The Story of the Suzuki GT750 | The Civilized Superbike

The Suzuki GT750, also known as the Water Buffalo or Kettle, has a unique place in the history of 1970s Japanese motorcycles, with its water-cooled two-stroke engine, twin disc brakes and reputation for being a civilized and comfortable classic bike. In this film, we look at all the models and see what makes them different, from the GT750 J to the final GT750 B.
Shot with Marc Earl at Earl Classics and Paul Brace at Properbikes.
www.earlclassi... www.properbike...
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[@tangohotel0815]

Bought my GT 750 brand new when i was 22 . Now, at the age of 67 , i still have my „ Wasserbüffel“ ( Kettle, waterbuffalo…..😉) It is literally a time machine. Every time i ride this wonderful bike , i feel like 22 again…. Regards from Germany

[@jensnitsche4994]

So gehts mir mit meiner Goldwing von 76

[@eagleairborne7132]

​@@jensnitsche4994the Goldwing is the Goldwing, It oozes class.

[@Ctaff63]

Good for you young man. I am from UK , I am 60 years young , and I loved the GTs thev750 ,380 ,550 . What a sound. The 750 always had that deeper sound, glorious. I was lucky to have worked in Germany for many years, fantastic people . Great country. Enjoy your Kettle . 😊👍👍

[@derekbunting2862]

Oxford classic motorcycles have a nice one for sale at the moment, I'm tempted because they are so different

[@K22MDL]

I owned a low mileage GT750 in 1990 and regretted selling it. I was 34 years old then. Now 68, I'm viewing an immaculate nut and bolt restoration example tomorrow morning. I'm probably too old to enjoy one now but at least I can pull up a chair and look at it with fond memories. Can't take money with you ...

[@dellawrence4323]

God I miss two stroke beasts, send me back to the 70's or 80's please.

[@david_sdiego]

They were hot in the 60's too. The Suzuki X6 Hustler (250cc twin) was incredible.

[@harryviking6347]

Lol! Yes, we used to love creating a "smoke carpent" over the roads when we raced with our Kawa 350s, 500s and the Suzuikis!! So much fun! And that great sound!! .....sob....I get sentimental.....

[@musiclover5023]

I am not a big fan of modern motorbikes at all the 70s motor cycling world was another world altogether.

[@winthropbaker5494]

Keep madona...the smokey rides rule..

[@gerry5134]

If Suzuki were to reproduce these bikes would emissions laws allow it ?

[@johnhorlick4566]

I appreciate you doing this video. In 1975 I got out of the army in Fairbanks ak, and rode my 72 green (blue?) Gt750 home to new jersey. That was an adventure of a lifetime, a milestone in my life.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks for watching. Really glad you liked the film :-) That must have been a great ride back then!

[@Supercell725]

@@BrightsideMedia that must have been quite an adventure getting out of the army, then riding 4K miles home. I wouldn’t doubt you had a smile on your face all the way home.

[@rubensahak9178]

you should write a book.Not kidding

[@jreg2007]

over 4000 miles? 4266 to be specific thats a feat of endurance well done

[@PokySan]

Make a story telling coffee drinking video about it:)

[@stellarpod]

I had a 1976 GT750 in exactly the same color as the one you've featured here. I bought it new at "That Place Suzuki" in Oklahoma City, OK - USA. It was an absolutely wonderful bike, and truly a *superbike* in its day. While the GS750 four-stroke eclipsed this superb two-stroke touring bike, the "water buffalo" still holds a special place in my heart. The sound of that triple two-stroke continues to resonate fondly in my memory. A few things to note: First, it was not a particularly well-handling bike at speed. Push it to approaching 100mph (161kph) or better and the chassis became outright scary flexy, albeit well-mannered at normal cruising speeds. Secondly, the electric start was convenient, but just didn't have the muscle to turn that motor over when the temperature dropped below 40°F (4.5°C). As it was my only mode of transport at the time, starting duties were relegated to the kick-starter on cold winter mornings (no big deal really, as it happily started on the first kick). The twin disc brakes up front were a Godsend, as the bike was heavy and having two rotors/calipers really helped to haul her down. Finally, you certainly wanted to make sure you kept the chain taut, as throwing a drive chain would likely result in destroying the digital gear indicator switch, rendering that feature mute. And, trust me, chain technology in those days was clearly lacking, as they stretched in horribly short-order. Had I the funds in my retirement today I'd absolutely own another, if just for nostalgic reasons. As always, thanks so much for sharing this with us. What memories it stirs! Steve

[@bsastarfire250]

As a teenager , late 70s, I was walking home with crash hat in hand . A GT750 pulled up and offered me a lift. The bike seemed the quietest ,most powerful and comfortable thing . Only went a few miles in town , but it's stayed with me . It was a red later model ,GT750 A ?

[@Supercell725]

I’ve been waiting for this video, thank you so much for putting it together, what a masterpiece. I’m 64 and I had a 72 model while I was in high school. I had no idea at the time I was riding a classic. I sold it and bought a CB 550 four to take to college. I had a lot of motorcycles back in the day and I remember my water buffalo turned a few heads being water cooled. Again, thank you gentlemen for a excellent video. I ride a GW now and before that a 97 Valkyrie. The day I’m not able to ride will be the beginning of the end for me. With respect, Larry Oklahoma USA

[@BrightsideMedia]

You're very welcome Larry. Really glad you enjoyed the video. Of course nobody really knew that they were riding a classic back in the day. But part of the reasons they are classics are the good memories people like you had of riding them. That and the fact that they look so distinctive. We hope you get to keep on riding for a long time to come! And feel free to subscribe to the channel if you like.

[@Supercell725]

@@BrightsideMedia I’ve been a member since I discovered you guys, you guys beat anything on tv over here in this embarrassing country I live in now. Ride safe and often, I’m looking forward to your next video, who knows, I might of had one of them back in the day. Thank you again for top notch entertainment and informative media. With respect, Larry

[@BrightsideMedia]

Ah, thanks for subscribing, we really appreciate it. And thanks as well for the kind words! We're working on our plans for the next round of films. We're trying to line up a nice feature on the Honda RC30, the Africa Twin and the BMW R80 G/S, amongst others 😉

[@duanetrivett750]

The J model was my favorite, the big drum brakes up front and the badges . The color on your bike is my favorite for the 71 . Thanks for the video .

[@midgoog2]

I loved my " Water Bottle " but the constant attention to the exhaust crossover tubes rattling and leaking was a pain so I replaced the system with a 3 into 1 made by Bromleck. This cured the rattle and gave the bike a exhaust note akin to a banshee scream at wide throttle openings. The handbook stressed to use only Suzuki brand oil in the tank. I found aircooled 2 stroke oils would foul the plugs with lead bridging but marine 2 stroke was a suitable replacement for the expensive branded product. Living in Australia the Suzi clocked up huge mileage touring and everyday riding. The long distance comfort level was superb and with a spot light added for night cruising it just ate up the kilometres. Sadly I had to part with it when my now wife entered the scene. She refused to get on it and held the not uncommon view that bike riders were temporary citizens. After going to the darkside getting a 4 wheeler I did manage to sneak a GTS 750 4 stroke for my needs into the garage. Another superb bike. Eric

[@smitajky]

It is funny. Parts of your story are similar to mine. My wife drove motorcycles and she came on the back of the 750 but she wouldn't drive it. Too high, too wide and too heavy. So I replaced it with a moto morini 3 1/2 v twin. I didn't have any trouble with the engine but the lack of rear travel on the suspension and the position of the rear footpegs made it not as good for the pillion as such a large machine should have been.

[@petergerritgroen3157]

Met vriendin naar tt in Assen, en de vrouw thuis 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@vmontijo]

Y8

[@vmontijo]

😅

[@vmontijo]

😊 3:58 ifv😅j😅 4:30 😅😊 6:23 😅ohj😊😊😊😅😊

[@peteterry2877]

Love the GT750. Still got my '76 A model. Better condition now than the day I bought it 40 years ago (for £450)

[@bapete5159]

I’ll give you £500 for it hehe.....Great Bike ......👍🇬🇧🤓

[@stevecrocker6904]

great to hear - I sold my blue '76 model early 1980 to get off bikes till the children were nearly finished school. No more bikes till 2001

[@subbieeeee]

I'll gazump you £550 😃@@bapete5159

[@jimcowley330]

I was a teenager in 70s what a fantastic time I would not swap my youth for any thing suzuki I miss it so much.

[@altonkenne579]

You aren't alone .all I could afford on my paper route was a 1975 GT 250 but it was an awesome little bike. Very quick for it's heavy weight and small engine I keep reading that top speed was 100 mph on that machine but I had a friend that was a local city cop. He would let me run it 2 miles north of town after tuning it and many times I would get a top speed of 111 mph. I miss the vibrating little monster and the smell of cci 2 stroke oil. Makes me realized how old I am now

[@eliapozzani4019]

Just bought a 1975 GT 750 M. It’s an oddly sophisticated 2-stroke, I think the only one designed for a true grand touring use: the torque is magnificent, the engine seems to rev infinitely and the throttle response is so smooth. Just astonishing for a 70s bike. Pure japanese engineering. I think I’ve fallen in love.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Well put, that's exactly what it's for. And it's properly put together as well ;-)

[@mindspinn311]

Learned a lot from this video. Never knew it was so refined. I now officially want one of these more than the H2 triple. Suzuki remains my favorite Japanese motorbike manufacturer.

[@shannonwittman950]

I'm with you, Alex. Way back when I was a young buck, I lusted for the Kaw Mach III, though it was hard to keeping its front wheel on the ground. Today, much older and a little wiser, I officially prefer the Beautious Water Buffalo. Besides its smoothness and reliability, its a head-turner wherever you take it.

[@rwd323]

Me too, Suzuki have done some fantastic stuff over the years

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's true that it turns heads, especially the first J in pink with the exhaust cones and the liberally applied chrome on the A.

[@kuladeeluxe]

The GT550 might be the best of the 3. Rode one briefly long ago as well as a GT380, which was a great bike,

[@Johnketes54]

@@kuladeeluxe The 550 which I had sold the least out of the three models,I wanted the 380 but asking price second hand was well over priced so settled for the larger and faster machine,

[@johngraham5521]

I had the L model of the Suzuki GT750s Best bike I ever had. You could ride it all day (300 to 400 miles) and get off and walk normally, seating was excellent. Two of my friends had CB750s, I could match their fuel consumption and sometimes beat them. That top gear power brilliant, I could always accelerate away a CB 750, they had to down shift to match me. Only modification I did to mine was drill the front discs, (Ducati 750 pattern). Reason breaking in the rain, you didn't slow down for quite a distance, scarey stuff. After drilling the discs you heard a slight buzzing sound, BUT in the rain YOU STOPPED. I think the weight reduction also helped handling. Breaking in the dry brilliant. Only sold it to help pay the house mortage.

[@CC-mb8fi]

That blue that you riding, i had the exact same Bike I did some mods tho - front fork brace - 1/2 inch spacer on top of the front fork springs -25mL (if i remember correctly) extra front fork oil -sintered metal disc pads on the twin discs -porting work and re-jetting of carbs -expansion pipes -S&W shocks on the rear -had seat cut in front for rider position and re-upholstered to look like a modern day superbikes but inspired by race bikes -halogen light to enable me to see better -bikini fairing colour matched -Thomaselli style adjustable "clip ons" handlebar -smaller sprocket at rear for top end street racing and touring, swapped out for a much larger rear if going to do Fri and Sat stoplight drags..... Did over 180,000km on that bike. Fuel consumption was not good, but with the smaller sprocket for touring it did do better. Avon or Michelin tyres were always bought for the bike All those hard km, and NEVER missed a heartbeat, let me down or overheated Fantastic bike. Sold it to get my first Yamaha 1.1 shaftie...... Another fantastic bike and super reliable as well. Wish i still had the GT750. Was my first superbike. And Barry Sheene was my racing hero.....

[@jreg2007]

my first ride pillion at 12 years old way back in 95 was on my uncle's gt750 M. He totally rebuilt it. what a screamer it was. fond memories that started my affinity for 2 smokes. just the smell is enough to cheer me up.

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's a good 'ole dose of nasal nostalgia ;-)

[@davedemo8229]

i still have my 74 brown h2 and 76 gt750 just like yours in the video. you described them perfectly. Ill never get rid of mine. This is the second one for me. Hit a deer and totaled mine. Got out of the hospital and restored another while still nursing 8 broken ribs. That was the healing process.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Oh wow, what a story! Hope you've healed up well. Hang on to your GT, you certainly won't regret doing that.

[@radioguy1620]

A great way to spend a day , detailing your GT750. Then showing it off. Had 75 and two GT 380's. Great video work and content. Regards from Connecticut.USA

[@clivegretton4535]

Bought mine in 1977 which is a black B model. Still have it. Loved it then and love it even more now. Thanks for the video, been watching out for it since you announced that you were going to do this. Didn't dissapoint, well done.

[@markhenry192]

I used to have a Suzuki 1977 GT500 2 stroke twin in mint condition. Loved that bike and so many fond memories of it.

[@BrightsideMedia]

We hope the film brought some of those fond memories back :-)

[@clay1883]

I had a 1971 GT 750. I thought the purple was a very attractive color. It was one of the best bikes I have ever owned. I beat the hell out of it for 60,000 miles and the next owner rolled the odometer over 100,000 with no problems. It was not a typical 2 stroke. It had pretty good low rpm torque, and enough horsepower to have a windshield and ride two up at good speed. It would not run with the 750 Kaw, but it didn't have that annoying narrow power band either. Never fouled a plug, and it never failed to make a round trip. I rode it to work winter and summer until I could afford to buy a car. I always thought it strange that the owners manual and a decal under the gas lid said "regular octane gas only" , no hi-test! Mine had drum brakes, not disc. They were adequate, but not great. I should have kept it!

[@CC-mb8fi]

I had the blue GT 750 with the chrome airbox Did some rose jointing on the chassis, S&W shocks on the back, thicker fork oil and a brace in front, a 10mm spacer on top of the springs to help stiffen front. Did some porting and expansion pipes, jetting etc with a 1 tooth drop on front sprocket. It became the 2 stroke launch nightmare with the torque and power much higher untill everything kicked in. Was good for 247kmh top end after that. And the "flexi flier" became a reasonably decent canyon or track carver on better tyres. But i remember vividly, riding with 2x cooldrink bottles of petrol in my back pack because i only got between 160 and 170 km on a tank before it sputtered to a stop. Fuel consumption was an issue after the mods. But i suppose being modded to race bike tune and going like the clappers you couldnt expect better. Never ever ever had heating problems in the hot dry climate of South Africa. And even in modded trim with cut down seat for racing, it was comfortable to cruise on all day with its Tomaselli adjustable handlebars and bikini headlight fairing. The sound from the expansion pipes as you blasted full throttle past cars and trucks or reverberating back at you from a mountain cutting.....unforgettable Just longed for a larger fuel tank But an unforgettable bike

[@Banditmanuk]

Your vids are a class above most other KZbin fare. Love the look and sound of the kettle. Thanks for making the vid.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you for saying so, we really try to make the best possible films we can and put a great deal of time and effort into getting them as perfect as they can be. So it's great to hear that subscribers like you appreciate it :-)

[@Johnketes54]

As I understood stood it "kettle" was a derogatory term as it was always boiling over,Probably due to the silly idea of putting a top up cap,and not making it a sealed unit as they did with the oil cooled four strokes

[@wtrbflo72]

Suzuki never had a model year '71. The J models were '72. 1972 modelEdit The first model year (1972), the GT750J, had a double-sided, twin-leading shoe, 200 mm drum front brake with 180 mm drum rear. The Exhaust Coupler Tube System (ECTS) that connected the left- and right-side exhausts together was designed to boost low-end torque. Carburetors were 32 mm Mikuni slide type and power output was 67 bhp at 6,500 rpm. Also included was Suzuki's SRIS (Suzuki Recycle Injection System) which was a method for lowering the visible exhaust smoke by collecting and burning residual oil/gas lying in the bottom of the crank chambers. This was a first for any two-stroke from any manufacturer.[4]

[@jorulfkolsvik7457]

True. Thats why this engine was beyond others. Before other manufactorers all must get things together. Then came the 4-stroke and concern about invorenment. Which is right.

[@ramishrambarran3998]

Thanks for such a wonderful video. BM is always great ! I am 65 years old, and in my country (Trinidad, West Indies) there was only one GT 750. Around 1976 I owned a used GT 550. Generally Trinidadians do not like motorcycles, up till today. And traditionally, everything motorcycle is VERY expensive. The owners of imported sportbikes have to go online to purchase anything for their bikes, mainly American models. There is one Suzuki dealer here, with three or four models, after decades of absence. There is one Yamaha dealer with models made for the Indian market. There is a Hero dealer too....very small. When I was young, there were more motorcycles per capita than today. Trinidadians will spend hours in traffic jams (we have so many cars !) but will never buy a bike ! I still ride. Trinidad & Tobago.

[@BrightsideMedia]

You're very welcome :-) Really glad you enjoyed the film(s). Shame it's so difficult to get nice bikes out there. You can always try to import them? In any case, keep riding and ride safe!

[@ramishrambarran3998]

@@BrightsideMedia Thanks for your reply. Importing a bike comes with its own package. We pay 20% Customs Duty on Invoice Cost, Insurance and Freight and handling. Add that cost to the bike's Invoice Cost and work out 12.5% Value Added Tax . Then we pay about US 25 cents per cc. So a 600cc used bike costing US$5,000 imported from Florida ends up costing you about US$9,000. Then whenever you need a part, you have to import it ! Regards. Ramish.

[@davidfotheringham2480]

@@ramishrambarran3998 That's a bummer

[@ramishrambarran3998]

@@davidfotheringham2480 Yes, it is. Last June I sold my 2004 R1150RT which I imported from Germany in 2004, and my "lifesaver" 1997 Honda Nighthawk 250. The only choice (for my age and health issue) I had was the Yamaha FZ250. It cost me US$4,382 ! The other choice was the Suzuki V-Strom 250 (which I really love) for US$5,294, but a mechanic friend advised me against it as the dealer may not have parts and service available. Suzuki Latin America in Colombia supply our local dealer here, who really sells outboard engines. Too, since it is not a US model, buying anything online would have to come from the UK........very costly ! Then I was thinking about the Honda CB300R. But it would cost me US$6,000 in Florida. With shipping and handling everything would total about US$7,352. So I decided to go for the Yamaha which has a ok dealership. Importing a bike 300cc and under is tax free in Trinidad & Tobago.

[@bluehazeboy]

Bought mine in 95 , absolutely loved it & still do, fully restored in 2019,also had a1200 bandit,I had put the kettle into storage,& only used the bandit,1st ride out on the gt brought back the confidence in my riding,few months latter I sold the bandit

[@RayCis1]

I had one, back in '75, the '73 model with the 2 front discs and the constant vacuum carbs, when I rode 60mph, the engine ran about 3200rpm, felt more like an electric engine, I loved it, the quietness of that engine. On straight highways and lengthy shallow curves it handled adequate, but fast and agile cornering, it felt wobbly. Improved it a bit with needle-bearings. Comfort was absolutely fine...the soft seat was perfect. Traded it in 16 months later for a new GS750, by far my best (wish I had one today!), not in the least because its handling curves on the road, had that one for almost 4,5 years. After that I lost interest, and after 38 years of non-riding, I got infected by the motor-virus again (no vaccine available for that!) and I ran into a very cheap (only 2400 euro's) Honda CBF600SA from 2010. Felt like I stepped into the future; ABS, perfect handling...I can't fault that Honda in any way, only thing is, it lacks 'character'. As one doesn't need 75HP anymore, toying now with the idea of trading it in for a RE Himalayan...That bike lacks power, but it does have character....

[@BrightsideMedia]

Character is what it's all about when riding super fast all the time is no longer your thing. It's about enjoying the entire package rather than just one element of performance. The GS is also a great bike for the exact reasons you say: handling. Did you see our film about it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH2ypnafiLKnf7M

[@suzukigt7502]

I had one back in the day, so back down memory lane, I've got myself another, brilliant to ride and can't stop ☺ smiling.

[@TheKelzer]

Owned quite a few road going 2-strokes. GT750 is still on the short list of "need to buy before I die". Great review guys.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks very much 😊 Glad you liked it. Get one while you can!

[@michaelnolan5832]

I traded a 1970 Triumph Tiger 650 in on a 1972, which was bronze or brown, or gold, depending on the lighting. Mine had a problem with fouling plugs that turned out to be a bad head gasket. Suzuki offered a disc brake conversion kit for $150 which I put on it because the front drum brake wouldn't hold the bike from rolling backwards on a hill (or maybe I just thought the dual discs looked cool). The kit included a new wheel with discs, new forks, new fender, new tire, hydraulic brake master cylinder, and a matching front brake lever. Eventually traded it in for a 1974 model. and then traded that one in on a Kawasaki 903 Z1B. They all were great bikes in their day.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Yes, they were 😊 And they looked the part too😎

[@KenLittlefield]

Bought my J-model (first ones made) two weeks out of Nam. Over 70,000 miles (and through every state in CONUS). Not a single malfunction, ever. Started riding in 1966 (Yamaha YR2C), still riding today, currently own a BMW 1250 RS, Moto Guzzi V-100S and a Ducati 937 Monster. I've moved on, but damn, that was a great bike! BTW, at 74 I'm looking forward to my third 10,000 mile summer tour on the RS. Beautiful!

[@davej3487]

Nice Vid. Lots of agreement here. These are mostly an over looked Super Bike. I got my 1975 GT750 new with my Army reenlistment money. :) I rode it stock for years then I ported the intake and exhaust ports and woke that sucker up. Replaced the toe shifter three times. My friends called it Smokey Bear because it smoked and it was a bear of a brute when racing. It ran 11 second 1/4 mile.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-) Glad you lied it. 11 is one very fast quarter mile! And Smoky Bear is a great name. What a cool bike!

[@johnbellamy6449]

had a 1976 model in orange colour. bought a used Watsonian side car g p sports, went to Birmingham to the works and bought sidecar fittings.Cyril Heath was very helpful with instructions on how to fit sidecar to bike. after some trial and error went to the Isle of man T T the next morning with our 3 year old on board, his mum riding pillion. the bike was very flexible and cruised at 60 on the M6. great memories.our son now 49 still has the size 0 open face helmet ,packed out with a woolly hat on display on his sideboard in his living room. i am now 73 ,wife 71 and we all still ride solo. we are in the u k . the worst thing were the Bridgestone tyres of the time ,especially riding it solo.

[@curtishill6490]

I had a 73 for my first street bike in 84! Loved it , let a friend ride it and he crashed! Thought he was on a dirt bike or something. Remember that exhaust sound💯thanks for the trip down memory lane 👍👍👍the water buffalo 😁

[@dave8204]

These seem to grown a legend since they were sold new. As the guy says they were a "heavyweight cruiser" rather than the fire-breathing sportster those who were not around then seem to have it. A big part of their popularity was also that they were cheapest 750 you could buy by quite a long way towards the end because 2 strokes were on the way out. That and with younger people riding big bikes back then it looked very impressive with the radiator etc. The GT500 is the same,a cheap parts bin special to flog off an old model,it cost less than the GT250A model that seemingly is a classic now. I had one and it was a great runabout but no more than that. I also had a GT380 and GT550,the latter was lovely bike

[@philiplee7604]

The Suzuki GT750J Model, was released INTERNATIONALLY in 1972 ( it was available in 1971, BUT ONLY IN JAPAN ) I purchased this model brand new in Australia and owned it for 7 years with faultless reliability and it NEVER overheated. The build quality of the 1972 model was not equaled by subsequent models. Aesthetically, the chrome, tank, side covers, coned exhaust tips etc; just came together seamlessly and beautifully. I profoundly regret selling the bike, as the J model is now worth a small fortune.

[@BrightsideMedia]

A great bike indeed

[@loveisall5520]

Oh, I remember these so well! I was in college when these were out, I was riding a BMW R60 and these reminded me of cars with that radiator. They fascinated me when I saw them riding around Houston.

[@scopex2749]

I rodea a GT250 in the 70's for several years as a 'learner' (before regs and restrictins came in) and passed my test on it back in '78 and after riding that fir a while I bought a matching blue Kettle. These things were the fastest things around (apart from from the Kwaka H2's it was all blue smoke and 'wing dings' in those days! (2 strokes) My bike was identical to yours and I put over 50k on her before moving on to a Z1. I still love their sound and body numbing acceleration! I woud give a limb to have one again!

[@psalm2forliberty577]

You've gotta give Suzuki Motor Co credit, they come out with unique offerings ! This GT750 was definitely one. My 1986 Samurai 4x4 was truly a crazy fun little Ute turned rock crawler. I also enjoyed my 1987 "Quadzilla" LT500 Quadracer a single cylinder 500cc water-cooled "Thumper" a real torque monster. This was the quad they stopped making as they were deemed too powerful & fast to be safely ridden. I agree it was gnarly beast with more horsepower than chassis lol. Now I enjoy my Suzuki V-Strom DL 650 Adventure Touring bike as much as those prior rigs !

[@karl_m3013]

Bought a used '75 in grey from my buddy back in the day. Tons of memories riding all over Eastern Canada and US. Loved the bike. I had a Windjammer and a back box. Upgraded to a '78 GS1000. In 2001 I bought a '76 GT 750. It was so small. I remembered it as a big bike back in the day. Rode is a few times. Modern bikes handle and stop so much better. I just used it for a few Sunday rides. Traded it in for my first race bike, a Suzuki SV650. The rest, as they say, is history. I raced for 12 years and even entered Canadian Pro Superbike races.

[@BrightsideMedia]

The perfect ride for touring across North America. GS1000 wouldn't have been bad for that either to be fair. Sure, the modern bikes ride better, but the older ones look so much cooler.

[@graemecofield2292]

I had the B model 1977 in black ....absolutely loved that bike.it gave me so many great memories...

[@striker1553]

Just picked up my first. A GT750M from '75. Canadian bike, but oddly enough, the gauges are in MPH which at the time the Canadians used MPH instead of KMH. Drove 10 hours round trip to the border to get it. Needs restored. But, it actually runs.

[@barryrothwelltaylor6812]

Had a GT750A , lovely bike , never had it overheat . Didn't handle that well but Japanese bikes didn't , added S&W shocks and a little more preload in the forks , but the power delivery was so smooth - 30mph in 5th open the throttle and it just pulled and pulled . First week I had it ( second hand with 5,000miles ) I ended up doing 80 in a 30 limit because the higher it revved the less it vibrated , just wondered why the wind had got up so quickly . Once did a standing start and apparently had smoke off the rear tyre all the way to 4th gear . Didn't wheelie just spun the rear .Crap lights . Very thirsty . Fouled plugs until I switched to Bel-Ray Si-7 oil and never fouled a plug again . Front brake was scary powerful , could play tunes with the tyre if you felt brave ( 70's tyres ... ) Wish I still had one . Have a picture but can't post here sadly .

[@cavscout62]

A set of proper expansion chambers along with individual filters and a rejetting were all these bikes required to make them perfect UJM’s.

[@jessebrown8519]

I rode three different gt750's from 96-2009. I was so in love with that motorcycle ❣️ - I quit riding when texting and driving became a thing. Riding was dangerous enough before cell fones started claiming motorcycle lives.

[@neillevy334]

Mine was a blue '76 model, just like the one in the video. I can still close my eyes and hear/feel/smell that velvet hammer 2 stroke! My last bike was a really nice stock '78 GS1000E (skunk) that I rode until May of 2019. Two wonderful superbikes from a cutting edge company.

[@neillevy334]

Wow, sounds like me! I owned a blue '76 Buffalo until my daughter was born in 1985. In 2007, I bought a very clean, original '78 skunk (technically not an 'E ' model.. Two amazing motorcycles!!! Now I putt around town on my 2012 Burgman 650.

[@davidpuckett-rz6ui]

Had 2 of these over the years. Wish I still had one. Superb bike

[@rdaystrom4540]

I love the sound of a three cylinder two stroke.

[@andreasheilmann5588]

Damn, this was my dreambike when I was 15 or so, then I almost bought the GT 550 which I also loved but then the guy who wanted to sell it to me had an accident so I ended up with a Honda CB 400 as my first big bike when I was 18, what amazes me guys that you have the garage full of those lovely 750 and they are brand new almost not driven at all, uff, greetings from Berlin

[@BrightsideMedia]

Hallo nach Berlin :-) They're very nice bikes indeed, that's for sure. And we should preserve them, nowadays especially ;-)

[@Johnketes54]

Was that the 400,4 cylinder?

[@wadewalton8866]

I bought a used 77 550 in 79. Super midsize bike. Powerband at 4000 rpm would throw you off if you weren't hanging on. Flat black expansion chambers made it look & sound great. It wasn't a touring bike like the 750 so it didn't have a radiator. Looked tough & didn't smoke near like the Kawasaki 2 strokers.

[@warren6899]

From South Africa had a T 500, a GT 500 and a GT 750. Loved them all

[@olcowhand]

I had a 76 GT750 but sold it several years ago. Wish now I'd have kept it. So fun to ride, but kind of scary when you pushed it hard. I think though that I did the smart thing to sell it before I killed myself on the beast! But I do miss her!

[@johnobiro5202]

That’s from when Bikes were Bikes. Proper touring bikes and great looking. They sounded great too.

[@chrisbutcher4497]

Beautiful collection of bikes.🏆

[@FlatBroke612]

I’ve got a barn find later model GT750 in my shop rn. Runs but needs the carbs and tank cleaned to run right.

[@jeff1962-m4j]

Stunning bikes . Always loved the way they looked and sounded . Never got the pleasure of riding one , but a few of my friends had on in the 80s. Maybe one day.

[@iansians6703]

Thanks, great video, all of the information was totally accurate. I had one new in August 76 and rode it until 1981. Did a lot of mods and it ended up a cafe racer with a 22 litre specially made tank and a welded brace on the steering head to stop the wobble. Wish I'd kept it. I can confirm what they say in the video, it absolutely never overheated. Blew one head gasket (which was very easy to fix being a two stroke) and it still didn't overheat. Great bike, except for the wobble, god it used to scare me blind.

[@Johnketes54]

That wobble was the same as my GT550 you just live with it,along with the "flexi" swinging arm that made leaning at 80mph uncontrollable,so 70 mph after that,I was told my back wheel was buckled but I still got 95mph daily

[@williamkennedy3837]

I guess I got lucky. Put 70,000 miles on it, fed it tires and chains with ZERO problems.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I pity those of you who never had the joy, the thrill of riding two-stroke road bikes in the states. Water Buffalo is impressive, given the age it came from. Good video!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks for watching 😊 feel free to subscribe if you like. Shame they killed them all off at the tail end of the 70s 😔

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

@@BrightsideMedia Sub'd... and yeah, real shame... check out the other bikes coming out at the time that were two strokes... you could probably pull together another vid on that alone...

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

I just discovered this brilliant channel. Can't wait for the next upload!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing and stay tuned :-)

[@iancharlton678]

Dreamy and nostalgic look back….. just looked up my old 1977 GT750B, still alive(?) now black….. had a crazy home made paint job and bum stop seat,Allspeeds, Applebee crank, reworked heads with copper gaskets, TR spec barrels….. went like El Stinko…. sounded awesome on raised gearing…. Had a mate from Harlow running a similar setup and another with a Sanders and Lewis(?) framed 750B, stock motor with a Piper 3 into 1 (strange device🙂), Dymag wheels, looked super trick…. Three of us used to haunt High Beech Epping….. occasionally joined by a chap called Rob Green(?) with a barely road legal TZ750 and his mate on a Moto Martin Venom (Z900 or Z1000), sporting 163mph on the fairing, from a verified run at MIRA, as my hazy memory says…… 🙂🇬🇧 2 strokes is all it takes……. 🙂

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-) We hope it brought back some good memories. Thanks for sharing your story too, those were the days :-)

[@m.f.m.67]

The bikes best feature was the rubber mounted engine. While all the 4 stroke bikes of the day would put your hands to sleep, the Suzuki triples were wonderfully smooth.

[@roybeckett4118]

I had two of these water cooled bikes L model and B model. Absolutely brilliant machines. Fond memories ☺️

[@ianw3294]

Yes Roy the A & B Model very very fast.

[@roybeckett4118]

J,k,l models only 65 horse power approximately 110 mph. M and A models upt to 70 hp approximately 120 mph.finaly B model was at 67 hp approximately 115 mph if my memory serves me correctly.😃

[@ianw3294]

@@roybeckett4118 Your memory is spot on! I had the A model. Just as reliable as a Honda 4.

[@davidfotheringham2480]

I had an L from new...it cost $1100 Australian plus a very used CB450 trade. It had a MPH Speedo which was unusual as we were using KPH by then....not mentioned in this video is that K's came out with hi torque specs or high hp ...either balance pipe on the exhausts or just straight pipes and performance porting. I had balance pipes that had a putty sealant that used to blow out on the 1,000 mile trips I regularly did from Adelaide to Sydney or Orange often with my partner on the back plus gear. We were ok at 90 to 100 mph. The coupler putty would dissapear ...so the GT 750 Rumble would then have the added sounds of jingle bells as the coupler pipes rattled around. I had the use of a M series in later years and it was nothing like my L... it was missing a lot of torque low down, felt peaky, and to me like the primary gearing was wrong. Interesting being able to compare..

[@davidfotheringham2480]

Meant L not K...🙂

[@RCModelling4U]

How many bikes built in the 70's still look as if they could have come out of the factory today. It is a work of art.

[@raymundogt2634]

Very respectful bike.i remember driving one when I was 16...in Venezuela. 1979

[@marksmyth9736]

Bought one new in 75 , Grey with the lockable flap that covered the gas and rad caps. Loved it, Put Koni rear shocks and TT100 tires on and it handled pretty decent. Easy to manoeuvre in city traffic despite the fact it was about 550 lbs .

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's a heavy old beast, that's for sure. But you're right that once you get going it's surprisingly docile.

[@marksmyth9736]

@@BrightsideMedia I had a Yamaha XS650 before that. Took some time to get used to the fact dropping down the gear box was of no use in slowing down and the twin discs up front worked wonders. Few near misses LOL

[@u2mister17]

I immediately reversed the calipers to behind the front forks. July '74. No one had seen that before me.

[@thierryberthy1735]

I loved that bike. I've had the 380 550 750 3cyl and a 500 2cyl. Those were the days when bikes were bikes.

[@soaringroadtrip]

Nice video! I actively ride my GT750 probably once a week on average for a small ride. It is no museum piece but I love it and it is reliable. Long live the GT!

[@rickwakelin1725]

I was fortunate to have had one, not new but great bike, never boiled

[@dickystreets]

That's awesome bro! 👏👏👏👏 Thank you from 🇧🇷

[@PetesClassicCycle]

Awesome video!! I loved the comparison and road tests of the various generations.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks 😊 really glad you enjoyed it!

[@denimblue8633]

A friend of mine, and I both had the "71" J model here in Australia, when they first came out, we both would travel the countryside at that time in summer, at very high speeds, touching the 100 mark, not ONCE, did the fan for the cooler ever came on, or overheated, that was the beauty about them, many bikes of the time, 750's, Triumphs, Nortons, Kwakas, Hondas, would get to our speed, then had to back off, as they would start to overheat, and couldn't keep up, the Suzuki GT750 was a great touring bike, I wish I still kept mine..

[@Buck1954]

I rode a friends who bought from another friend who had converted it to a very fast cafe style racer. The power bands were quite outrageous. I loved it so much, that I bought the Suzuki 4 stroke GS850GT shaft drive and loved every mile on that bike.

[@BRITISHREPUBLICANuk]

I didn't realize they went all the way back to '71!!! Hat's off to Suzuki!!! Obviously they couldn't keep up with a spiritedly ridden Bonnie on a twisty road, but still a seriously cool machine.

[@BrightsideMedia]

That's the thing, the GT750 didn't have to keep up. It was made for flexibility and is a great all rounder.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

Sadly, these venerable & utterly HIP Zukis were overshadowed by the more popular Honda 750-Four (for 4 Stroke). I didnt have either but saw plenty of them on the streets of my hometown San Diego thru the mid late 90s. They look just awesome - Im a BIG Suzuki fan - and will watch raptly. I rock a 2008 V-Strom DL650 currently - I truly believe that the wizards at Suzuki have managed to take the collected virtues of my dozen odd bikes Ive owned since age 13 (Im 60 now) and rolled them into one practical & outrageously fun ride ! Thanks for posting this - David in Texas

[@woodyamsterdam]

I couldn’t afford the 750 so I got myself the GT550 instead in the early seventies. Very fond memories of that. I fitted it with clip-on handle bars and put a 3 in 1 open expansion exhaust on it. It those days you could get away with that lol! It has brought me to many places in Europe. Sometimes I still dream about the bike, driving it.😢

[@soulman1419]

Beautiful loved them back in the 70s and still do now 👌

[@BrightsideMedia]

Classic :-)

[@lionelt.9124]

The choice of music in the video is fantastic!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@Silodrome]

Fantastic film as always!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks guys, glad you liked it 😊

[@ohwell2790]

The GT 380's and 550 cc triples are my favorite Suzuki motorcycles when I was a mechanic for Suzuki in Santa Maria California USA in the early 1970's. Very little smoke and only when cold, on the other hand the Kawasaki triples smoked all the time and a lot.

[@wadewalton8866]

I bought a used 77 550 in 79. Loved riding that mid size monster. I hung expansion chambers on it. Sounded much better. It was a bad ass and the power band struck at 4000 rpm if you were getting on it so hang on or get thrown off like a wild bronco. Miss those SoCal riding days many years gone now.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

The GT750 was my dream bike for several years. I never got to own one, but I did go through a slew of RD350's and Kawasaki Triples.

[@choppergt750]

Excellent motorcycle. Mine was a 1973 in Red and Orange.

[@blown572hemi]

My father had one and I loved it more than he did but, I was a child. His riding buddy had a cb750 and my father always smoked that bike. It's the fastest I've ever been ondy back of a motorcycle.

[@Demonbfg]

I had both the H2 and the GT750 at the same time,that i bought new in 72.Two completely different machines.The Suzuki was a excellent touring machine,smooth and comfortable but the first year bike had a serious design flaw.It was timed by 3 sets of points(transistor ignition came later).If it wasn't timed perfectly,it would backfire through the carburetors and blow the transmission seal causing it to burn your transmission oil and smoking heavily through one pipe.I wound up trading the bike for a 73 Honda 750K3.I did like the bike but i should have bought a later one.Thanks for the video,it brought back memories.

[@johnmitchell2741]

I'd give my left nut to just take one around the block and remember when you had control over the headlight on off switch.But I had a Yamaha Rd 400 a few years enjoyed that bike in 77 I was 16 what a sweet ride and the sound it made

[@AndrewC.McPherson-xf5zw]

I love this....we rode h1 and h2's and felt the vibes. The GT had guts and a smooth ride..You can wheelie it and burnout. It sounds awesome.

[@MickHurst65]

We called the GT750 a Kettle, nothing to do with over heating just because it was water cooled. Like the guy said bit of a new concept back then.

[@roncritchlow6793]

Great video. What’s the intro music? I love it!

[@G56AG]

I bought a 72 GT750 Water Buffalo new, kept it a couple of years, put about 30,000 miles on it. Loved the sound while accelerating! Never saw even a hint of overheating, it smoked a lot which was a bit disappointing. Ride it all day, yes, but the seat was like sitting on a 2x4, not comfortable at all. Loved the power, and it was smooth as glass, and got great gas mileage as well, about 44 mpg on the highway. The only real trouble I had was lead fouling on the plugs, this was a common problem at the time, later solved by the switch to unleaded fuel. Other than the plug fouling I never had a single problem with it. Rode it up Pikes Peak in 1973, can you imagine coming down the mountain with no engine braking? It was interesting. Loved the bike but replaced it with a BMW so I wouldn't have to fool with the chain when touring, the chain technology at the time left a lot to be desired.

[@ronaldbertin9455]

The WATER BUFFALO. BROTHERINLAW HAD ON. NICE RIDE . DID A FEW WHEELIES ON IT.

[@_JimS]

I loved the Gt750. As a Suzuki mechanic back in the 70's it was one of my favorites to work on and for some odd reason, My test rides were always longer with the GT750.....Lol! This old gal had one smooth engine, and RUN!! ...after I tuned one up of course.....heheee. I'd own one today in a heartbeat.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Haha, we're sure the owners would totally get it if they knew. Did they? 😉

[@_JimS]

@@BrightsideMedia Let's just say it was very easy back then to unscrew the speedo cable.....Um..errr that's what I heard anyway...

[@BrightsideMedia]

Haha, say no more 😂

[@threethrushes]

Another banger from the genius timelords at Brightside.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you so much! You're a legend :-)

[@cameronaustin4997]

had a GT 550 blew the motor in it so bought my mates 76 A model that he'd dropped in 79 trying to avoid a roo for $200 and rebuilt it with my dad. loved that bike and rode it for 20 yrs, gave it to dad for parts when he was restoring another one so it still lives on!

[@yiannishayabusaofficial]

AMAZING VIDEO ! ! ! ! ! ! FANTASTIC ! ! ! ! ! ! MAGICAL ! ! ! ! ! I LOVE SUZUKI ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

[@paul.alarner6410]

my mate had one new,kept it about a month and sold it for a z1,the zed knocked spots off of it!

[@gerritlageweg2055]

Owned one back in 1975, good memories. Perfect bike!

[@BrightsideMedia]

We hope the film managed to bring back some of those good memories 😊

[@tsav6952]

Must have been a cool experience!

[@arthurjennings5202]

I first purchased a GT380. I had bought the motorcycle used, and the dealer told me to use premium gas in the thing. It was always fouling plugs. I ran low on fuel, and the station was out of premium, so I dumped "unleaded regular" fuel in it. After a few miles, the bike began to come to life and would pull harder at a lower RPM and would run cleanly up to redline. When I traded the 380 for the 750, I ran unleaded gas in it. To cut down on smoke, I ran the best two stroke oil I could find. I never had a cylinder over heating problem with either motorcycle.

[@lpd1snipe]

My neighbor owned a 1976 GT750 Water Buffalo. He also owned an early 1920s Scott Flying Squirrel which I guess you could say would be the ancestor to this. It was two stroke and water cooled.

[@jaja8951]

When I was 17 years old I bought my GT750 in 1977 and it was the PRIDE!!! Of my home town in Scotland. It had a full Mead Speed racing fairing, a specially made glass fibre single seat and a set of drop down chrome bars that went round the 3 clocks. It was painted by my cousin red black and gold like Barry Sheen’s bike. It was a BEAUTY OH Happy days 👍

[@keithblack3041]

Very nice compilation. I loved mine, it was a 1973. Did my first long rides on it Traded it for an RE-5. What a mistake……

[@ian-c.01]

The RE-5 and the Norton Rotary made absolutely no sense to me. The rotary engines were smooth and produced a fair bit of power if you revved them high enough but that's where the problems started ! How could they release bikes with engines that needed rebuilding every few thousand miles and hope to keep their reputations intact ? It was ludicrous to think that customers wouldn't mind doing a bit of 'maintenance' now and again which would involve replacing major engine internals at high cost ! I believe one of the intended customers for the Norton Rotary was the British Police but I don't think they kept them very long !

[@BrightsideMedia]

Had a Mazda RX8 for a little while. Great handling and a strangely evocative sound. But you're right, you had to rev the nuts off of it! And the oil consumption wasn't too far off the petrol consumption.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@ian-c.01 I can still remember my first thought when i saw the Norton F1 for the first time, “Wow, that’s good looking. I wonder if it would be possible to fit a Yamaha TDM 850 engine instead of that rotary thing”! It’s an 850 parallel twin for Christ’s sake. To this day i still believe that it was the best solution - even for Norton too. MZ (MuZ) were quite popular with the Yamaha XTZ 660 engine - specially made with MZ engine covers.

[@billallen4793]

With one is more common today? The gt750 or the RE5?...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠 I have a 75 re5 and a 74 gt750

[@david_sdiego]

I had the gray '75 (1st yr of red LED gear indicator). My favorite bike of all time. Such refined, smooth power.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Absolutely, an effortless cruiser.

[@david_sdiego]

@@billybarr7443 Suzuki City, Inglewood, CA. '66-'94. Dad's dealership.

[@Saxondog]

That would be the 750M.

[@jambutty2218]

Can confirm, having a bike mad Dad . Growing up in the seventies Barry Sheen was a major part of my childhood.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Did you own a Suzuki at some point then?

[@jambutty2218]

@@BrightsideMedia funnily enough no. Two Hondas before becoming disabled and unable to even ride a push bike. My Dad and his younger brother have been bikers since the sixties. He got a sidecar when my elder sister was born, but was unfortunately had to get a car when I was born. My Dad says over night these bikes appeared that didn’t leak oil when parked. Things didn’t fall off due to intense vibrations at high speed. The brakes worked, everything worked. They were Japanese bikes. He’s not fussy brand wise . I was bought a 50cc when 16 so stuck with the brand . Even though my friends 50cc was a little bit faster. What about yourself ?

[@BrightsideMedia]

Ah, sorry to hear about that. I guess the thing about Japanese bikes is exactly that: they just work. There was a great Honda ad that asked 'isn't it great when things just work?'. I've always been partial to a Z1 just for the looks, but the GS is a great handling bike and the GT is really cool. Ah, so many to choose from!

[@jambutty2218]

@@BrightsideMedia don’t worry about my disabilities. I’m lucky to be alive. For years I haven’t even let myself daydream about motorbikes. Recently I’ve had a change of mind. This channel, Shadetree surgeon and other channels make me feel like I’m riding. I race on computer games. I miss riding , I just have to look for hobbies people with severe epilepsy can do. My Dads got several bikes. I’m going to ask a friend to help and try get a decent motorbike console game. Want to get to the States someday. To watch the drag racing. I’m hoping you can pay to be a passenger in a Gasser. Love the rush of speed.

[@d.beaumont9157]

Great video. I had the exact same model as in the video, the B in black. I will always regret selling it.