In the most prestigious class, the focus was on the duel between reigning world champion Roger De Coster (Suzuki) and challenger Willi Bauer (Maico). Bauer led the championship for a long time and demonstrated the superiority of the new Maico with forward-mounted shock absorbers. The decision was only made in the final race in Sint Anthonis (Netherlands). De Coster won his third consecutive title in dramatic circumstances, as Bauer had technical problems.

Suzuki has adapted De Coster's factory 370cc bike to the FIM minimum weight regulations with a new frame and modified weight distribution in order to improve its nervous handling.

Bauer led the championship for a long time and demonstrated the superiority of the new Maico with forward-mounted shock absorbers. The decision was only made in the final race in Sint Anthonis (Netherlands). De Coster won his third consecutive title in dramatic circumstances, as Bauer had technical problems.