Suzuki GS750
85/100 Overall
85 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Suzuki GS750 vs Kawasaki GPz750
Suzuki GS750 scores 85/100 overall against Kawasaki GPz750 on 84/100. On the road: 85–78. As classics: 85–90. Overall result: Suzuki GS750.
Photo: John de Guerre · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kawasaki GPz750
84/100 Overall
78 On the road90 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Suzuki GS750 | Kawasaki GPz750 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 9 | 8 | Suzuki GS750 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 9 | 8 | Suzuki GS750 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 7 | Suzuki GS750 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 7 | Suzuki GS750 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 9 | Kawasaki GPz750 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Kawasaki GPz750 |
Choose the Suzuki GS750 if…
you want Suzuki's landmark four-stroke superbike, with strong handling, dependable engineering and understated classic appeal.
Choose the Kawasaki GPz750 if…
you want muscular early-1980s Kawasaki performance, distinctive GPz styling and a direct link to the developing superbike era.
Background
History
Suzuki GS750
The Suzuki GS750 was produced from 1976–1981 and used a 748cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, performance, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki GPz750
The Kawasaki GPz750 was produced from 1982–1985 and used a 738cc air-cooled DOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, performance, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Suzuki GS750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1981.
- The recorded engine description is: 748cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, performance, historic importance.
Kawasaki GPz750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1982 to 1985.
- The recorded engine description is: 738cc air-cooled DOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, performance, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Suzuki GS750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Suzuki GS750. Its library score for reliability is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki GPz750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki GPz750. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Suzuki GS750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki GPz750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Suzuki GS750
Rivals to the Kawasaki GPz750
Final result
The verdict
Suzuki GS750 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki GPz750 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Suzuki GS750 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.