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Suzuki Sportbikes 1998 GSX R750

1996-2000 Suzuki GSX-R750 - Great Sportbikes of the Past

The groundbreaking sportbike that caused the extinction of its competition
By Don Smith
The GSX-R already had an impressive history leading up to the release of the '96 model, which was the bike's 4th generation. At that time, the 750 class was still well-subscribed by the Big Four Japanese manufacturers, with Kawasaki introducing its third-generation ZX-7R that same year, and Yamaha soldiering along with its YZF750R that debuted two years earlier. Honda's only serious sportbike during this time was the ultra-exclusive $27,000 RC45, of which only 200 were imported into the U.S. in 1995 just to satisfy superbike racing homologation rules.

Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 GSX R750
1996 GSX-R750 After a decade... 
   
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Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 GSX R750
1996 GSX-R750
After a decade of gaining pounds and size with every year since the original flyweight '86 model, the '96 GSX-R750 completely stopped that trend in its tracks. Its 453-pound wet weight undercut its closest competition by 44 pounds, while its all-new engine cranked out almost nine more horsepower than the nearest rival.
Suzuki Sportbikes Fuel Injection
After the initial shock of... 
   
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Suzuki Sportbikes Fuel Injection
After the initial shock of being pounded by the '96 model, the competition were left senseless when the '98 model was fitted with fuel injection that bumped up horsepower to even higher levels. It also ushered in the age of quick fueling adjustments via electronics instead of the laborious task of changing carb jets.
Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 GSX R750 T Model
The '96 GSX-R750 T model was... 
   
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Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 GSX R750 T Model
The '96 GSX-R750 T model was one of the first to include nice touches that eased maintenance, like this prop for the hinged fuel tank that allowed access to the 39mm carbs. The wheel spacers and rear brake caliper hanger were designed to ease wheel changes.
Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 Model Showa Fork
The '96 model's fully-adjustable... 
   
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Suzuki Sportbikes 1996 Model Showa Fork
The '96 model's fully-adjustable 43mm Showa fork handled suspension duties well but was light on the rebound damping. The six-piston Tokico calipers and 320mm discs provided serious stopping power, but were disappointing in the feel and modulation department.
The all-new twin spar aluminum frame saved more than five pounds over the old model, while doubling the overall torsional stiffness. Wheelbase was 55.1 inches with a rake of 24 degrees and 3.8 inches (97mm) of trail, making for seriously quick handling. New six-piston calipers were used up front, and a 6-inch-wide rear rim with a 190-size tire debuted for the first time in 1996 also. The rear shock was a fully adjustable Showa piggyback unit, with a similarly-adjustable 43mm inverted fork. The swingarm was heavily braced to allow the bike to be competitive right out of the box. In preparation for competitive superbike racing series around the world, Suzuki offered a very trick race kit for the 750.

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