Suzuki GT380 information

Suzuki completed their range of GT triples in 1972 with the launch of the GT380 and GT550; these followed on from their flagship GT750 launched a year earlier.

Unlike the GT750 these were air cooled models utilising their patented ’Ram-Air’ system, a cooling method that charged air to the hot cylinder heads, and whilst a little gimmicky on singles and twins, was very effective cooling a potentially bothersome very hot central cylinder. Anyone who had run an early Kawasaki triple with its central cylinder going off song would appreciate this clever system.

The GT380 was in a much lower state of tune than its Kawasaki equivalent, which made it a much nicer machine to own and run, not as glamorous, but a lot easier on the pocket.

This triple was as reliable and economical as any of the four stroke equivalents, with that inimitable engine note that sets these and Kawasaki’s apart.

These were good touring machines, with safe handling provided they were not pushed too hard.

Its 171kg weight was heavy for a ‘350’ even for that time, and the first model with drum brake whilst prettier did not stop very effectively, the disc replacement, helped a little so long as it was not raining! The 6-speed engine produced 38hp @ 7500 rpm, 4hp more than the Honda CB350F. As classics these are somewhat undervalued, taking a back seat to the Kawasaki equivalents, which always out-sold them.

The GT380 finally bowed out in 1979.

top