1980 Suzuki GS1000ST Motorcycle

Suzuki's history can be traced back to manufacturing silk looms back in 1909 but it wasn't until the 1930s that the company began experimenting with internal combustion engines.  The early post-war period saw Suzuki producing heaters and farm machinery but the small two-stroke engine resurfaced in 1952 and was initially sold in the form of the “Power Free” motorized bicycle.  In 1954 Suzuki began making their own motorcycles, beginning with a 90cc two-stroke Colleda, notable as one of the first to have oil injection to save the rider from having to mix the oil and petrol manually.  Over the next three decades, Suzuki established itself as one of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, whilst diversifying into everything from small cars to outboard motors.  Initially concentrating on two-strokes, Suzuki was building some fantastic four-strokes in the 1970s, starting with the legendary GS series and the four-cylinder GS750 announced in November 1976.  The range expanded to include both a GS550 and larger GS1000 the following year, Suzuki being the last of the “big four” Japanese motorcycle manufacturers to join the 1000cc club.  The 997cc engine was actually lighter than the 750 unit, rated at 83-90 horsepower depending on the market, while the tubular steel cradle frame, five-speed transmission and chain drive were shared with the GS750 but the bigger bike benefited from an air and oil dampened front fork and revised fuel tank.  Changes for the 1980 model year included alloy wheels, slotted front disc brakes and other minor details, while the ‘ST’ sold in Australia benefited from a larger camshaft, 30mm Mikuni slide carburettors plus a speedo/tach binnacle in place of the ‘SN’ series full plastic dash.  Sold in limited numbers between 1978 and 1981, Suzuki’s GS1000 is arguably one of the best Japanese fours ever made and a true collector’s piece today.  Amongst other successes on track, the GS1000 won the 1978 Daytona Superbike event and the 1979 and 1980 AMA Superbike National Championships with Wes Cooley aboard, along with the 1979 Castrol Six Hour race.