Suzuki GS1000 Performance Portfolio 1978-1981

Road & Comparison Tests

I wonder if Michio Suzuki (a successful loom maker who was born in 1887) ever dreamed of what he was starting when he first turned his hand to manufacturing motorcycles in 1952 at the age of 63! The GS1000 Suzuki which celebrated its twenty- first birthday this year, was introduced into the UK in 1978. This was without doubt a superbike being hailed, and I quote, the fastest, best handling and most thoroughly engineered bike that Suzuki has ever produced.

The GS1000 sported an extremely robust double overhead camshaft engine, a balanced four into two exhaust system, alloy wheels and twin disc callipers. It came in a variety of guises, from the spring shock S model, the shaft drive G model, to the L custom model. Without doubt however the air shocked, chain drive E model became the most sought after. Although a heavy machine, the power was good, for those who required this and the air assisted suspension made the ride smooth, comfortable and a very solid machine through corners, making touring a pleasure. Even today it is still a very sought after machine, bringing high prices for the most original models, a tribute indeed.

For me personally, it was my first real superbike, and there has never been another machine that I have ridden, that has filled me with so much admiration - a true thoroughbred. A portfolio of contemporary articles leads us through the development of the Suzuki GS1000. Included are road, comparison & track tests, new model intros & more.

• Models covered:
• Yoshimura
• Dunstall
• CS
• XT
• GS1000HC
• GS1000E
• GS1000S
• GS1000L
• GS1000GT
• GS1000E7

Softbound, 140 pages, 250+ illus.