‘The Suzuki feels low tech with basic suspension’
After time spent on both nakeds, Suzuki’s evergreen £9999 GSX-R750 feels claustrophobic. Before nakeds got so good sportsbikes were our bread and butter, but now it seems odd you’d want pay such a big price in comfort, for performance you’ll never use on the road. The GSX-R750 is one of MCN’s all-time favourites. It’s as fun, easy and rewarding to ride as a 600, with an added dollop of grunt. But after a dozen miles in the saddle the Suzuki feels normal again (apart from the brake and clutch levers set pointing to the stars) and in terms of sheer power and speed it leaves the Street Triple for dead. A GSX-R750 will do a genuine 180mph on a good day. It’s not actually as cramped as it initially feels and the fairing gives excellent wind protection. But whichever way you cut it, there’s still a lot of weight on your wrists and after all these years the 750 feels low-tech and basic in the suspension, electronics and braking department, especially next to the glistening new Street Triple RS. There’s no question the GSX-R750 is the faster machine and the one to buy if you’re going to do lots of trackdays, but for everyday riding the Triumph makes much more sense.