1973 Suzuki GT750 ‘Kettle’

Highlights

Fully restored to a very high standard
Beautiful blue and white colour scheme
‘Museum quality’ classic Kettle
Very reluctant enthusiast sale
One of the best ‘Kettles’ we have seen

The Appeal

Suzuki’s GT750 was inspired. To compete with the established American brands Suzuki got clever. The new bike was based around the firm’s ‘thruple,’ a triple cylinder, water cooled 738cc motor that delivered an ultra-smooth experience. Add in a comfortable touring ride and high specification, the affectionately nicknamed ‘Kettle’ is rated as one of the best classic bikes of the 1970s.

Here is perhaps one of the very best available. It is in magnificent condition. Since arriving in the UK from the USA in 2017 it has been restored at huge expense over hundreds of hours of work. The white and blue colour scheme, accented with red pinstriping, is something to behold.

The rest of the bike is of a similar standard. The vendor describes it as ‘99% concours’ and the sort of bike that would grace any collection or museum. Looking over the photos, we tend to agree.

It is only very reluctantly for sale due to a change in the vendor’s circumstances. As such, this is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts to grab a very good example of an equally desirable bike.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1973
Massachusetts, USA certificate of title
First UK registered on 13th March 2017
Only four registered keepers
Current keeper acquired the bike earlier this year
Very reluctantly for sale due to a change of circumstances
Purchased following a high end restoration said to have included 100s of hours of work
Current keeper is a serial classic bike enthusiast and looked at 100s of bikes before buying this one
Very rare GT750 spares book included
CTEK battery charger included
Quality engine and 2 stroke oils and radiator coolant included
Old invoices covering spare parts and repairs
Old MOTs to support low displayed mileage
Previously appears to have been red
Photographs of the bike prior to restoration shown in history file
Fully rebuilt according to seller with receipts and photographs to support
Last MOT expired November 2020 with no advisories
21,255 miles showing on last test and now on 22,434 miles
Registered as a Historic Vehicle with exemptions for MOT, tax and ULEZ
We are told the bike has been a previous show trophy winner
Described by the seller as ‘99% concours’ and museum-quality

The Condition

Fully restored bike refinished in non-original but very attractive blue
Blue metallic paintwork with white trim and red pinstripes
Paintwork is high quality and in very good order with only tiny marks to note
The vendor advises a 1mm chip to tank paintwork
There is also a repaired crack to the lid above the radiator cap
Restoration included considerable attention to detail evident in photographs
Vendor describes the bike as very comfortable and Suzuki GT saddle looks inviting
Badging and decals in very good order
Chromework is bright and well finished
Fitted with wire wheels and quality Bridgestone tyres
Dials, grips and fittings in very good order as shown in photographs
Vendor advises a small area of fogging to the speedometer lens, but not unsightly

The Mechanics

738cc water-cooled triple
5spd manual gearbox
Innovative twin disc front brake specification
Mechanicals overhauled during restoration
Upgraded ‘spannies’ exhaust delivering great sound
Said to start on the button and idle smoothly
Gears select smoothly and easily according to seller
We are told the clutch is light and smooth
Brakes are said to be good and responsive

The vendor tells us:

“Attention to detail is very much in the mind of whoever restored this beautiful machine and a credit to their achievement.

“I've owned several classic bikes in over 5 decades and can honestly say, this machine really does turn heads with its looks and unique sound. There is nothing to match the sound of a GT 750, water cooled triple (kettle) which was iconic in its day, and still is. It sounds very much like a formula one racing car, especially when the engine is under load at higher revs. The after market exhaust 'spannies' emphasise this unique sound.

“It starts easily on the button hot or cold and quickly settles down to nice even tick over. It responds very quickly when the throttle is opened with no lull in response. The gears select very easily with a light and smooth clutch operation. A real joy to ride with a comfortable riding position. It's easy to see why this is called a GT, a grand tourer!”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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