I became the owner on August 26, '99. This is the first version of the GT750, the 1972 'J' model. (Serial no 'GT750-31225', only 27 more 'J's made following this one). This bike was first sold/registered in Sweden early 1973. The GT750 J features a 67 hp 750cc 3-cyl water cooled two-stroke engine. The engine firing impulses corresponds to that of a 6-cyl 4-stroke so this engine type runs very smoothly when in good tune. Visually if you meet one on the road, these bikes are distinguished by the characteristic water cooling radiator in front of the engine. If one runs ahead of you on the road a smell of three 250cc 2-stroke engines and possibly some bluish 2-stroke smoke may be noticeable. There is a cooling fan behind the radiator which kicks in at random occasions. It is never needed. The engine has electric start. The GT750 is commonly referred to as the 'Water Buffalo' (U.S) 'Wasserbüffel' (Germany), 'Vattenbuffeln' (Sweden), 'The Kettle' or Water Bottle' (Britain), 'Vannbuss' (Norwegian!) or 'waterbucket' (Australia). In advertising it was also named the 'LeMans' in the U.S. This machine type was known for the wide power band/low end torque allowing exceptional acceleration performance from low revs, similar in characteristics to the triple 2-stroke air cooled Kawasaki H2 750 (Mach IV) but more 'civilised'. It was more popular as a touring bike than a stop light racer due to weight/dimensions, but it can be a performer. The main flaw of the J series is the brakes are no match for the acceleration capability and weight (507lbs dry/230kg) (front dual drum brake, the 1973 K model had dual front discs) so some caution is required in order to stay alive. The engine of this one is still healthy and the bike as bought was very original part from a few details, still had original paint layers. The model is a fine example of the Japanese design of bikes of the early 70's, I especially like the more spectacular paint scheme of the 'J' and 'K' models which I worshipped reading bike magazines back in 1972-73 when I was 14 years old. See picture below of the actual magazine which I suspect was the source of my interest..
A bike like this was beyond my reach back in the 70's. Anyway this is my first 2-stroke bike since a Yamaha 125 AS3 '72 back in 1974-75 (see the picture gallery).

The four small pictures above show the bike as purchased 990825 (sales pictures from previous owner). It had several non-original details there and I got really interesting in trying to find the vital parts for bringing it back to original appearance. I've been more successful in collecting the vital parts than I first anticipated (short rear fender,rear lamp assembly,orig seat, horn, emblems and much more). This has only been possible thanks to the Internet, all you GT enthusiasts out there, and the dealers specializing in parts for this type of bike.

Actual classifieds ad that triggered a surviving teenage dream brain cell in August 1999 !

Before I bought the bike I checked on the Internet what info existed on this model and was happy to find a certain culture, clubs and dealers actively supporting the model. This is definitely not the case with all brands and models of this age ! I went ahead and was able to bring this wonder home after a 700 mile trip in a pickup truck.. Life was indeed wonderful. Bike was rideable but when the initial hypnosis had faded I began to notice all that could be improved. It showed a need for the replacement of certain worn parts that affected handling, the exhaust had rattling metal garbage inside, and I saw potential for some cosmethic restoration. The engine seemed rock solid part from a rattling starter clutch so the cost of restoring the bike would be reasonable. At first I expected 'only a few parts would be needed' but over time this developed into something else.. I've been surprised to find most of the parts have been possible to find in new or good condition. This model is becoming a collector item so rare parts are expensive.