Description
Lovely, early 1978 Suzuki GS1000 in excellent original condition. I believe this bike is an earlier variety of the E version and as such is replete with spoked wheels and alloy rims rather than the usual cast items. This is a US bike, has not suffered unduly from our wet climate and appears to have been well maintained throughout. I bought the bike around 5 years ago, stripped it and replaced what needed replacing - not much as it happened. However, far too many other bikes, work and time has meant I have never really used it. It is a joy to ride and for sure a bit of beast, but the engine is very willing, pulls like a train and the bike has a certain presence when parked up.
Engine
Super smooth 1000cc in the usual Japanese in-line 4 fashion. Oil and filter changed not many miles ago, valve clearances checked, carbs cleaned out and balanced, cam chain/ tensioner seems fine. Pulls smoothly and strongly in any gear. Box, clutch and manual choke fine. These engines go on forever if maintained.
Electrics
Switchgear all works, ignition fine, newish plugs. Dynamic timing with strobe done not long since. Brand new battery. Starts very easily on the button on choke.
Paintwork Frame etc.
Tank, mudguard, tail and side panels repainted by Colin Smillie to reflect the original paint scheme/ lining. I don’t believe the tank is original not having the scalloped recess, but I am not entirely certain as historical information is vague. It is a GS1000 tank though! Frame was powder coated when I stripped the bike and is in very good condition. The extra bracing Suzuki added made for more confident handling for a big bike and it shows. Much better than a somewhat more flexible Z900! Suspension all good, air forks up front, no play in swingarm. Seat excellent, rear pegs removed but will come in the usual box of bits.
Wheels/ brakes
Decent tyres, plenty of tread left, but they are old. In all honesty I’d be tempted to change them. Brakes bled and they seem fine to me for late 70s brakes. Usual standard puny front brake. That’s how they were…….
Shiny bits
All very good here – especially the rare original exhausts. Mudguards, stanchions, mirrors all good.
This is a very fine well-maintained example of a GS1000 which needs nothing but riding. Looks the business and still commands attention. Easy to work on, decent spares availability. Most of these have now been bodged terribly, but this one appears – tank excepted – original. Some useful spares/ bits/ manual to go with the bike. Local specialist bike courier company close by me offers an excellent service. Happy to arrange at cost. Excellent original example
