Suzuki GT750
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| Manufacturer | Suzuki |
|---|---|
| Also called | Le Mans (in the US & Canada) |
| Production | 1971 - 1977 |
| Predecessor | T500 |
| Engine | 739 cc (45.1 cu in) two-stroke water-cooled three-cylinder |
| Top speed | 110 mph (claimed)[1] |
| Power | 67 bhp (50 kW) @ 6,500 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 55.7 lb-ft at 5500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual w/chain final drive |
| Brakes | Front: twin disc; Rear 180 mm w/single panel 1 leading shoe |
| Tires | FR 3.25 x 19; RR 4.00 x 18 [2] |
| Wheelbase | 57.5 inches (146 cm) |
| Dimensions |
L: 87.2 inches (221 cm) W: 34 inches (86 cm) H: 44.3 inches (113 cm) |
| Weight |
482 pounds (219 kg)[2] (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.75 gallons (17 litre) |
| Oil capacity | Transmission 2.2 litres; Oil injection tank 1.8 litres [2] |
| Turning radius | 2.6 metres [2] |
The GT750 was a Suzuki water-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle made from 1971 to 1977, and was the first Japanese motorcycle with a liquid-cooled engine.[3]
Development
The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan (Japanese), includes the 1971 Suzuki GT750 as one of their 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology.[4]
Introduction
The prototype Suzuki GT750 was shown at the 17th Tokyo Motor Show in October 1970[5] and launched in Japan in September 1971 as a sports tourer (GT standing for Grand Tourismo) and was developed from the Suzuki T500 with an extra cylinder and liquid cooling. Marketed as the Le Mans in the US and Canada, it was nicknamed the "Kettle" in Britain, the "Water Bottle" in Australia,[6] and the "Water Buffalo" in the United States.[7] The GT750 was heavy at 550 lbs, with a 739 cc two-stroke three-cylinder engine with 70 mm bore and 64 mm stroke. It had a five-speed gearbox and three-into-four exhaust.
1972 model
The first model year (1972), the GT750J, had a double-sided, twin-leading shoe, 200 mm drum front brake with 180 mm drum rear. The Exhaust Coupler Tube System (ECTS) that connected the left- and right-side exhausts together was designed to boost low-end torque. Carburetors were 32 mm Mikuni slide type and power output was 67 bhp at 6,500 rpm. Also included was Suzuki's SRIS (Suzuki Recycle Injection System) which was a method for lowering the visible exhaust smoke by collecting and burning residual oil/gas lying in the bottom of the crank chambers. This was a first for any two-stroke from any manufacturer.[4]
1973-1975 models - improved brakes, retuned engine, higher gearing
In 1973 Suzuki the GT750K was announced with extra chrome plating and two 295 mm discs replacing the drum front brake. No other manufacturer was offering dual front disc brakes at this time, so this was quite a marketing coup for Suzuki. The following year the GT750L gained unitized/rack mounted 40 mm Mikuni CV type carburetors, a gear position indicator added to the instrumentation and redesigned side covers along with other detail changes. The connecting pipe between the exhausts was removed and the exhausts redesigned to improve road clearance. The engine was also re-tuned with an increase in power to 70 bhp for the Japanese domestic market starting in January, 1974. The rest of the world received these changes with the introduction of the 1975 Suzuki GT750M with the new silencers without connecting pipes, raised gearing and power output increased by 3 bhp, now giving a top speed of 120 mph. Handling and performance were thus improved.[3]
1976-1977 models - minor changes and discontinuation
The 1976 GT750A model pretty much stayed the course with only minor changes to trim items and the obligatory paint colour change. The final 1977 model GT750B had black side panels regardless of tank colour, black headlamp holders, brown faced instruments instead of blue, updated turn signal indicators/lights and taillight assembly.
As with all big two strokes of the late 1970s, the GT750 was a victim of stricter emission regulations and competition from technical developments of four-stroke motorcycles.[5]
See also
References
- 1 2 Holliday, Bob (1974), Motorcycle panorama: a pictorial review of design and development, Newton Abbot, p. 106, ISBN 978-0-668-03647-4
- 1 2 3 4 Suzuki GT750 Service Manual Part #SR-3100 dtd. 07/72
- 1 2 Benjamin Kubas Cronin (22 October 2010). "Bike Icon: Suzuki GT750". Visordown. Immediate Media Company Ltd. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
The motor was essentially an existing twin design with an extra cylinder and it was the first Japanese bike to feature liquid engine cooling. With a large (and later chromed) radiator, the cooling system was responsible for the extra weight, but it did help to increase the engine's longevity. Its smooth yet strong delivery was a hit with consumers.
- 1 2 "Suzuki GT750". 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology. Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
This motorcycle had a water-cooled, 2-stroke, 3-cylinder engine that provided good acceleration over a wide speed range from low to high. Technologies developed for Grand Prix racing were incorporated into the body structure and brakes. Easily visible meters and other features were also provided.
- 1 2 "Suzuki's GT750 two-stroke triple". Retrieved 2008-12-29.
- ↑ http://www.bikepoint.com.au/editorial/reviews/2005/road/suzuki/gt750/suzuki-gt750-classic-14029
- ↑ Landon Hall (March–April 2006). "Suzuki GT750 Le Mans". Motorcycle Classics. Retrieved 2009-08-20.