Motorcycle specifications Suzuki GSX 750 ES 1983

Did Suzuki make sportbikes before 1985, the year of the GSX-R 750 and RG 500 Gamma?

the question may seem absurd, but it's not so easy to name the models that preceded these two myths. Yet Suzuki was by no means absent from the market, offering machines that were right up there with the competition. In 1983, for example, the Hamamatsu-based company presented its sportbike of the moment, code-named GSX 750 ES, and its full fairing variant GSX 750 EF marketed the following year.

this bike is the counterpart to the Kawasaki GPZ 750 and Honda VF 750 F. Like its rivals, its chassis, shock absorbers, brakes and anti-dive system are derived from racing.

nevertheless, the bike is quite affordable. And while it doesn't have the touring qualities of a Kawa GPZ, it does offer a relaxed riding position, a welcoming seat and outstanding handling, as well as a feeling of lightness, thanks to its 16-inch front wheel.

the engine is extraordinarily smooth, pushing hard but not violently. It revs up to 10,500 rpm without forcing, aided by a precise, well-tuned gearbox. And if this GSX-ES is outstripped in pure power by the VF 750 F, its motorization is a good compromise between a Honda supersport and a Kawasaki road-sports bike.

on the racetrack, it's very demonstrative and fun to ride, but is systematically outdone by the Honda VF 750 F thanks to a few more horsepower, the torque of its V4 and more biting braking.

on the road, the Suzuki chassis shines, but the protection is lacking. The fork-head fairing doesn't offer much protection, and the EF version's lower fairing doesn't help matters. Especially since this bike is capable of high performance. While it's capable of a top speed of 216 km/h, protection is no longer effective after 160 km/h.

despite a soft seat, the duo is hampered by the absence of a passenger handgrip. All the passenger has to hold on to is a strap.

this Suzuki, now forgotten, was a worthy predecessor to the GSX-R, and even accompanied it in the Japanese manufacturer's range until 1987. Unfortunately, it only had 2 years to prove its worth before the arrival of its troublemaker sister. Insufficient to make a lasting impression on motorcyclists.

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