The Suzuki GS1000

The Suzuki GS1000 wasn’t the first model in the four-stroke GS series, but it was the bike that’s been there, done it, and worn the t-shirt out. In 1976 (1977 model year) the Suzuki GS750 and GS400 parallel twin arrived, and the 750 engine remained the base for all air-cooled fours from the Japanese manufacturer until the GSX-R came along.

Having started their first full range of four strokes, Suzuki added the GS550 and GS1000 the following year, and eventually followed up with everything from the GS125 to the GS1200SS. That included both chain and shaft-driven models, and the legendary Suzuki GSX 1000S Katana. And the GS continues in various countries, including as the Mola 150 in the Philippines, which launched in 2003.

 

Why the Suzuki GS1000?

The GS750cc  had been complimented for lightweight and handling when it was launched. So Suzuki continued that with the bigger 1000cc version, which was created by lengthening the stroke of the 750cc engine from 56.4mm to 70mm to give a 997cc displacement. And although the lower end of the motor remained the same, there were plenty of modifications, which meant that the GS1000 engine was actually lighter than the original!

The first models had conventional suspension, but soon switched to air and oil dampened forks and shocks. Pretty soon, you had the E models, the G models indicating shaft drive, the S models with a bikini fairing, and the cruiser-styled L.

A stock GS1000 is a pretty old steed, unlike the unloved Suzuki GS1000HC illustrating our article which was sold to a chap aiming to restore it.

More importantly, the GS was not only a good road bike, but also did brilliantly on the track. Most famously in the US Wes Cooley was able to claim the AMA Superbike Championship in 1979 and 1980 with the help of tuning legend Pops Yoshimura. At the same time, Graeme Crosby was able to win the Formula TT World Championship with Yoshimura GS1000-powered bikes. Oh, and there were also victories at the 1978 Daytona Superbike race and the 1978 Suzuka 8 Hours.

The S model was only actually manufactured for two years before being replaced as the fastest and sportiest Suzuki by the GSX1100S Katana. It was also never officially known as a ‘Wes Cooley replica’ – the common nickname came along sometime later, possibly inspired by Kawasaki producing an actual Eddie Lawson rep.

There are differences between model years right up to the 1980s and between bikes sold in different locations such as Canada and Australia, but there’s also confusion between the ’79 and ’80 models even in various dealer catalogues.

The first models are fairly easily spotted by the slide carbs and fluted sides on the fuel tank as later bikes got Mikuni CV carbs. They were lighter and more user friendly, but that’s about it. 1980s bikes also gained alloy wheels and the ST also gained larger camshafts.

It’s no surprise the Suzuki GS1000 is such a popular classic. It was arguably the best of the big four-strokes at the time, achieved significant success on track, and got replaced in the line-up fairly quickly. Add the fact that many engines got lifted into service in specialist chassis kits from the likes of Harris, P&M and Spondon, and you add to the shortage of completely original bikes.

An original stock Suzuki GS1000 is a pretty old steed, unlike the unloved Suzuki GS100HC illustrating this article. We promise to update with the more desirable models just as soon as either one of us happens to come across a bargain Wes Cooley rep for silly money…

In the meantime, you can find everything from restorable dry storage machines and shaft drives for around £1000 up to Dunstall GS1000s for £12k on eBay at the moment. And it isn’t hard to find a Yoshimura replica for sale, it’s trickier to find one at the right price…