MCN: Is the Suzuki GSX-R750 still the top road sports bike?

MCN reader Craig Carr wanted help deciding if he should trade his Suzuki K6 GSX-R750 for the K8 version or a Ducati 848 in this video road test.
Senior road tester Michael Neeves added Kawasaki's ZX-10 and Yamaha's R6 to the test and then took Craig for a spin around the local roads before finishing off at Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds.
Watch the video below to see which one Craig chose and read the final article in MCN, Wednesday, July 23, 2008.
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[@undecodable6145]

i only heard the last part because the sound of the exhausts intervenes the conversation

[@Prince-yr1ln]

Qais Alehremi same

[@lifeon2wheels837]

K7 750 here, couldn't be happier.

[@sugarnads]

Great vid. Finally a bloke who doesnt need bigge stronger better and is happy to admit it.

[@yamimk]

have the k8 and love it handles good

[@CRB81]

Quality video....Love Suzuki GSXR's Glad I've gone back to a GSXR 750 K8 model. Well pleased!

[@gandrazmaj8137]

This Gsxr K8 model is one of the most beautiful bikes until today for me!!! Even I am Honda lover but this optic of K8 ist one of the best from Suzuki up to today!!! And I want to have one I my collection one and only Gsxr 1000 K6!

[@benjyboba]

I think he feels most comfortable on it as he owns one and is more used to it. I believe that you need more time on a bike to truely apreciate what there like to ride. I think they should have added a 1098s just to here his opinion of the power delivery. My own bike an old 900ss was reported to have heavy steering but i find it extremely light. I believe its the riding styles that people have makes it apear better or worse. He obviously was used to what he rides and found other bikes too alien.

[@joemarkey6]

Great video- Im just considering an upgrade in power from my XJ6n which has been perfect for my first biggish bike, most of the lads that I ride with say I should buy a 1000 but this video has confirmed my thoughts, although I still havent discounted the Triumph daytona 675.

[@darrenevans1852]

That 848 is the worst sound of ever heard come from a bike over a 125

[@fwh79FOXR6]

Any 4 stroke engine that has less than 4 cylinders... is NOT of the optimal design.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

Had two Gixxer 750s.... a pink/silver 1994 (it was the style at the time!) and a K5 Anniversary. Both brilliant bikes.

[@lawrencesalmon2934]

I’m happy with my GSXR 750Y. But would love to try a newer version

[@thesoapster]

Great video. I have a K7 750 and absolutely love it.

[@MrSCRIBR]

Great review guys... I'm tossing up on which 750 to get so it made it a little easier :)

[@mattiusg]

Yea - audio is still a work in progress. I like a mish-mash comparo. Made me wonder quite a bit about what a true middle-weight bike should do. I think I'll stick to my kawaka636 for now.

[@fishdixx]

I seriously thought it was just me who plays with his gas tank key hole flap all the time haha

[@RobTaBier]

Thanks! I really loved the Pasir Gudang circuit. It is like a mix of two of my favourite racing circuits in Finland. I envy you coz you have 12 months riding season. Here it is -18´c outside. No riding for 4 months more. Then I will hit the tracks immediately! :)

[@peavyt15]

@blindingsun to clarify, I always wear a helmet and gloves and jacket but it isnt required here.

[@MorganParkinson]

@ozgixxer750 I have a K3 750 and as I'm getting more used to it, I'm wanting to drop a tooth on the front sprocket to get a bit more torque. I understand the "optimum" gearing is -2F / +3R (same ratio as -1F, but engine will respond better). Do you think -1F is my best option to get better torque response? Also considering a power commander, won't require speedo healing too. Any tips n tricks I'm not aware of?

[@delandgixxer750]

I still ride my K5 750 (2005 GSX-R750) I do trackdays w/ it, it's paid for so I can't see making payments on a new bike while this one works great & the money I save I use on tires for the trackdays!!!!

[@bgamebiker]

More road tests! Nice comparison, but maybe the R6 and ZX10 were the wrong choices - I'd have gone with the Triumph 675 and new Honda Blade to try and break him free from the 750.

[@sqd8r]

true ahmadosama but relatively it is old but bikes surpassed rider skills decades ago when the first 900 fireblade or modern gsxr750 with the really good frames came along.

[@pdelaressure]

a quick question for you mate, i move to perth next year and i'll be looking for a bike, what are the prices like on secondhand machines? from the bit of looking that i've done, they look pretty expensive compared to the uk?

[@gixertoeknee]

I've also ridden both gsxr 750 k8 & k6-k7, & found the k8 feeling much the same as previous model. The k6-k7 gsxr feels much more alive, as the fella himself said, RAW! I find most k8 bikes feel unexciting compared to the very model they replace! The full protential of k8 bikes is only realised/released after fitting performance exhaust & maybe powercommander! These bikes are choked to comply with emmissions & noise tests, also their weight has increased slightly. Keep your k6-k7 Gixer for now!

[@adaptiveagile]

K2 R750. My second 750 and third Gixxer. fantastic bike with lots of power. Had an RC-51 (V-twin) and just didn’t get into it for the most part. The R750 is more flickable, exciting and frenetic. It’s also lighter and much more comfortable.

[@Davekinematic]

I have a K5 750 and I have always had an eye for the RC51, but have not had the opportunity to ride one. After reading your review, I am glad I have my k5. Thanks

[@cowkey90]

Thinking of stepping up to an SS Bike, from an ER-6N. Finally found someone that thinks about SS bikes & there Engine Size, exactly the way I do. Now I'm completely certain I'll be grabbing a 750. Thanks Alot, Great Video, Greatly Appreciated!

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

I did just that. Next bike from ER-6f was the K8 GSX-R750

[@roush2win]

@ahmadosama when he said "getting a little bit old" I thought thats still new to me. I am still riding my 97 GSXR750 with nearly 70k on it; now that's a little old.

[@Hoktew]

I got a 2003... Gsxr750 love it 13 500 redline fml

[@jace2wheel762]

Way late to this comment but if you keep up with the basic maintenance, the 750 will go well past 200k kms

[@CHOPERUS23]

As A first bike a 2007 zx6r I did not find it difficult to live with or riding my friends cbr 1000 rr too much. Everyone is different

[@VictorComix]

I'm buying a gsxr 750 k6 in two days. can't wait

[@viking1884]

This Ducati is just awesome. and maintenance has been minimal. Have had the oil done and a tire change and got 5000 miles on her already. Has been nothing short of perfect.

[@Bulgdoom]

Fairly decent review compared to the other crappy videos both magazines seem to put out which consist of nothing but ride shots and "ermhs" and "ahhhs" while trying to exhaust some personal opinion and offering to real advice or numbers. Just one thing you kind of skipped on, how exactly the K8 more refined? More specifics please

[@thewooginator83]

I really hope that they set up the suspension on the bikes before making the comparison. The Duc is a much more comfortable ride after some tweaking. Factory settings are super stiff & set up for 2 up riding.

[@gixertoeknee]

Mike himself said you'd not go wrong buying the k4-k5 gsxr 750, and i would agree! I've ridden every model gsxr 750 since 2003, and owned or ridden every model gsxr 600, also since 2003. Every model is very similar performance wise, its only the look of the bike u need consider. The differents between my own k5 and k7 gsxr 600 is tiny! The k5 definatly had more grunt lower down and mid-range power. The k7 has more top end power. Both bikes are very even once fitted with aftermarket exhausts!!

[@RobTaBier]

The problem in Finland is the price of the Ducati.. Just bought a GSX-R 750 k6 for only 8000 € ($10700) which was a bargain. A new Ducati 848 cost here 20990 € ($28000). The prices are thanks to our old govermental system.

[@jasper_of_puppets]

Had the '08 Fireblade been a choice in this vid, it woulda been hands-down the way to go!

[@jaylawoodard9901]

Amazing!!

[@TwoStepM]

I LOVE MY GIXXXER 750

[@ACDC88]

new to bikes, so help me out....why is it that a 600cc is too hard to live with? and when he says too revy does he mean that in order to get anywhere on the bike u have to get the bikes rpm way up there, even for city driving??

[@1997SScamaroNOS]

In 2020 the Suzuki GSXR-750 is still the top sport bike!!🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@cardude1992]

i really wanted to know the power differences between all the bikes!

[@darkmetallica]

@ahmadosama my brother has a 20 year old kwaki zxr 750 which still flies like a bat out of hell and handles amazingly

[@jorgem.alonso5409]

Mi have both: 848 and K7, both mega bikes. K7 for everyday and 848 for perfect smoth curvy road

[@mrwalliekat]

GSXR 750 rules the road! Best bike for the road!

[@Rapbando]

My K8 is my first superbike and I love it

[@howwwwwyyyyy]

How can you expect to get the proper feel for a bike within a day,never mind 4,stands to reason he,s gonna feel more comfortable on the bike he's used to.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

i agree with the previous posts. but i think they didnt put in the comparison the 675 and the fireblade because they wanted to promote the 750. if they did he would have gone for one of those for sure.especially for the 675.

[@PepegaPig]

Y'know the Starship trooper dude from Star Wars, in his white suit. I want one of those. And an 848. Next bike for me is either a 675 or an 848.. Decisions! :D

[@peavyt15]

@blindingsun in america it is a state by state law. most of the states do require one but Indiana does not.

[@mmazourov]

Craig must have wet his pants when he saw these 4! I know I would have 😄

[@kalikaputra]

Nice little review.7 fitty all the way baby 7 fitties for ever

[@rustandbleed]

Same goes for the price of European/American bikes here in Singapore. Shops here think italian bikes are a prestige to own one, a bike to show off. A ducati 848 cost SGD$27,000++ machine price, which can get you an R1 with full-sys exhaust, PC3, hugger, sliders and some trick stuff. On the other hand, race suits here are cheap. Price range anything from SGD400++/500++(RJAYS/GPR/SRS) to SGD1000++(Alpinestar/Dainese/Spidi etc) Just sold my K5, gonna settle for either 09 kawa or 09 GSXR

[@RicovanLeeuwen]

Got the same problem. Only then i am doubting between a K7 or a k8. k7 yoshimura edition with powercommander or a k8, just because it's shiny (doubting about the matt on the black k7 (yes, i want a black one))

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

K8, it's way more refined. K6/7 was just too loud

[@xaviercourtney]

im with u, the lastest CBR 1000 fkn rocks.

[@rustandbleed]

The shops are found around the city area, near "Little India". If you want to get those suits, it's best to get the locals to bargain for you.You'll get a better deal. Search "Singapore+kelantan lane" in google maps for location. The whole area is lined with shops selling bike stuffs. **BTW, A brand new GSXR or CBR costs SGD$17,000-$18,000++. If you're ever here to Singapore again, let me know.I can show you around the place and meet the local track junkies here. Nice ppl.

[@jay_bike1815]

2020 and K6 still the KING 👑

[@lmmmendoza7023]

I have a 2009 gsxr 750 love it would own any bike 🏍

[@peavyt15]

@blindingsun where I live there is no helmet law. the only law is that you have to have eye protection.

[@ionootz83]

go get the k8...like me :)...confy, reliable, chaper even than 600's...

[@Lessdeth14]

No, it's revvy as in "you have to rev it". There is, by litre bike standards, very little power below 10,000 RPM. Basically, it makes for a great track bike, but a pain in the butt to live with daily since you have to change gears and rev a lot when overtaking etc.

[@faba1709]

I dont know i dhad a 600rr and i think that the r6 is faster on track & acceleration but i know that the 600r are really beatiful to drive

[@Hoktew]

I just bought a 2003 gsxr 750 in rizla paint spec

[@benjyboba]

They do well for the price. Some bikes are better but the price isnt and not many bikes have good road attitude aswell as track. Truthly its imposible to have a bike that does both good due to the different setup. The road tends to have softer suspension. I rode a gsxr750 streetfighter and i never found its handling as confidence inspiring as my ducati and the power was gutless on low revs coming out of corners. Mine was opposite, pulls hard from nothing but dont have the speed on top end.

[@peavyt15]

@roniepao no. you can ride wearing anything you want.

[@neonmike1000]

I also have a k5 750 and have raced a k6 and he cant beat me on top end or low end. It is a prettier bike but not enough to trade up for unless the cost was next to nothing. A ZX10 is a big step when talking 1000cc's he should have rode a CBR or R1 because they dont have the power. As for me I am trading up to the ZX10, BMW, or maybe a Busa for the stability, not another 750. The 750 is perfectly comfortable for me and I am 6'3" even after a 3 hr. ride. I may just keep the 750 and get a 1000.

[@salgadothiago]

i have a 98 super blakbird... looks and sound like a brand new one....

[@Jurkowski1987]

K4 K5 K6 K7 & K8 Gsxr-750 are all real good bikes, I'm buying a Yellow & Black K4 750

[@6691alexb]

I have the K9 and I do 50kms on it everyday , the bike is a dream to ride being a sportsbike they will never be extremely comfortable they are made for extreme tuck in speeds not for commuting...p.s I also had a 05 zx10r and that was a tank slapper compared to the gsxr750..

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

Get aftermarket clip-ons

[@RobTaBier]

Finland: 20,990 € = SGD$42,400 Singapore: SGD$27,000 = 13,400 €. I would buy that bike today for the singaporean price. :) I don´t get it why the bike costs so mutch more in Finland althought it is not that far from Italy. The price is nearly twice compaired even to Singapore. BTW: I tried to look for a racing suit from everywhere in singapore because I heard those are cheap there(I studied there for 1 year). Where are the shops that sell the suits?

[@850RC]

Have you looked at the 2008 Honda CBR 1000 (Fireblade). Beats the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 hands down.

[@faba1709]

The R6 is in my Opinion the best 600ccm Bike now i think he is not slower as a k8 750 gixxer

[@dpcaddyboy]

CBR 1000 TRY THAT ONE

[@CatchtheBreeze85]

interesting that in the MCN article they said the Ducati was better built that the Suzuki, things are really changing with Italian bikes..

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

They obviously not talking about services & parts. Think they meant brakes & suspension

[@Bloodsteri667]

ohh ok

[@bgai3]

@ACDC88 dude 600 is fine, listening to these vids are fine, but you gotta make your own opinion after while...when these guys speak, there talkin about on a racetrack....ya on the track u gotta keep 600's above 10k......on the street tho, u rarely need to go over 10k, unless your on the freeway, or abandoned road and jus wana open up the throttle for fun....believe me, you'll be fine startin out wit 600cc bike.....

[@Jurkowski1987]

The 2008 R6 is alright but the CBR600rr is the best overall 600cc bike

[@GenomeSoldier71]

I had trouble hearing what the guy was saying half the time, because the bikes were too loud as they rode by.

[@samihasib]

do ppl really buy a gsxr750 to go to work ? i mean, within city a Kawasaki Ninja 250cc will do the job much better than both 750 or 1000 cc gixxers.... these are difficult to ride within city. Torque comes at so high rpm that they are virtually useless in city.

[@fre2fly]

you have to rev it hard otherwise there is now power wou allways have to be in a low gear to get the power

[@Bloodsteri667]

what does he mean that a 600 is too revvvy?

[@gixertoeknee]

The k6-k7 Gsxr 750 is far more willing to wheelie than the newer k8 Gsxr 750. Ok, wheelies arent the be all and end all of the newer model, but it is a true test or power and raw delivery! So why does the newer model appear to under-perform? I know, we get all the gadgets, but is it really what we want....

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

I think the suspension setup is better on K8 so acceleration is better to stop wheelies

[@Gautam454]

Too bad they didn't bring a CBR1000. I think Craig would change his opinions then

[@finncook2302]

Howdy? Well Done. aunt bruise What's your opinion about !!!

[@davidhokmin]

Thats true good points +dh+

[@blingydj]

Tha'ts true Jurkowski HondaCBR is a way better...but its seems never seen a Honda CBR 1000RR been reviewed here in MCN?

[@mickeyfinn80]

i find 1000cc bikes boring , fast yes but you dont realy feel it because they are sooo smooth. takes the enjoyment of frashing a bike

[@ValterJuniordalpogetto]

Next time could you guys talk in portuguese please, I didnt understand a single word and I love bikes. :)

[@kj7687]

great sure, but not the best looking. That would sort of kill it a little bit for me.

[@CAJR22]

Get your test done.. any 600 bike will be so much better than a 125/ I passed my test not long ago and ride a Suzuki 650s and its so much better than my old YBR 125!

[@ahmadosama1121]

His K6 is "getting a little bit old"?!!! That bike can run forever until petrol is no longer sold in gas stations! I have a 1998 Fireblade and it will survive decades to come.

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

The K6 750 will go on forever & abit

[@davidhokmin]

I know they need to learn to edit audio better +dh+

[@julingy]

riding a 1000 every single day to work and back may be alittle much. there not quite as flickable. the 750 is commonly known as a good space between each worlds

[@bill3rdshift]

So the guy played MCN... He got to test ride all the badass bikes and didn't buy nothin. LOL

[@TheOrdinaryAccountant]

2 years is too old? dood, the K6 K7 GSXR750 is the best bike u can own... theyll never make another bike that sexy, so keep it forever

[@chiltonadriaanse6036]

K8, K9 & L0 best looking

[@DeagleCZ]

handling like 600cc and power near 1000cc

[@kevinroark5815]

Neevsey is doing this since the dark ages

[@spanishboogie]

give me that ducati torque!

[@peavyt15]

@blindingsun there are a few others but I am not sure where and yes, they are pretty stupid.

[@inkmonster0u812]

Yep $2500.

[@6691alexb]

Hey "DUDE" my mail is late "DAWG"

[@TheLaneyzf]

craig your lucky

[@francishughes6313]

GSXR 750 K3, the SOCAPATH'S choice.