Suzuki GT750 classic

These days Suzuki virtually owns the 750cc class with its spectacular GSX-R750, and it all began with the GT750 in 1971. But while the GSX-R is a conventional four-cylinder four-stroke, the GT750 was different. In 1970 Suzuki only produced two-strokes, and when they decided to enter the Superbike war it was with a two-stroke. Up against the mighty Honda CB750 and wicked Kawasaki H2 triple, Suzuki decided to tread a different path, creating a GT, or Grand Tourer.

Suzuki already had a two-stroke 500cc twin, the T500, so it simply added another 70 x 64mm cylinder. Water-cooling was also added so the engine would run longer and harder without overheating and seizing. The large radiator and cooling system contributed to an increase in weight, but provided the GT750 with an enviable record of reliability. While the highly stressed Kawasaki triples gained a reputation for exploding, the GT750 could rival any four-stroke in longevity. The 738cc 120 degree triple was smooth, and with very mild porting and three 40mm Mikuni carburettors, the power was a moderate 67 horsepower at 6500rpm. But the most surprising thing about this two-stroke triple was the flat torque curve, and the GT750 had more low and mid-range power than anyone expected of a two-stroke. There was some initial scepticism, but when anyone rode a GT750 this immediately disappeared. Eschewing the emphasis on straight line performance, the GT750 provided relaxed cruising and exceptional comfort.

Much of this comfort was also provided by the size of the GT750. At 214kg dry it was quite heavy, and while the handling was a little soft and soggy when ridden hard, the weight was low and the GT750 was a supreme long-distance motorcycle. Even the overdone Cadillac-inspired styling touches didn't detract too much from the GT750's appeal. The symmetrical exhaust system, with black taper-end cones, was designed to make it look like a four-cylinder, and the front was dominated by a giant radiator. Setting the GT750 off was a garish candy-colour scheme. This was 1970s styling at its most extreme.

The first model, the GT750J (pictured here), was released during 1971, and continued through into 1972. The J was the only model to feature a drum brake, but criticism of its spongy action and lack of feel led to twin front discs gracing the GT750K of 1973. In 1975, with the GT750M, came an increase in power, to 70 horsepower, but ultimately the market demanded four-strokes. The GT750 could leave most bikes behind in a haze of blue oil smoke but emission controls eventually also signed its death warrant. Although the GT750 continued until 1977, the release of the four-stroke GS750 in 1976 was the harbinger of the future. But when the GT750 died, so did one of the 1970s iconic motorcycles, and one of the most interesting and charismatic machines of the era.

FIVE SMART THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GT750
1. The Suzuki GT750 has earned more nicknames than just about any other motorcycle. These range from Water Buffalo, Kettle, and Water Bottle, to the Flexi-Flyer. Despite these derogatory names, the GT750 has one of the strongest followings in the classic motorcycle scene.

2. Not long after the GT750 was released Suzuki developed it into the TR750 Formula 750 racer. At the TR750's race debut at Daytona in 1972 Jody Nicholas was timed at more than 275 km/h.

3. The most successful rider of the TR750 was the late, great Barry Sheene. Sheene won the FIM Formula 750 title in 1973 and the British Superbike titles in 1973 and 1974 and scored more victories than any other TR750 rider.

4. Sheene looked set to take the British title again in 1975 but was injured in a spectacular 280 km/h accident at Daytona. After this spill, the world's highest profile crash ever, Sheene returned to win the British Superbike title in 1976.

5. John Williams gave the TR750 its only TT victory; the 1976 Isle of Man 1000cc TT Classic. Williams set a race average speed of 174 km/h, with a fastest lap of 177 km/h.