What do I have exactly?

racenviper · Post by **racenviper** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 8:25 pm

These photos are of a 1972 GT750 given to me. I have been collecting parts as I find them for a future restore, but I always find details about this machine that don't match what I seen else where. The side covers posted here have the letters "LJ". I have not seen this on any other models. The tank and side cover have been repainted. Were the lettering used on another model? The next two item are the Rad Covers and headlight bucket. Mine are chromed, were there models produced with chrome bucket and covers for the year 1972? I need a fender, fork covers..... ya ya ya.

Craig380 · Post by **Craig380** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 3:21 am

Hi and welcome

I can't answer about the headlight etc, but the LJ lettering is a personalised touch from a previous owner, it's not stock Suzuki.

Good luck with the bike, it doesn't look bad at all, especially at the price

Does the motor turn over?

racenviper · Post by **racenviper** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:46 am

Don't know, never had the time to try. It had been sitting in a shed, he was moving and I need to move it. I thought I leave it the way it is and deal with it later. I'll find out some time next year. I have another guy with a motor that was offer it also. I have no idea what year.

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:22 am

Hi and welcome to the board, ive more or less figured out all the quirky things found on the 72s over the years so once i see it i can tell what youve got.
From the few pics you supplied so far the bikes a 72 with the 4LS ft drum, the chrome side covers on the rad are 73 model parts and the LJ is just an add on item some PO put there.
The fuel tanks been filled in so the emblem pin mounts cannot be seen at the sides anymore as well.
The HL ears are 74 and later version parts and if the HL housing is round and not flat at the base its also a 74 or later item.
Anything you care to ask about that youre not sure of please do ask as we are all here to help.

bighole · Post by **bighole** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:18 am

Welcome!
Never cease to amaze me what "improvements" previous owners make to thier bikes.. like the handlebars and front fender...

Are those aftermarket chambers I spy...?

-John

tz375 · Post by **tz375** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 10:06 am

It looks like it may have either a some parts from a later bike or maybe the first owner chose to chrome plate some parts.

The headlamp ears and radiator end covers were originally painted on the 72 J model. The 73K had chrome radiator ends and Painted headlamp ears. Later bike had chrome headlamp ears and chrome headlamp shell, so the PO may have replaced parts over time or had them chrome plated for more bling.

As has been pointed out, the front fender is cut back and the bars after period type high bars.

A bigger question is the barrel. It either a late 72 or 73 with spigot mounted carbs. That makes me suspect it may be a very late 72 and it's possible that it came with the chrome radiator 73 end caps.

The indicators should be mounted in that open hole in the headlamp ears and not cluged onto the main headlamp bolt.

In summary, it is not all that far from original (can't see the pipes, but the header clamps are not stock and that suggests chambers) and your budget in time and cash will dictate the course of action.

You will almost certainly have to get the crank rebuilt plus repair any other internal rust damage. If funds are tight, you might consider a complete strip. Paint the frame and swingarm, polish all the chrome etc get the brakes working as well as possible and replace any non stock parts as funds permit. The tanks will survive a rattle can paint job unit you are ready to get it back to stock colors.

The motor will have to come out and be completely stripped and the final cost will depend on what you find in there. They are tough bikes and there's still a lot of spares around.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask for input

racenviper · Post by **racenviper** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:22 am

Craig380 wrote:Does the motor turn over?

I was cleaning the garage last night. As I moved items away from the GT750, the kick starter started to temp me. I pull out pedal and gave it a lite push. It moved all the way, felt as if there were three compressions of top dead center.

Craig380 · Post by **Craig380** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:40 pm

That's good ... the many GT750 gurus on here will give you all the help you'll need on her. Keep us posted!

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:35 pm

Half the fun about getting an old bike for restoration is finding the parts you need for it. Usually this takes a while and if you are patient a lot of good deals can be found which makes the cost quite reasonable.
If you do need the instrument gauges on your bike restored, i can do those for you.