Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC - [1978] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
Bikes Cars
Modern, Classic & Vintage Bike Data

Performance Review: Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC - [1978]

Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC - [1978] image

Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC - [1978]

Suzuki Logo

Suzuki

Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC
  • Year: 1978 | Type: Sport-Touring
  • Engine: 987 cc (60.2 ci) 8 Valve
  • Engine Type: V4 | Cylinders: 4
  • Engine Stroke: Two | Valve Config: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 5 speed / Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 255 kgs (562 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 232 kgs (511 lbs)
  • Power: 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 8200 rpm
  • Torque: 61.5 lb-ft (83.3 Nm) @ 6500 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 352.9 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 241.1 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 10.5 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 10.7 secs
  • Top Speed: 137 mph (220.4 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 13.32 secs @ 0 mph
  • Frame: Steel
Car Audio and eBooks

Suzuki GS 1000 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Suzuki GS 1000 has a 987cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders and Carburettor.

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025] image

An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]

The 1978 GS 1000 shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the GS 1000's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | 2025cc.2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken | 2020cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 255 kgs (562 lbs) this makes the Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha T�n�r� 700 - [2025] image

The 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 - [2025]

In terms of power the 987cc 8 valve V4 4 cylinder engine produces 90 bhp (67 kW) @ 8200 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha Ténéré 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm] or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [73 bhp (54 kW) @ 8500 rpm].

The DOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 61.5 lb-ft (83.3 Nm) @ 6500 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Suzuki GS 1000 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC - [1981] image

The 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC.

The 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC has a Power to weight ratio of 352.9 bhp per ton and 241.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 GS 1000 competing with the 1981 Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC [372.6 bhp\ton] and the 1979 Kawasaki Z 1300 DOHC [372.6 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Suzuki GS 1000 generating around 241.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2019 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Vaquero [266.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 2011 Kawasaki VN 1700 Vulcan Vaquero ABS [266.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 10.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 10.7 secs, this makes the Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC similar in acceleration to the 2021 Honda CB 1100 RS Final Edition (10.5 secs) and the 2017 Honda CB 1100 RS (10.5 secs). This Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Yamaha GTS 1000 DOHC ABS - [1995] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC and the 1995 Yamaha GTS 1000 DOHC ABS

When talking about the performance of the 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.8 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1995 Yamaha GTS 1000 DOHC ABS (11.8 secs) and the 2006 Suzuki GSR 600 DOHC (11.8 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1978 version of the Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC has a maximum speed of 137mph.

Yamaha FZ-09 Triple - [2014] image

Top Speed of the 1978 GS 1000 equals the 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 Triple

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Suzuki GS 1000 DOHC then how about a 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 Triple (148 mph) and the 2014 Yamaha MT-09 Triple (148 mph).

Related Links:

1978 Suzuki GS 1000 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Suzuki

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




Suzuki Logo

More Suzuki Models:

Edition:

A 100

A 50

A 80

A 95

AC 50

Across

AN 125

AN 200

AN 250

AN 400

AN 650

AS 50

B 120

Boulevard - Intruder

DL 1000

DL 1050

DL 250

DL 650

DR 125

DR 250

DR 350

DR 370

DR 400

DR 500

DR 600

DR 650

DR 750

DR 800

DR-Z 250

DR-Z 400

DR-Z 800

GF 250

Gixxer

GN 125

GN 250

GN 400

GP 100

GP 125

GR 650

GS 1000

GS 1100

GS 125

GS 250

GS 400

GS 425

GS 450

GS 500

GS 550

GS 650

GS 700

GS 750

GS 850

GSF 1200

GSF 1250

GSF 250

GSF 400

GSF 600

GSF 650

GSR 250

GSR 400

GSR 600

GSR 750

GSX 1000

GSX 1100

GSX 1200

GSX 1250

GSX 1300

GSX 150

GSX 250

GSX 400

GSX 550

GSX 600

GSX 650

GSX 750

GSX 8

GSX-R 1000

GSX-R 1100

GSX-R 125

GSX-R 150

GSX-R 250

GSX-R 400

GSX-R 600

GSX-R 750

GSX-S 1000

GSX-S 125

GSX-S 750

GSX-S 950

GT 125

GT 185

GT 200

GT 250

GT 380

GT 500

GT 550

GT 750

GV 1200

GV 700

GW 400

GZ 125

GZ 250

Katana

LS 400

LS 650

NS 350

PE 175

PE 250

PE 400

Raider

RE 5

RF 400

RF 600

RF 900

RG 125

RG 150

RG 185

RG 200

RG 250

RG 400

RG 500

RGV 250

RH 200

RH 250

RM 250

RMX 450

RV 125

RV 200

SB 200

SFV 650

SG 250

SG 350

SP 125

SP 200

SP 250

SP 370

SP 500

SP 600

ST 250

SV 1000

SV 400

SV 650

SW-1

SX 125

SX 200

T 125

T 200

T 250

T 350

T 500

TC 90

TF 125

TL 1000

TS 125

TS 185

TS 200

TS 250

TS 400

TS 90

TU 250

TV 250

V-Strom

VL 125

VL 1500

VL 250

VL 800

VS 1400

VS 400

VS 600

VS 700

VS 750

VS 800

VX 800

VZ 1600

VZ 800

XF 650

XN 85


More Bikes:

Bike Figures:

Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner Midnight

Yamaha XV 1900 Stratoliner Midnight
Engine Capacity: 1854cc
Top Speed: 120 mph
Power: 98.6 bhp


Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder M 800

Suzuki Boulevard - Intruder M 800
Engine Capacity: 805 cc
Top Speed: 110 mph
Quarter Mile: 15.2 secs @ 0 mph


Amazon Shopping:

Featured Pages:

Bike Lists:

Quarter Mile List

Quarter Mile | Random Figures and Specs

Edition
Quarter Mile Time
13.8 seconds

Top Speed List

Top Speed | Random Figures & Specs

Edition
Top Speed

Links:






Copyright © AutoSnout.