Suzuki GSX750E model history
1980—1982

When the GS750E got the 16-valve cylinder head, Suzuki changed the model name to GSX750E (in Northern America the name remained unchanged). Here's some facts and pictures of the three model years with the air-cooled 16-valve engine. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

GSX750E with a new 16-valve engine replaced the eight-valve GS750E. Even the new machine was a massive air-cooled engine, called bullet-proof by some. As for all early GSX machines, the charging system can cause problems if not maintained carefully. Even the big end bearings can wear out (after several years of usage). The exhaust side cam shaft will also wear down and need to be replaced, sooner or later. The U.S. model didn't have the X in the model name, the American Suzuki continued using the GS750E model name, despite the new engine. It can be hard to find a repair/service manual for the bike, Haynes or Clymer never made a manual for the GSX750E. I found a copy at the local Suzuki bike service myself that I could borrow if I needed. Your local Suzuki service can own one, too. I have given the European unrestricted power figures for all of the models on this page. The Japanese model had 69 hp/ 8.500 rpm, 6,2 kg-m/ 7.000 rpm.

1980 Suzuki year code: T

The first model version, GSX750ET (E1 in Japan), had smaller fuel tank than the later models, 19 liter instead of 24. It had aluminum cast wheels, electric starter, fuel gauge, gear indicator and hydraulic disc brakes — all luxury items for a bike in those days. The text on the side panel said only ”GSX”. Presented in Japan in January 1980.

GSX 750 ET (E1) 1980 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

GSX 750 ET (E1) 1980 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image to view it in a larger format.

GSX 750 E 1980 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

1980 GSX750E (Type 1) specifications, Japan Engine: Air cooled four-stroke double over-head cam (DOHC), 16 valves (four valves per cylinder). Cylinder volyme: 747 cc Bore x stroke: 67 x 53 mm Compression ratio: 9,4:1 Maximum power: 69 ps/ 8.500 rpm Maximum torque: 6,2 kg-m/ 7.000 rpm Ignition system: PEI Electric starter: Cell Clutch: Wet multiple plate Transmission: 5 speeds (2.571, 1.777, 1.380, 1.125, 0.961) (gear indicator standard) Overall length: 2 250 mm Overall width: 875 mm Overall height: 1 185 mm Wheelbase: 1 520 mm Ground clearance: 150 mm Dry weight: 229 kg Fuel tank capacity: 19 liter Tyres: 3.25-19 (front), 4.00-18 (rear) Fuel economy: 38 km/l Price in Japan: 520 000 Yen

1981 Suzuki year code: X

GSX750EX (E2) had almost the same specifications as the first model. The handlebar width was changed from 800 mm to 775 mm and the fuel tank was redesigned and its volume increased from 19 to 24 liter. Presented in Japan in February 1981.

GSX 750 E 1981 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

GSX 750 E 1981 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

Technical data from my bike's registration certificate (Sweden): Make and type: SUZUKI GSX 75 (should be 750?) Model year: 1981 Type approved in Sweden: 19 December 1980 Model code: SZ6110 Performance: 59 kW, Norm: DIN Displacement: 747 cm3 Weight: 250 kg Maximum load: 180 kg Total weight: 430 kg

1982 Suzuki year code: Z

Presented in Japan in April 1982. The third version of the GSX750E got several cosmetic and even mechanical changes. The rectangular headlight and instruments were dropped. The round headlight came back and even the meter housing got more classic look. Modified meters and various indicator lights. Oil temperature meter now as standard. The GSX750EZ (E3) engine got hexagon bolts instead of Phillip screws. Also the clutch cover was redesigned. Turning signals attachement moved from front fork to headlight. Two signal horns instead of one. Adjustable rear shock absorbers. Modificated switches by the left handlebar. New aluminum casted brake master cylinder. Last year with the air-cooled engine. The 1983-year's GSX750ES and GSX750EF models were air/oil-cooled. Note: The GSX750ES was called GSX750E (without the S) in Japan.

GSX 750 E 1982 Overall Length: 2 250 mm (88.6 in) Overall Width: 875 mm (34.4 in) Overall Height: 1 189 mm (46.8 in) Wheelbase: 1 520 mm (59.8 in) Ground Clearance: 150 mm (5.9 in) Dry Weight: 229 kg (504 lbs) Engine type: Air-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 79 hp (59 kW)/ 9,200 rpm, 63 Nm/ 8,400 rpm. Click on the image for larger format.

What others say: Snapped at http://www.umgweb.com/usedguids.html: SUZUKI GSX750 1980-89, 747cc DOHC four, 84hp, 130mph, 45mpg, 460lb ”Early twin shocker needs alloy swinging arm, decent shocks and Metz tyres to handle well. Mono-shock version better until linkages wear. 16 valve engine tough until 50k when cam, valve and alternator hassles. If valve maintenance’s neglected the top end goes down rapidly. Half or full fairing models. Chassis rot gets to them eventually, twitchy front end means many were dropped.”

More: Suzuki GSX series

More: Photos of my Suzuki GSX750E and other bikes, summer 2001

More: All Suzuki models

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