26th Mar, 2025 12:00

National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands

Lot 317

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1978 Suzuki GT750B
Liquid-cooled 750 two-stroke

Sold for £9,430

(including buyers premium)

Lot details

Registration No: GCW 56S
Frame No: 80446
MOT: Exempt

Original and unrestored 1978 'B' model
Genuine chrome 3-into-4 exhaust system
In running order, 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 number 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 regulations 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.

Nicknamed the 'Kettle' due to its water-cooled engine, the GT750 was launched in 1972 as Suzuki's entry into the new Superbike class. This mostly original and unrestored example is a 1978 'B' model, easily distinguished by its black side panels, headlamp shell, brackets and a GS750 style front mudguard together with Brown faces on the instruments. The threat of impending emission regulations caused the demise of large capacity two-strokes, so this bike spelled the end of an era. Supplied with a current V5C and recently fitted with a new front mudguard and seat cover, it started and ran well whilst being photographed (see video). A still appreciating classic that can hold its own in modern day road conditions, to enjoy on Vintage runs and rallies.

For more information, please contact:
Ian Cunningham
ian.cunningham@handh.co.uk
07415871189

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Auction Details
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Auction Details

Auction: National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands, 26th Mar, 2025

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An auction of classic motorcycles & vintage scooters taking place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands.

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Tues 25th March from 1pm
Wed 26th March from 9am

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