Suzuki’s first model in the liter class, the GS1000 was developed based on the basic engine and chassis layout of the GS750. The 4-stroke air-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 2-valve engine generates maximum horsepower of 87 PS. A lightweight yet highly rigid frame was achieved by adopting large-diameter thin-walled pipes and other thorough weight reduction measures such as eliminating the kick starter, which kept the weight of the model down to only 234 kg. In 1978, the same year as its launch, a Yoshimura Suzuki GS1000 won the model’s debut victory in an American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) event held at the Daytona International Speedway. The GS1000 also won the first Suzuka 8 Hours that was held in July of the same year, demonstrating the model’s impressive potential.

The GSX1100E debuted as the successor of the GS1000. A DOHC 4-valve per-cylinder configuration was adopted for greater engine performance. Combined with a highly rigid and strong integrated crankshaft and Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers (TSCCs), this engine generates maximum horsepower of 105 PS. Compared to the orthodox styling of the GS1000, the GSX1100E features unique design elements such as a large rectangular headlight, as well as a prominent fuel tank and instrument cluster area. Subsequently, the GSX1100E served as the basis for the revolutionary design of the GSX1100S KATANA.