Suzuki GSX-R750

Infobox Motorcycle
name=Suzuki GSX-R750


aka=Gixer
Gixxer
manufacturer=Suzuki
parent_company=
production=1985-present
predecessor=
successor=
class=Supersports
engine=
top_speed=
power=
torque=
transmission=
suspension=
brakes=
tires=
rake_trail=
wheelbase=
length=
width=
height=
seat_height=
dry_weight=
wet_weight=
fuel_capacity=
oil_capacity=
fuel_consumption=
turning_radius=
climbing_ability=
related=Suzuki GSX-R600
Suzuki GSX-R1000
similar=Ducati 848
MV Agusta 750
Honda RVF750 RC45
Yamaha YZF-R7 OWO2
Kawasaki ZX-7R

The GSX-R750 is a sport bike from Suzuki's GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 1985 and can be considered to be the first of the modern racer-replicas with many race-derived technologies and the looks of a Suzuki Endurance racer at an affordable price.

Air and oil-cooled

The oil cooled models can be further divided into the first generation and second generation oil-cooled models. They are informally referred to as slabbies (slang) and slingshots respectively. The 85-87 models featured body work which is very flat compared to modern sport-bikes , hence slab-side. The '88-91(92 USA) models are sometimes referred to as slingshots because the carburetors introduced in 1988 were marketed as slingshot carburetors (slingshot describes the cross section of the semi-flat slide carbs).

;GSX-R750 (F) 1985The original model featured a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, flatslide carbs, twin discs with 4-pot calipers and convert|18|in|mm|sing=on tires both front and rear. The unusual choice of an oil-cooled engine was made to save weight as compared with the heavier water-cooled engines of the time.

;GSX-R750 (G) 1986The 1986 received a 25mm longer swing arm to help calm the handling. Apart from a modified belly pan and upgraded headlamps there is very little difference between the 1985 and 1986 models. This is the first year the model was introduced to the USA.

;GSX-R750R 1986Racing homologation Limited Edition model, limited production.Including a dry clutch system, solo seat rear section bodywork and Limited Edition graphics.

;GSX-R750 (H) 1987The 1987 model received upgraded 41mm front forks with NEAS (New Electrically Activated Suspension) from the previous year's RR and a steering damper was fitted as standard. A larger 21 liter fuel tank was added.

;GSX-R750 (J) 1988First major revision. New chassis design, engine revisions and body work. Introduction of a new short-stroke version of the oil-cooled engine, now displacing 748cc. Engine had 73mm bore and 44.7mm stoke and could achieve higher engine speeds (13,000rpm redline indicated, but rev limited engaged at 12,500 according to the Suzuki shop manual). Internal engine dimensions changed to accommodate the new bore and stroke. This engine used larger valves and carburetors then previous years. Mikuni model BST36SS carbs were 36mm diameter and featured vacuum operated slides. The slide cross section resembled the shape of a slingshot. A larger clutch was used on the short stroke engine with 6 springs. New styling, and twin black silencers (aka mufflers). Wheels were now a 17 inch diameter, three spoke design and used a 160/60VR17 in the rear and 120/70VR17 in the front. Slingshot graphic first appeared on the bodywork. Forks now used a cartridge design and were 43mm in diameter. The second generation model was heaver than the first but had a stiffer frame and more power. ;GSX-R750 (K) 1989Minor changes such as: modified blower bodywork, changes to graphics, silver exhaust silencers. Magazines reported that the exhaust manifold now featured small chamfers on collector for increased ground clearance. Cycle magazines also reported a change to the rear shock mounting geometry and front fork length to improve ground clearance. Tachometer display changed to display engine speed under 3000rpm (previous years started at 3000rpm). Graphics/paint schemes varied slightly between global markets. US models were available in blue/white and red/white schemes. The SACS acronym decal , located on the lower body work of the blue/white models, changed from a diagonal lettering to a straight lettering.

;GSX-R750R 1989 Limited edition racing homologation model. The redesigned engine reverted to the original long stroke (70 x 48.7mm) configuration. The crankcase, crankshaft connecting rods and clutch were upgraded to serve as a ready to race platform. The RR also received new 40mm Slingshot carbs and 4-into-1 exhaust pipe, close ratio gearbox, braced rear swing arm , single seat unit and 19L aluminium fuel tank. Model was never sold in the US.

;GSX-R750 (L) 1990Although this model looks very similar to the previous '89 model many changes were made. The 90 model featured changes to the engine, suspension, body work, brakes and chassis. This was the first GSX-R to be fitted with inverted forks as standard (USA models retained the conventional forks until 1991), and returned to the bore and stroke dimension of the original long-stroke engine.

The engine returned to the 748cc engine bore and stroke dimensions of the original long-stroke engine but still maintained the 13,000rpm redline. It now featured mm valve (smaller then the 88-89 short stroke but larger than the 85-87) and used larger carburetors. The new Mikuni model BST38SS carburetors were 38mm diameter and featured an additional high-speed circuit (circuit was blocked in USA models) and the slide breathers were now divorced from air box. The exhaust system was also changed, gone were the dual silencers and replaced with one stainless steel silencer on the right side. The transmission output shaft was lengthened to accommodate a wider wheel. A new curved oil-cooler design and oil lines (attached to the oil pan similar to the original 85-87 engines) were installed.

The frame was changed for 90 and used some of the features from the '89 GSX-R 1100 frame. The rake was now 25.5 degrees and wheel base 55.7 inches. The front suspension now had inverted forks, the triple clamps (yokes) and handlebars were changed to accommodate the new forks. The rear suspension featured a new damper (shock) and swingarm. The rear damper (shock) now had a remote reservoir and damping adjustment. The revised swingarm now featured cast ends for the axle adjustment. The rear wheel was widened to 5.5 inches (previously 4.5inches) but the tire size remained the same. A non-adjustable steering damper was added which attached from the left frame rail to a clamp on the left fork (US models did not receive the damper but the frame had the tapped mounting holes). The rear sprocket carrier and sprocket changed to a six-bolt design (previously five). The front brake rotors changed to a slotted design (previously cross drilled holes).

The body work changed slightly also. The side vents became less rectangular and in a slightly different position. Anew fender was also used with the inverted forks (except US).

;GSX-R750 (M) 1991The '91 GSX-R750M gained 15 kg over the previous model. The most notable feature of the "M" are the faired in headlamps and a slanted nose, both of which were designed to reduce drag. Also fitted was a new larger seat and new rear body work that featured twin tail lamps. This was the last GSX-R to use the oil-cooled SACS engine (except for US). Internal engine changes included a new valvetrain that used dedicated on cam lobe and rocker arm per valve (previous models used one lobe and one forked rocker per two valves). Valve clearance (lash) was now adjusted with shims (previous models used a screw and nut). The cam duration and indexing changed slightly as well as the porting according to a magazine article. The rear tire width was increased to a 170mm section width. The gauges also changed to white colored needles (previously amber colored).

;GSX-R750 (N) 19921992 US models are the same as the 1991 with different paint and graphics. All other markets got the new water-cooled GSX-R 750.

Water-cooled

;GSX-R750 (WN) 1992New water cooled engine and revised frame, bodywork and suspension. USA market models retained the oil-cooled engine and the USA 1992 model is basically the same as the 91 model with different graphics.

;GSX-R750 (WP) 1993Mostly cosmetic changes, minor revision of engine internals, minor increase in power.

;GSX-R750 (WR) 1994Reduced power and weight on last years model

;GSX-R750 SPR 1994-1995A limited-edition racing homologation model and was available for two years. Factory parts included wide-mouthed TRM40 carbs, close-ratio gearbox, magnesium engine covers, ally water pump, six-piston brake calipers and a new braced swingarm, holding a wider 180-rear-section tyre. The SPR was also around 10 kilos lighter than the WP.

;GSX-R750 (WS) 1995Last model to use the double-cradle frame. Increased power and weight and over last years model

RAD

;GSX-R750 (T) 1996The '96 GSX-R introduced a new twin-spar frame which was derived from Suzuki's RGV 500 GP racer. A new compact and lightweight engine incorporated magnesium covers on the cylinder head, starter motor and clutch cover to aid weight reduction. These changes resulted in a decrease in weight by 20 kg to 179 kg, while power had increased to a convert|128|bhp|abbr=on. This year's model finally addressed the weight problems that had plagued the GSX-R though the first half of the 90s.

Other features included electronically controlled carburetors and 43 mm inverted forks which were fully adjustable.

;GSX-R750 (V) 1997Minor internal tweaks on the 1996 model, improved aerodynamics.

;GSX-R750 (W) 1998Introduction of electronic fuel injection.

;GSX-R750 (X) 1999Only minor modifications were carried out on the 1999 model including a wider 6" rear rim and new graphics. The 1999 Model year GSX-R won the sportbike of the year award, produced 134 Crank Horsepower, and was the last year of the known "SRAD" design.

;GSX-R750 Y - 2000;GSX-R750 K1 - 2001Color changes only

;GSX-R750 K2 - 2002;GSX-R750 K3 - 2003Redesign year.

;GSX-R750 K4 - 2004;GSX-R750 K5 - 2005

Redesign year.

;GSX-R750 K6 - 2006;GSX-R750 K7 - 2007

Redesign year.

;GSX-R750 K8 - 2008;GSX-R750 K9 - 2009

References

External links

* [http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GSXR750K7/Default.aspx 2007 GSX-R750] Official Suzuki site
* [http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/extra/000052/] Official Suzuki GSX-R history site
* [http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/?&N=189+147+4294043328&Ns=P_Publication_Date|1&id=1899 Suzuki GSX-R750 Reviews] Road tests of every GSX-R750 since 1996
* [http://www.suzukigsxr.org Suzukigsxr.org] Suzuki GSX-R site
* [http://www.gsxr.es GSXR.es] All about Suzuki GSX-R Bikes
* [http://www.gixxerland.com Gixxerland] Suzuki GSX-R World