In 1985, Suzuki offered a slightly downsized 700 version of their popular GS750 to get around newly-implemented tariffs for motorcycles of 750cc and above. But by that point the GS750/700 was basically at the end of its run – the next year Americans would get to enjoy the game-changing GSX-R750 anyway.
The GS was supposed to be Suzuki’s game-changer, but it suffered from some bad luck. Most notable was in 1983, when the model was introduced – as Cycle World noted in this period review, that’s also when Honda brought out the 750 Interceptor and they got all the glory. “But although the ’85 GS is neither all-new nor high-tech, it still is as it was two years ago: one pretty slick sport machine nonetheless. It handles gracefully and nimbly, accelerates as fiercely its anything of its displacement, and is fun to ride. It’s a delightful motorcycle by anyone’s standards.” Still, in 1985 lots of buyers were just waiting for the upcoming GSX-R750, and sales of this model suffered.
This example (VIN: JS1GP72A6F2102368) has 22,500 miles and it’s said to be completely stock except for stainless steel brake lines up front. Issues include a broken fuel gauge (the seller says that the sending unit seems to be stuck) as well as some rash on the left fairing near the logo.
Find this GS700ES for sale in Bloomington, Illinois with bidding up to $1,825 here on eBay.