Say goodbye to the Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R600

KUALA LUMPUR: Launched in 1985, the Suzuki GSX-R750 was the first stroke on the canvas which would go on to become a beautiful painting showcasing the history of superbikes. However, after a fairytale which has withstood the test of time for 33 years, the time has come to say goodbye to the Suzuki GSX-R750 and the GSX-R600. The reason? Well, the environment. As we are moving forward, our own deeds are forcing us to make the emission norms even more strict by every update. The latest Euro4 emission laws have ruled out any possibilities of the survival for the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 in the market.

In 1985, the “Slabside” made out to the roads and formed the platform for a world of superbikes. The motorcycle had race replica graphics, twin-spar aluminium frame, four-cylinder engine, and fully-faired bodywork.

The GSX-R became better in 1988 with updates that included Mikuni BST36S carburettors. These carbs were special because of the reason that they used vacuum operated slides. The motorcycle was called GSX-R750 “Slingshot” because the vacuum slides looked like slingshots.

4 years later, the motorcycle received more updates which included water-cooling. The motorcycle was called WN where the W meant “water”. The younger sibling GSX-R600 was also introduced in the same year, i.e., 1992.

In 1996, Suzuki launched a GSX-R750 even lighter than the GSX-R600. Shocked? Well, the GSX-R750 SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) which weighed a mere 179 kgs used an aluminium frame which was derived from the RGV500 GP bike.

The K1 series was introduced in the year 2001.

Although the Suzuki GSX-R750 could not fare too well in the race events, it was one of the best 4-pot 750 cc motorcycles out there. Even when all the other manufacturer stopped the production of their 750 cc motorcycles after World Superbike Championship allowed motorcycle of up to 1000 cc to compete in 4-cylinder races, Suzuki continued to build the legend.

Today, in the year 2019, the Euro4 emission norms have made it impossible for the heritage to continue in the European and the Japan markets. Suzuki, however, will sell the GSX-R750 and the GSX-R600 in the US markets for some more time.

Looking for a two-wheeler companion? Don't forget to check out the Suzuki motorcycles lineup in Malaysia.