Suzuki GSX-R 750 (1987-1989): The Original Middleweight Sportbike Legend Revisited

Introduction

When Suzuki unleashed the GSX-R 750 between 1987 and 1989, they didn't just build a motorcycle - they created a blueprint for the modern sportbike. As I throw a leg over this iconic machine decades after its debut, the first impression is how alive it feels compared to today's digitally sanitized superbikes. The 749cc inline-four crackles to life with mechanical urgency, its oil/air-cooled heart beating through handlebars that vibrate with promises of analog adrenaline.

This wasn't just another Japanese speed machine. The GSX-R 750 carved out the "middleweight superbike" category, offering liter-bike performance in a (relatively) compact package. Let's dissect why this particular generation remains a holy grail for vintage sportbike enthusiasts.

Design & Ergonomics

The GSX-R's styling screams '80s sportbike revolution. The full fairing with dual rectangular headlights looks purposefully dated yet undeniably cool in 2024, like a retro gaming console that still plays better than modern alternatives. At 222 kg (489 lbs) dry weight (varies slightly by model year), it's no featherweight by today's standards, but the mass centralization feels brilliant when moving off the stand.

The riding position is a fascinating middle ground between vintage upright postures and modern race tucks. The 735-795mm (28.9-31.3") seat height accommodates most riders comfortably, though the foam density feels closer to a park bench than today's sculpted saddles during long rides. Clip-on handlebars position your torso at about 45 degrees forward - aggressive enough for spirited riding without requiring yoga warm-ups.

Engine Performance: The Sweet Spot

The 749cc inline-four remains this bike's crown jewel. Making 100 PS (74 kW) at the crank, it delivers power in a deliciously linear surge from 6,000 RPM to the 11,500 RPM redline. Modern riders might initially find the carbureted delivery quaint - there's no throttle-by-wire wizardry here, just four Mikuni BST34SS carburetors translating wrist movements into induction roar.

What's remarkable is how usable the powerband feels. Unlike modern 600s that scream for high revs, the GSX-R's longer-stroke design (70.0 x 48.7mm bore/stroke) builds torque early. From 4,000 RPM upward, the engine pulls with authority that still embarrasses many modern middleweights. The 15/44 sprocket combination (later 14/42 on some models) keeps the acceleration urgent without being twitchy.

At highway speeds around 130 km/h (81 mph), the engine hums comfortably at 7,000 RPM in sixth gear. Push beyond 160 km/h (100 mph), and the windblast becomes your limiting factor long before the engine strains. The air/oil cooling system (no radiators to clutter the lines) proves surprisingly effective, though extended traffic crawling will have you glancing at the temp gauge.

Handling: Raw Communication

Modern sportbikes handle like AI-powered missiles - incredibly capable but somewhat detached. The GSX-R 750 reminds you that handling used to be a conversation between rider and machine. The 43mm conventional forks (later 41mm on certain variants) and twin shock rear suspension (pre-Uni-Trak) telegraph every pavement nuance through the chassis.

At pace through corners, the bike dances with a lightness that belies its weight spec. The 108-link chain drives a rear wheel that follows steering inputs with telepathic immediacy. Tire technology has evolved massively since the '80s, but fit modern rubber (we recommend Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22s available at MOTOPARTS.store) and the chassis reveals timeless potential.

Braking is... period-correct. The twin-piston calipers and 275mm discs require a firm hand, especially when carrying speed into corners. Many owners upgrade to sintered pads and stainless lines - modifications we wholeheartedly endorse for safer spirited riding.

Competition: Defining the Middleweight Class

In its era, the GSX-R 750 faced fascinating rivals:

1. Honda CBR600F Hurricane (1987-1988): More street-friendly with liquid cooling and a fairing designed in a wind tunnel. The Honda felt more refined but lacked the Suzuki's visceral edge.

2. Yamaha FZR600 (1989): Introduced Yamaha's Genesis engine with five valves per cylinder. Smoother power delivery but heavier at 229 kg (505 lbs).

3. Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 (1989): Liquid-cooled and technically advanced, but arrived late to the party. The Kawasaki's 599cc engine couldn't match the Suzuki's torque.

The GSX-R's genius was splitting the difference between 600cc track weapons and 1000cc street missiles. Modern parallels would be bikes like the Yamaha R7 or Aprilia RS 660 - machines balancing performance with usability.

Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Owning a 35+ year old sportbike requires commitment. Here's your GSX-R 750 care checklist:

Valve Adjustments
- Intake: 0.10-0.15mm (0.004-0.006")
- Exhaust: 0.18-0.23mm (0.007-0.009") on early models, later unified to 0.10-0.15mm
Check every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). Use quality feeler gauges and replace valve cover gaskets during service.

Oil Changes
- 4.5L (4.8 qt) with filter change (we recommend Motul 7100 10W-40)
- Magnetic drain plugs help catch metal particles from the aging transmission

Carb Maintenance
- Clean every 2 years minimum
- 1.5 turns out on air screws for baseline mixture
- Consider upgrading to K&N reusable filters (available in our store)

Suspension Refresh
- Replace fork oil every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
- 416ml (14.1 oz) per leg for early models, 456ml (15.4 oz) for later variants
- Progressive rate springs modernize the ride quality

Electrical Upgrades
- Swap original NGK JR9C/DR9EIX plugs for iridium equivalents
- LED bulb conversions reduce load on the aging charging system

Conclusion: Timeless Thrills

Riding the GSX-R 750 in 2024 is like listening to a vinyl record - there's surface noise and occasional quirks, but the experience feels fundamentally human. The engine's mechanical symphony, the unassisted brakes demanding skill, the chassis talking in Morse code vibrations - it's antidote to modern motorcycling's digital perfection.

For owners preserving these icons, MOTOPARTS.store carries everything from period-correct decals to performance upgrades. Whether you're restoring a showpiece or building a café racer, this GSX-R remains a motorcycle that rewards those willing to put in the wrench time and saddle miles.

Final Thought: The 1987-1989 GSX-R 750 isn't just a bike you ride - it's one you partner with. Every mile becomes a dialogue between rider and machine, a quality increasingly rare in today's electronic age. Keep the carbs synced, the valves adjusted, and this Suzuki will keep delivering grins that no traction control system can replicate.

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Specifications sheet

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