2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Preview

Introduction

Suzuki has definitely got the recipe right with the GSX-R series, starting with the 600 and finishing with the Hayabusa, but one particular bike gets our attention for one good reason: you don’t see this every day! The Suzuki GSX-R 750 situates just between a middleweight and a liter class sport bike, but offers its own kind of riding excitement.

With a fuel injected 750cc liquid-cooled, inline-four, DOHC and 16 valves engine improved by the always efficient and reliable six-speed gearbox, having both reached the highest levels of development and performance, there is no wonder why some riders simply can’t jump straight on the 1000cc GSX-R and choose the 750cc model as being the most adequate for them. Another good reason is the chassis, which makes it more of a sharp handler and confidence-provider, perfect for those who feel like going through all the steps in motorcycling.

Suzuki GSX-R 750 History

Having come a very long way, the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 takes a short pit stop break this year in expectancy of the big 2010 revision so this is a good time to recapitulate its evolution.

Competition

2009 Honda Interceptor

Suzuki’s marketing department surely knew why it was keen on staying with the GSX-R 750 as the bike would have soon end up situated in a class of its own when most motorcycle makers simply relied on 600cc and 1000cc bikes to make them famous.

The strategy proved very efficient and the Interceptor and Interceptor ABS is Honda’s way of saying that Suzuki was right. Still, the Honda Interceptor is a sport-touring model so we must say it is unfair for the Gixxer to be compared with a Honda that isn’t called CBR, but we must admit that this is quite the alternative for it.

With a fuel-injected 781cc liquid-cooled 90 degree V4, VTEC DOHC, four valves per cylinder engine, the Interceptor is more sport than touring, but the riding position trims the scale. The $10,999 MSRP also makes the Interceptor suitable for this battle even though we still don’t know if it will take place either on the track (GSX-R) or on public roads (Interceptor) even though both bikes will do make it either way.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750

But there is one chapter where the Suzuki won’t get beaten pretty soon at and that is looks. A veritable super sport motorcycle that offers an enough comfortable riding position without sacrificing the racing appearance that practically sells it, the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 is a light (437 lbs curb weight) and compact motorcycle that gives more than a clue on the powerful engine that sits behind that nice looking fairing.

Given to the shape of the bike, once the rider takes the top speed position, he is practically part of the aerodynamic design of this GSX-R. All pieces unite perfectly to create a winning puzzle combination: the air intake, headlight, signal lights and windscreen result into a wind tunnel master. The gas tank, well positioned into the frame, allows enough space for the rider to tuck into the fairing while the seat is positioned almost horizontally, setting the GSX-R series apart from more aggressive accommodating bikes and yet which have the same results.

The GSX-R 750 has also been hooked up with a new, more aggressive exhaust which stands as the smoothest pass from plastic to metal. And this is what we love about it, the fact that you almost can’t tell which piece is part of the fairing, frame or engine and tranny, especially when you take a look at it from one side.

That effect is also created by the Black/Matte Black, Blue/White, White/Silver color schemes available for it.

Price

With each year that passes, motorcycle makers ad a few hundred bucks on each bike’s retail price and this year Suzuki added $400 on top of 2008’s price, ending up valued at exactly the same MSRP as the Honda Interceptor: $10,999.

Conclusion

The 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 might have a hard time finding a decent competitor for himself, but this doesn’t apply when it comes to finding owners. In fact, with a price that is close to the one of a middleweight sport bike, but offering a whole distinct touch to the GSX-R series, the 750 is easily found by riders who often come from the seat of a GSX-R 600. That is not a common situation in motorcycling these days.

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