Interview Assistance:Motorcycle King Tsukuba Out of Print Museum
The Suzuki GS1200SS, which debuted with the catchphrase "A man's motorcycle," which has become a little hard to use in modern times, was a neo-retro sports motorcycle modeled after the Yoshimura GS1000R, which was active in the TT and F1 classes.
The legendary GS1000R was born from the combination of Suzuki and Yoshimura
For Suzuki, the name "GS" was given to top-end motorcycles, and later it was changed to a 4-valve engine and passed on to the name "GSX".
The GS name became famous overnight thanks to the GS1000R made by racing constructor Yoshimura. Yoshimura, which acted as a semi-works company for Suzuki, mounted a Yoshimura-tuned DOHC 2-valve GS1000-based engine, which was known as limitless, on a Suzuki F1 frame. The GS1000R, which had a body weight of around 180 kg and an engine with over 130 PS, won many TT and F1 races such as the Suzuka 8 Hours and the Bol d'Or 24 Hours. In 1983, a machine equipped with a 4-valve GSX1000S-based engine on a Moriwaki aluminum frame was entered in the 1983 Suzuka 8 Hours, but although it did not perform well, this machine would later lead to the GSX-R750/1100.
Since its debut in 1985, the two round headlights have been a tradition of the GSX-R series, but the design has changed little by little, and in 2000 the design was replaced with a completely new one. However, for riders who spent their youth during the racer replica boom of the 1980s, the two round headlight endurance racer design is something they will never forget, and there must have been some Suzuki designers who felt the same way.

The Yoshimura GS1000R is based on the GS1000, which is equipped with a DOHC 2-valve engine.

The GSX1100E was equipped with a DOHC 4-valve engine. For TT and F1, the 1000cc GSX1000S Katana engine was used.

The GSX-R1100, with its aluminum frame and oil-cooled engine, was a full-fledged racer replica that overturned the conventional wisdom of large motorcycles up until that point.

The 1200cc GSX-R1100 series engine installed in the GSF1200 was carried over to the GS1200SS.

The GS1200SS was based on the Inazuma 1200. It is a neo-retro naked motorcycle with a steel double cradle frame.

The Bandit 1200 can be said to be a redesigned version of the GSF1200, and shares the same gear ratio as the GS1200SS.
The GS1200SS revives the image of the GS1000R into the 21st century.
The GS1200SS, released by Suzuki in 2001, had a design that caught the interest of the replica generation. The oil-cooled 4-valve engine, which was also installed on the GSF1200, Inazuma 1200, Bandit 1200, etc., was mounted on a steel double-crank frame, and with a round headlight and a single-seat style seat cowl, this motorcycle was finished-like a replica of the GS1000R. The fact that it was named "GS" even though it had a 4-valve engine is also a point that suggests it was a reference to the GS1000R.
When the GS1200SS was released, the catchphrase was "A man's bike." The atmosphere created by the separate handlebars that were not suitable for some riders, the rugged 1200cc oil-cooled engine, the design that reproduced the racing motorcycles of the 1980s, and the all-black coloring gave it the appearance of a man's motorcycle. The added red and black two-tone color was completely Yoshimura color, and the catalog featured a photo of the GS1000R racing around the circuit with the catchphrase "Reviving the Racing Spirit." The 2003 model had a different fuel tank shape, a blue and white two-tone color that could be called Suzuki's works color, and the digital speedometer was changed to analog, giving it a stronger image of an 80s racer, but unfortunately, this was the final model.

The first-generation GS1200SS model is completely blacked out and truly looks like a "man's motorcycle."

The red and black Yoshimura color scheme matches the GS1200SS perfectly. Even on the used motorcycle market, this color scheme is the only one that is selling for a higher price.

The rear view, with its twin shocks and single-seat style seat cowling, is reminiscent of the GS1000R.

Although it has separate handlebars, the upper body is more upright than on modern SS motorcycles, and the knees are not bent as tightly.

When a rider who is 170 cm tall and weighs 65 kg straddles the motorcycle, both heels lift slightly off the ground. It's not like the foot placement is good, but it's not to the point where it makes you feel uneasy.
The unique design has been reevaluated in recent years
The cowlings of the GS1200SS are specially designed, but the basic body is based on the Inazuma 1200, which has the same oil-cooled engine. In a sense, it may have been the right choice to create a replica retro racer based on the Inazuma, a so-called neo-retro motorcycle. The way it was made is exactly like an 80s racer, and the design is well put together. The headlight is a single-lamp type with a round light placed on the right side of the GS1000R, but this one has two round lights. While the GSX-R750/1100 has two round lights placed closer to the center, the GS1200SS has lights placed a little apart on the left and right, so the image is quite different. This is probably a matter of likes and dislikes, but I feel that it would have been better to go for a single-lamp type like the GS1000R.
As mentioned earlier, the engine is almost the same as the Inazuma 1200, an oil-cooled DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 1156cc, tuned to a maximum output of 74kW (100PS)/8000rpm and a maximum torque of 94Nm (9.6kgm)/6500rpm. Incidentally, the Inazuma 1200 has a maximum output of 74kW (100PS)/8500rpm and a maximum torque of 10kgm/4500rpm, while the Bandit 1200 has a maximum output of 74kW (100PS)/8500rpm and a maximum torque of 93Nm (9.5kgm)/6500rpm, so although they are sister companies, the tuning is slightly different. The transmission is a 5-speed, and the gear ratio is the same as the Bandit 1200.
Considering that the tire size is the same as the Inazuma 1200, the suspension is also thought to be based on the Inazuma, but there are some changes such as the use of 6-pot brake calipers on the front. The front fork diameter is 43mm, the same as the Inazuma, and the rear suspension is made up of an aluminum square swing arm + twin shock.
Although the riding position is separate, it is not as difficult as the latest SS, and one of the charms of this motorcycle is that it can be ridden more normally than you might think, and it is a bike that you can ride without any stress. When it was sold as a new car, the GS1200SS was overshadowed by the latest SS and was discontinued early, but in recent years its niche nature has been reevaluated, and due to the small number of units produced, the market price has been skyrocketing.

The twin round headlights are spaced apart from each other, unlike the GSX-R. The upper cowl is wide and tall, providing excellent wind protection.

The early model had a combination of a digital speedometer and an analog tachometer, but the later model had the speedometer changed to an analog type.

Since this is a machine from an era when there was no power mode, the number of switches is minimal. The clutch is hydraulic, so there is a master on the left side as well.

The separate type handlebars are attached under the top bridge, but are not set too low in consideration of the position of the seat.

The area around the fuel lid is reminiscent of the quick charger type used in endurance racers. The tank capacity of the early model was 20L, while the later model, with its modified tank shape, was 18L.

The seat is thick and sturdy. By attaching a pillion seat cover, you can recreate the look of a single seat.

Separate taillights are housed inside the seat cowling, giving the impression of a racer made for road use.

The area around the steps is mainly made of aluminum, but the footpeg are covered with rubber for practicality.

The fine cylinder fins are a characteristic of oil-cooled engines. The "YOSHIMURA" logo was added later, but it suits the color scheme well.

The engine is torquey and easy to handle even at low speeds, and in practical ranges it delivers power performance that is comparable to the current model.

The exhaust system is a blacked-out megaphone type. The GS1000R is equipped with a separate silencer, giving it a stronger retro feel.

The front brakes are double type with 6-pot calipers, and are stronger than those on the Inazuma and Bandit.

The rear brake uses an opposed 2-pot caliper, providing sufficient stopping power and control.

The rear combines a square aluminum swingarm with twin shocks. The rear shocks have a separate reservoir tank.
GS1200SS Major Specifications (2002)
Overall Length x Width x Hheight: 2115 x 765 x 1220 mm
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Seat Height: 770mm
Dry Weight: 232kg
Engine: Oil-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 1156cc
Maximum Output: 74 kW (100 PS)/8000rpm
Maximum Torque: 94 Nm (9.0 lbf).(6kgm)/6500rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20L
Transmission: 5-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=120/70-17, R=170/60-17
Price: $6282.96 (price at that time)
Filming Support: Motorcycle King Tsukuba Out of Print Museum

Bike-Oh, Tsukuba Out of Print Museum has a large selection of rare and discontinued motorcycles.
Address (e.g. of House): 120 Kokinuki, Tsukubamirai City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Phone: 0297-21-8190
Business Hours: 10:00-19:00
Regular Closing Day: Thursday