Suzuki GT 750 Kettle

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The Suzuki GT750 was first shown as a prototype at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show.

Honda had already started the superbike age with their iconic CB750, but Suzuki chose a different route to both Honda and Kawasaki with their 4-cylinder machines, opting instead for a 3-cylinder two stroke design. This was developed from the experience they had previously gained while developing the 500 twin range. An extra cylinder was added and water cooling was used as the solution to possible overheating of the middle cylinder, thus giving rise to the “Kettle” nickname in the UK and “Water Buffalo" in the USA.

Initial models featured a 4-leading shoe front brake when the model was released to the public for the 1972 season and was entitled the GT750J. This was superseded by the GT750K model in 1973 when the drum front brake was replaced with twin discs. While not quite as pretty, it improved the braking no end. Minor changes occurred in the next two years, each model being given a different suffix to its name, the GT750L for 1974 and the GT750M for 1975. Small differences, mostly to the paint scheme and some silencer alterations, were incorporated into the 1976 GT750A model and the final production GT750B model for 1977, stricter emission controls eventually sounding the death knell for big two strokes.

This machine, originally delivered in blue livery has been extensively refurbished over the years. Its current owner has fitted a reconditioned starter, rebuilt the front calipers, carburettors and had the front fork tubes rechromed. He has also added a new front wiring loom and Lucas Rita ignition. A spare pair of spoked wire wheels is also included in the sale.

MOTd until March 2015 and taxed until the end of this month, this big bruiser of a GT750 has been used regularly, the model rapidly developing a cult following proving that period two-stokes are very much flavour of the month.