1976 Suzuki GT750 Kettle/2 Stroke... Any thoughts?

[WMarshy]

Well, I found this old GT750 for sale and it seems reasonable, I just dont know much about these old 2 strokes. About all I know is the Kawasaki H1's and H2's were considered "King" in that area (I think). Is this a good buy at this price? Were the H2's a competator? Its liquid cooled unlike Kawasaki's IDK if it makes it better or not...

[jmnjrpa]

I

had a 750 ('74 I believe) water buffalo. Was a pretty good crusier.
The suzuki was on the top even when the XS came around it had a couple more HP on it's 1100.
They did not hold up as well in the long run. They were a smooth shifting bike and heavier than a Kaw.
Worse sunburn I ever got was on tha water buffalo on a trip to Houston. 19, stupid, and hot--took my shirt off.

OBTW--stops like a friggin freight train as it has the old drums on the rear.

[WMarshy]

Interesting, Ive always been interested in the idea of owning a vintage 2 stroke but I always though I would be bored if it was under 500cc's. I know its hard to find any remaining 750's in one peice let alone one that runs and looks good. Thanks for that story John...

Why didnt they hold up so well, just the nature of the 2 strokes?

[jmnjrpa]

Yeah

Tends to get hotter and the rods take twice the beating. Most of them ran like a scalded dog. I had a '72 380 Suzuki that would break 115 and come up in at least 2 gears. On Suzuki's my '79 850 would hold my buddies XS1100 to 90 MPH and I would even be a length ahead untill 60 MPH. It had a drive shaft and my buddy said both tires would leave the pavement when I hard shifted to 2nd. They were very good mannered bikes.

[Geezer]

I had a bunch of them in the early 80's. They were not a hot rod like the H1 but rather more of a tourer. They had a crankshaft weakness because Suzuki was obsessed with a narrow engine and only used 4 main bearings when the normal for an engine like that would have been six. The GT550 was 2x as reliable because it did have a 6 main bearing bottom end.

Geezer

[jmnjrpa]

Geezer is right. They really were built more around the touring style. Don't fool yourself tho if you did your own wrenchin they would move with the best. Just like with Yamaha you did not want to let the shop tune it for you.

[WMarshy]

Thanks for the info guys, as tempting as it is I think I'd rather hold out for more of a hot rod like a Kawasaki H1 or H2... Besides, I just dont have the room for another bike right now. A garage is necessary!

[Geezer]

If you were to get one, the 76 and very rare 77 models are the ones to have. Even with their problems, I'd like to have another one. Assuming I could get it past my wife...

Tony

[Crazcnuk]

There are GT750's out there in the 150,000 mile range. If they were taken care of they go forever.

One of the weaknesses was that they have points. There used to be electonic module upgrades, but they are dieing from old age now. You can still make one from a GM HEI module.

The GT was made to go up against the Gold Wing.

If you were looking to buy one, ask the PO if he/she has replaced the crank seals. This is the biggest failure point IF the bike has sat for a long time. The old seals dry out and stick to the crank. It requires splitting the Cranshaft to replace.

If they have been done, there is nothing to worry about. The new seals won't stick.

Withe modern injection oils, you can adjust the pump to where you won't get any smoke too.

I just sold mine for $500.

[WMarshy]

Does his price seem in line? As much as I would like to own this piece of history I think I would rather own a 88 FZR 1000 or a FJ 1200...

[Rick]

The H2 here in the UK were known as the widow maker , scary bikes , " Smokey & they Bandit " lol , a mate of mine here has the "Kettle" still runs fine , ill try n find out what hes done to it

[Crazcnuk]

If it is fully operational, and no seal issues, his price is not bad.

[WMarshy]

Thanks guys, I will ask the owner what all he has done with it.

[Geezer]

The GT was made to go up against the Gold Wing.

The GT750 came out in 1970 and the GL1000 came out in 1975. I think it's the other way around... Also Suzuki announced but never delivered the GT1000...

Geezer

[fredintoon]

Well, I found this old GT750 for sale and it seems reasonable, I just dont know much about these old 2 strokes. About all I know is the Kawasaki H1's and H2's were considered "King" in that area (I think). Is this a good buy at this price? Were the H2's a competator? Its liquid cooled unlike Kawasaki's IDK if it makes it better or not...

Hi Marshy,
great bikes, I had a '72 that had double sided front drum brakes. OK, the later disk brakes worked better but lacked the cuteness factor.
A totally different ride to those uncontrollable Kawis, can you say "smooth"?
Another in the long list of bikes I could kick myself for selling.