Suzuki GSX-S 750, a bit of a funbike, a bit of an intelligent motorbike [ROAD TEST]

We could call them 114 horsepower of pure fun, with ABS as standard and Traction Control, which can be deactivated and set on 3 levels. In 1985 the first GSX was launched and, even today as then, the GSX-S 750 has proven to remain in the hearts of all enthusiasts. The small 750, with modern lines, but with a design that takes inspiration from its bigger sister, is ready to win the hearts of motorcyclists, as it is full of many innovations that make it unique in the category, thanks also to the experience gained in recent years in MotoGP.

The transition to Euro 4 is accompanied by an increase in power, now 114 hp instead of 106; to achieve this objective, Suzuki has mounted new 10-hole injectors and modified the cylinder block, in order to reduce pumping losses.

Furthermore, for a motorcycle at the same level as other naked bikes, the braking system must also be at the top and, for this reason, the new GSX-S is also equipped with a new front braking system, with 4-piston radial calipers branded Nissin and with double 310 mm petal discs, which provide notable performance when uncorked, guaranteeing excellent braking power, even when encountering water and roads with little grip. The suspensions, on the other hand, are only adjustable in preload, but absorb the roughness of the asphalt without anomalous reactions. The advantages are noticeable even in important braking sections, thanks to an excellent balance and a well-chosen weight balance. We went up to the Stelvio during our test (here you can find our article on the 2017 meeting), now we want to tell you the details of this interesting news.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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All new, it now has a racing look, completely changes its face and is even more practical

As a true predator and with a compact line, the look of the GSX-S750 presents an aggressive design, which takes up the lines of its older sister, the GSX-S 1000. The sporty appearance, underlined by the aggressive lines of the front, is defined by the personally shaped front headlight, which is of the "multi-reflector" type, with a lamp on board from 12V60/55W. The rear light clusters, with a double-lens design and a slim, streamlined shape, are equipped with LED lights to offer maximum visibility.

The totally new dashboard, with liquid crystals and equipped with white backlighting, to ensure maximum visibility at night, it is easily recognizable and is full of all the information necessary for our journey. The tank has also changed, now rounder, the saddle has been revisited, now 1 cm higher and accompanied by a rounded tail and a unique design, which gives the bike a racing look, associated with the attractive GSX exhaust. S 750, updated compared to that of the GSR 750, to guarantee reduced weight and offer the control valve on the exhaust, with unchanged performance that also respects clean emissions.

In combination with the innovative design, the variable section handlebar increases the value of the GSX-S and allows it to be controlled during acceleration, braking and obviously cornering, allowing the rider to almost hold it in his hands, feeling the vibrations produced by the motor. Speaking of vibrations, what do we think? In this regard it offers a natural driving position and a very limited rate of vibrations. The newly designed 10-spoke aluminum wheels enhance the charm of the GSX-S 750. Hamamatsu's men left nothing to chance, taking care of every single detail.

Engine and performance:

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It gains the passage to Euro 4, a handful of horses and enjoys the new Traction Control

With the transition to Euro 4, the 749 cm³ 4-cylinder engine also gains a bit of horsepower, rising to 114 at 10.500 rpm. The four-cylinder turns without jerks and the thrust then becomes significantly stronger from 5.000 rpm, but the actual torque comes into play at 6.500, from here it has a vigorous thrust, even with high gears, thanks to the short ratios, given that, compared to the GSR 750, it has one more crown tooth.
On the new Suzuki GSX-S 750 we find the liquid-cooled engine that derives from that of the very powerful GSX-R 750 K5, more powerful than the previous version, with an increase in horsepower, which rises from 106 to 114, again at 10.000 rpm.

To achieve this, Suzuki introduced new 10-hole injectors and modified the cylinder block, increasing fuel volume and combustion efficiency. This power is relevant at low revs, where the Suzuki GSX-S 750 exits corners with exemplary elasticity, even from tight hairpin bends traveled in second gear, with impeccable vigor. Of course, it is a bike to ride fluidly, as it always shows itself to be well balanced thanks also to the well-controlled and effective suspensions. The airbox, thanks to which the engine supplies itself with air, has also been revised, different in shape and now with three holes for intake.

The innovations do not only concern the mechanical part, but also the electronics. ABS is standard as is Traction Control, can be deactivated and set on 3 levels. Every 4 milliseconds, the TC sensors monitor the speed of the two wheels, engine rpm, gear engaged and accelerator position, thus regulating power delivery in the event of rear wheel slip. Two new electronic systems have been introduced on the Suzuki GSX-S 750, which in addition to increasing safety, increase the value added by Suzuki. The first is called Easy start system and allows the rider to start the engine by pressing the ignition button only for a short moment (i.e. without pulling the clutch). The second new entry system from the Japanese company is the Low RPM Assist, thanks to which the engine speed is increased (in the clutch release phase), aiding starting and driving in traffic with the engine idling.

Ride and handling:

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Light and easy to handle, it has great agility when changing direction

The new GSX-S 750 is a real refinement in the field of chassis, being able to show off the same double steel beam frame as the GSX-R 750. Compact in shape, it also has an exclusive feature: the new swingarm, five millimeters longer and of new conception. It is a "tapered" type element, rather than square like the one used by the old GSR 750. The result is surprising handling and lightness of ride. The 213 kg dry weight, combined with great agility lead to extreme speed in changes of direction; the GSX-S 750 is stable and reliable, both when braking and in the center of bends, where comforting stability and incredible power output are added, the feeling transmitted by the front end favors a more incisive and relaxed ride, which makes it our naked is tasty. Even in a straight line at high speed (always respecting the highway code) it is stable and the air pressure is not felt so much. Speaking of safety, the new front braking system is made up of 4-piston radial calipers from Nissin, a double 310 mm petal disc with a different profile and good modulation, as well as a single 240 mm rear disc, all elements that effectively contribute to strengthening the action of the system, without blocking the wheels. Another plus point is the perfect stability in important braking sections, where the bike is stable, even in the most decisive decelerations.

Another plus point is the new Traction Control, which allows you to ride with peace of mind, increasing the feeling with the GSX-S 750 kilometer after kilometre. This system comes into operation only when necessary, avoiding slippage of the rear wheel in some sections, at level 2 in our opinion it is quite invasive, but for safety reasons it is the perfect travel companion, especially if the weather conditions were not the best, as in our case as we reached the Stelvio Pass. The clutch is soft and punctual, the gearbox, precise and quick in engagement, helps to stay in the right range. Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S21 tyres as original equipment they enhance the agility of the four-cylinder, but before increasing the pace it is necessary to warm them up very well: once up to temperature, in fact, they promise adequate support and sufficient grip.

Price and consumption:

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A commendable quality/price ratio, with reduced consumption

The new naked Suzuki, on sale since last March 2017 at the official dealerships of the Hamamatsu company, it is available in three colours: blue/black, pearly red and the classic matt black. The price? The naked costs 8.890 euros in blue/black and red colors, while 100 euros more for the matte black version. An excellent price, considering what it offers, both in terms of technology and in terms of the general package. Furthermore, the Japanese brand has dedicated a rich catalog of accessories to the new arrival in the GSX-S family, to personalize its aesthetics and comfort, such as the frame protectors, useful in the event of a fall, as well as some parts in carbon fiber and much more to give an even more captivating look to the seven-and-a-half. A fun-to-drive engine, but also with low consumption, as per Suzuki tradition. The figure declared by the Japanese company is 4,9 litres/100 km, to which we remained close even with rather dynamic driving and on a very challenging route.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Ease of driving, electronics, aesthetics, quality/price ratio
We do not like it:
Suspension preload adjustable only

Suzuki GSX-S 750 ABS: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Jacket: Spidi
Trousers: Dainese
Gloves: Spidi
Technical shoes: Dainese
Helmet: whale