SUZUKI GSX-R750 W-T
In its 36-year history, the SRAD is arguably the most loved GSX-R750. Let’s give it a little tickle…
What if the sexy SRAD was rebooted for today?
The world had never seen anything like it in 1985: A pure, no-compromise sportsbike with superlight everything, from its unique air and oil cooling system to weight-saving wheels and a styling package straight from the racetrack.
The affordable price point made that first generation GSX-R750 a reality for many and it’s a testament to the bike’s proposition that it’s the last man standing in what was once a healthy 750 sportsbike market. It promised a heady mix of 600 handling with litre bike power and it delivered in spades. The GSX-R saw many incremental tweaks over the years but also three major changes: 1992 was the introduction of the water-cooled engine, 2006 was a big redesign model, with new everything, and in-between in 1996 we saw the SRAD. Not only did we get a restyle, but also the bike got forced air induction, a healthy power hike to a claimed 128bhp, and a move away from the double-cradle frame design to a modern aluminium beam type. Legend has it the dimensions were based on Kevin Schwantz’s 1993 title-winning RGV500 Grand Prix machine. The end result was a much lighter and more powerful bike than its predecessor. To celebrate the GSX-R 750’s 36th birthday (it’s still available in the USA) we’ve given it the reboot treatment.
There’s nothing much wrong with the current GSX-R750 engine power or delivery-wise but it lacks the electronic trickery that graces modern tackle like traction control, full variable fuel mapping and a bi-directional quick shifter. We’d want, at minimum, all the tech on the current GSX-R1000 to be present. While the 2020/2021 GSX-R750 claims 148bhp, at the back wheel the truth is nearer 130bhp. With current tech we’d expect a little nearer the 135bhp mark, retaining the existing bike’s strong mid-range power.
Our bike features a redesigned beam frame and swingarm – in silver,abs, and lightweight wheels from the 2020 Katana parts bin. GSX-R750 owners complained about their brakes so we’ve upgraded the calipers too. Headlights are lightweight LED units.
Our tribute to the SRAD retains some of the essence of its unique lines, but adds a little modern twist from the 1000 and Motogp bike. The tail unit might be slightly less bulbous but the inspiration in the upper cowl is unmistakable. We’d love to hear what you think of our reboot, so let us know.
What do you think? Do you like the idea of an SRAD/W-T for today's times?