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1988 to 1989 – 2nd Generation Suzuki GSX-R750: Improving on a legend
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1988 Suzuki GSX-R750
1988 Suzuki GSX-R750J
First major revision. New chassis design, engine revisions and body work. Introduction of a new short-stroke version of the oil-cooled engine, now displacing 748 cc. Engine had 73 mm bore and 44.7 mm stoke and could achieve higher engine speeds (13,000 rpm redline indicated, but rev limited engaged at 12,500 according to the Suzuki shop manual). Internal engine dimensions changed to accommodate the new bore and stroke. This engine used larger valves and carburetors than previous years. Mikuni model BST36SS carbs were 36 mm diameter and featured vacuum operated slides. The slide cross section resembled the shape of a slingshot. A four spring clutch was used on the short stroke motor . New styling, and twin black silencers. Wheels were now a 17-inch (430 mm) diameter, three spoke design and used a 160/60VR17 in the rear and 120/70VR17 in the front. Slingshot graphic first appeared on the bodywork. Forks now used a cartridge design and were 43 mm in diameter. The second generation model was heavier than the first but had a stiffer frame and more power.
2nd Generation Suzuki GSX-R750: Improving on a legend
New styling smooth and aerodynamic styling with big changes – Bigger valves, new high-lift camshaft, 36 mm contant-velocity semi-flatslide carbs and up rated suspension, wheels and tyres, 73 x 44.7 mm short-stroke motor, thinner piston rings and bigger main bearings. These new changes produced 112 hp at 11,000 rpm and model a dry weight of 195 kg. The lowered ground clearance and the adoption of 17″ wheels which offered only a slim margin of error.
The 1988 Suzuki GSX-R750 was examined and changed, from the engine to the chassis: The fairing was redesigned for 5.7% less frontal projection and 11% lower drag. Shortened 1400mm wheelbase, lightweight aluminium alloy frame with 45mm box tube main section and the cast swing arm pivot offered 60% more ridity. Front fork stanchion tubes were increased to 43mm diameter with variable damper adjuster type inner rods. Full floating rear suspension with new linkage and needle bearings for smoothness. Opposed 4 piston brake calipers, new weight-saving hollow-typecast wheels and wide Michelin radial tyres.
The distinctive air-cooled with SACS engine received larger diameter oil hose and less restrictive joints for 20% increase in the coolant flow and the large 15 row cooler improved the cooling efficiency by 48%. The red line started at 13,000 rpm. Engine bore and stroke changed from the previous 70 x 48.7mm to shorter stroke 73 x 44.7mm to reduce reciprocating motion mechanical loss.
The new Slingshot carburetors were equipped with lightweight throttle valves for increased throttle responsiveness. Another important addition was the incorporation of SACI (Suzuki Condensed Air Intake) system bringing fresh air from ducts on the front of the fairing to the carburetor intake for maximizing cylinder charging efficiency.
1988 Suzuki GSX-R750 Specifications
Engine Type: 16-valve, 4-stroke, DOHC in-line four
Power: 112.00 HP (83.52 kW)) @ 11000 RPM
Torque: 74.4 N.m (54.9 ft. lbs.) @ 1 0000 RPM
Displacement: 748cc (45.64 cubic inches)
Compression: 10.9:1
Bore x Stroke: 73.0 x 44.7 mm (2.9 x 1.8 inches)
Fuel System: Carburetion
Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
Cooling System: Air-Cooled
Gearbox: 6-speed (1 down, 5 up)
Final Drive: Chain
Dry Weight: 195 kilograms (430 lb)
Seat Height: 830mm (32.7 in.)
Overall Height: 1135mm (44.7 in.)
Overall Length: 2055mm (80.9 in.)
Overall Width: 720mm (28.3 in.)
Ground Clearance: 130mm (5.1 in.)
Wheelbase: 1400mm (55.1 in.)
Front Tire: 120/70 VR-17
Rear Tire: 160/60 VR-17
Front Brakes: 320mm dual hydraulic disc
Rear Brakes: 220mm single hydraulic disc
Fuel Capacity: 5.54 gallons
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750K
1989 brought about minor changes such as: Modified lower bodywork, changes to graphics and silver exhaust silencers, the exhaust manifold now featured small chamfers on the collector for increased ground clearance, change to the rear shock mounting geometry and front fork length to improve ground clearance. Gear ratio revisions in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears offered improved power control and secondary gear ratio was lowered, together with 5mm increase in the wheelbase, all combining for better sports riding on highways. The brake master cylinder controlled the 4 piston brake calipers featured four-way adjustability. The SACS acronym decal, located on the lower body work of the blue/white models, changed from a diagonal lettering to a straight lettering.
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750 Specifications
Engine Type: 16-valve, 4-stroke, DOHC in-line four
Power: 106.00 HP (79.04 kW) @ 10500 RPM
Torque: 73 N.m (53.8 ft. lbs.) @ 10000 RPM
Displacement: 749.00cc (45.70 cubic inches)
Compression: 9.8:1
Bore x Stroke: 70.0 x 48.7 mm (2.8 x 1.9 inches)
Fuel System: Carburetion
Ignition: Full Transistor
Cooling System: Air/oil Cooled
Gearbox: 6-speed (1 down, 5 up)
Final Drive: Chain
Dry Weight: 176 kilograms (390 lb)
Seat Height: 755 mm (29.7 in)
Overall Height: 1,200 mm (47.2 in)
Overall Length: 2,130 mm (83.9 in)
Overall Width: 620 mm (24.4 in)
Ground Clearance: 140 mm (5.5 in)
Wheelbase: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Front Tire: 110/80-18
Rear Tire: 140/70-18
Front Brakes: Hydraulic twin disc with dual opposed piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single disc, hydraulic
Fuel Capacity: 19 liters (5.02 gallons)
Colors: White/Blue, Black/Red.
1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750R
Limited edition (only 500 to 1000 made) racing model. The redesigned engine reverted to the original long stroke (70 x 48.7mm) configuration. The crankcase, crankshaft connecting rods and clutch were upgraded to serve as a ready to race platform. The RR also received new 40 mm Slingshot carbs, new aerodynamic fiber with large air intake duct, 120 horsepower and 4-into-1 exhaust pipe, close ratio gearbox, braced rear swing arm, single seat unit, 19L aluminium fuel tank and weighted in at 411lb / 187kg. Not sold in the US.
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750R Specifications
Overall Length: 2,055 mm (80.9 in)
Overall Width: 730 mm (28.7 in)
Overall Height: 1 100 mm (43.3 in)
Wheelbase: 1 400 mm (55.1 in)
Dry Weight: 187 kg (411 lbs)
Engine type: Air and oil-cooled 748 cc inline-4, DOHC, 16 valves. 120 hp (87,6 kW)/ 11,000 rpm, 68 Nm/ 7,000 rpm.