Suzuki GSX-R750      Middleweight Missile             BikePoint August 2006

 

If you've ever wondered whether a full litre sports bike is really necessary, we suggest you hop aboard a GSX-R750, as it could just transform what you think about what makes a missile...

When Suzuki introduced the very first GSX-R750 in 1984, it really did shake up the sport bike world. Sure, makers like Ducati had built pretty serious racer replicas (such as the 750SS) before it, but this was the first time we'd seen a really, really, serious attempt at building what was effectively a mass-produced four-cylinder endurance racer for the road.

I remember riding the test bike when it came out and marvelling at how different it felt to just about anything else currently on the showroom floor. It wasn't necessarily the fastest thing out there - though it was close. Its raw, edgy feel certainly set a new masking what was otherwise a very robust and reliable bit of kit; set a new trend.

The 2006 GSX-R750 may not have the same impact, but in its own quiet way it is almost as significant in that it just might convince people to review what makes a great performance motorcycle. In this case what we're faced with is a machine that claims a new engine with 112kW (claimed) power. That's 150 horses in old money and is hardly what you would call limp-wristed. If memory serves me right, that's 50 per cent up on the original! Meanwhile weight is a mere claimed 163 kilos or around 23 kg down on the 1984 version. Compare it to the current weaponry out there, and it's very competitive - albeit about 30 ponies below what the litre bikes claim these days.

In most respects the inline four-cylinder mechanical package has no real surprises. The clutch has a slipper mechanism to eliminate wheel hop on the over-run - a real boon if you plan to indulge in track days - while the six-speed transmission and chain final drive are pretty much stock fare these days. Suzuki has lightened up assorted components - these days shaving a few grams off something can be a real victory - and slimmed down the overall package for better wind-cheating ability. The company says aerodynamic efficiency has improved by five per cent.

Finish is generally what you expect, with some particularly nice work on some of the chassis parts.

In the saddle Okay, the negatives first - comfort is not first on the agenda. The ride position is racer crouch, as you'd expect, but has enough room for even tall people to get aboard without the aid of a chiropractor. Rider accommodation is sparse, which is in keeping with the intention, while pillion accommodation is minimalist in the extreme.

The minimalist-looking dash is actually quite comprehensive, with analogue tacho, digital speedo, multi trip meters, assorted temp and warning gizmos, plus a gear number indicator and shift warning lamp. No complaints there...

It comes with a rear bodywork hump as standard, which can be swapped over for a pillion pad if you happen to find someone desperate enough to get on the back.

Rubber is Bridgestone BT-014, which does the job.

Start-up is the usual one-button affair, with no choke or fast idle to fiddle with - the injection takes care of all of that. Speaking of which, it is very well sorted with smooth and predictable response right through the throttle range, regardless of temperature.

Suspension is fairly typical short-travel sport bike kit, though I was surprised at the level of response it offered at low speed. This was on stock settings, which were fine for quick road work, though you'd bump them up a little for the track. In general, you are kept well informed about what is going on underneath you and it took a pretty hairy set of bumps to catch it out.

Steering is pin sharp with a really nice and progressive (and quick) turn in. There is no hint of instability at higher speeds - overall it's as good as current bikes get in this area.

Where this thing really shines is that it's effectively a 600 - or that's what it feels like - with a hell of a lot of grunt. As much as I loved the current GSX-R600 when I rode it, I'd have this thing in preference. The engine feels so much stronger down low and in the midrange, which just makes the whole package feel more flexible and confidence inspiring.

On the other end of the scale, it's plenty fast enough up top, without the "omigawd-wot-the-hell's-happening" feeling that comes with juggling the throttle of a screaming litre bike on the exit of a tricky turn. Of the entire GSX-R range, this is easily my pick, particularly if I planned to be a regular track day visitor. In other words this is one very capable, compact, missile.

Overall it comes across as offering a hell of a lot of performance for the $16,990 (plus ORC) asking price.

 

Suzuki's feature list:

·        750cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is carefully designed with Suzuki's cutting-edge technology for ultra-compactness, lightweight, high revving and power delivery.

·        70mm X 48.7mm bore/stroke and 76mm cylinder pitch helps keep the engine narrow and lightweight.

·        High-revving valve train features titanium valves, and narrow valve angles allowing a high 12.5:1 compression ratio.

·        39mm ventilation holes located between the cylinder bores below the bottom of the piston stroke to work with the higher engine speeds.Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system helps deliver a more seamless and linear response, superior combustion efficiency, sufficient low-rpm torque and reduced emissions.

·        Secondary fuel injector in each throttle body comes into action under high-rpm, heavy-load conditions to increase engine output on the racetrack.

·        Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) forced-feeds cool, pressurized air into the airbox at high speed, improving engine efficiency and throttle response.

·        Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) system with a servo-controlled butterfly valve to modify back pressure and tune the pipe to match engine rpm.

·        Secondary balancer shaft reduces secondary vibration at high rpm.

·        Close-ratio 6-speed transmission. Back-torque limiting clutch help make quick downshifts smoother, especially on the racetrack.

·        Aluminium-alloy frame is engineered to deliver superb rigidity balance.

·        Aluminium-alloy swingarm is designed long, while keeping the short wheelbase, for better chassis geometry, to improve suspension and traction feedback for riders on racetracks.

·        3-way adjustable footpegs, adjustable shift lever, and short fuel tank help compose functional and comfortable riding position.

·        Titanium-coated 41mm front forks are fully adjustable for spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping.

·        Forged aluminum-alloy rear suspension with a one-piece forged aluminium-alloy link rod to increase traction.

·        Rear suspension features high-speed compression damping adjustable and low speed compression damping adjustment to expand the range of settings.

·        Front brake with large 310mm discs, radial calipers and a radial master cylinder. Rear brake has a single-piston caliper.

·        Vertically stacked multi-reflector/projector headlights. Compact LED taillight/brake light & clear lens.

·        Instruments include a step-motor analogue tachometer, LCD speedometer, dual trip meters, clock, fuel gauge, gear position and engine temperature/fuel injection, and a programmable LED engine rpm indicator