SUZUKI GSX-R OIL-COOLED

1985

GSX-R750F, the original Slabbie is born: 100bhp @ 10,500rpm, 176 kilos, race-replica bodywork, endurance-style twindouble headlamps, cradle ally frame, 18in tyres: a modern classic.

1986

GSX-R750G features a longer (20-25mm) swingarm (now 1455mm wheelbase) 65/50W bulbs up from 45W, slotted end-can heat-shield, two fasteners on the top fairing not three, some air ducts remodelled/ altered too. The USA got the GSX-R750R which had single-seat, radial tyres, uprated NEAS front suspension, amber headlamps, full-floating discs, steering damper, lighter sprocket cover, and cable clutch. It cost $2000 more than the standard model, and weighed 2.7 kilos less, but never imported into the UK.

1987

The GSX-R750H model takes many of the improvements on the Usa-only 750R of 1986 (forks, damper, brakes) and adds thicker front wheels spindle, wider tyres/rims, new mudguard, ‘humped’ design on the fuel tank.

1988

The new GSX-R750J is released and is a major redesign. The engine was now a shorter-stroke with updated TSCC combustion chambers and SACS oil cooling for more efficiency all-round, beefier frame rails (45mm box tube developed at the 1987 8-Hour), bigger 43mm forks, 17in wheels, Nissin four-pot brakes, known almost universally as the ‘Slingshot’ after the 36mm Mikuni carbs. Weight now up to 195 kilos and ground clearance was initially an issue.

1989

Updated again, the GSX-R750K addressed the ground clearance issues, using 6mm fork tubes and mounting the rear shock top-mount 4mm lower. Single-seat cowling came as standard. The GSX-R750RRK was a limited-edition version that was released during this year for racing with a longstroke motor.

1990

Suzuki’s GSX-R750L returned to the long-stroke motor (70mm x 48.7mm) and had bigger Slingshot carbs (38mm Mikunis). Chassis-wise the rear shock now had a remote reservoir and the front forks were 41mm ‘upside-down’ or ‘inverted’ forks and a 170-rear section tyre. Power was now 114bhp @ 11,000rpm and weight was 193 kilos.

1991for

The final year of oil/air-cooling the range saw the GSXR750M launched. Changes included a faired-in twin-headlights and twin rear lights. The motor went to single rocker-arm per valve, stiffer valve springs from the GSX-R1100 but was otherwise similar to the L. Weight was up to 208 kilos with power still around 114bhp.