Having been an ardent dedicated Honda man for the majority of my biking life, I actually relented and bought a Suzuki GSX-R 750. I was definitely looking for a step up from super-sport 600's, after having 3 different models of CBR 600. I was giving serious contemplation to two other bikes at this time which were Aprilia RSV Millie, or a Honda CBR 900 Fireblade. However, after much deliberation and friend's recommendations, I went for the Suzuki. This was based on the judgement that you get the best of both worlds combining raw 750 power in a 600 chassis. The first Gixer 750 was released in 1985 and has undergone periodical changes since then.
THE LOOK
As in the picture above I purchased mine in the typical blue and white Gixer colours. In standard form the bike is aesthetically pleasing and ultra sexy but the beauty of motor-biking is the levels of personalising. I wanted a bike that looked sweet on both the track and on the road so I made a fair few modifications. I added a carbon fibre rear hugger, I realised that a hugger adds weight but it's a compromise. Carbon fibre is very light and in winter
riding you will be grateful for this accessory as well as some carbon fibre around the tank and fairing. I changed my indicators for micro to add to the beautiful lines of the bike. I changed the screen to a blue one making sure that it is double bubble to increase air flow over my skid lid, as well as an Akropivic exhaust race system boosting performance and BHP. This exhaust system will set you back around £800.00 but think of the performance and the loud growl is music to the ears. I also had fitted HEL braided steel brake lines for that extra sweet stopping power whilst braking deep into bends. Additionally I had fitted a set of special spark plugs that fire twice that are around ten pounds each. After these and few other modifications my personalised babe was ready to go and looked beautiful. Initially the finish on the bike as standard is in my opinion excellent but just slightly inferior to Honda finish. It is mainly the rear sets and pegs etc but I get rid of all that and personalise with aftermarket products. The clock is a digital gauge and the lights are fair but I use Halogen bulbs that are better. This model just as all those post 1996, are liquid cooled engines. It also features electric starter and six speed gear box.
POWER
On the 600's for a standing start it was a case of, run first gear upto 5000rpm and bang into second, then push each gear to maximum before changing gear, then suddenly the ram air kicks in and it's a riot. Don't get me wrong any biker will understand that although 600's {Sport bikes} will kick the crap out of a car etc, you still need to grab it by the testimonials and thrash the living hell outta it. Genuine top speed I was getting on these bikes was around 145-150mph, but back B- roads twistys was fun. However I soon noticed the difference with this beauty. Mother of god this thing just goes. The thing tries it's best to accelerate faster than I can change gear. The other beauty of track days is that you can practice your standing starts. Furthermore not only is 175mph a reality but it gets there in mere seconds. The Akrapovic race system adds a few more brake horse power, and removing non essential parts, keeps weight down to a minimum. This bike definitely makes me feel inclined to join the dark side.
HANDLING
Once this bike is set it up to your specs it handles so sweet but that is somewhat more applied to track days, but even from out of the crate after scrubbing your tyres, getting your knee down is a cinch. On the road it will require minor tweaks to suit your riding style etc, but other than that just adjustments are required if you do ride two up. The bike comes with a steering damper which I always feel is a necessity on bikes of this calibre and it certainly keeps things upright on poorly maintained roads. You can get a superior after market damper but there really is no need as the Suzuki's own is more than adequate. Therefore if you are not fussy with the standard damper that is fitted there are loads of companies that have bought out their own model. The bike is very light and has a frame almost like a 600 so it steers in beautifully. Even in wet weather riding the bike instils confidence. I tend to run Bridgestone's on mine and the compatibility is excellent. In winter I run Continentals. These are designed in such a way that you have a touch more tyre on the road at any lean angle, compared to other bike tyres and in winter these are a delight. Additionally they are cheaper than Pirelli Diablo and Bridgestone. It really does not make a great difference to handling in general, the bike still steers in the same etc, but in crappy weather conditions they really do make a difference but as necessary with all tyres and bikes get some heat into them prior to pushing things. Tyre management is fair but if you are miles crunching they will square off that bit quicker. The costs for the sorts of tyres I run are around £250 a pair. The bike is a total hoot and I feel is very user friendly it certainly does inspire confidence but definitely needs a real experienced rider. The bike is quite roomy for a sports bike I am 5' 8". So taller guys n' gals may disagree I simply cannot speak for them. Seat height is a bit of a pain in the arse and bike lowering kits are available but I manage. Comfort is no issue either since I often travel from Scotland to England around 500miles each way. With one or two toilet and petrol stops I find it no real chore other than a wee bit of stiffness. At this distance do find the seat getting a little hard but I push hard with very little stopping time so I guess it is to be expected.
RELIABILITY
I have never had any issues with my bike beyond normal wear and tear. This is such as chain and sprockets which do have to be replaced every so many thousand miles. I keep the bike regularly serviced, washed and I frequently change the spark plugs etc. I purchase the more expensive spark plugs that fire twice. Keeping a stringent routine of maintenance has seen the bike being very reliable. On cold wintery mornings the beast fires up first time like a dragon. Servicing costs are scary so shop around. I purchase the parts and do most of the servicing myself such as spark plug, oil. Oil filter, air filter changes and it is so much cheaper. The bike has an automatic choke which is no bad thing. I do feel the body work needs a little more care than some other bikes such as Honda but be strict with yourself and keep road salt off by hosing down after wet weather riding. I also use WD40 on hoses to prevent dryness and splitting as well as on suspension. I also use a little copper grease etc on callipers to prevent seizing and every time that I change pads I do a full strip down process and completely cleanse all the parts then re-assemble with fresh copper grease. Give this bike your loving commitment and you get lush, hassle free ride-outs every time.
SUMMARY
Ok, I love my bike. I do not think the finish is quite as good as Honda bikes, but if you look after your bike, it will still be lush. The best way is if wet weather riding or the like, always wash of the salt when you return home. It is awesome value for money, and a proper hooligan tool. You don't go through the tyres at quite the rate of 1000's but get much better fun than a 600. Sadly the 750 as all but dwindled, but hopefully with the GP's running 800's the market will change soon. UNTIL THEN THIS BEAST AWAITS........
When the Suzuki GSX-R750 was first introduced, it launched a new genre of race replica ... more
sports bikes. Utilising race technologies on a road bike, the streetfighter was born! For Suzuki fans, Maisto have introduced a model of the legendary GSX-R750. This...
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Model: Suzuki GSX-R 750 Make: Maisto Scale: 1/12 Diecast Metal with Plastic Parts ... more
Colour: Yellow / Black Product Code: MT31153 UPC Code: 090159311539 Details: Real looking seat and spokes, working stand, detailed suspension and ro...
Postage & Packaging: £3.00 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
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