MCNEWS.COM.AU - History of the Suzuki GSX-R 750

1992 GSX-R750WN
Liquid cooling made its debut to aid the GSX-R under racing conditions. Cylinder pitch was reduced by 10mm and crankcase width came down by a staggering 57mm.

A newly designed pipe frame with sand-cast steering head was claimed to improve torsional resistance by 24%. The design of the swingarm and shock linkage was also improved.

1993 GSX-R750WP
The second year of the water cooled engine saw the crankshaft moved lower in the crankcase to improve C-of-G and a reduced valve angle aimed to improve the level of intake charge.

Thinner valve stems and 'Direct-Action' valve train aimed to improve high-rpm responsiveness. The compression ratio was upped to a very high 11.8:1 which improved throttle response. This along with an improved cool air intake served to increase the top speed.

1994 GSX-R750SPR
Although a standard production model, the GSX-R 750 SPR aimed to serve as Suzuki's SuperBike racing platform.

Wide mouthed TRM40 carbs, special close ratio 6-speed gearbox, magnesium engine covers, thin walled 43mm USD forks, 6-piston calipers and a wide 180 section rear tyre put the GSX-R in front of all-comers once again.

The weight of the GSX-R had bloated out a little with the arrival of water cooling in 1992 and the 1994 model aimed to redress this problem somewhat by reducing weight by 9 kilograms over the 1993 model.

1995 GSX-R750S
The 1995 model feature mainly cosmetic changes to complement the huge mechanical changes from the previous year. The fork tubes went from blue to silver and new colour schemes joined the range.

The 1995 model was the last GSX-R to carry the traditional double-cradle frame.

1996 GSX-R750T
Another big change for 1996. A new twin-spar frame derived from GP racing held a lighter and more compact engine.

A shorter stroke was employed once again, now down to 72x46mm. A new 3-piece crankcase and more forward tilted engine aimed to place more weight over the front wheel. Ram-Air made its debut on the GSX-R and electronically assisted 39mm carbs delivered the intake charge.

More magnesium was employed in the engine covers to reduce weight and made the 1996 model as light as the original 1985 model, 179 kilograms dry.

1997 GSX-R750V
This model was largely unchanged from 1996 with only aerodynamics and colour choices being changed.

1998 GSX-R750W
Electronic fuel injection became standard and featured huge 46mm throttle bodies. Engine internals were reduced in weight. A closer ratio gearbox and strengthened rear shock mount rounded out the updates.

1999 GSX-R750X
Only colours were changed in 1999.