1976 Suzuki GT380
Registration no. LGV 310P
Frame no. 86372
Engine no. 97228

Suzuki joined the exclusive superbike club in 1971 with the launch of the GT750. A three-cylinder water-cooled two-stroke, the GT750 was joined a year later by a pair of smaller air-cooled triples: the GT380 and GT550. Using the 54x54mm bore/stroke dimensions of the existing T250 twin, the GT380 displaced 371cc and produced 38bhp. The gearbox was a six-speeder, complemented by Suzuki's useful digital gear indicator in the instrument binnacle. Performance was brisk - 100mph being exceedable - though compromised by the fade-prone drum front brake, which was soon replaced by a single hydraulic disc. Smooth and comfortable, the GT380 handled surprisingly well once the original-equipment Japanese tyres had been replaced by superior European rubber, proving quicker than the more powerful, but heavier and harder-to-handle, GT550 over cross-country going. This UK-model Suzuki GT380 is said to be all original except for the seat cover. It was last used in 2014 and is in running condition, so should require only limited re-commissioning before further use. Offered with a V5 registration document, the machine was last owned by a collector in Norfolk who decided to thin out his collection.