
LOT 195
1978 Suzuki GS1000 Wes Cooley Tribute Frame no. GS1000504730 Engine no. GS1000110909
Sold for US$4,600 inc. premium
Lot 195
1978 Suzuki GS1000 Wes Cooley Tribute Frame no. GS1000504730 Engine no. GS1000110909
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1978 Suzuki GS1000 Wes Cooley Tribute
Frame no. GS1000504730
Engine no. GS1000110909
Frame no. GS1000504730
Engine no. GS1000110909
Shortly after its release in 1977, the Suzuki GS1000 saw its big sister emerging on the market. Named GS1K in Europe, it came as GS1000S in the US. Despite an engine that looked similar to the GS 750, it was actually very different internally. The 997cc inline four engine produced 90hp, and tookweight of 524lbs. Despite this heavy weight, it was still good for a good 130 mph. Although the GS was one of the first multi cylinder bike producing 1000cc and more, it was still able to fight bravely - and win - against more recent manufacturers like Ducati, BMW, Laverda or Honda. The bike earned its name of Wes Cooley Replica thanks to Wes Cooley's win at the AMA Superbike championship in 1979 and 1980 aboard the GS1000.
A test report in the March 1978 Cycle Magazine read: "The GS1000 is not the fastest of the new Big Four — the CBX is — nor is it the most comfortable (the Eleven holds that distinction). But while the other three [including the Kawasaki Z1-R] offer extraordinary specific capabilities paid for in the coin of specific shortcomings, the GS1000 has similar capabilities with no shortcomings at all."
While not a factory-built Wes Cooley Replica, this tribute machine faithfully recreates the elements of the Suzuki special edition. The vendor purchased this motorcycle from an important private collection and has been kept in a climate-controlled environment. We are advised it hasn't been started since being purchased and would benefit from being recommissioned.
A test report in the March 1978 Cycle Magazine read: "The GS1000 is not the fastest of the new Big Four — the CBX is — nor is it the most comfortable (the Eleven holds that distinction). But while the other three [including the Kawasaki Z1-R] offer extraordinary specific capabilities paid for in the coin of specific shortcomings, the GS1000 has similar capabilities with no shortcomings at all."
While not a factory-built Wes Cooley Replica, this tribute machine faithfully recreates the elements of the Suzuki special edition. The vendor purchased this motorcycle from an important private collection and has been kept in a climate-controlled environment. We are advised it hasn't been started since being purchased and would benefit from being recommissioned.
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 title will be in transit.




















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