1979 Suzuki DR370
Only 1 in stock
CALL OR TEXT JR. (860) 471-0192
Description
1979 SUZUKI DR370
COOL VINTAGE 370CC 4-STROKE ENDURO
RUNS & RIDES – ALL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR - LOW MILES
CLASSIC OFF-ROAD ENDURO
RARE 1979 SUZUKI DR370 | AIR-COOLED 4-STROKE THUMPER | 5-SPEED TRANSMISSION | ALL ORIGINAL BIKE HAS ORIGINAL BRIDGESTONE TIRES | RUNNING VINTAGE ENDURO | EXCELLENT RESTORATION CANDIDATE!
ESTATE SALE / SOLD ON BILL OF SALE / ASK ABOUT OUR TITLE PROGRAM
Here’s your chance to own AN ALL ORIGINAL true piece of vintage Japanese off-road motorcycle history! Up for sale is this 1979 Suzuki DR370, a classic big-bore four-stroke thumper that represents the golden era of Japanese enduro motorcycles.
Now 47 years old, these early Suzuki DR370s are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially examples retaining so many of their original factory components.
BEST OF ALL, THIS CLASSIC SUZUKI RUNS, THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER!
This is an excellent candidate for a winter project, vintage trail rider, AHRMA-style vintage off-road machine, or simply a fun classic to enjoy and preserve.
LEGENDARY SUZUKI 370CC FOUR-STROKE POWER!
The DR370 was Suzuki's answer to the growing demand for powerful, reliable, four-stroke off-road motorcycles in the late 1970s.
Built around a simple, rugged, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine, the DR370 combined dependable Japanese engineering with motocross-inspired chassis technology.
Factory-style features include:
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370cc air-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine
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Five-speed manual transmission
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Single carburetor
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Kick-start ignition system
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Forward-axle telescopic front forks
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Laid-down dual rear shock absorbers
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Lightweight off-road chassis
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Spoked wheels
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Long-travel, motocross-inspired suspension
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Factory-style fuel tank, fenders, handlebars, and seat
With its forward-axle forks and laid-down rear shocks, the DR370 shared much of the aggressive styling philosophy of Suzuki's legendary RM motocross machines.
Unlike a pure motocross bike, the DR370 was designed as a recreational off-road and enduro motorcycle, originally equipped with lighting equipment for more versatile trail use.
This particular example is currently configured primarily for off-road riding.
RUNNING CONDITION – STRONG ENGINE – FUNCTIONAL TRANSMISSION!
THE ENGINE RUNS AND HAS PLENTY OF POWER!
We have had this motorcycle running, and the engine feels tight and mechanically solid. It does not exhibit the excessive vibration you might expect from a vintage big-bore four-stroke.
The clutch functions properly, and the five-speed transmission shifts and operates as expected during our evaluation.
The carburetion could use some attention to get the motorcycle running perfectly. We suspect a possible minor intake air leak, and our recommendation would be to replace the carburetor intake boot and perform a carburetor cleaning or rebuild.
The motorcycle currently runs, but it would benefit from that additional tuning and maintenance.
This is not being represented as a fully restored or completely serviced motorcycle. It is being sold AS-IS as a running vintage project bike.
REMARKABLE ORIGINALITY – HAS THE ORIGINAL 1978 BRIDGESTONE TIRES!
One of the most interesting features of this motorcycle is just how many of its original components have survived.
The motorcycle retains what appears to be its original Bridgestone motocross tires, including a rear tire with a date code indicating manufacture during the 31st week of 1978!
That is an incredible detail on a motorcycle approaching its 50th anniversary.
Both the front and rear tires are matching vintage Bridgestone off-road tires, and we believe they may have been installed when the motorcycle was new.
The rear sprocket also appears to be the original factory sprocket, and the chain and wheel assemblies show characteristics consistent with a largely original survivor.
the motorcycle may has seen limited use over its lifetime.
Original components and features include:
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Original Suzuki fuel tank
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Original seat in good condition
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Original front and rear fenders
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Original handlebars
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Original wheel assemblies
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Original-style rear sprocket
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Vintage Bridgestone front and rear tires
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Original-style chassis and suspension components
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Numerous original factory cycle parts
Finding a running, nearly half-century-old dirt bike with this level of originality is becoming increasingly unusual.
COSMETIC CONDITION – HONEST VINTAGE SURVIVOR!
This Suzuki presents as an honest, unrestored vintage trail motorcycle.
The original fuel tank remains intact and retains its classic DR370 appearance. Some of the paint has chipped over the years, and previous touch-up work was performed to help prevent rust. Portions of the Suzuki tank lettering have also been touched up.
The original seat is in good condition for its age, and both original fenders remain in place.
The wheels, suspension, handlebars, and major chassis components are present, making this a solid foundation for someone who wants to preserve its survivor appearance or undertake a more comprehensive restoration.
It has the unmistakable look of a late-1970s Suzuki enduro, with the classic fuel tank, dual-shock rear suspension, long-travel forks, and purposeful off-road stance.
RECOMMENDED SERVICE & RECONDITIONING
Although the motorcycle runs, we recommend the following work before regular riding:
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Carburetor service: Clean or rebuild the carburetor and inspect or replace the intake boot to address the carburetion issue.
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New tires: The existing vintage Bridgestone tires show age-related cracking and dry rot and should be replaced before riding.
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Chain and sprockets: The existing drivetrain components are functional, but replacement is recommended due to age and wear.
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Front brake lever: The brake lever is broken and requires replacement.
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General service: Inspect the brakes, bearings, suspension, controls, fuel system, and other age-related maintenance items.
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Optional cosmetic restoration: Refinish the original tank and touch up other components if desired.
With some straightforward mechanical work, this could make an excellent classic off-road machine.
Alternatively, a collector may prefer to preserve the original components and aged appearance that make this motorcycle so interesting.
PERFECT FOR VINTAGE RACING, TRAIL RIDING, OR A WINTER RESTORATION!
The 1979 Suzuki DR370 offers a combination that is becoming increasingly desirable among vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
It has the simplicity of an air-cooled four-stroke engine, the character of a big-bore thumper, and the classic suspension geometry and styling of the late 1970s.
Whether you're interested in vintage off-road events, AHRMA-style competition where eligible, recreational trail riding, or building a beautiful restoration for your collection, this DR370 is a worthwhile candidate.
These motorcycles were built during an era when Japanese manufacturers were developing extremely durable and straightforward off-road machines. They are relatively simple to work on and offer a completely different riding experience from modern high-tech motorcycles.
A running, substantially original 1979 Suzuki DR370 with its original-style components, vintage Bridgestone tires, and functional five-speed transmission makes an excellent foundation for your next project!
IMPORTANT SALE INFORMATION
This motorcycle is being offered AS-IS, WHERE-IS, in its current condition.
It starts and runs, and the clutch and transmission function, but the motorcycle needs mechanical servicing and reconditioning as described above.
It has not undergone a complete restoration or comprehensive mechanical inspection. Additional maintenance or repairs may be required.
We encourage prospective buyers to review all photographs and videos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchasing.
CONTACT KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
This motorcycle is being offered by Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, Connecticut.
We specialize in classic, vintage, collectible, and historically significant motorcycles, and we've handled thousands of motorcycles from collections across the country.
Questions? Call us at 860-454-7024.
Don't miss your opportunity to own this classic 1979 Suzuki DR370. With a little attention this winter, you could have yourself an awesome vintage four-stroke thumper ready to enjoy!
GOOD LUCK BIDDING, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?
“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.
With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.
With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country
You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.
You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.
We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.
You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.
Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.
Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.
You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset
You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.
From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.
Sincerely,
Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”
AUCTION TERMS:
All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.
Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.
A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.
Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.
Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.
Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close.
Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.
If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.
We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.
You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.
If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.
It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.
Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)
We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday
For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192
We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV.
We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.
In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.
In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.
Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.
Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.
Warranty:
All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.
SHIPPING:
SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!
We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.
International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.
We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.
PICKUP:
We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.
We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.



















