Ups
- Agile as a 600 with much better power
- Superb handling and excellent brakes
- Wicked 100th Anniversary Edition for 2021
Downs
- No updates since 2011
- Should have more features for the price
Verdict
Similar to the GSX-R600, the GSX-R750 is getting old with no updates, but it still remains a solid sportbike choice for those wanting 600-type handling with more power.
Overview
The original race replica that changed the motorcycle landscape in ‘85 (North American market debut followed in ‘86) continued to provide an excellent balance of power and handling that few other sportbikes could match. But advancing development and technology have left the GSX-R750 behind, and the Gixxer hasn’t received any updates since 2011. Suzuki dropped both the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 from all markets except North America in 2019 due to the Euro 4 emissions regs coming into effect.
Updates for 2021
There are no updates to the GSX-R750 for 2021, except a limited 100th Anniversary Edition livery. Otherwise, there are two available colorways: Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Gray Oort Number 3.
Pricing and Variants
The 2021 Suzuki GSX-R750 retails for $12,549.
Competition
The Suzuki GSX-R750 has long outlived its 750cc rivals, and competition now consists of 600-class sportbikes like the Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, and other comparable bikes such as the Yamaha R7, Ducati Supersport 950/S, Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 (see MC’s Adam Waheed talk about his ride on the Triumph), Aprilia RS 660, and MV Agusta F3 800. At the Aprilia and MV Agusta price points, you could also include liter-class sportbikes such as the Yamaha R1, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and even Suzuki’s GSX-R1000.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 750cc DOHC inline-four engine “splits the difference between the high-revving character of a 600 supersport and the lumpy immediate bottom-end of a literbike,” according to Adam Waheed in his MC Commute review of the 2020 GSX-R750. Peak horsepower is between 120–130 at the rear wheel; when CW dynoed a 2014 model (remember, the engine hasn’t changed since 2011), we saw 125.9 hp at 12,700 rpm with a peak torque reading of 55.4 pound-feet at 11,050 rpm. A slipper-type clutch helps with easing downshifts, though in this day and age, you’ll definitely be missing some sort of electronic quickshifter as standard equipment.
Handling
Although it has slightly sharper steering geometry and only weighs 7 pounds more than the 600, the GSX-R750 definitely steers a tad slower and heavier than its smaller brother, likely due to the increased crankshaft mass of the 750 engine. But keep that in context; the Suzuki still carves corners with the best. Showa BPF front suspension improves the already stellar handling with better control over the big hits while remaining compliant on the minor bumps.
Brakes
Like the GSX-R600, the 750 received Brembo radial-mount Monoblock calipers as standard equipment in 2011. Braking performance is superb, as you’d expect. No ABS here, either.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
There are no MPG figures for the 2021 Suzuki GSX-R750.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
This is a GSX-R after all, so the riding position is decidedly sporty, with clip-on bars and high rearset footpegs. Like the 600, the footpeg brackets are three-way adjustable, so you can get more legroom if desired. Passenger accommodations are the usual sportbike fare, as in mostly an afterthought.
Electronics
The GSX-R750 is one of the old-school sportbikes, with no ride-by-wire throttle system, traction control, or ABS. There is a two-step power mode adjustment, with full power and slightly reduced power, but that’s it.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2021 GSX-R750 comes with Suzuki’s standard one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Longer coverage periods with extended benefits are available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP).
Quality
Like the GSX-R600, the 750 received the Brembo brakes and Showa BPF fork that definitely hike the build quality up a notch or two. The lack of a quickshifter and the dated LCD dash info display show the bike’s age, though.
2021 Suzuki GSX-R750 Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $12,549 |
| Engine: | 750cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 70.0 x 48.7mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | SDTV electronic fuel injection w/ 42mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiple disc; cable operation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Transistorized w/ electronic advance |
| Frame: | Twin-spar aluminum chassis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm Showa BPF inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Showa shock, fully adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Brembo 4-piston radial-mount Monoblock caliper, dual 310mm discs |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 1-piston slide-pin caliper, 220mm disc |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Cast aluminum; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 5.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70ZR-17 / 180/55ZR-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 23.5°/3.8 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 54.7 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. (4.2 gal. CA model) |
| Wet Weight: | 419 lb. |
| Contact: | suzukicycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com