1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo

1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo

The 1971 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo packs a 738cc 2-stroke triple engine with 67hp into a touring motorcycle package from Suzuki.

Specifications

Engine

Type
2-stroke triple
Displacement
738 cc
Cylinders
3
Power
67 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
72.0 Nm
Compression
Bore × Stroke
70.0 × 64.0 mm
Cooling
Water-cooled
Fuel System
3x Mikuni carburetors

Chassis & Transmission

Frame
Steel double cradle
Front Suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension
Twin shock
Front Brake
Dual disc
Rear Brake
Drum
Front Tyre
Rear Tyre
Transmission
5-speed
Final Drive
Chain

Performance

Top Speed
180 km/h (112 mph)
¼ Mile

Dimensions & Weight

Dry Weight
235 kg (518 lbs)
Wet Weight
255 kg (562 lbs)
Seat Height
800 mm
Wheelbase
1460 mm
Ground Clearance
Fuel Capacity
17.0 L

History & Story

In 1971, Suzuki launched the 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo — a touring motorcycle that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from Japan, it combined Japan engineering with touring motorcycle appeal.

The 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo is motivated by a 738cc 2-stroke triple triple-cylinder unit delivering 67hp at 6500 rpm. Breathing through 3x Mikuni carburetors and kept cool by water-cooled, the engine drives through a 5-speed transmission with chain final drive.

Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo suspends its 235 kg (518 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on dual disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1460 mm wheelbase providing stability.

Performance-wise, the 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo achieves a claimed top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 17.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for touring motorcycle duties. The seat height of 800 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.

Today, the 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo is considered a desirable collector motorcycle that has appreciated significantly in value over the decades. Parts availability is rated as moderate, making ownership a dedicated pursuit. It remains an icon of Suzuki motorcycling from 1970s.

Known Issues

  • Crank bearing wear
  • Piston ring gumming
  • Oil pump adjustment critical
  • Cam chain tensioner rattle
  • Petcock vacuum diaphragm failure

Fun Facts

  • The 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo is considered one of the most collectible motorcycles from Suzuki
  • The 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo is widely regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history
  • As a two-stroke, the 1971 Suzuki GT750 Water Buffalo produced a distinctive exhaust note and required premix or oil injection

Collector Information

Parts Availability
Moderate
Collector Rating
8/10

Resources & Parts