Topic: Suzuki GS1000S

[emlupi]

Saw these today at the BritJam bike show in CT. A pair of mint 1979 and 1980 Suzuki GS1000S “Wes Cooley “ superbikes. Cooley rode the GS to back to back AMA Superbike titles in ‘79 and ‘80. Suzuki produced a limited number of these tribute bikes to commemorate the wins. A great looking pair of Suzukis from the early days of Superbike racing. The upside down photo bike with the stepped seat is the 1980.

[Scott S]

 The Cooley replicas and the first year Katana bring big money but, for whatever reason, most all other Suzuki's dont.

 Not that I'm complaining.  I often see 750 and 1000cc Suzuki's in my next of the woods for around $1500, give or take. A performance bargain, IMO.

[nvr2old]

And then there are the heathens who customize them....

IMGP0054-001 by Larry Pearson, on Flickr

[ekpent]

 A person can turn a stock bike into a "Cooley".  Were those pictured the real deal or tribute bikes ?

[nvr2old]

The upper 2 stock bikes are real GS1000S's One is a 1979 and the other a 1980.  The picture I posted of mine is also an original 1979 S model that's been modified into more of a super bike.  Period correct Yoshimura race pipe and Lockhart oil cooler, drilled rotors, Tarozzi rear sets, Honda CB1100F shocks and front fender, seat cut down and more.  You can buy a fiberglass replica fairing through the aftermarket, the rest of the body pieces are just the same as a standard E model..it's the dash..and the mirrors that pretty much spells out whether it's real or a clone.  They are so hard to come by and seriously expensive if you do find them.

[emlupi]

The two bikes in my original post are the real deal. Both have been judged in AMCA events.
Nvr2old has it right. The dashboard pieces and mirrors are the telltale parts. As mentioned, very difficult to find and, according to the owner of the ‘79, quite pricey when you find them. He had to replace the rubber trim piece surrounding the dash which was missing when he bought the bike.

Very nice bike, nvr2old.

[nvr2old]

Thanks.  It's the only non-Honda I've ever owned.  It's a blast to ride.  For a 40 year old bike, it really cooks.

[emlupi]

I’m sure it does, that GS is a legendary motor. It’s not a coincidence that drag racers love them.

It also looks cool as h*ll.

[MikeSimon]

The original story has a major flaw. Suzuki DID NOT produce these bikes as "commemorative editions" to Wes Cooley's wins. The GS1000S was out BEFORE Cooley rode a Suzi to victory.
Just check the timing
Suzuki never officially used the "Wes Cooley Replica" moniker. Also, Wes Cooley's winning bike was red. And although the Red/White GS1000S was available, albeit not in the U.S. it is much rarer than the Blue/White

[DanJ]

You were parked a couple of bikes over from me. I had the orange 73

[emlupi]

You were parked a couple of bikes over from me. I had the orange 73

Yes, that was me. Sorry I missed you. Got a photo of your bike, though. Looks great!

[emlupi]

The original story has a major flaw. Suzuki DID NOT produce these bikes as "commemorative editions" to Wes Cooley's wins. The GS1000S was out BEFORE Cooley rode a Suzi to victory.
Just check the timing
Suzuki never officially used the "Wes Cooley Replica" moniker. Also, Wes Cooley's winning bike was red. And although the Red/White GS1000S was available, albeit not in the U.S. it is much rarer than the Blue/White

Mike,
Yes, I made a poor choice of wording my original post. The bike was an homage to the racing effort and was never officially called a Wes Cooley commemorative. It was not originally intended for the US market but dealers wanted it so Suzuki released a limited number to the US. I believe the number was one per each US dealer. Thanks for the clarification and added facts. Learning something about the bikes is s big part of what makes going to these events alot of fun.

[nvr2old]

I was working at a Honda dealership when the S model came out.  We were road racing CB750Fs at the time.  We knew the owner of a Suzuki shop and he told us about the one GS1000S that he was allotted.  We ran over to see it and I fell in love with it.  That bike was gone in 2 days and I never saw another one for 30 years until a friend of mine rolled up with one in the back of his truck.  After 4 years of bugging him he finally broke down and sold it to me.  It had not been started for about 10 years..five of which it sat outside.  After a tune and service, a new battery, and fingers crossed..it lit right off and ran perfect.  Still runs great.  Never been opened up.  Amazing durability.

[754]

Wes was up here at a Vintage Swap meet in 17 or 18.. the feature bike was the S he was invited by one of the owners of one.
 According to him, around that time when they invited Wes, was when he found out that the bikes were commonly called Wes Cooleys.  Pics later tonite.

[emlupi]

Great story and pictures Frank!