Suzuki GT380K

This is a project which I started a few years ago, short after Hasegawa released this kit. It has been quite an on-off project, mainly because the kit does not depict the bike as it was sold in western world, but is a mix between 1972 and 1973 model (a Japanese facelift in early -72). To build a real -72 model, you need a drum brake in front, and to build a -73 model you need new decals and a round headlamp. And the other reason for leaving this unfinished was those spoke wheels, that need a lot of patience to rebuild.


In 2019 I started the kit by printing new decals for 1973 model, and painting the colored parts with Coronado blue, which was custom mixed for my real life project bike, which unfortunately I never completed.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/IMG_9806.jpg

Then I left it alone for a couple of years, and then rebuilt those rims (together wit the rims for a KH400 Kawasaki).


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0304.jpg

And, again run out of motivation.:confused: But when having completed that VT250F Honda, I found it again from my stash of unfinished models.


The first thing to do was to build the engine and air filter box, and add all the piping to them.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0431.jpg

Then paint the frame, and glue it around the engine.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0434.jpg

And finish the exhaust and oil reservoir.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0440.jpg

And battery together with those electric parts.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0442.jpg

And finally insert the rear wheel to the frame.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0445.jpg

This is the current state of the model, now trying to finish parts for the front forks, to make it a true two wheeler,

Assembled the seat, still unfinished, and couldn't resist temptation to dry fit it on the bike, together with the fuel tank.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0449.jpg

Excellent so far, love the classic bike!

Nice job on the coolant reservoir and wired wheels add realism!

Metal finishes are looking great also.

Excellent so far, love the classic bike!

Nice job on the coolant reservoir and wired wheels add realism!

Metal finishes are looking great also.


Thank You!


BTW It is not for coolant, but for oil. Those old two strokers...

Finished parts for the front fork and front wheel. Parts for the fender are still unfinished.


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0450.jpg

Nothing more finished, just dry fitting the front and getting some pleasant memories from Mayday 1974, when I bought my first motorbike, a secondhand Suzuki GT380K!


http://ts18056.kapsi.fi/Projektit/Suzuki%20GT380K/slides/DSC_0451.jpg

Wow, this is coming up very nicely.

Those wire wheels do help making the bike look classic!

Thank You!


BTW It is not for coolant, but for oil. Those old two strokers...

Oops, this one is a carb feeding air cooled machine.
For some reason I assumed coolant!

Silly me, I should know, I rode Kawasaki ZR7 before for awhile! :smile:

Nice, I like the wheels