This very clean 2000-model...
This very clean 2000-model GSX-R owned by Keith Kummer of Florida may look fairly stock at a glance, but it's anything but, with a list of changes as long as your arm. The engine mods include an '02 GSX-R1000 intake cam and stock 750 intake cam on the exhaust side, adjustable cam sprockets, a Dynojet PCII, and a Yosh RS full exhaust with "shorty" muffler can. The fork has a combination of GMD and RaceTech components, while the shock is a retrofitted stock '05 GSX-R1000 shock with 475-pound-rate spring.
Common modifications are pretty typical, with a full exhaust topping the list. The next most popular was a jet kit on the early models or a Dynojet Power Commander to clean up the fuel mapping on the later models. Aftermarket air filters are also high on the list for many riders.
Because there wasn't a lot to be gained by throwing money at the engine (unless you began spending big coin for serious internal modifications), more popular mods were aimed at suspension and handling. An aftermarket steering damper is the first thing that many serious street or track day riders install. Aftermarket fork valving kits were next, followed by replacement of the rear shock, as most suspension specialists feel that modifying the stock unit is more trouble than it's worth in the end. Most riders, however, said they found the stock components quite satisfactory after spending enough time to set them up properly for their weight and riding style. Though the factory brakes were quite good, many owners opted for aftermarket brake pads and lines. Because of the bike's tremendous popularity, virtually all the aftermarket suppliers made parts for the bike. Therefore brand loyal tuners had their choice of numerous suppliers when it came time to modify the GSX-R Suzuki.
To get some input from an AMA race team, we talked to Kevin Hunt, the owner of KWS Motorsports in Charleston, SC. KWS has been building and racing Suzukis for many years (although they have since switched to factory support from Aprilia to campaign the AMA Daytona Sportbike class for 2009) and had a best season finish of 6th for the 2003 AMA Superbike season, with rider Shawn Higbee earning Rookie of the Year honors. Hunt says the '96-'99 models as well as the 2000-and-up GSX-Rs were "great bikes and easy to work on". KWS has built countless GSX-R engines for drag racers, street racers, and roadracers, and Hunt feels "the most common mechanical issue we see on this era of bikes is owner inflicted, when someone burns up a clutch and continues to ride with contaminated oil; [in cases like this] the engine is destined to suffer main bearing failures." According to Hunt the next most common rider-induced failure is "second or third gear breaking due to hard up-shifting under load."
Another strong point of this GSX-R generation was the pricing. In 1996 the bike retailed for a reasonable $8999 (A Honda CBR900RR was $9799). In '97 it jumped to $9199, and then in '98 it hit $9299 and remained at that price until the new model in 2000, when it only crept up another $100, with the following year tacking on another $100. If you are looking to score one of these amazing bikes on the used market, according to NADA estimates, you can expect to see prices from $1835-$2410 for 1996 models. The revised 1998 models are going for $2355-$3095, while the new-generation 2000 model runs between $2790-$3670. These prices may seem low but remember, even a 2000 model is already nine years old.
Another Florida GSX-R man,...
Another Florida GSX-R man, Garrett Funkhouser's 2000 model sports many custom touches such as a "chopped and sunk" taillight, flush-mount turn signals, footpeg bracket riser plates, etc. Note the stock-appearing "Gixxer" sticker on the tailpiece.
When looking back through some of the great sportbikes of the past, we often see bikes that were good for a few years, but fell off their competitive track while another bike took its place. The Suzuki GSX-R750, however, still packs a serious performance punch, long after its competition has become extinct. The market also has to give credit to the 750 as the bike that paved the way for the GSX-R1000 as well. The 750 class is nowhere near as strong as before, but we hope Suzuki keeps making them. The GSX-R750 is one of the best bikes to ever hit the road or to take a spot on the AMA grid.