Highly Recommended for Eccentrics. The Originator of Yamaha's 3-Cylinder, the GX750 [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This project features a bike picked by our editorial team from the MY BIKE posts on the Webike Community. This time, we're featuring the Yamaha \"GX750\", owned by \"SSRB\".\n\n

Yamaha GX750 (750cc) Owner: SSRB

\n\n\nThe Yamaha GX750, released in 1976, was Yamaha's first large 4-stroke multi-cylinder engine motorcycle. At a time when 4-cylinder models dominated the market, the decision to adopt a 3-cylinder engine was a symbol of Yamaha's unique and innovative engineering. This engine, which achieved both smooth rotational feel and low-to-mid-range torque, can be considered the origin of Yamaha's 3-cylinder lineage, leading to later models like the MT and XSR series. The shaft drive system is also a distinctive feature, giving it the aspect of a touring bike with excellent maintainability.\n\nSSRB, featured here, chose the GX750 not for its popularity like the Honda CB or Kawasaki Z series, but for its unique character and the rarity that comes with being less popular. They enjoy long-distance touring while also embracing the challenges of maintenance and parts procurement unique to vintage bikes, truly embodying the self-proclaimed \"eccentric\" approach to their beloved machine.\n\n＜From the MY BIKE Comment＞\n\n■Reason for Purchase, Usage, Comparison Models\n

With the vague idea that one should ride a vintage naked 750cc bike at least once in their life, I searched around. Unlike the ridiculously priced CB750four and Z series, I got this one because it was cheap due to its lack of popularity. I bought it for long-distance touring, about up to 300km one way.

\n■Pros\n

First and foremost, the sound. They say it sounds like a twin at low RPM and a four at high RPM, and the feeling of torque from the start and the acceleration at high RPM are truly characteristic of a 3-cylinder. Conversely, you could say there's unavoidable vibration at low RPM and a rough feel at high RPM... However, just as Yamaha continues to develop 3-cylinder engines in modern MT and XSR series, they were a quirky manufacturer even back then (a compliment). The cylinder head is slim, but the crankcase protrudes considerably, so if you try to lane split thinking it's slim, you'll scrape the cover on the curb and cry (one loss. Since it's genuine aluminum, I removed and polished it later, and it was fine).\n\nAnother feature is the shaft drive. Quite a few people don't wash their old bikes, and I'm one of them. In that situation, you might try to clean the chain with chemicals... but then the rear end gets splattered with grease... you can say goodbye to that hassle. Just wipe it with Fukupika and you're done. It's divine. There's a unique characteristic to shaft drives, but with this level of power, it's not a problem. VMAX and others were much more intense.\n\nAlthough it's an old bike, it shares many parts with the XJ series, and the core engine parts can still be ordered new to some extent. Also, since it was originally developed for the American market, searching for it under its overseas name, XS750, reveals plenty of listings on eBay etc. (though quality varies).\n\nAnd you really won't see many others. If you want to stand out without being ostentatious with weird accessories while saying you don't want to be like everyone else, you should just ride this from the start. However, I don't recommend it (explained later).

\n■Cons\n

First off, it doesn't corner well (seriously). It was sold with a touring perspective even back then, so while it has decent straight-line stability, cornering feels like a bit of an effort. But for this type of bike from this era, it's within acceptable limits, so if you can accept it, it's fine.\n\nThe starter clutch gear for the starter motor tends to fail. If you try to start the engine with a battery that has insufficient voltage, the gear won't engage, and the starter motor will spin freely. If you repeat this, eventually the engine won't start with the starter (it's garbage). I try to start it with the kick lever as much as possible...\n\nAnother downside is the limited number of shops that can service it due to its niche status. Personally, I think shops that handle Z or CB models might be able to... but it has some unique parts configurations, so be careful... This applies to all vintage bikes, but even if parts are available, you need the right mindset to ride an old bike. Due to its lack of popularity, domestic parts supply is quite scarce (compared to Z etc.).\n\nFuel economy is around 15 km/L. Although it has a 17L tank, the reserve light comes on relatively early, so I start looking for gas stations around the 200km mark. However, my previous Triumph Speed Triple 1050 also had similar fuel economy when ridden hard, so in that sense, it might even be considered good fuel economy...?\n\nPersonally, I see it as a pro, but some people might hear it as the sound of one cylinder misfiring...

\n■Advice for Future Buyers\n

If you ensure you get a good unit and buy a 2nd generation or later model (the initial model has only 60hp and points ignition, which are minor issues. The 2nd generation and later have 67hp and full transistor ignition), and have the right mindset for dealing with a vintage bike, you can definitely ride it.\n\nParts that can be replaced with bolt-ons can be handled later, and core engine parts are still available from somewhere. Beyond the effort, you can experience the originator of the 3-cylinder engine that Yamaha has carried on to this day. As long as you can source parts, the total cost of parts and labor will be significantly less than buying a Z. If you're passionate about a specific model, you should buy that, but for eccentrics who aren't, I highly recommend this.\n\n

\n■Future Customization Plans\n

It's not about customizing to enhance something that's already good, but rather about spending money to fix what's lacking, which is common for vintage bikes. It's the same for this one.

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Check Out GX750 User Reviews Too

\nIf you're curious about other owners' opinions and reviews of the GX750, check out the posts published on the Webike Community.\n\nCheck GX750 User Reviews\n\nSSRB is thoroughly enjoying the unique character of the GX750 while engaging in a dialogue with this vintage machine.\n\nTo the Gallery (1)