Looking Back – Suzuki GSXR750

Into a target area of 220kg plus "sports" motorcycles, Suzuki fired their 1985 750cc GSXR missile.

The first aluminium framed production bike, it was the first true "race rep" sportsbike. Weighing in at about 178 kgs dry, it was as much as 50kgs lighter than some of its opposition. Powered by a 100hp, four valve, oil cooled engine, it continued its run of "firsts" with flat slide carburettors. Radical twin headlight, full faired styling, and bold race type graphics meant it was hard to ignore.

The first "Gixxer" as it subsequently was nicknamed, was nimble, blindingly fast, with aggressive, although nervous, handling traits. This bike completely redefined the "superbike", and nothing was ever going to be the same again. It won award after award, and soon dominated the racetrack, as well as the road. Twenty-two years later, the GSXR750 model line is still being produced. 

Perhaps summing it up best , I recall the words of a 80s superbike racer, who struggled against the GSXR for a full season on a rival manufacturers heavier machine. After his first ride on the flyweight 750 he admitted  .."We've been wasting our time."