1976 Suzuki GT750A
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Highlights
• Original low mileage
• Extensive past restoration work
• Large collection of invoices
The Appeal
Launched in 1971, the Suzuki GT750 was something of a landmark in Japanese automotive engineering since it was the first Japanese motorcycle to be made with a water-cooled engine. The engine itself was a development of Suzuki’s well-liked two-stroke 500cc unit introduced in 1968, increased from two cylinders to three.
While the T500 had been Suzuki’s first attempt at building a 100mph-plus bike, the GT750 was something else – a superbike, capable of 120mph and therefore a rival for the celebrated Honda CB750. Aside from being powerful, it was also very solid and comfortable, and æsthetically it ticked all the right boxes with the range of vivid candy colours in which it was offered.
Like many bikes, it evolved over time and the GT750A of 1976 was much-improved from the earliest 1971 GT750s, and is easily distinguished from earlier models by the locking cover over its fuel cap. This example would be ideal for both the collector and the long-distance rider, since not only is it finished in one of the rarest original colours, but it has also been the recipient of extensive restoration work in the past and it has seen only the lightest use since 2012, so it looks astonishing and will be a delight to ride.
The History and Paperwork
• First registered in Preston in January 1976
• Recipient of extensive restoration work prior to 2017
• Purchased by the vendor from Japanese motorcycle specialist Earl Classics in December 2017
• Fewer than 500 miles covered with the vendor
• Offered for sale because the owner is moving overseas and must downsize his collection of classic Japanese motorcycles
• Paperwork includes the current V5, nine MoT certificates issued between 2008 and 2018, a large collection of invoices and a March 2021 edition of Classic Bike, which contains an article on the GT750
The Condition
• Finished in Jewel Grey, a very rare Europe-only colour
• Frame and tank repainted in the past
• Original wheel rims
This GT750 is so good it looks like it’s just been ridden off the showroom floor. It’s really remarkable but, of course, it will be no surprise to learn that it’s benefitted from some extensive restoration work in the past. What may be surprising is that much of the work was completed over 10 years ago. It’s just been so well looked after since then that the restoration hasn’t really aged. Based on the testimony of the vendor and a previous owner, it has not been out in the rain since 2012.
We know that the frame and tank were repainted, and the original wheel rims were stripped and rechromed with new stainless steel spokes installed. Evidently, the seat has been recovered not too long ago, and we believe that most, if not all, of the chrome on the bike has been redone at some stage. A previous owner described the bike as a ‘show-winner’ although we don’t know whether it has won awards at just one show or at several.
While most of the bike is lovely and shiny, there is some light patina in places, and that looks just as nice. The handlebars and some bare-metal parts are patinated, but only very slightly, and in almost every other respect this bike still looks much like new.
The Mechanics
• Only 1500 miles covered since 2012
• Many components replaced or overhauled within the last 10 years
• Last MoTed in 2018 with no advisory points
Not only does this Suzuki look brilliant but it rides beautifully, too. The fact that it has only 35,000 original miles from new means that the engine has probably never needed a rebuild, and isn’t likely to need one for thousands of miles to come. Even so, the outward presentation of the engine is phenomenal, it being so clean that you can scarcely believe it’s 46 years old. While we don’t know for certain whether it has ever been apart, it has obviously been very sympathetically cared for.
We do know that a previous owner who had the Suzuki between 2012 and 2017 had the carburettors rebuilt, and also renewed the fork seals, points and brake lines. Since it has been started regularly but used very lightly, with barely more than 1500 miles covered since 2012, we think it’s very unlikely that anything else should require attention.
We have seen the bike start and idle and can well believe the vendor’s claim that it rides “faultlessly”. Although it has not received an MoT since 2018, the fact that it passed its last test with no advisory points suggests to us that it would have no trouble flying through another test.
The Summary
Here in virtually immaculate condition is one of the greatest models from the first generation of superbikes. A genuine UK-market example in an attractive and unusual colour, it benefits from many years of cherished ownership with only light use and some sympathetic renovation to keep it in top condition.
It will go down a treat at shows and rallies, or you could even be a little bit more ambitious and make plans for a long-distance motorcycling holiday this summer. Whatever you decide to do, this GT750 promises to be an absolute joy.
It will go down a treat at shows and rallies, or you could even be a little bit more ambitious and make plans for a long-distance motorcycling holiday this summer. Whatever you decide to do, this GT750 promises to be an absolute joy.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1976
- Make Suzuki
- Model GT750
- Colour Jewel Grey
- Odometer 35,252 Miles
- Engine size 739
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Orpington
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 7
bidders
- oi•••• £12,000 30/05/22
- Da•••• £11,750 30/05/22
- al•••• £11,000 30/05/22
- da•••• £10,750 25/05/22
- Da•••• £10,500 23/05/22
- Da•••• £9,500 23/05/22
- Da•••• £5,000 23/05/22
- br•••• £2,500 23/05/22
- Kn•••• £2,000 23/05/22
- pa•••• £1,000 23/05/22
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