1976 GS750 - Sold

This bike is quite historically significant as it is a pre-production or dealers demonstration model produced by Suzuki in July of 1976.
This is unit number 434 off of the line, and was shown as a demonstrator cycle to Suzuki dealers in October of 1976 before the model was officially released.

In addition, the release of the four-stroke GS750 marks the biggest turning point in the history of Suzuki motorcycles. Prior to this model being produced, Suzuki had been producing two-stroke cycles for over twenty years, but had to compete with Honda's CB750 in the four-stroke market. Had the GS750 not done well, Suzuki Motorcycles likely would have gone under before 1980.

Fortunately for motorcyclists, and for Suzuki, the twin-cam GS750 ended up a smashing success and was the fastest production Japanese motorcycle when released.

[chezwest]

Thanks for providing this vid of the GS750 early production model. This example appears to be well kept, perhaps excepting the valve gaps, which might need checking. The subject bike looks very much like the '78 except for different pinstriping on the subject bike, which appears to be correct for the '77 model year. Oh, and the side cover is colour matched to the tank on 78's. The '77 came with the black side covers fitted on today's example.
We offer seven comments for the benefit of those striving for Concours D'excellence:
1. The standard GS750 had the spoke wheels, as has this subject bike. Starting in '78 Suzuki offered a cruiser wannabe (called LTD) with cast wheels, 2 disk brakes and mini ape-hanger handlebars
2. The standard GS750 had a flat saddle; this bike has what appears to be the "two-step-butt-positioner" offered on the cruiser wannabe.
3. The standard GS750 had wheelbarrow handlebars with about a 3-inch rise. As commented elsewhere, this subject bike appears to be fitted with the ape-hanger handlebars offered on the cruiser wannabe.
4. The standard GS750 comes with the single front disk brake as correctly fitted on this subject bike.
5. The clutch cable is normally routed between the first and second carburetors, whereas this subject bike shows the cable hanging outside the carb bank.
6 The word 'SUZUKI on the tailpiece of this subject bike is white. Production bikes use gold colour for that decal.
7. The tie-wraps holding the cables to the handlebar are black on the standard GS750. This subject bike is fitted with white tie-wraps. (Picky, picky.)


But wait - there's more!


The subject bike correctly sports the mandatory dents on the fuel tank. After all, if a GS750 (including its descendents through to GSXR750/GSXR1000) tank isn't dented, the bike hasn't been ridden hard enough.

[richardledbetter]

I have a 76 GS750 that I bought new in 77. It was build in August 1976. Without question a great bike. Still runs. I don't think those are the original handlebars or seat. I could be wrong. Your mufflers are in amazing shape. Can't find them anywhere. Awesome bike and thanks for sharing.

[Donaldjon]

Notice that the the tach is not working on this bike. I bought this same bike, same color in 1977 for $2282.00 out the door. Long gone are those prices.

[CNau]

Cool view of a low VIN bike.  My father is the original owner of a 4/77 production bike with a single disc in the front, as well.  As I understand it, the dual disc was introduced early in '77 but was somewhat of an option.  The standard model being the GS750B and the dual disc version the GS750DB...I'm sure the majority left the factory with two discs, but the single was still available.  My guess is that it was more of a way to introduce the new design while still being able to clear out parts inventory.

Also (and not to step on any toes, but just to point out)  That looks like a later GS750E seat and GS750L handlebars.  Every 76 and 77 production model I've seen has the flat seat.  They certainly had slightly lower bars.

Interesting bit of info on the choke there.  Did you get this information from the original owner that had the dealership or somewhere else?  The choke mechanism is a simple lever....I find it hard to believe that Suzuki would churn out a 99.9% complete bike and be remiss on something so simple as a choke lever...but who knows  Almost makes me wonder if this is a special case...but if there are other examples that are the same...I guess that's just how it was.

[dannysecret]

Bought one new off the showroom floor put a yoshi kit on it with 4 into 1 headers
Nothing sounded as good as the old GS with headers

[stevenkarwowski]

Obviously, he is not well versed on Suzuki GS750 models! My GS750 is made in August of 1976, and is a B model produced for the 1977 model year! All early B models have single front discs! Later C models came with twin discs just like the L models, and then became shaft drive! The bike he is showing, is not a pre- production model, it is the first production A model, which is very short lived, because the be model was immediately minorly modified, so that it could compete with the Kawasaki KZ900! One of the minor differences between an A model, and a B model. is the seat cushion pattern of ribbing changing to small squares! I could go on and on, but there is plenty of factual information on production numbers, etc. Everyone have a fantastic day! OH, by the way, early production A models, only came in the blue color for a very, very, short time, then in the B model, they still had the blue, but then came the red, black, yellow, green, and then a little later, the white!

[nickturner]

i have that same exact same bike in candy red bought it new in reno nev. still have it 1977

[Rman]

this wasn't the fastest Japanese motorcycle when released. it was the fastest 750 however