Post-Listing Update: This Suzuki GS1000S sold for a best offer under $3,699.
Suzuki shocked a lot of people with the GS series, particularly with their 997cc-engined entrance into the liter bike market. It was fast, it had great handling and brakes, and over time it’s proven itself to be one of the most reliable engines in history. In 1978, Yoshimura was running a KZ1000 with Wes Cooley, but they weren’t winning races. They switched to the GS1000 and then started dominating – Cooley won the ’79 and ’80 AMA Superbike Championships. While this was happening, Suzuki decided to release a Euro-only sport version of the GS1000. Once American dealers got a peek, they started clamoring for them, too. Enter the Suzuki GS1000S, of which only 500 were imported to the states in ’79. Another small batch was imported in ’80 of about 700 – supposedly one for every US Suzuki dealership.
The 997cc inline four cylinder produced 90 horsepower, which was good enough to propel the 524 pound bike up to about 130 miles per hour. IT was never officially marketed with a Wes Cooley tie-in, but consumers affectionately considered it a bit of a replica. For more on the bike that changed many American minds about Suzuki’s sporting credentials, check out this profile from Motor Cyclist. As quoted in that profile, in ’79 Cycle Guide said that the GS1000S
“demands recognition as the finest all-around ride motorcycling has to offer.”
This specific Suzuki GS1000S (VIN: GS1000524693) is a one-owner bike with 35,000 miles. In 1980 the seller put on a Murray pipe and Deralle oil cooler, and both are still with the bike. More recently, he’s rebuilt the carbs on “Old Blue”, as he calls the bike, and put on Progressive shocks and fork springs. How can you not love an auction like this, where the original owner of 35 years is only willing to let it go to a buyer who wants to keep it for a long time him/herself.
Find this Suzuki GS1000S for sale in Santa Fe, New Mexico with a BIN of $3,699