1989 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Motorcycle

Description

Suzuki's history can be traced back to making silk looms in 1909 but it wasn't until the 1930s that the company began experimenting with internal combustion engines. The early post-war period saw Suzuki producing heaters and farm machinery, but its small two-stroke engine resurfaced in 1952 and was initially sold in the form of the “Power Free” motorised bicycle. In 1954 Suzuki began making its own motorcycles, beginning with a 90cc two-stroke Colleda, notable as one of the first to have oil injection to save the rider from having to mix the oil and petrol manually. Over the next three decades Suzuki established itself as one of the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, whilst diversifying into everything from small cars to outboard motors. Suzuki also began competing in motorcycle racing with great success and from this a range of high performance road bikes began to emerge, beginning with the 500cc Titan in October 1967. Initially concentrating on two-strokes, Suzuki began building some fantastic four-strokes in the 1970s and when the GSX was unveiled in 1980, this latest model was hailed as a classic right from the outset. Boasting a DOHC 16-valve engine, the GSX's advanced specification included alloy rims and disc brakes front and rear, all adding up to scintillating performance. Suzuki followed this in 1984 with the mouth-watering GSX-R, the closest thing to a street-legal race bike yet seen from a Japanese manufacturer. Powered by a 750cc motor with an advanced air-oil mix cooling system, the GSX-R also boasted an advanced alloy frame with aggressive styling and much lower weight than rivals from Honda and Yamaha. A second-generation version of Suzuki's premier sport bike was launched in 1988, with a new cast alloy frame and 'slingshot' carburettors the most notable improvements. Many racers tasted success on the GSX-R including Kevin Schwantz, who won the Daytona 200 in 1988, while Jamie James won the 1989 American Superbike Championship aboard his.