The Suzuki GSX-R with the best price-performance ratio on the market today

1984. That was when Japanese motorcycle giant Suzuki first introduced its GSX-R name. And we are sure that not even the motorcycle manufacturer expected how popular this name would become in the sports motorcycle category. It has produced some of the most powerful four-cylinder motorcycles in the world, whether it is the GSX-R600 or the GSX-R1000 K8. And that is not just a public opinion; these motorcycles have won numerous championship trophies that confirm their popularity.

Fast forward 40 years and the Gixxer line-up has been in a bit of a pickle for a few years now. The company has neglected things to focus on mass market trends, so much of the world doesn’t sell four-cylinder GSX-Rs. Thankfully, America is one of the exceptions, where all the Gixxer heavyweights are still sold today. Although they seem dated under the new generation, they offer an exciting and genuine inline-four experience that you might not get elsewhere. Among these, one bike in particular stands out thanks to its unmatched value for money.

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The most affordable Suzuki GSX-R sports bike: GSX-R750

To be considered “value for money,” a sports bike must have strong performance, modern features, high-quality chassis, and most importantly, a price that everyone can afford. We can ignore modern features in the Gixxer range, considering that they haven’t been updated in years. So that leaves performance, chassis, and price – all of which the GSX-R750 combines best.

The middleweight Gixxer costs just $13,149 – a measly $1,150 price increase over the $11,999 GSX-R600, and a respectable $3,350 less than the GSX-R1000. For the 2025 model year, you can have the GSX-R750 in Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Matte Stellar Blue and Solid Iron Gray/Glass Sparkle Black paint schemes. There’s also a MotoGP-inspired Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Triton Blue option at the same MSRP. If you know a dealer that offers one of the 2024 colorways, you can have the 750 for an even cheaper price.

As with the GSX-R family, it’s the same story when you put the 750’s rival into context. The 750’s closest rivals are the Ducati Panigale V2 and MV Agusta F3 R, both of which sell for over $18,000. Yes, the Italians justify the money with more modern touches and equipment, but similar performance for almost $5,000 less tips the seesaw in the Gixxer’s favor. Then there’s the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and Honda CBR600RR, both of which sell for a lower MSRP but offer much less top-end power.

Suzuki GSX-R750 Rivals

• Ducati Monster 696
• MV Agusta F3 R
• Honda CBR600RR
• Kawasaki ZX-6R
• Yamaha YZF-R9 (coming soon)

Powered by a screaming 750cc inline four-cylinder engine

Power: 148 hp; torque: 64 pound-feet

Looking closer, the GSX-R750’s unique selling point is its massive powerhouse. It’s a 750cc inline four-cylinder engine that screams at over 14,500rpm and is said to offer the best of both worlds (strong midrange of 1-litre class bikes and free-revving nature of 600s). The engine features a Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system with eight-hole fuel injectors and breathes through a titanium exhaust system (fitted with a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning valve) to spread the power.

Similarly, the Supersport is equipped with a close-ratio six-speed transmission. This includes a long ratio in first gear and short ratios in second, third, fourth and sixth gears, which is said to improve corner exit. All of this, combined with the 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in peak power of 148 horsepower at 13,200 rpm and ~64 pound-feet at 11,200 rpm. Those numbers can help you put 170 mph on the dash. Or do a quarter mile in under 10.5 seconds.

Suzuki GSX-R750 Engine Specifications

• Bore x stroke: 70 x 48.7 mm
• Compression ratio: 12.5:1
• Displacement: 749 cc
• Layout: Inline four-cylinder (DOHC)
• Gearbox: six-speed
• Tank capacity: 4.5 gallons

Racetrack-ready substructure and ergonomics

Chassis: Aluminum frame; Suspension: Showa

This top-end performance is thanks to the GSX-R750’s race-based engine. And the basic structure follows a similar trend. The 750 is built around an aluminum perimeter chassis that relies on Showa Big Piston USD forks and monoshock for suspension. Both ends are fully adjustable to fine-tune dynamics. Completing this combination is a set of 17-inch cast aluminum wheels that house dual 310mm disc brakes up top and a single disc brake at the rear. Brembo monoblock calipers clamp the front rotors, while a Nissin caliper holds the rear ones in place.

The track-readiness is reflected in the dimensions too. You’re greeted by a compact 54.7-inch wheelbase and a curb weight of 419 pounds, both lower than the ZX-6R. The rake angle is a sharp 23.5 degrees, along with a 31.9-inch seat height, for an aggressive riding triangle. You can also adjust the footpegs to your liking.

Suzuki GSX-R750 Dimensions

• Wheelbase: 54.7 inches
• Weight: 419 pounds
• Seat height: 31.9 inches
• Ground clearance: 5.1 inches
• Inclination: 23.5 degrees

As raw as super sports cars can be

Instrument cluster: semi-digital

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If you like modern technology and features, the GSX-R750 is not for you. This is a raw supersport with only basic riding modes in the name of electronics. No traction control, wheelie control or cornering ABS – just the 150 horses and your wrist. The instrument cluster is also kept simple, consisting of an analog needle and an old LCD. The latter shows you all the necessary details and you can even record lap times by pressing a physical button to start/stop the timer.

It’s the same in the design department. You get halogen indicators and headlights, and an LED taillight – just like the 2011 GSX-R model. All the plastics are the same too, with the only exception being the colour scheme. So modernity is not the Gixxer’s strong suit. But if you can look past these things, there is nothing like the GSX-R750 and there probably won’t be anything like it again.