How the AMAZING GSX-R750 Became the SOUL of SUZUKI and Changed Motorcycling

[@S682]

This episode makes me smile. My first bike was a 1986 GSX-R750.. What an amazing machine.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

congratulations!

[@macmorgan6685]

Back in 1985 I was in the twilight of my racing career and the last event I raced in was the WERA 6hr endurance r@ce at the Pocono Race track. We were running a Canadian Yamaha RZ500 and on the grid next to us was John Kosinski on a new GSXR 750 sans lower fairing. His knee pads were large foam pads duct-taped to his leathers. I still have a photo… somewhere!

[@joesutherland225]

Westwood?😊

[@tommywilliams5734]

I remember the 85,86,87 Era. I was a Honda guy. Loved the interceptors. But when the 750 and 1100 gsxr came out, I knew the rules had changed. Kevin Shwantz made it look so easy.

[@plnbuf1]

I still want a red and black an 85-86 750 GSXR.

[@TheAmerican1963]

@@plnbuf1 My first "super bike" was an '86 GSXR 750. Red and black. I was a "rock star" for about 6 months as no one had one. It literally drew crowds. It was so light that it would shred a V-Max !!!!! I miss her .......... 😭😭😭

[@Jimo368]

I was racing a VF750 in 1985 and somebody showed up with the new GSXR and I was blown away by how hardcore that thing was. Got my own in 1988.

[@markmcintosh7095]

If you didn't have a GSXR back, then you were at a disadvantage.

[@RedBud315]

My first two bikes were a '73 RD250 and then a race prepped '75 RD350 that I rode on the street because it had a head and taillight. I used to blow away all the CB750's light to light until the VF750 came out and showed me up, lol.

[@pb68slab18]

Had a bunch of money in an '83 GS-750ES, and a friend with a new stock '85 GSXR-750 just blew me away in a few laps!

[@1950Bonanza]

@@RedBud315 My first Bike was a 77 RD400, I used some of my College tuition money to buy it so I could have a ride to get to school. It was 1986/7 year and many rich kids had the latest and greatest bikes, CBR600, Ninja600, Ninja900/1000, CB700S, Gixxers, FZ750 Etc...everybody wanted to be Maverick in TopGun. An old Mech told me that my RD400 would easily keep up with them with some proper tuning. I got a job sweeping floors in his shop so I could learn from some old timers there, in the end I was able to nearly double the power, and amaze a lot of the rich kids with what the old RD could do. Sure wish I had that old bike back..amazing part I paid $250.00 for it, had only 2340 miles on it and in perfect condition.

[@ApexAdventuresNZ]

I have 85, 96, 05, and 16 GSX-R 750. They're all great bikes in their own way. I think the 05 is my favourite, but I love riding each of them for their intended purpose

[@1950Bonanza]

May I ask why the 05?

[@ApexAdventuresNZ]

@@1950Bonanza Thats when I started riding, so it has a bit of hero status. It's also 90% as fast as the 16, but a lot more comfortable on long trips (1500km weekends). The only downside is that it doesnt have a slipper clutch, but thats easily overcome either by buying an aftermarket one or being less lazy with my left hand

[@moriwaki1105]

I have an 1985 GSXR 750 and taking it to the TT in a few weeks... it's still a great bike to ride.

[@whammerjammer1562]

As popular as the early GSXR's seem to be, I'm glad i NEVER sold my 84 Interceptor 1000. That liquid-cooled V-4 was so futuristic. Still a joy to ride today!

[@TheAmerican1963]

And it's fit and finish were spectacular !!!!!!

[@donniebaker5984]

Unfortunately not much performance out of those CV carburetors that your Interceptor came with... But if you would have opted out buying a Freddie Spencer replica that was a CB 1100 F Super Sport you would probably be dead by now paste it up against the tree or a billboard sign Honda headache special kit for the Freddy Spencer replica that included two cans a dry clutch setup and a set of flat slide racing carburetors... The Honda cb1100f Super Sport right out of the box was capable of 185 miles per hour but how ironic those are the speeds today of the king of the Beggars Harley-Davidson baggers the way 700 lb with the top end of 185 miles per hour

[@donniebaker5984]

Just comment is very misleading as AI will not allow me to print or speech to text the proper words and then AI changes my wording after I post as I've caught it doing it with this slow ass Dell Chromebook that's over 10 years old and sometimes it lags down to a crawl and you can see AI changing my words after they post. Elon Musk warnings of the dangers of AI is an understatement. AI will control what you print exactly negative of what you actually did changing the meaning entirely of what you are trying to say

[@etienneprinsloo6799]

It was light, it was quick and the first time you pointed it down the highway you realized that you just stepped into a new era in motorcycling. I feel blessed to have had the privilege.

[@GaryShellberg]

I was a tech at City Suzuki / BMW in Glendale, AZ. when the first Gixxer 750 came off the truck - we were awe struck kids at Christmas !!

[@vxe6vxe6]

I met Wes Cooley at Willow during a club race. He was not racing, just watching. Super nice guy. After he crashed in 85 he was recovering at St. Joseph in Orange. I called and asked if I I could stop by and if he needed anything. I was visiting my parents who lived on Orange at the time. Had a nice visit, he remembered me from Willow. Later in that year I went to the AMA Superbikers race in Carlsbad. I was walking around the pits when I saw Wes. He came over and we talked for a bit. He told me to jump the fence to get into the pits. LOL! A security guard saw me do that. Wes handed me his pit pass, when I declined he said "they're not going to kick ME out of the pits." I stayed in the pits the entire time up until the start of the race, I handed Wes back his pass and said thanks dude! I was bummed to hear of his passing.

[@donniebaker5984]

If you can ever get your hands on a West Cooley replica run a leak down test on the cylinders immediately and if they're okay go out and buy the biggest oil cooler you can possibly hang on that bike... In 1979 I was a technician in a Honda shop as we had just taken over a Suzuki franchise and lonely hold we had a customer who ordered a Wes Cooley replica... I was the one who would pick it out of the crate and assemble it and took it for a test drive. It was about 95 outside and I'm stuck in 30 mph Town traffic and the oil temperature went up to 320° Fahrenheit not good at all so I didn't even take it out for a highway test that turned right around take it back to the shop. It was the following spring the owner come back in the shop said it lost power. Long story short the two inside cylinders on a leak down set we're about45 to 50% Blow by...inspection of the cylinder walls reveals a Golden Glazed over oil that had been cooked to the cylinder . Walls period .... Quick once over with a bead hone glazing was gone.... I left everything else intact but replaced the rings with a brand new set and with the customer by my side during tear down I was able to convince him with the leak down tester and the color of his cylinder walls and the fact that his oil temperature was 320° Fahrenheit that engine no matter how you ran it was going to glaze over. Ricky fighting me on the warranty to tear the motor down the first place I gave the customer a phone number you're never supposed to give out of the main dude in charge of all Suzuki warranties said to my custome to let him have it with both barrels... The next day I get a code number from the District representative who tells me go ahead and tear it down and fix it... Then as I told my customer they're going to be watching you don't even get caught with an aftermarket muffler on it and the things I said but I recommend a Kerker four into one complete exhaust tuned and a Hearst Earhart oil cooler and never mind about your warranty I'll handle that from now on... The owner of this bike come in the next couple days with the Hearst Earhart oil cooler it was very easy to put on.... Looking forward to labor about an hour or so so there's no way to trace it back to his warranty ... Upon his second the Pistons were perfect no scratches in them very little Carbon on top polished up nice and heat treated so they were probably a little harder than stock again more durable. He was the type of rider who would use every bit of the performance you could get out of a Wes Cooley replica... As his wife right beside him always got the hammy down from the old man as she rode his prior cb750f Super Sport and while the old man was writing the cb750f Super Sport she had a CB400 f Super Sport 6 speed. And it became their idea of a family weekend outing to ride the twisties in the southern Indiana Brown County State Park area South to Ohio River

[@macmclemore]

Most poorly written comment I’ve seen on YT in a very long time… I would say “Try Harder”… But I really don’t want you to try ever again.

[@RedBud315]

I raced on a privateer team in the '87 WERA 24HR race at Willow. Wes had returned to racing after he broke his back and he was riding a factory Yoshimura GSX-R 1100. Our team was on an FZ600 that didn't even get prepped until the night before the race and we had 0 track time. Comedy of errors. Anyway I was doing a night stint and Wes passed me twice on the back straight like I was standing still in one session alone. He'd come up on me around turn 4 and waited until we came out of 5 to make his run. Even though we were not in their class we still beat them because they blew two motors and you could only have one spare parts bike where you could use any part but, the chassis.

[@craigg4246]

I was such a huge fan of Wes Cooley I named my son after him! I too was bummed when He passed. Not only was a he huge talent, he was an amazing human being too. Humble and kind. A true hero!

[@1950Bonanza]

@@donniebaker5984 Nice write up and great info, guys like you that lived this stuff, please pass it down, todays mechanics are just not the same caliber, I'm sorry to say.

[@Purepresa]

Kevin is great…he helped me work on my 1977 RD-400 back in 1979!! I was a kid and I lived near him in Gill Mass by the Conn River…amazing guy!!

[@Jojo-o6o6w]

I bought a 77 RD400 3 years ago in Toronto! It was a complete basket case but it was all there and stock except for the cylinders that someone had butchered the ports in so I found a stock set in Texas and had them shipped to me. Bike is the classic yellow with black racing blocks.. its gorgeous.

[@blacklight4460]

@@Jojo-o6o6w that's cool but they didn't sell a yellow RD400 in the United States in 1977

[@Jojo-o6o6w]

@@blacklight4460 im in canada.. but the bike was black and gold originally I think. someone painted it at some point.

[@TheAmerican1963]

Suzuki took a GS 750 engine and painted everything blue that never broke and painted red everything that did break. From this they reduced weight and increased durability. Fascinating !!!!!!

[@FOX1RR]

Long live the Suzuki GSXR 750!!❤ Great history, guys. I am 60 years old and bought a 2022 GSXR 750Z brand new and have been upgrading it with all performance parts and weight saving parts. I'm creating my very own custom limited edition race bike that is still streetable. I'm less than 6 months from completion. It's so much fun!

[@tomtaylor6163]

It was 1977 and I saw my first Suzuki GS motor in a Bimota Frame Kit . I was hooked

[@RedBud315]

Bimota made some awesome bikes and I liked that they did I think at least one model for each of the 4 Japanese manufacturers engines.

[@clayz1]

I have a motorcycle rag featuring the Suzuki GS750 engine in a Bimota frame. It was red. Beautifully welded with conical joints where the frame is split for assembly/disassembly, because there was no other way to shoehorn the engine in. What a gorgeous machine. I know now that the GS750 engine wasn't the best choice, but I'll bet that thing got the most out of one. I owned a stock GS750 at the time, so loved the Bimota.

[@krob-sn7ek]

Great stuff! Thank you for this. Kevin C is also a legend for sure! That bike changed the game for us future road racers! I bought an 89 FZR 600 for $ 4,500.00 and w minor mods you could go WIN races! What a bargain. Motorcycles..... Thats why we love em!!! I love riding !

[@nickrider5220]

Wonderful motorcycling memories, thanks 👍🏻 The 1985 gsxr750 was a big event, the 1100 the following year, suddenly we had race bikes ! I've got the last of the oil cooled 1100s, modernised it, tuned it, made a little more comfortable and I've been in love with it for over 11 years. I've owned several gsxr750 s too, I had a smile on my face throughout this video 🙂 Without the lightweight 750 and 1100 gsxr, would Honda have made the Fireblade in 1992 ?

[@Thumpermad]

G'day Guys Great chat very interesting to hear what has been going on over the years with the GSXR750 I bought 1 back in 2015 and have put around 40K kms on it since then thoroughly enjoyed every km I have ridden on my GSXR750 I recently gave her a tune up just plugs ECU RESET and all the fluids + a 15T Countershaft sprocket she also runs a K&N air filter and a Carbon Akropovic exhaust with the cat. I also own a KTM 890DUKE R I bought NEW in 21 so I can totally relate to what you guys were talking about with the mighty usable power spread of the inline Twin such an amazing street bike but I still think I ride quicker on the Gixxer according to my riding buddies although it actually doesn't feel like it in comparison to the 890 DUKE the Suzuki just does it a lot smoother for some reason maybe it's the fairing and prone riding position ? Another point is that the fuel figures figure for the GSXR750 is 5L/100km versus 3.8 - 4.2 for the KTM890R not surprising with 2 less cylinders. Very interesting the point about cylinder ring seal lenght it's all gr8 information thanks for sharing boys happy trails. cheers

[@brakinggnus5229]

These podcasts are gold! The first time I saw an X-6 Hustler was in a catalog that my Dad brought home. I was amazed at these new, fast-looking machines. The dream began.

[@jpslaym0936]

I had a VFR 750 back in the day, but once I heard the 86 GSX-R 750 (and watched it blow by me) I switched over to Suzuki supersport bikes

[@Pompomgrenade]

The mind of Kevin, makes me smile. Thanks 👍🏾

[@josephreisinger33]

Suzuki did make a 800 but it wasn't a sport bike. The over weight GS800G. I think it was there first shaft drive bike. When I was in US Suzuki school, I learned how to set the drag on all the bearing on the shaft drive with a tiny tork wrenche. I was 19 and loved learning about Japanese way of working on them back in 1979.

[@888jackflash]

1) KEVIN is KING 2) BANDIT 1200's.. the first Gen's- I have owned three, and have had them do everything imaginable from trackdays to cross-country Touring. My last one had 175,000 miles on it (yes, I rebuilt it)... But that GSXR motor is astonishing, as is the frame geometry. Trick is that you need to MODIFY the thing, as it is Clark Kent until you change the suspension, ergos, and jetting.. then Superman jumps out of the phone booth. I just bought #3- exxact same '98 as my last one, this one had 1900 miles in it. I immediately swapped-over all the trick sh*t and I have a Freshie. Best model I've ever owned out of about 28.

[@ianglover7473]

I discovered the GSX-R in 1990 and wanted one so bad! I couldn't afford one, so in 1991 I bought a used red Katana 600, instead. The Katana was fun, but I just might go get me one of those 1990s GSX-Rs!

[@donniebaker5984]

First thing you will notice is the big trade off you will have to make in the handling differences. The 600 katana will be like getting off the 125 motocross bike and climbing on a 500cc open bike.

[@vxe6vxe6]

I was bikeless at the time having just transferred from Washington to California (Navy) and I was without a bike. I rode a friends former race GSXR (1987 GSXR750 with an 1100 motor in it) for a month in the summer of 1991. I rode it all over the twisties in LA and Ventura counties. What a blast!

[@cyclenut9992]

Just found you two on your channel, I’ve been a fan of the both of you for many years. Now I have to go back and watch more of your shows!!

[@patricksandeberg8184]

This was my first bike after I got my license! I had a 1987 model. My dream bike since it came out in 1985 when I was 8. Loved it and it was a big mistake selling it! Would have been worth at least 10k today.

[@kannermw]

When you reflect on past you must've had good reason to sell it at the time. You can't undo the past. Obviously convenient memory and irrelevant talking point. I'd be more interested in the decision to part ways because that is at least more honest and realistic. Maybe it just wasn't as great as you thought it was. The value of most material things from our youth are inflated by emotion not logic.

[@darrylmain925]

I got an 88 in 89, all the plastics had been replaced with bare gel coat white fiberglass. in all flat black now with the white wheels to me looks great, had other bikes come and go, my 88 will never be sold.

[@racer8432955]

Really enjoying your show. Particularly the episodes on legendary bikes like R1 & GSXR. Keep them coming. How about one on the Ducati 916? In my opinion the greatest looking bike ever. I was too young and broke to buy one back then. Now i'm too cheap!

[@RedBud315]

When I was club racing in the late 80's it seems the tops 4 bikes you saw at the track were FZ600's, CBR600's, GSXR750's and 1100's. I raced and FZ600 but, later picked up a Katana 600 that had the same motor oil cooling tech. My Katana took like 7 quarts of oil compared to about 3.5 for the FZ.

[@ruselq211]

In Australia In 1988, I owned an RG500 and was nearly tempted to but a new GSXR750H for $4700 because the J model was coming. I didn’t and kept my 500 and was happy. Square 4 500 2 stroke,,, who wouldn’t be! But I also regretted not buying the 750. Fast forward to 2017 and Suzuki were selling the 750 for $13900 ride away (if I recall correctly). The price was the cheapest they had been since, probably the mid to late 90’s. I thought surely this is the end of the line run out never to be seen again price. I thought the ABS and emission laws would kill them off. They were the end of an era. So I basically made my son buy one! Well I was wrong about the end of the line bit, however they are unchanged and my son has a forever bike cause they are the end of an era! Oh, and I had a 2009 750 track bike. Love the Gixxer and the 750 engine size and it is locked into history as one of the greatest bikes because of what it means and represents to motorcyclists and racers.

[@kd350]

Where's the RG? I still ride my '85 USA RZ350 bought new.

[@ruselq211]

@@kd350 sadly, stupidly crashed it late 1988.

[@YouCantSawSawdust]

When was the GSX-R750 last sold in Australia? What year model and designation?

[@kd350]

@@ruselq211 Yeah almost totaled the RZ in the winter of '86. Back then there was no choice but spend the 100% mark up dealer parts. Spent more than the purchase price over '87. Slege hammered the subframe straight and got it going.

[@ruselq211]

@@YouCantSawSawdust I'm pretty sure the 750 was available in Australia up to 2022/23 which i think was the L9. Unchanged since 2011.

[@RockyMotoX]

Every single one of these shows is a gift! Keep up the great work guys, it's appreciated by a lot of us out here! 👍 Always have been a big fan of the air-oil cooled concept. I have a 2000 Bandit 1200S that I'll never get rid of! 🤠

[@brazoon1]

Hi Kevin! I've been reading your articles since 1990. It's great to put a voice to a name!

[@wiii432]

Luved my 1985, & my street fighter 2015. And the 85 Katana 750 was a hoot also.

[@WBD86]

Pure gold again... 🎉 Thanks, cant wait the next one!

[@Onlineghost2ohm]

You guys grew up in a great era…nothing like the mid ‘80’s to mid ‘90’s. When fuel injection came in;was the 2nd evolution of the motorcycle industry when ‘98 R1, ‘01 GSXR K1, them ‘04 ZX10 was a great run also…..

[@Onlineghost2ohm]

Btw- loved the “Leanings 1 and 2” Mr. Cameron. A great author as well as mechanical engineering nut….

[@billstuart8481]

Excellent! My 86 GSX 750 was the well deserved replacement for my tired old 76 Honda CB 400-4. Took me ten years to afford such an amazing and fast bike, around the outskirts of town, I was unbeatable .I rode that 750 to death for another 10 years until I was dazzled on the showroom and bike mags by the VFR. Ten years later, I was 50 and sick of the sport bike riding position for just commuting . My first two wheel love is observed trials and enduro. So now I'm still riding my 1975, back to where I started sitting up, R90/6. ( You should do a podcast on Butler and Smith) Cheers Messer's Cameron and Hoyer. Trying to drain as much knowledge from you guys as possible. Thank You!

[@mikefawkes5195]

had an 03 gixxer 750 absolutely loved that bike,

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Thanks fellas! Loved my old gsxr750! Wish I still had it

[@jurgenlahaye9567]

I have a Gsx-r 600 k5...man i love it...❤

[@Single698]

These gsxr’s including the gsxr 1100 were only posters to me other than a local guy who had an 1100 with uprated carbs and that thing was amazing, story from another local guy said he was doing 130 when the 1100 past him like he was standing still. The bike was eventually crashed whilst he was pulling a wheelie and it was put in the local showroom as a crashed demonstrator trophy. I passed my test in 2000 and straight away bought my first bike gsxr600,bike far better than me and i knew it, swapped that then for my first of many gsxr750. I had a new version each year up until the k9 then i went european and never looked back after experiencing all these ohlins and brembo stuff. Looved the gsxr and always the 750. Great show guys.

[@TreadTalk247]

I still have the “Big Brother”, yet much heavier, 1995 1100W and will never part with it, yet I’ve always wanted a 1996 750!! So happy to see the resurgence of interest in the classics and especially the 1990’s coming back! Even the livery of the 90’s! 😊

[@stan0matic]

Woohoo! Kings of the podcast!

[@shawnryan5347]

My favorite podcast!

[@Hopalong..75]

Great to hear you mention the Hustler, that was my first new bike in 1966. I was 18 and on top of the world. I bought it over the Yamaha because of the 6 speed.

[@niceguy91320]

Great show. Loved both my GSX-R 750's 98 & 07 They were great bikes.

[@keshavchintamani]

Proud GSXR750 k7 trackbike owner. Can't disagree with what Kevin and Mark said. I've been a regular road rider on various machines and only got back into trackdays in my late 30s. Bought a 2007 750 and kept tweaking it. Its unbelievable the pace I have today - almost always ride in the high semi-pro and pro groups with ridiculously off-the-shelf upgrades and updates.

[@ragerider6283]

A really interesting great vid. The GSXR750 is definitely my favorite bike ever. I owned a K6 from new for 3 years & maybe it wasn't the coolest bike I've ever owned but it was definitely the best. I'd love Suzuki to make an updated version as it could be the ultimate everyman bike. Adjustable foot pegs & clips-ons with cruise control & there's nothing it couldn't do well. Tear up the track, daily commute or tour all day. As you mentioned it, also currently riding a GSX8R. : )

[@ericjakobssonjr]

I used to work at a restaurant with Amat Bazzaz.. I had an RZ 350 .. I feel like I sparked his interest in motorcycles.

[@Jluck78]

Whoa - the GSX-R, it’s definitely an icon, maybe even a religion. I have owned many and was always impressed with their durability, handling, excellent transmission feel and ease of maintenance. I used to say to my friends that after the nuclear bomb drops (this was before the Soviet Union collapsed) it will be GSX-R’s and Goldwing’s. Also - Kevin Cameron’s columns were (and still are) legendary. I learned more about mechanical theory and ideology from him than probably anyone. From included valve angle and sodium valves to rake and trail - you name it, he discussed it. This spurred dozens of great conversations with my friends and colleagues. Thanks for those great articles and thanks for this amazing podcast.

[@Pompomgrenade]

These were great times of racing and luckily for me, much of it was televised😅

[@josephstanton2480]

Excellent chat,really enjoyed it. keep the good work up. How's about a chat on the cbx 1000 and irimajiris work on the 250-300 six's. 😁

[@mrriesen9004]

I remember back in the day one of magazines did a test of about 20 sportbikes, 600, 1000, and a few 750s. The riders were from novice to pro and the fastest times across the board were on the 750s, the perfect size.

[@Andrei_K1G1K]

My GSX-R750Y (2000) had 126 at the wheel and it was butter smooth... Red/White/Blue was the best version! I have a K1 GSX-R1000 I restored now and it's just not the same... Good, but not the same and gas mileage is about 24 when you're flogging it in anger...

[@blacklight4460]

1985 Rd 400 Club Racing At Sears Pt, I used to watch those VFR 750s Tuck their 16 inch front end on the off-camber turn at the top of hill above the carousel. the "normal" 18"s like the RDS and GSXR had much better manners.

[@brynn2001]

My first bike was a 1987 GSX -R 750. Loved that bike would love to get one again one day.

[@duc06820]

Jim from Stamford Motorsports had a 1000 stuffed in a 750 frame. He did track days and had a ride on Sundays. I followed him over the years until I bought the first R1. There were 10 bikes and I was last so I worked my way up and passed him on a choppy right hander where he'd run wide and the R1 would hold the inside line. The R1 was 100 yards ahead before he got up to speed. The twisty road had tabletop straight so I put it on the back wheel until he caught up. Head down up the long hill he was 100 yards back again. Dethroned he still hates me 25 years later.

[@theodavies8754]

I had an RD500LC, had an FZR1000 before getting a GSXR750j. The advent of radial tyres is what really made the first slingshot. It was better than the 1100 version. Traded for a 4 speed chain drive solid mount sportster, on my 3rd Harley since 1988. Had an fj1200 in between the sportster and an evo FXDL. No intention of needing anything else with my now 25 year old TC 88 FXDL.

[@cyclenut9992]

Super show, enjoyed it to the end, can you please do one on the Honda 900? I had an 83 Honda 750 interceptor, what a fun bike and smooth as silk to 10-12,000 rpm. But, I always wanted a 900RR in the 90s. Anyway, great show!

[@davidciesielski8251]

Thanks guys, I really liked the era of 721 mm from steering head datum to pivot... Just a golden retriever kinda thing...

[@cpuuk]

[Gets tea and biscuits] at last, some real content 🙂 I had the FZ750 back in the day, so the Gixxer was my nemesis.

[@davidbryant6779]

Best tech guys on KZbin

[@goldfish8196]

another great episode! saving money for my 2025 gsxr750

[@pb68slab18]

There was a GSXR-750 Limited Edition with aluminum frame and dry 'rattle-rattle' clutch, and a couple other features not on the standard bike. They were quite a bit more expensive!

[@walterdemo2895]

Hmm...I preferred my RG500's as a kid. It was a podium pro-class bike in 600 production 750 production & open production w gsxr1100's

[@YouCantSawSawdust]

I bought a brand new Suzuki RG500, and I was disappointed when the GSX-R750 would blow my two-stroke into the weeds.

[@MadChalet]

Talking bikes is almost always fun, and I like to reflect on super sport bikes as much as the next rider, but there currently seems to be a buzz about GSXRs, with you guys focusing on them now, and Michael Neeves over at MCN talking about them several times over the past weeks (he just bought a 750). Is it just coincidence? Is Suzuki testing the waters for releasing another GSXR?

[@rustyturner431]

I owned a Suzuki dealership when the first Gixxers came out. There was NOTHING like it, a race bike for the street. As an ex-racer I should have been entranced...but I was getting older, and my back hurt just looking at it! Mind you, it was great for business; they sold well, and the buyers bought color-matched leathers and helmets and anything else that fit the image. We made a bunch of money and attracted a new class of affluent customers. The Honda Hurrianes followed shortly (we sold both Honda and Suzuki), and they were dramatically better street bikes. They sold well, but didn't cause the same buzz as the Gixxers...however, an old fart like me could ride one without needing an open perscription for Darvon!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I have never done a track day or have ridden a TL1000, but from everything I used to read my 03 SV1000S is a much easier bike to live with. Now there is nothing else on the market even similar! Keeper.

[@pedroferrr1412]

my first true bike, an 85 GSX R750, that i replaced with a RGV 250R, big mistake, spent to much in fuel and oil. Anyway, i loved both of them. note: both of them in second hand, but practically new.

[@jackgreen9062]

I remember when the first GSXR 750s blew the doors off everything else in their first major production race here in Oz. Until the rear shocks all began to fade. It was an embarrassment everybody knew about it. Suzuki had to come up with a fix fast. The prod racing rules here and NZ stated that only tyres, handlebars, and grips could be changed from standard. No clip ons unless they came standard. Quite different to everywhere else.

[@garyphilip3382]

Saw Kevin Cameron’s picture and immediately clicked!

[@tomtaylor6163]

I have a first year GSXR1100 in my collection. I also have a mint 1978 GS1000. I kind of wish the GSXR1100 frame had the GS1000 motor in it lol

[@billegge3074]

How about a talk on the venerable xt250?

[@davapod]

I certainly enjoyed my 98 SRAD.

[@bren42069]

My bike is the gsxr's dad. An 82 GS twin 🥰

[@Michael_Lorenson]

My impression is that the original GSXR 750 had a similar mind-blowing kind of impact on the motorcycling world to the McLaren F1 on the automotive world. The difference was, of course, that you could actually buy a GSXR for a very reasonable amount of money...

[@dougiequick1]

After having my 85 Interceptor smashed up by (coinicidently) a kid on a big FJ that worked for Cycle World Magazine (true story) I used law suit proceeds (only because cycle world told me to suck eggs) to buy a brand new 1986 GSXR limited edition....dry clutch 1100 brakes single seat etc....man I loved that motorcycle

[@slartybartfarst9737]

I ride a 2005 GSXR 1000 K5 in the Isle of Man, bought a grey import for near no money. Only mods, carbon wheels, race grips, quick action throttle (fit an R1 throttle tube).......the mid range pull makes it so usable, pulls so hard and 162 BHP on 162Kg (357 lbs) wet (my bike) its a 1000BHP /ton missile. Im the limit not that bike! So interesting to hear the GSXR development story. As I understand it the K5/6 is a relatively long stroke engine compared to the R1 at the time yet still gets big BHP. Equip it with carbon wheels and below 120mph its meh money wasted as the standard alloys are light (weight advantage of the carbons is at the rim where it counts) , above 120 wow, brakes, turning, acceleration noticeably way better.

[@kenwilson6850]

I've been riding for over thirty-five years on the streets and crashing is not normal. Crashing should never happen. Laying a bike down should never happen. Wasting a $10k bike should not happen on the streets. On the race track, have at it like a fool with a four wheeler on the Rubicon Trail.

[@MrTravis789]

Being old as I am, you think GS when you hear suzuki. I had a '77 gs750, suzuki held out on two strokes longer than the others, and when they went inline 4, they were first to give it a beefy enough frame to handle the power

[@MrTravis789]

Later I had a '93 gsxr 1100, the last oil cooled one. Then I had a 2004 bandit1200s, which was the '93 gsxr motor, but detuned for lower torque

[@MrTravis789]

Not really that old. I bought the gs750 for $50 and restored it in my yard in the mid 90s. Sitting for almost 20 years, all four carbs gummed up And out of balance

[@joesutherland225]

Something about the 750 s of the mid 80s ,to this day makes me feel like this is a motorcycle. Modern bikes maybe better in every way but just dont make me smile quite as much

[@macmorgan6685]

I bought Eraldo Ferracci’s last MV Agusta after he closed his shop… most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever owned!

[@simonmears1726]

Love the gsxr 750 awesome Power to weight but its big brother the 1000 u know when ones coming past best sounding litre bike its gods ring tone

[@lenq5918]

Would have been interesting if the US sold the RG500 along side the gsxr750. Wonder how they would compare in sales. In the 80's a good amount of 2 stroke junkies as well as inline 4 stroke fans.

[@YouCantSawSawdust]

I had an RG500 which I bought brand new. The GSX-R's would absolutely leave my RG for dead.

[@411bvRGiskard]

Almost killed myself on a 1992 GSXR-750 & I still love that bike

[@TriAngles3D]

And, the only bike I was focused on was the Yamaha FZ 750... Still have 3. 1FM, 1KT, and...00M

[@brianvarnes4803]

My first bike was a nekkid '98 gsxr-750! Should have kept her, rear-ended while on a ZX-9!! !BOO!!!

[@douglasgrosch228]

3 cylinder street sport bike coming ?? GSXR 900?? triple mArket place now > more usable power for street ? triple for suzuki coming !

[@anxiousappliance]

A I4 is an I4. My suzuki 750 feels extremely useable on the street - deliciously usable.

[@joesutherland225]

For me at least it was the gsxrs brother street bikes that made it.😊

[@brendanflegle3326]

Man an 800 would be amazing

[@ritid69]

Just not that parallel twin shite they have just released

[@blacklight4460]

86 and 87 we're just right

[@robgreggs4933]

Here is a topic ...dollar for dollar motorcycle builds acceleration comparisons

[@bananabrooks3836]

The chronology gets a little lost here. 85 -87 wheels, swinger progress. 88-91 long stroke, suspension. Early/Mid 90s Water cooling, weight gain! 96> refresh Srad to fuel injection.

[@blipco5]

The new parallel twins are not a step backwards, instead, they represent a new, exciting direction for motorcycles.

[@josefmd]

Only for the tree huggers! Love my screaming ZX4-RR that unfortunately needs flashed due to the bullshit EPA/Euro 5 crap! Seriously considering buying a GSXR 750 as well before they take them away for good like over in Europe!

[@anxiousappliance]

@@josefmd The main thing the EPA regs have done is forced companies to engineer incredibly powerful and efficient machines. Suzuki doesn't want to invest in the R models - if they did, they would be selling them in Europe.

[@donniebaker5984]

No one has ever told you the true story of the very first GS750 Suzuki that were released to the public as every one of them came apart in an average of 1500 miles spun rod bearing and spun main bearings.>. And keep in mind this was Suzuki's very first plane bearing engine everything before was roller bearing

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

Suzuki’s first plain bearing engines came out in 1981.

[@donniebaker5984]

@@truthboomertruthbomber5125 WRONG the 1st plain bearing engine was the GS750 TSCC 4v in 1979 ...it was until 1981 was the first GS1100 TSCC 4V that was plain bearing also ...I am a factory trained Suzuki technician since 1979 and have been to all the Suzuki schools since then till 1984/...all suzuki 4V engines are plain bearing..

[@basilwatson1]

I poo poo ur gsxr my first bike was a triumph 150 terrier. Now I have a 20 HP ...( Actually 15 HP). Royal Enfield..... Try riding one of those on the limit .... Or even stopping 😂

[@kd350]

Diesels!

[@tomappleyard6157]

Do you,s remember the 1980 ,GS. XR69

[@vincentpattavina2120]

Dittos!

[@camerond8176]

A twin will NEVER match a 4cyl in terms of feel and sound on the street or track....................Those who want a high revving 4cyl will always want that, and a twin will NEVER scratch that itch. Those who don't care about engines (most modern young riders) and want the looks of a sport bike, but the ease of riding and cheap price will buy these new 800's. I myself, will NOT. These new 800's is Suzuki marketing to the newer riders, as the older ones will look at higher models or elsewhere all together. I've spent most of my riding life on Suzuki from the GS, to GSXF, to GSXR, now on the newer Hayabusa GSX1300R............................It's been a wonderful 4cyl symphony of power through the years, and these new twins will NEVER do it for me. Nothing like watching the Speedo Chase the Tach on a back road, while listening to that 4cyl sing.