Showcasing the 1975 Suzuki RE5 & 1972 Suzuki GT750 Le Mans

[@johncoetzee7881]

Those 750 water busses are bullit proof. I bought one in 1973 brand new never did anything on it..never let me down on the road ..used as a dual purpose bike and clocked 165000kms in 6years. A project waiting in my garage I repeat..165k. Project

[@motorcyclerewind]

That sounds like an awesome project. Thanks for watching.

[@johncunningham4820]

The RE-5 is positively a UNICORN . You didn't see many even when they were Current . I am 64 and I have only seen ONE , EVER on the road . GT-750's on the Other Hand were VERY popular . For good reason . I have owned one of Those , and would again in a heartbeat . Both Beautiful examples . So sorry to hear about your Friend's passing .

[@motorcyclerewind]

Both are amazing examples. The RE-5 is definitely a unicorn.

[@CurtisSchukei]

Bought a new GT 750 in 76. Absolutely loved that bike!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@timparker9235]

that RE5 sure is beautiful except for the instruments and tail light - love the design features you pointed out, I know you were helping out but thank you for showing them to us too

[@motorcyclerewind]

This is such a cool motorcycle. Not sure if it was a good one. But cool and reliable normally don’t go together. 🤣

[@danielklopp7007]

The RE5 is not quite original; it came with a chromed-steel radiator guard and the carburetor was located under the gas tank with a curved aluminum intake manifold from the carb to the intake ports on the side of the rotor housing. I consider buying an RE5 in 1975, but instead opted for the GT750. Starting in the 1975 model year, Suzuki made some significant changes to the cylinder porting on the GT750, giving is more horsepower than the '72-'74 models. Those porting changes also made the use of aftermarket expansion chambers much more effective, allowing for approx. double the horsepower vs. the stock '72-'74 models. I put 45,000 trouble-free miles on my GT750 (I replaced the stock exhaust with expansion chambers after ~5000 miles).

[@jaja8951]

You know ur stuff my man👍 I had one in 77 it was red with a one-piece mead speed fairing and a single fibre-glass seat painted in red/gold/black WOW! Happy happy days my friend 👍

[@jaja8951]

It also had a set of drop-down bars that went round the 3 clocks 😀

[@MCW1955]

Beautiful bikes. Sure wanted to hear the re5 run !!!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Me too. Battery was low. We were short on time and it was starting to rain.

[@peterwilson8039]

Both these bikes belong in a museum.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes they do. Incredible examples.

[@HarrySmyth-ru2rt]

Beautiful bikes

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are both extremely well cared for.

[@thomasdrutschmann4653]

Moin ! I have a 77er GT 750 IT,s A great Bike !!!! greetings from Hamburg ⚓️

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are such great bikes. Thanks for watching.

[@johnnyrvf]

I remember as an 18 y/o apprentice mechanic in Chiswick, West London, U.K. bike shop in spring ‘75 when one of these RE5’s pulled up outside. It was blue. The shop was a Suzuki and Yamaha dealer and I remember the guy riding it was from Suzuki U.K., then in a small warehouse in Croydon, Surrey. My boss was a shrewd business man and knew they wouldn’t sell so never bought any examples to sell. He figured with the GT 750 in the same line up, the RE5 didn’t have enough advantage in overall performance, fuel consumption or simplicity of the mechanicals to be a serious rival. They were very complex. 3 oil pumps, 8 cables connected to the twist grip etc. In my local town here in France there is a car garage with one identical to the one in this video on display. It comes out occaisionally. The only part I suspect to be non original on the example in this video is the air filter. I don’t remember them having such a small filter setup.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are so right. They were to complex and dealers were afraid of them. Thanks for watching.

[@t140v]

Its had an SU carb fitted probably because the original had been messed with by someone who did not understand how it worked or reoair it.

[@markhinde6187]

My mate of many years has an RE5 and he takes it to all the shows, another mate has the GT750 (we call them a Kettle here in the uk) great bikes but they are both very high maintenance and they very rarely get out on the road, show bikes worth a lot of money over here

[@motorcyclerewind]

Both are amazing bikes. Fortunately, the pair of these sold to a guy in the UK shortly after we posted the video. Felt good helping the family settle the estate. Thanks for watching.

[@jefftaylor1974]

I still own the very same year of the GT750 in the same colour. The bike still runs as smoothly as it did in 1972. Great, reliable (albeit, a bit smoky) ride. Could ride at 80MPH all day long. Low vibration, steady handling. Used it for touring with two people all through the seventies. The version shown in the video is in pristine condition. A collector's item for the next buyer!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. This bike was a really great example. Thanks for watching.

[@mrwhite2628]

Awesome bikes! Would love to have both. In 1975 I had a 71T-500 Titan. My older brother had a 74 GT-750 Water Buffalo. What great times we had on those bikes. We're on to other bikes these days. But we still ride together when we can.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching.

[@rosewood1]

Superb iconic motorcycles. Love the mini fairing on the RE5 and the GT750. Wonderful motorcycles. So many wonderful dreams

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching.

[@rdanpauley1992]

You should have brought them up to Vintage Days, Love the sound of the water buff. The RE5 should bring premium money. That is a Jay Leno quality bike.

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are awesome examples. They look way better in person. Thanks for watching

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day from down under. I owned a blue re5 in the early 1980’s. Too long ago to remember much detail except I do recall it being fairly heavy & slow, back in those days I was after speed, speed & more speed, so didn’t really appreciate this bike back then. Wish I had kept it, along with most other bikes I have sold in my lifetime 🤪🤣. If I was in your area I wouldn’t hesitate, I would definitely buy it from you. Shipping it here would probably cost way too much. Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories. Hooroo mate.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching. I love hearing motorcycle stories.

[@alexgeorge2993]

Things of beauty and purpose, love them both.

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are incredible examples. Tom took meticulous care of them. And more importantly he rode them. Thanks for watching.

[@flir67man84]

Wow, a rotary engine motorcycle.. both a fine examples of art deco of the 70’s.. my dads friend use to have a mazda rotary engine sports car.

[@motorcyclerewind]

There were a few manufacturers that tried the Wankel. Sachs and Hercules had air cooled versions. They look wild. Like a turbine. Suzuki was the one that went all in on it. Almost bankrupt them. Thanks for watching.

[@MotoMango]

beautiful machines!!!

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are such great examples. The gauge cluster on the RE5 had me at, “hello”.

[@daveswarbrick5576]

Lovely seeing both such rare bikes, finding an RE5 in that condition is amazing, one thing i did notice on the RE5, the carb and intake have been changed, might be worth seeing if they have the standard parts knocking about. Here in the UK the GT750 got the nick name "kettle" or water buffalo .

[@motorcyclerewind]

They were called the Water Buffalo here as well. Suzuki called it the GT750 LeMans for the US market. Thanks for watching.

[@DocJonesGarage]

Sweet bikes, looks like they were well taken care of

[@motorcyclerewind]

They were meticulously maintained by Tom. The best part is he rode them. He still owned his first motorcycle a 1975 GT380 that he had shipped over from his home in the UK. That in he donated to the Barber Museum with 38k miles on it. Wait till you see that one. Thanks for watching.

[@andersaxelsson2196]

2 awsome bikes. In that condition 🌹👌

[@motorcyclerewind]

They were both meticulously maintained by Tom. Thanks for watching.

[@noahzark7975]

You definitely need that!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Not me. But they would look good at your house😂. Thanks for watching.

[@Titan500J]

Great example of wonderful bikes. I owned a 1973 GT 750 which I still regret selling along with my Suzuki Titan 500. Thank you for all your videos.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You have to like the GT750 it was 50% more Titan. 😂 Thanks for watching

[@johncoetzee7881]

'73 Me too did 165000km's on mine. I was 21y old then still in my garage

[@billyparrott1995]

Nice bikes, you are a good man.So glad i found your channel.Keep it up .

[@motorcyclerewind]

Happy you found the channel too! It takes a village with these old motorcycles. We all have to do our part. Thanks for watching. Please share if you know someone who would be interested. Thanks for watching.

[@billyparrott1995]

@@motorcyclerewind I am in SA JHB,your channel i think i have almost seen every post.Its awesome .Really enjoying every episode.🤗

[@karlvanboxel561]

Ex condition bikes thanx for bringing them to us

[@motorcyclerewind]

It was great to be able to share these. I have some really interesting ones in the works. Can’t wait.

[@michaeldobson8859]

I owned a red 1975 GT750 and rode it across the country on a solo trip at age 19. On one of my stopping points along the way, i had a service done on the GT750 at a Suzuki dealer outside of Pittsburgh Pa. During the service the owner allowed me to have a loaner bike and it was an RE5 Rotary in the exact same color as the one in the video. I put about 55 miles on the loaner and found it an interesting bike but not as good a bike as the GT750. The RE5 was very smooth, with a longer wheelbase and was a slower turning heavier bike than the GT750. One thing i noticed in your video was that the RE5 instrument panel spring open operation when you turn on the key does not operate as they did originally. The original operation of the cover opening actuated very slow and deliberate. The cover did not just spring open instantly. The slow operation made it kinda spooky and space age, as does the shape of the tail light.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That had to be an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing.

[@henrydegan6204]

I am lucky enough to own both of these bikes. Bought the Gt750 as an upgrade to my GT500 in 85 or 86 for basically no money. Did ride it til 95 when I did an upgrade to the Yamaha Vmax. Always had more than 1 bike but the GT750 was the main bike till it got retired and the brand new Vmax 1200 took over. The RE5 I was offered by someone also for no money and I would have been an idiot not to take it. Both the G750 and the RE5 however far from that perfection that your bikes have.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Such amazing motorcycles. Thanks for watching.

[@BanjoLuke1]

A physics teacher at my school had an RE5 when I was maybe 12 in 1975 or 1976. It was a mad shade of bright metallic green. At that age, it was the coolest thing we'd seen.

[@motorcyclerewind]

At the age I am now the gauge cluster is the best thing ever. Thanks for watching.

[@BanjoLuke1]

@@motorcyclerewind It is cool! At 12, we just used to see the highest speed marked on the speedo and assume it did that speed....

[@Antony_Pt]

My god, wonderful motorcycle. Wow. ✌️😎

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are both very beautiful. Thanks for watching.

[@Intrepid175a]

A friend of mine had an RE5 for just under a year before it was stolen. He never saw it again.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Dang that stinks

[@stephencox4224]

What were they thinking with that carb setup on the RE5, Which is by the way is a 1973 Model the last year of production was 1974 where they ran GT 750 Instruments style wise and a GT 750 Tail light. The original RE5 Carb setup was on the right hand side and from memory was an 18m Primary and 32mm secondary vacuum operated and in some ways that made the bike an absolute bucking bronco to ride as the Vacuum operated secondary never seemes to come in twice at the same point and when you went from an 18mm Primary carb port to a 32 mm secondary there was a massive surge in power. Not such a nice thing to experience on a wet and twisty road and I note that CV carb also has an accelerator pump probably a decade before they appeared on Motorcycles one of the first being the original GsxR 750 that ran 29mm smoothebore Mikuni Flatslide carbs the 1986 Model went to 34mm CV Carbs so the 29mm flat slide smooth bores with an accelerator pump were quite rare and thankfully My 1985 GsxR 750 F in Red and Black the rarer color scheme has the original carbs still. The 1972 GT 750 was pretty rare in having a four leading shoe double sided drum brake much desired by people building 1960's period correct Cafe racers as other options such as Grimeca are expensive and TR 350 Yamaha roadracers are so expensive any parts such as their 4 leading shoe brakes are ouch expensive then we have Fontana and Oldani Italian race brakes now available as new reproductions but cost Thousands and originals most Fontanas and many Oldanis were Magnesium and can suffer age related stress craks making them only suitable for Museum exhibition use. Just as I have a Nice 1985 Original early model GsxR 750 I am lucky enough to have found a 1972 GT 750 4 leading shoe drum brake as these days they are becoming quite expensive and that is put aside for a future project

[@motorcyclerewind]

Stephen, I would love to talk motorcycles with you. Contact me [e-mail] and let’s find some time. Thanks for sharing

[@emmettjohnson8220]

A couple corrections. The RE5 was built in 75 and 76. The 75 had the covered instruments, and the 76 had the GT750 style instruments and tail light. The carb was out the left side on both.

[@Intrepid175a]

One of the nice things about 2-strokes is that, even after all these years, it still has the original exhaust on it. You'll never that on a 4-stroke bike.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thats the beauty of a two-stroke

[@michelevolz7769]

Very cool!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes they are. Both incredible examples.

[@uni-byte]

These bikes are 50 years old. When they were new, a bike that was 50 years old would have been from the 1920s. However, these still look very modern and pertinent and would not be out of place on the road today. Unlike a 1920s bike back in the 1970s which would just look like a junky museum piece. These, on the other hand, seem kind of ageless.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are so right. The design of these bikes have aged well. Thanks for watching.

[@aussiebloke609]

I'd like to have an RE5, as it's a fascinating oddity, but I'd _love_ to have a well-maintained water bottle. My neighbours had a brace of them when I was a kid (amongst other bikes - last I saw them, they had over 150 bikes scattered around the garage, shed, and various storage units) and swore up and down they were one of the best bikes of their time for long distance touring, with enough oomph for a little spirited riding when you came across some twisties. My only problem is that I don't have the money to either buy or maintain bikes such as this - it's hard enough to keep my '79 Honda CB750-F on the road these days. And I do believe that old motorcycles should be ridden regularly, and for significant distance. No trailer queens for me, I like having something interesting and vintage, and still putting at least 6,000 miles on it each year - more if the weather holds out. 👍 Shame about all the exhaust smoke. I don't remember the GT model ever being so prone to oil burning, and my own '72 GT250 never had any visible smoke from the exhaust. I don't know if it's something different in the 2-stroke oil these days, or if people are trying to run them on premix...but it shouldn't be that way.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The RE5 is definitely a fascinating oddity. With regards to the smoke. This was the first start in many months. Thanks for watching.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

This was my dream motorcycle when I was shopping for a new cycle in 1975. I saw it on the showroom floor and wanted it bad! But it was very expensive when they were first introduced. I bought a brand new Honda 550 Four for half the price of an RE5. I would love to have this bike and price is very good for what it is. But alas now I'm retired so money is as tight now as it was in 1975.

[@motorcyclerewind]

1975 CB550 four is a great bike. Thanks for watching.

[@adamwelsh2463]

Lovely condition, absolutely mint. Yet another model I owned, in fact I had two........one after another from "81 to "85. "75 L model. Make sure you know how to use feeler guages for the three sets of points, and a timing light. Needs regular long fast runs to keep carbon build up out of the exhaust baffles. Keep spare spark plugs on you at all times, and a plug socket. Handling not so great, but so laid back. Nice to see them still alive.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Tom meticulously maintained all of his bikes. Thanks for watching.

[@jibjab351]

The RE5 was an innovative bike and looks great, alas the good points end there. Expensive,heavy,slow and thirsty. Oh and most mechanics would not touch it as it was so alien.

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are definitely weird which makes them appealing to me. Thanks for watching.

[@orwellboy1958]

Beautiful machines. I never saw a RE5 with that enclosed instrument cluster before. All the best from the U.K. 👍🇬🇧

[@motorcyclerewind]

I think they made some alterations to try to get people to buy them. The gauges are some of my favorites design elements. Thanks for watching.

[@stephencox4224]

That round cluster was a first model RE5 thing

[@leeandjancruise]

@@stephencox4224 That was the 'M' model followed by the 'A' model that had more conventional instruments very similar to the GT750 at the time.

[@stephencox4224]

@@leeandjancruise My Bad 1973 was the official release of the RE5 which would have made my assumption correct but they were late getting to overseas markets and the Japanese have a habit of starting next years model range release half way through the preceeding year. We in Australia will see the new Kawasaki ZX4RR in August this year but from past experience they will call it a 2024 model not 2023. Few people realise that the 10th digit in a 17 digit vin code signifies the Year of Manufacture but that often does not match with the "Build Plate". I have seen as an example BMW R 1200 C Cruisers plated as 2005 Models in Australia but when I checked out the VIn they were manufactured in 1998. The VIN signifies what country they were built in, What Plant they were manufactured in and the date of completion but that is not required to match the build plates affixed by Importers in the Country of sale even if the Importer is a factory subsiduary Company of the actual manufacturer.

[@madmaxsdog8040]

I started riding in the mid 70s and I think Suzuki missed an opportunity with the RE5, it was perceived as more or less a direct competitor with the GT750 which I remember being cheaper, if they'd styled it differently enough it probably would have sold more, obviously it was yrs later but maybe something like the Katana Edit, , The Katana styling probably wouldn't suit it, I just used it as an example.

[@motorcyclerewind]

This RE5 was so cool Thanks for watching.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Two great examples of why the Japanese have been so successful. They where not afraid to try something different, not afraid to fail in the market place. The RE5 was never a success but good on them for trying. GT750 much more popular but killed off by the 70s oil crisis IIRC. Although a Kawasaki guy at heart I always thought the GT750 a more sophisticated bit 2 stroke compared to Kawasaki's thuggish H2s. Many thanks for sharing. Are you tempted yourself?

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are so right on both counts. The RE5 was such a gamble for Suzuki. Let’s face it Mazda was the only one to be successful with the Wankel. The GT750 was more refined that the H2. Which may have been it’s downfall. Interesting journey with these two time capsules. Thanks for watching

[@spaceflight1019]

It wasn't the 1973 Arab oil embargo, it was the EPA banning two stroke road bikes. But not to shed a tear, because we got the legendary GS line to replace the mosquito foggers.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

@@spaceflight1019 Thanks, thats interesting, we didnt get the ban in the UK hence me assuming it was the oil embargo. So with the ban in place does that mean you guys didnt get the later RD500LC or RG500?

[@spaceflight1019]

@@twowheelsoneleg5672 No, and we also got stiffed on the Yamaha YZV500R two stroke V4 sportbikes, although Canada and Mexico got them.

[@gonegliding2966]

If they're not sold in a very short time, I'd be surprised. Stunning condition for original and very keenly priced. Unfortunately too expensive to ship to Aus.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I agree. The are fine examples of these two motorcycles. Thanks for watching.

[@garydunn3037]

What is that on the left side of the bike, it looks like something you would put flowers in at a Graveyard? Don't think I've seen that on an RE5 before.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Not sure. That was the only time I saw the bike.

[@garydunn3037]

What about the Van Veen OCR1000 rotary nobody mentions them these days. The engine was originally designed for a car, that got ditched. So, they made a motorcycle out of it.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Gonna have to look into that one. Thanks for sharing. I love learning about new bikes.

[@osampoandnews]

The RE5 was designed by renowned Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Such a beautiful motorcycle.

[@NorickFZS25]

In Japan, the GT750 was nicknamed "Water Buffalo".

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s what it’s called here as well. I think Suzuki officially called it the GT750 LeMans for US import. Thanks for watching.

[@keithburnett-i7f]

Oh that sound! ....oh wait?

[@motorcyclerewind]

They do sound great! …oh wait???

[@harryviking6347]

I bought a new GT750 in -73 but it was upgraded with diskbrakes! A real fun bike! Except going down the mountains in Norway with no engine brake!😆😆

[@motorcyclerewind]

That just makes the ride more interesting. Especially when you forget. 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@harryviking6347]

@@motorcyclerewind 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@PatrickEveno-l5k]

👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching

[@adriangmcveigh9154]

Sold yet ? What kind of money to ship both down under to Australia ?

[@motorcyclerewind]

They were both sold within a week of posting. Beautiful motorcycles.

[@adriangmcveigh9154]

@motorcyclerewind awesome thank you .. a great for the family hope they got a good dollar for them and they went to a good home too 🙏🙏

[@mrjlarsen]

What a steel Triple the price

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching.

[@daveco1270]

Is the Honda CB750 for sale? Looks like a 1975.

[@motorcyclerewind]

It was the guy who bought it was getting ready to ride it home. I think it was a 75 and beautiful. Thanks for watching.

[@markr.1984]

The handlebars on the GT750 so not look stock. They are a bit too angles upward and very high. All years GT750s had fairly 'low-rise" handle bars.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching.

[@ww50r]

whats with the shinko tires

[@motorcyclerewind]

Not sure. 🤔 thanks for watching.

[@billwessels207]

I bought the 750

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. Hope you enjoy it.

[@billwessels207]

@@motorcyclerewind I did. I bought it for $1000.00 in the early 70,so

[@billwessels207]

It was extremely reliable and I rode it from Clarkston Washington to Cooper city Florida. 3750 miles to visit my parents.

[@glengerdes4158]

Buy the Gt750, pass on the. Re5. Can’t get parts. A friend of mine has one, very underpowered

[@motorcyclerewind]

I think you buy the GT750 for performance and the RE5 for the oddity that it is. It’s funny about how bikes that weren’t popular in the day find a away to be popular years later.

[@jaja8951]

How much did they go for?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I believe they sold for $18k tor the pair.

[@jaja8951]

@@motorcyclerewind that’s a bargain 😳 Wish I had seen it earlier

[@motorcyclerewind]

I agree, it was a fair price!

[@davekintz7170]

Prices?

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are asking 9k for each.

[@bigrockauto]

Bring a trailer - great bikes!!

[@TringmotionCoUk]

2 stroke is very sensible for a wankel. A lot of Mazdas have been converted - it's much better for the rotor tips

[@motorcyclerewind]

Emissions probably kept Mazda from doing that. Thanks for watching

[@SeanMadden-o8q]

Great bikes in mint condition. Don't think Greta thunberg would appreciate them .

[@motorcyclerewind]

You may be wrong. Suzuki ran an ad campaign in the 60’s that said, “You get more nookie on a Suzuki”😂

[@stevefletcher2334]

motorcycle porn...ohhhhhh, yeeeaaahhh

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes sir!!! Feel free to watching it over and over. 😂 Thanks for watching

[@kurtyoung6769]

7:45 liar! "probably hadn't been started in months"! Smoke was curling out the bottom pipe during the walk around before you started it!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Before we started it that day. Thanks for watching