Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1972 Suzuki GT750J
Genuine unrestored 'Kettle'
Estimate
£7, 000 - £8, 000
Registration No: ERL 852K
Frame No: GT750 25141
MOT: Exempt
Genuine unrestored early drum brake model
Started and ran when being photographed
Original exhaust system, supplied with a V5C
The Suzuki Motor Co. was established in 1909 by Michio Suzuki to produce machinery for the cotton industry. An initial diversification into 4-wheeled transport was curtailed by WW2 but after the war, Japan had a need for cheap reliable transport so Suzuki, like a lot of others around the world, began to produce clip-on engines for pushbikes. These proved to be an immediate success and soon they were making full motorcycles and by the early 60s were second only to Honda in numbers of two-wheelers manufactured. In the early 1970s the GT380, GT550 and GT750 three-cylinder range was launched, proving to be 'the last hurrah' for the large capacity two-stroke engine before strict emission regulation in the USA spelled their end. The GT750 was the first mass-produced water-cooled road bike and formed the basis of the famous 'Flexi Flyer' Formula 750 race bike that set Barry Sheene on the path to world championship glory.
This GT750J in the famous Candy Lavender, sometimes described as Purple or Pink, colour scheme spent the early part of its life in the USA before being imported into the UK in 2015. Part of a small private collection since, it is presented in good original and unrestored condition, although the engine has been rebuilt by a previous owner. The paintwork and chrome show some nice patina and even the clock lenses are in good order. This iconic early 1970s two stroke superbike is still filled with its distinctive chrome 3 into 4 exhaust system with all the reverse cones in place and started and ran when being photographed (see video). A good genuine bike that is wearing its years well, it comes supplied with a current V5C.
