1986 SUZUKI GIXXER 750

****** This unit is located at Cycles 128****** The 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750G was a milestone in motorcycle history. As the first model in Suzuki's groundbreaking GSX-R line, it introduced a new era of performance, lightweight engineering, and aggressive styling that would redefine the sportbike category for decades to come. The GSX-R750G wasn't just another motorcycle; it was a statement of intent, offering a glimpse into the future of high-performance machines.

 

 

Over 35 years later, the 1986 GSX-R750G remains a revered classic among collectors and performance enthusiasts. Though it's no longer the cutting-edge machine it once was, the GSX-R750G's legacy is undeniable, and riding one today is an opportunity to experience one of the most important motorcycles ever made.

 

 

Design and Build: Revolutionizing the Sportbike

 

The GSX-R750G was designed to be a race-ready, street-legal motorcycle, and its design reflected that ambition. For the mid-1980s, its lightweight construction was nothing short of revolutionary. Suzuki's engineers reduced weight across the board by using aluminum for the frame and swingarm, a first for a production bike. This focus on weight-saving meant the GSX-R750G tipped the scales at just 172 kg (379 lbs) dry—astonishingly light for its time.

 

 

The bodywork was another standout feature. With sharp lines, minimalistic fairings, and a small, compact headlamp, the GSX-R750G’s design was a radical departure from the bulkier, more traditional sportbikes of the era. It looked fast even when it was standing still, and its aggressive stance signaled that this wasn’t a bike for casual riders—it was built for those who wanted to push the limits of performance.

 

 

Engine and Performance: A High-Revving Powerhouse

 

At the heart of the 1986 GSX-R750G was a 749cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four engine. Suzuki’s engineers were determined to build an engine that combined power with high-revving responsiveness, and they succeeded. With 100 horsepower at 10,500 rpm, the GSX-R750G wasn’t the most powerful bike on the market, but it was incredibly quick for its weight and class. It loved to rev, delivering a thrilling, high-pitched scream as the tachometer climbed, and it could easily outpace many of its competitors in terms of acceleration and top-end speed.

 

 

What made the GSX-R750G special wasn’t just its horsepower; it was the way the engine delivered that power. Smooth and linear, the bike’s motor pulled effortlessly from low to high RPMs, providing enough torque to make city riding enjoyable, but really coming alive when the throttle was opened up on the open road or racetrack.

 

 

Handling: Born for the Track

 

The GSX-R750G’s most remarkable quality was its handling. Thanks to its lightweight construction and aggressive geometry, this bike was incredibly agile, with quick turn-in and exceptional feedback from the front end. The low, compact frame and short wheelbase made it feel like an extension of the rider’s body, responsive and easy to flick from side to side. Whether you were navigating tight city streets or carving through mountain switchbacks, the GSX-R750G inspired confidence in every corner.

 

 

Up front, the bike was equipped with a 39mm telescopic fork with adjustable preload and damping. The rear suspension was a monoshock design, which, like the front, was fully adjustable for preload and damping. While the suspension technology may seem basic by today's standards, it was impressive for the time and provided a solid ride both on the street and the track. The GSX-R750G was a motorcycle that felt at home on a race circuit, and it was clear that Suzuki had designed it with performance enthusiasts in mind.

 

 

Braking: Decent for the Time

 

The braking system on the 1986 GSX-R750G was a step forward for its era, featuring dual 270mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a single 220mm rear disc. The braking performance was strong and progressive, with enough stopping power to match the bike's capabilities. Modern sportbikes have more sophisticated braking systems, but for the mid-‘80s, the GSX-R750G’s brakes were impressive, offering great feedback and stopping power, particularly when paired with the bike's lightweight frame.