A true monarch of the upper-middle class, the Suzuki GSX-R750 has stood alone since 2003, when Kawasaki produced its last ZX-7.
Back in 1999, Cycle World's award for Best Superbike was won by the GSX-R750, but in subsequent years taking the gold was all about brute force and big numbers, with literbikes and larger taking top honors. In 2006, the appeal of balance won once again and the GSX-R750 regained its throne. The Suzuki's more manageable power delivery and light, stable handling won the CW staff's majority vote.
For 2007, those characteristics are still powerful arguments in favor of the GSX-R750. The strong brakes, a slick slipper clutch, trick mass-centering underslung exhaust, stable handling and adjustable footpegs make this a serious track bike. But the Gixxer is more than just a single-minded racer-replica; it’s a great streetbike, too.
The 750 has the torque to get away from intersections quickly without all the wing-dinging of engine rpm and excessive clutch-slipping often associated with smaller-displacement machines. The extra torque is also extra nice if you are loaded down for some serious sport-touring or riding two-up (briefly, for your passenger’s sake). The GSX-R750’s riding position is excellent, and the chassis is a veritable conduit for feedback. This motorcycle does exactly what you tell it to do, and in return tells you exactly what it’s doing.
Some would still say this is the perfect sportbike, with just the right balance of power and handling to allow more riders better control in more situations. But time marches on, and so too does sportbike performance. The GSX-R750 faces stiff competition from the latest crop of Open-class machines. Going unchanged this year means the GSX-R gets crowded out of the Best Superbike slot, just like it did from Superbike racing. But it is far from obsolete.