1983 GS750ES
Original and Current Owner:  Bob Young
Location:  Washington DC Suburbs
Build Date:  March 1983
Purchased:  Feb 1984 (New)
Current Mileage:  31,848

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Mark,

When, in the fall of ’82 at the age of 28, I saw Suzuki’s new sportbike on the cover of Motorcyclist  Magazine, well, it was love at first sight.  Of course, everyone else was talking about Honda’s groundbreaking “Interceptor” but, for me, the GS750ES was much more attractive.  It appealed to me as a simple, but very quick, bike with an air/oil-cooled engine and 16” front wheel. 

 A few months later, I sat on one.  It fit like a glove.  But area dealers were already sold out for the 1983 model year so I waited, hoping to could get one in ‘84.  Of course, in the States, “84” never came (because the 750ES was only sold in the US for the 1983 model year) and so, in February 1984 I bought a brand-new, plain-Jane 1983 GS750E.  Obviously, E’s were not in demand like the ES’. 

Prior to delivery, the dealer installed a Kerker K2 exhaust system and the (slightly) lower ES handlebar risers.  The carbs were also re-jetted after installing the pipe.  All remain on the bike today.
 In May ’84, I converted the E to an ES by simply replacing the bodywork and installing the ES turn signals (shorter).  And with that, I finally had my ES.

Since this was my only motorcycle at the time, I rode it frequently, mostly on backroads…fast.  I’m still reminded of the 1964 Schwinn catalog phrase describing its 10-speed bicycles as “designed for brisk road-work.”  Well, Suzuki could have said the same thing when describing the GSES. 

 I love the 16” front wheel and peaky engine.  I don’t care much for the “anti-dive” and braided steel brake lines were installed to mitigate some front brake “mushiness.”  The wheels were power-coated (red) in 1989 and both a Corbin “Gunfighter” saddle and Progressive fork springs were added in 1991.  No modifications have been made since but it is meticulously maintained. 

In 1992, with the addition of a Harley Softail, the ES was somewhat ignored.  However, since adding more bikes to the “fleet,” I’ve re-discovered the ES.  With it’s quick steering, awesome sound, and comfortable (yet sporting) riding position, it’s an absolute joy to ride.

Thanks,
Robert Young

Bob Young is a Vehicle Defects Investigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (ryoung@nhtsa.dot.gov).  His primary focus is investigating safety-related defects in motorcycles for possible recall by the manufacturer.  He has been riding motorcycles since 1969 and is an MSF-certified motorcycle-riding instructor.  Currently he owns a 1983 Suzuki GS750ES, a 1993 HD Softail Custom, a 2003 BMW R1150RT, and a 2006 Ducati Paul Smart 1000LE.