Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
2113
SUZUKI
750GT -1972
Turning point in two stroke history
The sensation of the 1971 show round was the robust response by Kawasaki and Suzuki
to Honda's already legendary 750 by inaugurating the new technique of transverse three-cylinder two-stroke engines. If the layout was the same, the offerings of the two rivals represented very different philosophies. The air-cooled Kawasaki H2 was a supersports machine with out-of-the-ordinary performance: over 125 mph top speed and a standing quarter in 12.1 seconds. The Suzuki was a real GT: heavier, larger and with a water-cooled engine.
Two Errors of Judgment
Suzuki's main error lay in not having foreseen the trend of the market towards more sporting machines. A second fault was retaining a front drum brake while Honda, Kawasaki (on its 500 and 750) and Yamaha (on the 650 XS) had already opted for discs.
Built until 1977, when it appeared in the catalog alongside the 750 four-stroke, the GT took a long time to build up its image. It was small consolation that it had an excellent reputation at the end, having spawned an extraordinary track machine, the TR 750.
The best two stroke
However, the GT was an excellent touring mount which marked a turning point in the history of the two-stroke. Reliable and mechanically silent, possessed of remarkable torque, it was a docile road bike, unlike the Kawasaki, which was brilliant but noisy and guzzled gas.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 738cc (70x74mm) water-cooled threecylinder
Power Rating: 67 hp @ 6500 rpm
Valves: two-stroke, ports in piston skirt
Fuel System: three 32mm Mikuni carburetors
Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swinging fork with twin spring/dampers (rear)
Brakes: two-leading-shoe drum (front);drum (rear)
Wheels: wire; 3.25x 19 inch (front); 4.00x18 inch (rear)
Weight: 472 lb
Maximum Speed: 120 mph
Apart from the replacement of its drum front brake by a disc, the 750 GT scarcely changed during its lifetime, except that in 1974 power output rose to 70 hp at 8500 rpm.