Suzuki shifted the sportbike segment into the next gear with its original 1986 GSX-R750 superbike. Although the category has again upshifted, Suzuki remains true to its roots by offering this mid-grade 2020 GSX-R750 ($12,499) in its US model lineup. Last updated nine years ago, the GSX-R750 remains a capable sportbike for street riders looking to do it all.
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As always, ease of use and overall friendliness are signature features of this Suzuki. It’s got a low seat height and relatively forgiving ergonomics as compared to other manufactured sportbikes. The ability to tweak the position of the rider’s footpegs and a cozy rider and passenger seat are more road-worthy features.
With a full 4.5 gallons of fuel, the Suzuki weighs just 420 pounds-lighter than many other sportbikes made today. On the road the GSX-R750 is agile, but not overly so. Handling is a tad on the conservative side, as compared to sharper-handling modern bikes, but we wouldn’t necessarily say this is a bad thing. It makes for an easy-riding motorcycle that won’t bite.
Cutting edge nine years ago, the Showa suspension rides well and offers a wide range of adjustment based on weight and handling preference, both on road or the track. The OE-shoed Bridgestone Battlax BT-016 tires perform well, but the technology is more than a decade old and feels more rudimentary as compared to current-generation sport rubber. Thankfully, that can be easily fixed with a fresh set of rubber.
Powertrain-wise, the 750 category splits the difference between the high-revving character of a 600 supersport and the lumpy immediate bottom-end of a literbike. The engine is good for around 130 hp at the back tire. But think of the GSX-R750 as a built, race-prepped 600 with a beefier bottom-end. This makes it ideal for street riding, with a punchy, exhilarating 14,500-rpm top-end.
A mixed digital/analog dash keeps tabs on everything and is classic GSX-R. It’s a tad small so it’s a tad hard to read nowadays, but it is functional and sticks to the basic script of an instrument panel. Although Suzuki was an early leader in the fuel-injection and electronics department, the GSX-R only offers two adjustable engine power modes (A and B). Think of it this way: A is fast mode, B is slow mode.
Triple disc hydraulic brakes offer just the right amount of feel for street riders and are relatively forgiving versus the brute force of a modern superbike. Still, because there isn’t ABS, some degree of care should be exercised during braking to prevent skids over slick pavement.
Suzuki’s 2020 GSX-R750 offers the de facto classic sportbike experience. It offers a level of simplicity and a riding connection that’s missing in modern bikes. And while it remains entertaining to ride, more contemporary sport riders will miss the sharpness and hard-hitting performance that they can get with modern sportbikes.
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19 май 2020
