See how the Suzuki GSX-R750 influenced the groundwork for all sports bikes even today
While some may credit other sports bikes with starting this genre, no one can deny how iconic the Suzuki GSX-R750 was and still is and it did also lay out the framework for all other sports bikes to follow so let’s see why this bike is the first great sports bike.
First unveiled in 1984 at the Cologne Motor Show, the Suzuki GSX-R750 revolutionized sport bikes in 1985 by being air and oil cooled where others were water cooled. It was also extremely lightweight but the main selling point of this bike was how affordable it was and still is.
After receiving minor changes and improvements in 1986 and 1987, the first major change came in 1988. Aside from the use of magnesium to reduce weight two versions of a Racing homologation Limited Edition models were produced and they cost more than the average Suzuki GSX-R750 but were more powerful.
In 1987, the Suzuki GSX-R750 received more small updates then in 1988, got a new chassis design updates to the engine and new bodywork. It had more power along with new graphics on the bodywork than before and opted for 17-inch wheels and a stiffer frame.
On top of that, the Suzuki GSX-R750 saw more minor changes in 1989, such as a modified lower bodywork, updated graphics and silver exhaust silencers to replace the black ones in the previous bike. Another special edition RR version was also produced with only 500 units being made.
Moreover, in 1990, despite looking mostly the same as the previous model, the Suzuki GSX-R750 saw major changes to the engine, bodywork, suspension, brakes, chassis and even the dual silencers were replaced with a singular one on the right.
Between 1991 and 1995 the Suzuki GSX-R750 continued to receive more minor changes and in 1996, a new twin-spar frame from Suzuki’s RGV 500 GP Racer was introduced. Meanwhile, between 1997 and 2003, only minor changes were made again.
In 2004, a lighter more refined version of the Suzuki GSX-R750 was born, making it one of the lightest GSX-R models ever produced. Meanwhile in 2005, Suzuki celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Suzuki GSX-R750 by launching the 20th Anniversary edition with custom paint and placards.
The Suzuki GSX-R750 went through a redesign between 2006 and 2007 with a new frame, new swingarm, new motor and a new and improved engine. In 2008, a new model was introduced with little to no changes from then to 2010.
In 2011, a new model was produced and also saw no major changes until 2020 making it the longest ever produced Suzuki GSX-R750 with no major changes. And the rest is still being written as we go along. Find out more about any Suzuki bike here.
