VOL. 52 ISSUE 38 SEPTEMBER 22, 2015 P57
By 1988, the
competition was
catching on fast
with homologation
specials like the
OW01 and RC30,
but the Suzuki was
still fast.
GSX-R750 J
This was the first major overhaul of
the GSX-R750. The new 750 featured
a short-stroke 73 x 44.7mm, 748cc
engine, higher-lift cams, larger valves
and new constant velocity, Mikuni
BST26SS flat-slide carbs (the bike's
Slingshot nickname coming because
the slide cross section of the carbs
looked like a slingshot). The Slingshot
also had a 4-2 exhaust system and
power was bumped up to a claimed
112 horsepower.
Up front the fork diameter was
increased to 43mm, rear suspension
was revised, new four-piston brakes
and the show rolled on 17-inch wheels,
finally ditching the 18-inchers of the
last three years. Aesthetically the
GSX-R was completely changed, with
totally new bodywork and graphics.
The GSX-R was now bigger and wider
than before and, crucially, it was also
heavier by about 20 pounds with less
ground clearance.
The following year saw Suzuki
bring out another special edition, the
GSX-R750RR, of which only 500 were
made. This model went back to the
long-stroke motor (70 x 48.7mm),
40mm carbs, close ratio gearbox,
braced swingarm, five gallon gas tank,
a race-style single seat, alloy tank
and about 120 horsepower (claimed)
on tap. If you find one of these in the
States, buy it!
1988
