It had ruled the roost with the GSX-R750 in 1985, and 16 years later, it brought out the K1 version of the GSX-R1000, just in time for the move away from 750cc fours in superbike racing. It’s fitting that Suzuki came in with a bang at the start of the 1000cc superbike era. And if you’re really looking to develop your skills on track, the lack of rider aids arguably gives a ‘purer’ learning experience. The lack of electronics is an advantage to some – less to go wrong, and a ‘purer’ riding experience. With some suspension fettling, race rubber and a mild engine tune, it’s the perfect trackday machine, and ideal for intermediate track riders looking for a step up from a 600cc machine. But it makes nearly 150bhp, weighs in at just 190kg dry, and has superb handling even as standard. It’s a basic machine in many ways, with no ABS or traction control, ride-by-wire throttle or even a modern ABS setup. But our pick for a more modern ride is the last of the water-cooled models, which went off sale in 2018 in the UK and Europe, scuppered by Euro 4 emissions regs. The first F model is a collector’s item now, and well worth a look if you fancy a restoration project. It was light too, at just 176kg dry, and kicked off the 750cc superbike revolution. The chassis was the big story though: a cradle-type aluminium frame with stiff square-section tubes and track-ready suspension, brakes and wheels. Its oil-cooled 749cc DOHC 16v engine made a claimed 100bhp: a lot back then, and a match for the bigger, heavier, water-cooled Kawasaki GPZ900R launched the year before. One of the most legendary names in biking: the original GSX-R750 of 1985 was the first ‘proper’ race replica. Here’s hoping for a rather different top ten in a few years’ time… ![]() Sadly, they’re all a few years old now – but Suzuki reckons it’s got some cracking new bikes up its sleeve for next year (2023) and beyond. Ranging from the small-but-perfectly-formed DR-Z400 SM supermoto, to the mighty GSX1300R Hayabusa, with lots of saucy metal in between, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve picked out our favourites from the 21 st century – so far. But it’s made some brilliant machines over the years, and plenty of them are still crackers, with loads of ‘future classic’ collectable models too. And it’s been a bit quiet in terms of new bikes in recent years. Suzuki might be the smallest of the big four Japanese bike firms. First Look: 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 450 and ZX-6R.Isle of Man TT 2023 Delivers stunning spectacle.First Look: 2024 Triumph Scrambler 400 X and Speed 400. ![]() Things to do in the Isle of Man when you’re at the TT.Electric Motorbikes: The Future of Bikes is Electric.2019 Aprilia RSV4 Tuono 1100 Factory vs 2019 Yamaha MT-10 SP.Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle vs Triumph Street Scrambler.BMW R1250 GS vs KTM 1290 Super Adventure S.Motorcycle insurance modifications explained: Accessory or modification?.What you need to know about motorbike insurance.Personal accident with helmet and leathers.
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