SUZUKI GS1000s
Back in 1977 with all the big Japanese manufacturers fighting it out in the 1 litre market Kawasaki wth the Z1000 Yamaha the XS1100 and the Honda Goldwing Suzuki surprised everyone with the introduction of their GS1000 at the 64th Paris motorcycle show, it was based on the popular GS750 with the stroke of the 750 being increased from 56.4 to 70mm giving a displacement of 997cc the power was quoted as between 83 and 90 bhp the new 1000cc engine was actually lighter than the 750 .
The GS1000 was based in many aspects around the 750 with a five speed gearbox tubular steel cradle frame and chain drive and in typical Suzuki fashion many of the parts of the litre bike coming straight from the 750 there were some noticeable differences with the larger machine coming with more advanced suspension in the form of air assisted forks a redesigned fuel tank and rear end,the GS1000 being arguably the best of the big bikes on the market.
The GS1000s was based on the “E” model but with a bikini fairing which burdened the bike with an extra 5 kilos but included a clock and an oil temperature gauge and the rear wheel diameter was increased from 17” to 18”.By todays standards the bike would probably be regarded as a death trap with the flex that was apparent in the frame but in its day it handled as well as all its competitors.
Also known as the Wes Cooley replica the S along with the rest of the GS range represented Suzuki well on the race track and along with Yoshimura won the fledgling AMA Superbike series in 1978.
The 1000s was only produced for two tears 1978 and 1979 with the Katana replacing it in 1980 it was only manufactured in red/white and blue/white and is truly now considered a classic with clean examples fetching prices well in excess of the original list price.
Suzuki
GS1000S 1979
a.k.a. Wes Cooley replica
Overall Length: 2 220 mm (87.4 in)
Overall Width: 775 mm (30.5 in)
Overall Height: 1 250 mm (49.2 in)
Wheelbase: 1 505 mm (59.3 in)
Dry Weight: 238 kg (524 lbs)
Engine type: Air-cooled 997 cc inline-4, DOHC, 8 valves. 88 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 8,23
kg-m/ 6.750 rpm
