Suzuki GSX-R750
1985—1987

I have tried to tell the Suzuki GSX-R 750 model history on this page as I know it. I would be grateful of any contributions — sales brochures, magazine ads, magazine articles, pictures, specs, facts, corrections etc. Please scan the material in JPEG format (large enough that all the details are visible) and send them to me. Please tell me the source and the publication date if possible. If you send me pictures of your own bike, please follow these instructions.

The GSX-R750 was built to compete in the various worldwide championships as well as to be used on the street. It is considered as one the very first street-legal racers, there had been a number of sports machines but the GSX-R750 was something else. It was a revolutionary motorcycle with specifications like over 100 hp power output, less than 180 kg dry mass, 55° leaning angle, lightweight alloy double-cradle perimeter frame, 18-inch wheels and streamlined design based on the factory Formula 1 and Endurance racers.  The air/oil-cooled motor had cylinder dimensions of 70,0 x 48,7 mm and had 29 mm flat slide carbs. In a racing trim (there was a tuning kit available for competitive racing) the GSX-R750 engine provided 130 bhp. The new high-tech engine was narrower than earlier inline-fours and materials like magnesium was used to keep the weight down to minimum. The GSX-R750 was basically a street-legal and detuned version of the works GS1000R racer. The flat slide carburetors gave faster response to the throttle compared to the vacuum carburetors. It also required the rider to be more gently with the throttle. There were no compromises, it was very quick in hands of a skillful rider but could be experienced as nervous and even dangerous. That is certainly the case in old and abused machines. The components of the bike are all high quality but make sure that the tyres, suspension and bearings are all in good condition or the bike can scare the living daylight out of you! The GSX-R750 engine is considered as reliable but we all know that there is no such thing as bulletproof engines. The frame of the early models is not that rigid and bend easily when dropped. The GSX-R750 entered the market in March 1985. There's not many bikes out there in mint condition, most of them are ridden very hard and seen their best days. Nevertheless the evolution of modern sports bikes started with the GSX-R750. It's a real classic.

1985 Suzuki year code: F

With the 1983 RG250 Gamma, Suzuki was the first factory to deliver a true racer replica using race-bred technology to the public. The next step was to build a 4-stroke 400cc machine for the Japanese home market and a year later a 750cc machine, culmination to the Suzuki's racing experiences in the World Endurance, AMA Superbike and Championship. The GSX-R750 was first presented at the 1984 IFMA Cologne Show in West Germany. Although it was fully street legal, it was clear that it was built even to compete in the various Worldwide Championships. The GSX-R750F entered the market in March 1985. It was considered as the first production motorcycle to offer race-bred technology and performance at an affordable price. The design philosophy centered mainly on weight reduction. Suzuki went counter to the conventional design by developing SACS (Suzuki advanced cooling system) whereby the cylinder head and the pistons are oil cooled via the engine oil injection, achieving cooling efficiency as good as water-cooling without its weight increase. The computer designed engine package was 10% lighter than the water-cooled versions. The GSX-R750 also featured the new TSCC (twin swirl combustion chamber) cylinder head, DAIS (direct air intake system , flat side carburetors, six-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch engaged the power. The chassis featured the finest multi-rib extrusion molded aluminum box section piping and cold-cast aluminum alloy components, MR-ALBOX frame, that weighted 8,1 kg less than half of the conventional steel frames. These and other weight reduction measures gave the bike sensationally low dry weight of 179 kg, 20% lower than the competing 750s, resulting a superior power-to-weight ratio for much easier power control and quicker handling. Completing the GSX-R750 design was the endurance racer theme: dual headlights on the aerodynamics full fairing and 18-inch tyres both front and rear. As you can see from the pictures below (and the one above), there were variations of the graphics and coloring. The one with the white lower part of the fairing and black rear mirrors is a Japanese home market model, the one with the blue rear mirrors in a USA model. The bike in the picture above has black rear mirrors. Type: GR71G 1985 GSX-R750 color options: Super White / Champion Blue (7GF)

1985 Suzuki GSX-R750, Blue/White, Japanese domestic model

1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Overall Length: 2 130 mm (83.9 in) Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in) Overall Height: 1 200 mm (47.2 in) Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Ground Clearance 140 mm (5.5 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750 (Japan) Overall Length: 2 110 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 205 mm (47.4 in) Seat Height: 765 mm (30.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 430 mm (56.3 in) Dry Weight: 179 kg (394 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 76 hp (55.9 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 62.8 Nm (6.4 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

The street-legal limited version GSX-R750R (the double R) model was not introduced until for 1986. I have only little information of this competitive Championship Racing model (below), available is some countries for 1985, these notes and the picture are for the German version. Type: GR0R Pop Yoshimura handmade polished works (nonstandard) frame Front fork comes from the Grand Prix works racer RGB500 Works dry clutch Different geometry of the works frame with a 35 mm shorter wheelbase Polished cylinder head Larger inhale valves Full titanium exhaust Mikuni 34 mm carburetors Steering geometry could be changed using frame sleeve parts Campagnola magnesium)wheels Glass fiber fairing and rear end unit made by Polybauer Handmade aluminum fuel tank

1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2,111 mm (83.1 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1,205 mm (47.4 in) Wheelbase: 1 425 mm (56.1 in) Dry Weight: 179 kg (394 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 747 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1985 GSX-R750 (GR71G) specifications
Engine:	Air/oil-cooled inline-4 4-stroke, TSCC, SACS
Cylinder volume:	749 cc
Valve system:	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven
Compression ratio:	9.8 :1
Bore x stroke:	70,0 x 48,7 mm
Power output:	100 hp @ 10 500 rpm
Torque:	7.2 kg-m/ 8 000 rpm
Fuel tank capacity:	18.5 liter
Ignition:	Full transistor
Carburetor:	VM29SS Flat-valve
Starting system:	Electric start
Lubrication:	Wet sump
Clutch:	Hydraulic, Wet multiple type coil spring
Transmission type:	6-speed constant mesh
Final drive:	# 530 chain, O-ring sealed
Overall length:	2 130 mm (83.9 in)
Overall width:	620 mm (24.4 in)
Overall height:	1 200 mm (47.2 in)
Wheelbase:	1 425 mm (56.1 in)
Seat height:	755 mm (29.7 in)
Ground clearance:	140 mm (5.5 in)
Dry weight:	176 kg (388 lbs)
Front suspension:	Posi Damp Fork (PDF), telescopic, pneumatic/coil spring, oil damped, 4-way adjustable damper, 4-way adjustable
Rear suspension:	”Full Floater”, oil damped, fully adjustable preload with remote hydraulic control, 4 damping position
Front brake:	Hydraulic twin disc with dual opposed piston calipers
Rear brake:	Single disc, hydraulic
Front tire:	110/80-V18 tubeless
Rear tire:	140/70-V18 tubeless
Color:	White/Blue, Red/Black

Some specs for the Japanese domestic model:
Overall length x width x height: 2 120 x 745 x 1 215 mm
Wheel base: 1,455 mm
Seat height: 765 mm
Dry weight: 179 kg
Engine: 4-stroke DOHC 16-valve parallel-4 749 cc
Bore x stroke: 70.0 x 48.7mm - compression ratio: 11.0 :1
Maximum power output: 77 hp @ 9 500 rpm
Maximum torque: 6.4 kg-m / 8 000 rpm
Tires: F 110/80-18  R 150/70-18
Recommended retail price: 780 000 Yen (March 1985)




1986 Suzuki year code: G

Trying to make the bike less nervous, the standard 1986 model received 25 mm longer swing arm and standard radial tyres like the previous limited version GSX-R750R (Racing) model. Part from that, the model remained basically unchanged from 1985 except for a modified lower fairing. The distinct dual headlights were upgraded to 65/50 watts. 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 color options: Super White / Champion Blue (7GF), Black / Pearl Twinkle Red (7JK)

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 795 mm (31.3 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 795 mm (31.3 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 795 mm (31.3 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

The street-legal limited version Suzuki GSX-R750R model was introduced for 1986. The basic specifications of the bike were the same as for the standard model (except for the seat height) but the the ”double R” model offered some interesting goodies that improved an already great bike. The gun-coat engine finish, gold-plated chain, blue-coated wheels and two sets of racing numbers is not all. The 1986 GSX-R750R offered even a new electrically activated front suspension system (NEAS), 310 mm floating front brake discs, steering damper, racing type adjustable clutch-lever, dry clutch, single racing seat, remote rear damper reservoir, amber halogen head lights and more. Engine: R705 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R color: Marble Fisher Blue / Solid Super White (8JZ) The picture below is from a West German sales brochure. The production model didn't actually look like the this. It's a prototype.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Prototype Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 765 mm (30.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

The production model looked like this:

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 765 mm (30.1 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.9 in) Dry Weight: 176 kg (388 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R, Red/Black, Japanese domestic model

A 500 unit limited edition of the GSX-R750R was launched on Japanese home market in 1986. The GSX-R750R was offered in red/black with white lettering and a ”Tsujimoto” name tag. Satoshi Tsujimoto was an all Japan Superbike Champion. Like the export version, it had goodies like steering damper, dry clutch and radial tires. As customary in Japan, the model was power restricted to 75 ps (74 hp) as all large motorcycles in Japan at the time. The retail price was 1 050 000 Yen.

1986 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R LE (Japan) Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Seat height: 765 mm (30.1 in) Wheelbase: 1 455 mm (57.3 in) Ground Clearance 120 mm (4.7 in) Dry Weight: 181 kg (399 lbs) Engine: Air/oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 76 hp (55.9 kW) @ 9 500 rpm, 62.8 Nm (6.4 kg-m) @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1986 GSX-R750 specifications
Engine:	Air/oil-cooled inline-4 4-stroke, TSCC, SACS
Cylinder volume:	749 cc
Valve system:	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, chain driven
Compression ratio:	10,6 :1
Bore x stroke:	70,0 x 48,7 mm
Power output:	77 hp @ 9 500 rpm (Japan), 100 hp @ 10 500 rpm (EU)
Torque:	6,4 kg-m/ 8 000 rpm (Japan), 7,2 kg-m/ 8 000 rpm (EU)
Fuel tank capacity:	18,5 liter
Ignition:	Full transistor
Carburetor:	VM29SS Flat-valve x 4
Starting system:	Electric start
Clutch:	Hydraulic, Wet multiple type coil spring
Transmission type:	6-speed constant mesh
Final drive:	# 530 chain, O-ring sealed
Overall length:	2 115 mm (83.3 in)
Overall width:	745 mm (29.3 in)
Overall height:	1 215 mm (47.8 in)
Wheelbase:	1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Seat height:	795 mm (31.3 in)
Ground clearance:	125 mm (4.9 in)
Dry weight:	176 kg (388 lbs)
Front suspension:	Posi Damp Fork (PDF), telescopic, coil spring, oil damped, damper 4-way adjustable, spring preload 4-way adjustable
Rear suspension:	”Full Floater”, oil damped, fully adjustable preload with remote hydraulic control, 4 damping position
Front brake:	Twin disc with dual opposed piston calipers, hydraulic
Rear brake:	Single disc, hydraulic
Front tire:	110/80-VR18 V240 radial
Rear tire:	140/70-VR18 V240 radial
Color:	White/Blue, Red/Black

1987 Suzuki year code: H

The production model gained the previous years limited GSX-R750R's exclusive features; stronger 41 mm diameter lightweight front forks with  improved PDF (positive damping front fork) adjustability and the brake lever actuated electronic NEAS, stabilized with a steering damper. Biggest failing of these early F/G/H models was the steel-bodied rear shock which quickly overheated and faded. Larger (21 liter) fuel tank. 1987 Suzuki GSX-R750 colors: White/Blue, Black/Red

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 181 kg (398 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 181 kg (398 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 181 kg (398 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

1987 Suzuki GSX-R 750 R Overall Length: 2 120 mm (83.5 in) Overall Width: 745 mm (29.3 in) Overall Height: 1 215 mm (47.8 in) Wheelbase: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Dry Weight: 181 kg (398 lbs) Engine: Air and oil-cooled 749 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 106 hp (77.4 kW) @ 10 500 rpm, 64 Nm @ 8 000 rpm Click on the image for larger format.

Next Page: Suzuki GSX-R750 1988—1995

All the larger motorcycles made for the Japanese home market are power restricted. Prior to 1993 the maximum horsepower were the following:   250cc class: 45hp   400cc class: 59 hp   750cc class: 77 hp   over 750cc: not allowed The new limits for the models built in 1993 and after, were:   250cc class: 40hp   400cc class: 53 hp   750cc class: 77 hp   over 750cc: allowed, but restricted to 100 hp. Bikes with more powerful engines are and were made for export only. However, if a Japanese private person wants to buy an unrestricted bike, they are allowed to import it from another country by themselves for private use...

More: GSX-R750 brochures & adverts

More: All Suzuki models

Sources:
http://www.onlygsxr.fsnet.co.uk/history1.html
http://www.adelaide.net.au/~millett/GSXR/gsxrlist.htm
http://www.gixxer.com
etc.

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