78 GS1000 original owners

[Guest]

Having a discussion on a Vintage Suzuki Facebook page on when did fluted tanks appear? My known original 78 C model and another person, we both have a build date DEC 1977, neither have a fluted tank. Fluted tail piece only, both bikes are burgandy/orange. We also have the leverless petcock in use. Read on here that tanks were fluted when the E model came later in 78.

[Nessism]

Having a discussion on a Vintage Suzuki Facebook page on when did fluted tanks appear? My known original 78 C model and another person, we both have a build date DEC 1977, neither have a fluted tank. Fluted tail piece only, both bikes are burgandy/orange. We also have the leverless petcock in use. Read on here that tanks were fluted when the E model came later in 78.

You have a service replacement tank. The leverless petcock came in the 1980 model year. I think the 1978 is the only model year (not calendar year) 1000 with the fluted tank.

[Sandy]

You have a service replacement tank. The leverless petcock came in the 1980 model year. I think the 1978 is the only model year (not calendar year) 1000 with the fluted tank.

Correct, the replacement tanks for 1978 and 1979 were actually '80 GS1000E tanks painted according for the specific year and model. I had to replace the tank on my first '79 GS1000E around 1986 and that's the tank I got.

[rphillips]

Not that it matters, but didn't the "80" GS1000 "E" & "S" tanks have the petcock moved slightly, to clear the big flat tops on the CV carbs?

[Nessism]

Not that it matters, but didn't the "80" GS1000 "E" & "S" tanks have the petcock moved slightly, to clear the big flat tops on the CV carbs?

Yes it did.....

[Big T]

All 3 of my 78 tanks are fluted and have the lever petcock

I'm the original owner of the blue one

[850 Combat]

The 1980 petcock has a petcock without any prime lever. You can get it with a screw driver. Its really great. My '78 Skunk has a dealer replacement tank with the difficult to use 1980 petcock. That said, it is still a beautiful bike. Todd might disagree. I have a decent 1978 tank, but a PO painted it blue and white. Maybe someday I'll change it, but frankly, its already lovely to see, and the other tank won't make it prettier. It has to be one of us to know the difference.