Ups
- Low sticker price
- Up 8 hp over previous generation
- Good brakes, chassis, suspension
Downs
- A little on the heavy side
- Uninspiring engine character
- Up against some heavy-hitter competition
Verdict
Suzuki’s midsize Gixxus may not be the flashiest or best bike in its class, but it still offers decent performance for its small-size price.
Overview
A big hit in Europe for the better part of decade, Suzuki brought the GSX-S750 to American shores in 2015. The naked bike version of the company’s venerated GSX-R sportbike soon received some major upgrades in 2018 with an engine massaged for an additional 8 hp, along with three-level (plus off) traction control, an updated 41mm inverted KYB fork, radial-mount Nissin four-piston calipers biting on 310mm petal-style discs, and numerous other pieces that completely ramp up the build quality. And you get all this in the base-model 2021 GSX-S750Z for the same price as last year: $8,499.
Updates for 2021
There are no updates to the GSX-S750Z for 2021 other than different colorways. The GSX-S750Z comes in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3/Glass Sparkle Black, while the GSX-S750Z ABS is available in Pearl Brilliant White/Champion Yellow No. 2 paint scheme. The standard GSX-S750 is available as a 2020 model in Metallic Matte Black No. 2, while the GSX-S750 ABS comes in Pearl Glacier White as a 2019 model.
Pricing and Variants
The GSX-S750Z and 2020 model GSX-S750 both retail for $8,499, while the GSX-S750Z ABS and the 2019 model GSX-S750 ABS have an MSRP of $8,899.
Competition
The Suzuki GSX-S750Z has some pretty stiff competition in Yamaha’s MT-09 and Kawasaki’s Z900 ABS, as well as the Honda CB650R ABS. Open your wallet a little more, and there are other serious options like the Aprilia Tuono 660, BMW F 900 R, Ducati Monster, KTM 890 Duke R, MV Agusta Brutale 800 RR, and Triumph Street Triple RS.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Powered by a 749cc DOHC inline-four engine derived from the 2005 GSX-R750 but with tuning for low-end and midrange punch, the GSX-S750Z cranks out a claimed 112.6 hp at 10,500 rpm and 59.7 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm. According to Adam Waheed in his MC Commute review of the 2020 GSX-S750, the Suzuki “feels as punchy as its supersport brother off the bottom and through the midrange. Up top, power signs off, albeit smoothly. If you’re seeking usable real-world engine excitement that is enough to get the blood flowing, but not so much to scare you, then you’ll appreciate this powerband.” The three-level traction control is adjustable on the fly, which is nice, although the clutch lacks a slipper function so you’ll need to be smooth on your downshifts.
Handling
The GSX-S750′s suspension has always been on the firm side, which is good for canyon strafing. But it’s still able to provide a decently smooth ride over rough city pavement. “This (bike) has very good ride quality in the city, yet has that sporty attitude when the road gets twisty,” Adam Waheed says in his MC Commute review video. The new-gen model rides on Bridgestone S21 sport-touring rubber, which offers much better steering and grip than the old-gen BT-016 tires that the 2015-17 models used.
Brakes
The switch to the four-piston Nissin radial-mount calipers and 310mm petal-style discs in 2018 completely transformed the GSX-S’s braking performance. Instead of the numb-feeling and high-effort braking of the first-gen model, the latest version has excellent power and feel, allowing you to bleed off speed with little fuss and worry.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
No miles-per-gallon figures are available for the 2021 GSX-S750Z.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The GSX-S750Z’s riding position is basically standard naked bike fare, with a conventional handlebar (albeit a decent tapered aluminum unit) sitting atop the triple clamp, a fairly plush, well-padded seat, and decent legroom making for a good perch to rack up the miles. Claimed seat height is 32.3 inches. The passenger saddle is much better than most sportbike “afterthoughts,” though we’re not sure someone would want to spend too much time on it.
Electronics
The addition of Suzuki Advanced Traction Control in 2018 (three levels, plus off) is the extent of electronic rider aids, other than ABS with the two ABS models.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The 2021 GSX-S750Z comes with Suzuki’s standard one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Longer coverage periods with extended benefits are available through Suzuki Extended Protection (SEP).
Quality
While it might be missing some of the latest gadgetry and features of current machinery, the Suzuki’s fit, finish, and build quality are top-notch. Even more so when you consider the sticker price compared to the competition.
2021 Suzuki GSX-S750Z Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $8,499 (GSX-S750, GSX-S750Z)/$8,899 (GSX-S750 ABS, GSX-S750Z ABS) |
| Engine: | 749cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves |
| Bore x Stroke: | 72.0 x 46.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection w/ 32mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiple disc; cable operation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Transistorized w/ electronic advance |
| Frame: | Twin-spar steel chassis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm KYB inverted fork, spring preload adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.4 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | 4-piston Nissin radial-mount calipers, dual 310mm petal-style discs (w/ ABS on ABS models) |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston sliding-pin caliper, 220mm disc (w/ ABS on ABS models) |
| 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: | 25.0°/4.1 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 57.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 5.3 in. |
| Seat Height: | 32.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.2 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 465 lb. |
| Contact: | suzukicycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com