MEET THE MIDDLE MAN
When Suzuki launched their range of three-cylinder bikes in 1972, the clear intention was to create a family of machines that appealed to the widest possible audience. Like the bikes being built by arch-rivals Kawasaki, they were all two-strokes, a proven and popular technology, and something with which Suzuki already had considerable amounts of experience. Starting with the delightful GT380 in the ultra-competitive 350-400cc class, and culminating with the imposing water-cooled GT750 superbike, Suzuki were well placed to compete with new designs that distinguished themselves from their then-current twins.
Suzuki also had a model slap bang in the middle, the GT550 triple. The early 1970s were an odd time for the Japanese factories. Ranges tended to be well-stocked in the ‘up to the 400cc’ range and the CB750/4, GT750 and H2 covered the superbike market. Yamaha had yet to release anything beyond the Triumph-aping XS650, and
