Skip to main content

LOT 40

1978 Suzuki GS1000E 'Wes Cooley/Yoshimura Replica' Registration no. DGJ 629S Frame no. GS1000 503898 (see text) Engine no. GS1000-110215

Estimate: £4,000 - £6,000
Lot 40

1978 Suzuki GS1000E 'Wes Cooley/Yoshimura Replica'

1978 Suzuki GS1000E 'Wes Cooley/Yoshimura Replica'
Registration no. DGJ 629S
Frame no. GS1000 503898 (see text)
Engine no. GS1000-110215

This 1978 Suzuki GS1000E has been extensively rebuilt and converted into a striking replica of the Yoshimura-tuned machines raced by American Superbike Champion, Wes Cooley. This machine was prepared to British Historic Racing pre-1982 specifications. Originally a road bike, it has been transformed into a competitive machine and successfully campaigned in the pre-'82 class, achieving numerous race wins over several seasons.

The engine has been upgraded and recently refreshed, now displacing approximately 1,085cc. It features a gas-flowed cylinder head with enlarged valves, Wiseco pistons and a strengthened clutch. An oil cooler has also been fitted to enhance reliability under race conditions. Engine work was carried out by Suzuki specialists Grumpy 1260 Racing.

The chassis has been upgraded to Yoshimura-type specification, including a braced original frame and a period Metmachex braced swinging arm. Suspension upgrades include GSX-R1100 front forks set up by K-Tech and longer YSS rear shock absorbers (originally intended for a CB900) to increase ground clearance. The machine runs GSX-R750 wheels and braking components.

Although built for racing, the Suzuki is road registered and currently classified under Historic Vehicle status, meaning it is exempt from road tax and MoT requirements. It remains usable on the road, though its race-focused setup makes it less suited to everyday riding. This motorcycle was raced and meticulously maintained over a four-year period and has since been kept in good order. It offers significantly improved handling over a standard GS1000S.

It should be noted that both the V5C and HPI report mistakenly omit a '0' from the GS1000 frame number prefix. The HPI report records a prior overseas registration, with the first UK registration dated 16/10/1996. The motorcycle has had five former keepers. Its current colour is listed on the HPI/V5C as silver (changed on 20/03/1998), having previously been red/white.

A highly developed and well-sorted period race replica, equally suited to classic racing events or parade use, with the added benefit of road registration.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.
To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes.

Saleroom notices

Please note the engine fitted is numbered GS1000-137138 opposed to that listed to the V5C registration certificate.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 10 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 11 June 2026, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Bid now on these items

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1926 Triumph 494cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1926 Triumph 494cc

£4,000 - £6,000
1934 Austin Seven 65
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1934 Austin Seven 65

£4,000 - £6,000
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp

£4,000 - £5,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Vincent 499cc Series-C Comet

£5,000 - £7,000
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1921 Triumph 550cc Model H

£4,000 - £5,000
1916 Radco 211cc
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1916 Radco 211cc

£3,400 - £4,400
The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 3rd Place, 2003 Manx Grand Prix, Senior, Matchless 500cc G50 Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1974 Moto Guzzi 750S

£4,000 - £6,000
The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

The Ex-John Goodall, 4th Place, 2007 Manx Grand Prix, Junior, AJS 350cc Racing Motorcycle

£5,000 - £7,000
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
United Kingdom

A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,

£4,000 - £6,000
A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,
United Kingdom

A 56 inch Ordinary bicycle by Thomas Smith, circa 1885,

£3,500 - £4,500