride. Looking back, I Tolerated it. & I thought it was normal, for All bikes. Nope!! The Suzuki suits me just fine. I'm continually impressed with how smooooth it is. The last thing I want to think about, are numb hands or feet, on a ride. I enjoy your ch. Nice Vids, Done well, like a 82 GS 750. Lol 🙏💕💪✌️

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I wish I had that CB400 Supersport and CBX. The GS750E is a great bike. I like the Honda too. It's interesting that you noticed the vibes on the Honda's you had as well. My CB900Cs are super-smooth so I expected the same from the 750 - but no dice. I am really stoked about upcoming videos. I just picked up a Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 and a GS550T this week as well as two KZ1000 LTD projects. Lots of good stuff so stay tuned!

[@Bellathebear777]

Those lil 400s were fun.🎉

[@timkis64]

nice comparison.as a honda man i do know what you mean about the suzuki being so smooth in operation. by 1980 the competition between the japanese bike makers was really getting tight.& every brand benifited greatly by the increased compitition.why i love the 80s bikes.they all improved by lightyears in a fairly short amount of time.but still had their own personality when riding.thanks jon.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@mr1bienvenu1]

I've had almost every brand of non-HD motorcycles there are and I've never had any major issues with any of them. Out of those two I would prefer the Suzuki.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@flexjay87]

Great comparison review. I never owned a Honda 750 that old ( I had a 2000 Nighthawk) but i owned a '79 Suzuki and a '82 Suzuki 750 and the '82 was a very different bike than the '79, aka much more refined. Its only been a few years since i owned the 2000 Honda, but i will say the '82 Suzuki would be the pick between the 3, and i say that, having owned more Honda's than any other brand. I think a good comparison to the '82 would be an '84 Honda Nighthawk, cuz i have ridden one of those, but never owned one, but it was fantastic. It was very fast, smooth, great instrument panel, but best of all, it was shaft drive and 6 Speed transmission ! Anyhow, keep the videos coming :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've ridden the 1984 Nighthawk and remember it fondly for the same reasons you mentioned. I have looked at several recently but the condition or price didn't work. Maybe someday! I am picking up two Eliminator 900s later today so stay tuned...

[@rickiejacobs5910]

I was going to say a early 80’s 750 Nighthawk with the cast wheels would have been a better comparison. Never owned a Nighthawk but am looking at 90’s Nighthawks. But have owned a ‘81 KZ550 with the cast wheels and a ‘82 GS650L with the cast wheels and they booth handled good. I know the Suzuki 650 had shaft drive but never noticed any handling issues.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@rickiejacobs5910 I would love to review and compare all those bikes but I'm limited to what's in the garage most of the time. I did just pick up a Kawasaki Eliminator ZL900 this afternoon so stay tuned for upcoming videos!

[@rickiejacobs5910]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Sorry I met to add that if it was possible to compare an Nighthawk it the Honda would have faired better.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@rickiejacobs5910 No doubt!

[@sachsgs2509]

Great video of 2 iconic bikes. I've had the 1978 CB750K (last year of the sohc) and other then the dohc been more powerful there wasn't much of a difference really. All of these bikes by 1982 were great for the era. You couldn't go wrong with either really. The GPZ750 the Suzuki GS750E the CB750F and the Yamaha Seca they were pretty close. Great channel I love your videos takes me back to possibly the best years of motorcycling late 70s early 80s where it was all about the engine been out there in the open and the 2 strokes still had a share in the market...💚

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! The late 1970's through early 1980's are certainly my favorite years for motorcycles.

[@calom4823]

Got the 77 CB750f i love it ! The sound is insane .

[@styverdyver]

I enjoyed your video. The GS750E caught my eye because I bought a 1979 GS750E of the showroom and loved it! It was a daily commuter for me mostly, but I liked taking 3-4 hour rides to the beach and back. The seat was so comfortable, my wife tended to fall asleep behind me! The only thing that I didn't care for was the throttle return spring. It would tire out my hand/wrist on long rides. Other than that, it was my favorite bike. Your routes for your rides looked very similar to Lancaster County (PA) country roads. I miss my GS since I had to sell it, which is a story I'd rather not get into! lol Ride on!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Steve! And they are Lancaster County roads mostly.

[@Bellathebear777]

82 Suzuki GS 🎉 Still smooth.....Very comfortable.... Had the Hondas, loved em. But the Hondas of that era, sluggish, thru the curves....Gotta love that Honda tingle, to say the Hondas better... If your out there looking, Test Ride the Hondas @ least 25 miles. Then try the Suzuki. The difference is night & day. Nice vids. 🎉

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Bellathebear777 Right on!

[@terrybassett1]

I had a 77 GS750E (UK spec), with twin front discs and wire wheels, which I bought of a guy in 1978. It really looked the business. I don't know if it was physically to big for me, but it could be a pig on country roads. I'm 5'4", and to be honest, in hindsight I was really to short for it. I could only touch one foot down on when stationary! Also, I only weighed about 9 stone, so it was nearly 5 times my weight, which could account for my difficulty throwing it around on the twisties. It went like stink in a straight line, but I found it hard work to hustle it along country roads. Friends who had Bonnies, Commandoes etc were easily able to leave the GS behind on the back roads, but couldn't touch me on straits. A great bike. I only wish it had been lighter and had a lower seat height.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool, Terry! Thanks for sharing the memories. The first generation GS750E was the smallest of the series and is considered to be the first Japanese big bike to handle well - though evidently not as easy in the corners as the lighter British twins. The later, 16-valve machines were essentially the same bike as the GSX1100 with a 750cc motor. Big, smooth, and roomy but lacking the smaller, more nimble feel of he original. Cheers!

[@david84ss]

I am im the process of rebuilding a 80 cb750c and a 78 gs750E. Nice bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool, David! Those are two nice ones. Cheers!

[@reaperguy]

One of my bikes is a 1982 Honda cb750K and I agree both are great bikes. In 1982 Honda had air front forks also.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good to know. It's surprising how many bikes of that era had air-assist suspension.

[@benbos6625]

I drove a GS750 for 50.000+km and must say: loved most of them. It was a bit more 'sporty' than the Honda's I think. Hond's were just a bit less fast the first seconds, but than again a bit more stable as well. The real problem stayed: the head gasket. Even at yours I see that spooky 2 or 3 black-ish faults in the airribs just beneath the head saying "a repair is coming again!!". Comparaired with the light alloy head, maid me use Heliocoils as 'standard'. And the chain...... pfffff..... well, made me buy cardan drive afterworth since lining up the sprockets front-back together with the weather here in The Netherlands wasn't the best for chains

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Ben, you bring up some good points. Head gaskets are a pain on any bike. It's the reason I re-torque the head bolts every time I'm checking the valves or doing a restoration. Chains are the reason I love the shaft-drive bikes! Cheers!

[@jerryfarmer5989]

Well I rode a '74 Honda 750 and to me it just felt "heavier" than my '78 Suzuki GS750E. My Suzuki seems to have a faster and more positive throttle response. I've rode both on long road trips and the Suzuki is less weary after a few hours on it. Braking there is no comparison. Fuel economy I would say pretty close. I prefer my Suzuki and yes you can feel the power and it seems to want to run.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree, Jerry! I really liked the 1978 GS750E when I rode one - very nice. The original CB750 is an iconic machine but I would gladly ride the GS instead.

[@kevinsmith8328]

I have owned two SOHC Honda 750's and a DOHC Suzuki 550E. The 550 was smoother and tracked well in to corners. It is hard to beat those UJM fours.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I do love riding and restoring them. Cheers!

[@64faffi]

Good video! BTW: The German version of the CB750K came with ComStar wheels and double disc front brakes. It also had lower handlebars, a flatter seat and a little more rearset footpegs. The GS750E - named GSX750 in Europe - had a larger 24 liter fuel tank here for 1980 and 1981, but got the smaller 19-liter US-style tank form 1982. All years of the GSX had lower 'bars here.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I've been jealous of quite a few of the models available across the pond that differed from what we got or were unavailable here in the US. Tall bars on a sport model don't make any sense.

[@64faffi]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Totally agree! Bike like the CBX, CB750F, KZ750 and more came with touring riding positions. Honda tried with the CB400F in 1975, but had the change the bars and pegs to "US-standards" in order to sell them for the following year. IIRC, the first sport bike to be universally accepted in USA was the GPz550 in 1981.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@64faffi Right on!

[@UOO303T]

Just subscribed to yr channel jon. I've got a 1981 gsx750 square headlight great bike the gsx.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! The GSX750s are really nice bikes.

[@felipedourado5721]

I think motorcycling is all about fun. So, if I hear a grown up man saying that he can pretend to be Mike Hailwood when riding a motorcycle, (just like a 10 years old boy would do astride his bicycle after watching a motorcycle race back then), that motorcycle who is capable of inspiring such authentic and "boyish" joy will always have my simpathy over the other one more, let's say, "serious", or focused bike. That being said, Jon, Honda all the way for me. All the best from Brazil.✌ P.S. I have a little confession to make here. Even being almost 50 years old, when I'm riding my old and faithful Harley Deuce on longer trips by the two lanes back roads, I feel I "am" Dennis Hopper. 😉 Motorcycles are really dream machines, aren't they? Had to edit because there was a typo.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Even though I'm smiling every time I'm on a bike, there are those special few bikes that make us feel like kids again! Riding a Fat Boy always makes me feel like the Terminator.

[@felipedourado5721]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Well, looking foward for the next video when 'you'll be back'. 😜

[@Ribob1]

definitely an escape.🙃

[@zbfng812]

I owned a '77 Suzuki GS 750 and my buddy had a Honda CB 750 F. Both great bikes but after several drag races (I won all of them), we traded bikes for a country ride and when we got back he said he wished he'd have waited a couple more months and bought the GS. he asked me if I wanted to trade. My answer NO!! Cycle magazine (and ALL the other motorcycle mags) rated the '77 Suzuki GS 750 the BEST 750 on the market, period. It was the fastest, smoothest, best handling, best stopping bike on the market. And it was one beautiful-looking motorcycle. A couple years later the GS 1000 came out, and it was game over again for the competition in the cycle world.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories. Suzuki was the first Japanese firm to release a big bike that handled well. The initial GS750 and GS1000 were world-beaters when released. The bikes in this video are round two from Honda and Suzuki in the 750cc class. It would have been fun to compare the CB750F with the GS750E but I didn't have one at the time. Cheers!

[@PokySan]

The corner difference couldn't that be due to the added inertia from the cast wheels?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great question! Frame geometry, wheel type (as you mentioned), suspension tuning, seating position, and even the difference in rotational mass of the single front disc of the Honda vs the dual discs of the Suzuki can all be contributing factors to the difference in handling feel. Cheers!

[@gilbertreeves2084]

Jon, loved the comparison.The suzuki has a roller-bearing crankshaft w/straight-cut gears driving the clutch..very robust .It also has screw type valve adjusters.The Honda is likely using a hi-vo chain to drive the clutch and shims to set valve clearances and a plain-bearing crank.Nothing wrong w/Hondas design..its just alot cheaper to build.If your inclined i wish you would state what rpm`s the bikes you ride are doing at 60mph.How the hell do you keep that many batteries Charged..! A friend in the great northwest.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Gilbert, every bikes gets a battery tender lead as soon as they get here. I need to check the electrolyte in several to make sure it hasn't boiled off while on the tender. Also, the garage just got a little more crowded. Just picked up a 1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator and a parts bike this afternoon. More fun comparison videos on the way! Also drove a 2017 Motus MSTR and reviewed it this morning. That video will release once edited. If you're ever in PA and want to ride some nice roads, let me know!

[@Bellathebear777]

All I ever bought was Honda. As a kid I thought the vibration was normal for All bikes. I would have to stop, to bring life back into my hands. From the 400 supersport to the cbx. I recently picked up an ,82 GS 750. I really had no idea what it was. But it was the right price, & all original. It is impressively Smoooth. Back then I wouldn't even look at another manufacturer. I still have a lot to learn..But Wow. Suzuki really did a Great job. Best bike of that era, I've ever owned.

[@scottb8175]

Hi Gilbert. The Suzuki 750's with the rectangular shaped caps on the end of the cams (the 16 valve version) had plain bearing cranks just like the Hondas, not rollers like the 8 valve 750 with round cam end caps. One indicator in a service manual is the oil pressure specifications - roller cranks don't have pressures above about 15 psi, while plain bearings should be 40 - 85 psi. A roller crank is a little more cost to build than a plain bearing crank, but shim and bucket valve adjustment and cams with 16 lobes are way more expensive to build than 8 lobe cams with screw adjusters. The shim system is much more durable and reliable than the screw adjuster system.

[@gilbertreeves2084]

@@scottb8175 very good explanation..Thankyou.!

[@Don-lw4cb]

Lovely bikes.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Don!

[@Ribob1]

great job!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Bob!

[@jerodrobinson4040]

The Vibration in the CB is likely due to the Carb's being a touch outta wack. A lot of Guy's just Bench Sync them after Service and its pretty hard to get them dead on without Vacuum Guage's in My experience...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I vacuum guage synchronized the CB750K carbs after this video was filmed and it did smooth out some of the CB750's vibration. However, the GS750E is still noticably smoother.

[@jerodrobinson4040]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Hmm, don't have too much experience with the Vintage Suzuki's.. Might have to track one down for My next Project...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jerodrobinson4040 Right on.

[@royakins8819]

COMPARED yamaha 750 and honda 750 1979 models

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I haven't ridden the XS750 triple, but I will if I get the chance. Cheers!

[@donstorm8460]

I just bought a 1980 cb 750 f for 10.00 bucks in rather good condition. I was at auction, nobody bid on this bike. he said give me 10.00 bucks.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Don! It sounds like you did great on that deal!

[@charlestomasino9161]

Love my GL

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Charles! What size GL do you have?

[@charlestomasino9161]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 1982 850

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@charlestomasino9161 Nice!

[@redddd3456]

I have a GS 850 that i am building

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Clark! I owned an 850 years ago. There is lots of GS content on this channel (mostly for the 1100s) but, many of the parts and systems are similar.

[@おいしいたけ-u8k]

( ﾟДﾟ)スズキはGSX750じゃないの？

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

エルオペ（そしておそらく日本）ではGSX750でした。アメリカではGS750Eでした。乾杯！

[@おいしいたけ-u8k]

( ﾟДﾟ)そーなの？知らなんだ。@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538