Motorcycle specifications SuzukiGT 750 1972 A good hot water bottle

At the beginning of the 70s, Japanese manufacturers were each tackling the large-displacement market in their own way. Honda had arrived a little earlier (1969) with its famous "4-legged" CB750, while Kawasaki had chosen to launch its 3-cylinder 2-stroke 750 H2 in 1971. In 1972, Yamaha and Suzuki respectively brought out a TX 750 (4-stroke twin-cylinder) and a "hot water bottle" called the GT 750.

The GT 750 owes its "hot water bottle" name to a rather innovative technical choice for its time: liquid cooling. But that's not the only special feature of this Suzuki. Like its green cousin, the Suzuki is a 2-stroke in-line three-cylinder, but is much more road-oriented than the sporty H2. In addition to liquid cooling (the radiator of which is equipped with an electric fan), which is supposed to provide greater reliability, superior silence and reduced vibration, the Suzuki opts for electric starting (and kick starting) and boasts a very good finish.

the engine develops 67 hp at 6,500 rpm and 7.7 mkg of torque at 5,500 rpm, taking the GT to speeds of over 180 km/h and averaging just over 8.3 liters per 100 kms. This powertrain, although a little wiser than the 3-cylinder Kawa, had the drawback of hammering the secondary transmission, which wore out prematurely when the consequent torque was played with a little too much.

The chassis was supple and comfortable. Rather well-sprung, its only drawback in the early days was a drum front brake that was somewhat outdated at 214 kg unladen weight. This double-cam drum was soon replaced by a double disc (from the 1973 model year). This change transformed the Bouillotte, which proved to be very consistent on the road and very comfortable for both rider and passenger.

In 1974, the 3-cylinder engine was updated. It gained a few extra horses and almost 1 mkg of torque. The radiator did without its fan, and the exhausts were modified. These modifications were also accompanied by a few cosmetic changes (exhaust silencer, fork bellows, chrome accents) and the dashboard was fitted with a gear indicator. The GT ended its career without any major changes.

The bike, though a great success, had a little trouble positioning itself in the market, caught between the charisma of the Honda 4-leg and the sporty brutality of the Kawasaki. However, the engine shows a strong temperament if given the opportunity to show what it can do.

Suzuki's importer in Italy was convinced of the engine's potential, so he created a special series and named it GT750S. The GT base was heavily modified for competition use. The machine gained a fairing, a single-seater seat and a pair of straps, but lost around 25 kilos. The stock engine could now reach 220 km/h. Although this special series was not as successful as the competitive Suzuki TR 750s of the same period, it did rack up a number of handsome victories in the Italian championship. In France, the craftsman Roca also offered a GT 750 Café Racer equipped with a monocoque bodywork that gave it a very sporty look.

The GT750 ended its career in 1978, quietly pushed along by the GS 750 series (E, EX, G, GL, EZ...) equipped with air-cooled 4-cylinder 4-stroke engines, a little less gluttonous.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer

Thanks to Jacques Masse for authorizing us to use the information and documentation on his site dedicated to the Suzuki GT 750. http://perso.orange.fr/jacques.masse/