With the Suzuki GSX-R750, in October, Suzuki delivered 1984 the first affordable racer for use on public roads. The engine was inspired by Suzuki's long-distance racers.
To save weight, the engine blocks were not liquid, but air and oil cooled. The Suzuki GSX-R750 pioneered a whole new type of motorcycle: the modern superbikes.
More than thirty years later
More than thirty years later in the designation GSX-R legendary. Over the years, the Suzuki GSX-R750 in sales and on the tarmac showing his butt to herds of Yamaha FZs and YZFs, Kawasaki ZXRen and ZX-7Ren, Honda's RC30 and 45, and as many Ducatis and Bimotas.
The air and oil cooled models
- GSX-R750 (F) 1985
- GSX-R750 (G) 1986
- GSX-R750R 1986
- GSX-R750 (H) 1987
- GSX-R750 (J) 1988
- GSX-R750 (K) 1989
- GSX-R750R 1989
- GSXR750RK 1989
- GSX-R750 (L) 1990
- GSX-R750 (M) 1991
- GSX-R750 (N) 1992
These air and oil cooled models can now be divided into two generations
And those two generations are affectionately known as 'flabbies' and 'slingshots'. The 1985-1987 model years of the Suzuki GSX-R750 compared to later machines were fitted with tubs with flat sides, hence 'flabbies'. As in 'slab sided'. The GSX-Ren from 1899-1991 were called 'Slingshots' because of the semi-flat slide 'Slingshot' carburettors.
GSX-R750 (F) 1985
The original had an alloy aluminum frame and was trendsetting with it. The first generation Suzuki GSX-R750 was therefore also the last Japanese engine where the power was somewhat at odds with the frame. The construction of aluminum frames was just not fully crystallized. The first Suzuki GSX-R750 had flat 29mm slide carburettors, twin overhead camshafts, Suzuki's SACS cooling system, 100 horsepower, and a fairing that seemed to have been plucked straight from the track. The new Suzuki won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985 and the Production TT in 1986. Kevin Schwantz took second place in the Daytona 200 after Eddie Lawson.
Suzuki GSX-R750 (G) 1986
The 1986 model got a 25mm longer chainstay to improve handling. The lower fairing and headlights also received some attention. Otherwise, the changes remained minimal.
Suzuki GSX-R750R1986
That was the competition homologation model. The Limited Edition indeed stood for a limited production. The engine had a larger aluminum tank, a dry clutch single seat and special graphics. Plus, of course, an adjustable anti-dive fork that was so characteristic at the time.
Suzuki GSX-R750 (H) 1987
The 1987 model received a fork with ø41mm legs and the RR's NEAS (New Electrically Activated Suspension) system from the previous year and a steering damper. The tank capacity grew to 21 liters.
Suzuki GSX-R750 (J) 1988
That was the model that had been tackled firmly. The frame was new. Looks had changed. And the short-stroke power source could now run even more revs: 13.000 rpm. The rev limiter, according to Suzuki's workshop manual, intervened at 13.500 rpm. The block had larger valves and carburettors than the previous models. The Mikuni BST36SS 'Slingshot' carbs had a diameter of 36 mm and were operated under negative pressure. The link of these Suzuki GSX-R750 had four springs. The mufflers were black, and the three-spoke wheels, now 17 inches, had 120 / 70VR17 and 160 / 60VR17 tires. The front fork legs grew to ø 43 mm.
This second generation Suzuki GSX-R750 was a bit heavier, but had a stiffer frame and more power. The front fork was now of the cartridge type and the legs had a diameter of 43 mm. The second generation had become a bit heavier, but had a stiffer frame and more power.
Many GSX-Ren have been made. Many have also died in battle. And currently they are still bought by people who want to celebrate their own originality. The range of original, good machines is quickly decreasing. Prices are rising.
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