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LOT 635

1978 Suzuki GS1000 Registration no. GDF 601T Frame no. 513912 Engine no. 120444

Estimate: £6,500 - £7,500
Lot 635

1978 Suzuki GS1000
Registration no. GDF 601T Frame no. 513912 Engine no. 120444

1978 Suzuki GS1000
Registration no. GDF 601T
Frame no. 513912
Engine no. 120444

The second of Suzuki's big multi-cylinder four-strokes, the GS1000 arrived in the UK for the 1978 season, vying with Kawasaki's Z1000 for the 'top sports bike' crown. 'The GS1000 provides the silky smoothness synonymous with most across-the-frame fours, an incredible amount of torque which reduces gearchanging to a minimum plus devastating performance,' reported Bike. Historically significant as Suzuki's first one-litre multi, the GS1000 is today one of the most collectible of early Suzuki four-strokes.

This GS1000 was dismantled and mostly in boxes when purchased in 2005. The bike was then fully stripped and all cycle parts, etc sent away for blasting, powder coating and other refurbishing. The brake pistons, wheel spindles, and most bolts were machined from stainless steel by Phil Denton. The Suzuki was then slowly rebuilt with new bearings, seals, 'O' rings, etc over the course of many years. Rebuilding the engine and carburettors was entrusted to a local motorcycle dealer/repairer (JHS Racing) whose bill for £3,500 is on file together with others relating to the restoration. Other works included repainting the fuel tank, applying decals, etc. Once the vendor had reinstalled the engine, the Suzuki was sent back to JHS Racing for electronic ignition to be fitted and the machine set up for optimum running. Only a little over 300 miles have been covered since the restoration's completion in 2018 and the private vendor advises us that the Suzuki runs very well. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and the aforementioned restoration bills.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

The frame number is GS1000-513912. The engine number is GS1000-120444.

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  • 28 April 2001, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 27 April 2019, 09:00 - 18:00 BST

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