SUZUKI’S FINEST…
1985 GSX-R750F 749cc, inline four, 106bhp, 179kg
A truly seminal, historic machine, the 1985 GSX-R is the first true race-replica of the modern era with an unprecedented light weight of just 179 kilos. Other superbikes of the time may have had bigger, more powerful engines, but nothing could touch the 750’s superb track-biased handling. The Suzuki went on to succeed at top level racing worldwide.
Considered quite extreme in the mid-80s, today the Gixxer seems quite lame. Its oil/ air-cooled engine’s certainly more flexible than you might think. It handles nicely, and bar the excessive knee bending the riding position enforces, the 750 is good fun to ride. Draws lots of attention.
1990 GSX-R1100L
1127cc, inline four, 144bhp, 205kg
One of the last in the line of weighty, but very powerful, superbikes; first choice for many production racers of the early 90s, the 1100 has plenty of GSX-R DNA. Lots of power, spread very broadly means five gears are enough. The grunty motor doesn’t need to be hurried to generate speed, making it feel all the more relaxing. It goes very quickly if you do rev it harder, though. Handling feels a bit weighty, with a dated feel to the way it steers. Even so, I liked it a lot, and loved its style. One of the very first production bikes with inverted forks. Also hard on the knees!
2002 TL1000S
996cc, 90-degree V-twin, 125bhp, 187kg
Made famous for the wrong reasons soon after it was launched in 1997, the TL was Suzuki’s answer to Ducati’s 996; its reputation was blighted by several cases of serious tankslapping. The subsequent controversy was sorted as soon as the big V-twin was recalled to have a steering damper fitted. Since then, the bad boy of biking has developed infamous cult status, actually boosting its popularity. This ‘as-new’ version rides beautifully, with strong engine torque and a lovely sound enhancing the pleasure all the more. There’s something very special about the TL, and it was my favourite of the bunch.
1993, RGV250P
249cc, 90-degree V-twin, 62bhp, 138kg
In the UK at least, in 1993, 250 two-stroke production bikes like this were becoming very rare. Fantastically stylish, the RGVS looked like the GP racers of the era and suited track use well. It’s a thriller to ride, but that’s only if you’re prepared to put the effort in. Working the gearbox to raise the revs is a ‘must do’ to get the best from the V-twin screamer. The sweet, high-pitched music from its twin exhausts lets you know when you’ve got it right. Thanks to the super-light 138 kilo chassis, the 250 corners superbly. Kick-start only!