Often referred to as the first modern superbike, the Suzuki GSX-R series revolutionized the Suzuki lineup and the industry with the debut of the GSX-R750 in 1985. The original GSX-R750 changed the game with its ultra-light aluminum tube frame, a four-stroke engine promising 100 hp, and a top speed of 146 mph. Its power and capability made the GSX-R the bike to own among racers and street drivers alike.
Over the last four decades, the GSX-R family has expanded to deliver more power, performance, and agility. These characteristics continue to make the modern members of the GSX-R lineup fan favorites. Moreover, every model embodies Suzuki's exceptional reputation for making high-performance bikes affordable and accessible. It's easy to see why they're top sellers among riders looking for used Suzuki motorcycles for sale that don't force them to compromise on performance for affordability.
If you're unwilling to compromise on your next bike, and we hope you are, you're in the right place. As your San Francisco motorcycle authority, SF Moto is here with everything you need to know about the current GSX-R family, from pricing and performance to handling and what makes the GSX-R one of the most incredible options in the motorcycle industry today.
GSX250R
The GSX-R750 is the patriarch of the GSX-R family, but it's not ideal for new riders honing their skills in the saddle because its power can be overwhelming and dangerous. Suzuki recognized as much and, in 2018, introduced the GSX250R as a gateway into the superbike realm. A beginner's dream, the GSX250R is a modern street warrior that provides the reliability of the Suzuki name with a signature sportbike design and feel. More importantly, it doesn't look like a beginner's bike but a speed demon ready for its next adventure.
The GSX250R is attractive for many reasons. First, its lower seat height of 31.1 inches and curb weight of 399 lbs ensure it's easy to handle for a broad spectrum of riders. It's not so tall that you need to be six-foot to plant your feet, nor is it so heavy that you will have difficulty maneuvering it. Second, its streamlined design and modifications, like the slim fuel tank, make it incredibly rider-friendly when it's time to stop. For most riders, stopping the bike can be intimidating because there's a specific choreography required between engaging the clutch, downshifting, reducing speed, and planting that first foot on the ground. The GSX250R simplifies this choreography because the bike doesn't get in your way.
Perhaps the biggest reason that makes a used GSX250R appealing to new riders is its heartbeat. Suzuki outfits the entry-level sportbike with a 248cc parallel-twin engine that offers exceptional low-to-mid-range torque, making the GSX250R an excellent performer that is more refined than your typical single-cylinder beginner bike. Moreover, the engine conservatively sips fuel and offers one of the best fuel economies in the class, at an average of 76 MPG on newer models.
Navigating the road from the saddle of a used GSX250R is enjoyable because of the capable powertrain, responsive steering, and outstanding suspension. Suzuki takes this performance further by outfitting the GSX250R with an antilock braking system that helps prevent wheel lock and keeps the rider upright, a must-have for every entry-level bike. This fantastic combination makes the GSX250R agile in town, on the track, or down a winding backroad.
GSX-R600
Suzuki's GSX-R lineup continues from the GSX250R to the GSX-R600, a natural progression in power and performance. The GSX-R600 is a middleweight sportbike and is one of the most popular in the segment because of its ability to deliver an incredible riding experience. The latest GSX-R600 was introduced in 2011 and is powered by a race-inspired 599cc four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission that optimizes its straight-line acceleration. Weighing only 412 lbs, you can imagine what this power feels like on such a lightweight road warrior.
Suzuki takes the GSX-R600's performance to the next level with dynamic tools like the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, which features two race-inspired modes that tune the bike's power output to the conditions or your riding preferences. In addition, the Showa Big Piston Forks add to the ride quality and make the GSX-R600 a powerhouse capable of handling top speeds along straightaways or running the twisties without breaking a sweat. Additionally, the GSX-R600's stopping power is just as impressive, with the model relying on Brembo Monoblock radially mounted brake calipers for incredible stopping power to help you maintain control.
GSX-R750
The Suzuki GSX-R750 does something remarkable because it takes the lightweight design of the GSX-R600 and makes it more powerful without adding excessive weight. The hybrid combination results in a revolutionary supersport bike that's considerably changed the motorcycle landscape over the last three decades. How does this combination work today?
Also introduced in 2011 and built on the same platform as the GSX-R600, the current GSX-R750 is powered by a larger 750cc four-cylinder engine that offers a broader power band. Like the GSX-R600, it's equipped with the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector that lets you tailor the bike's performance to your needs. However, the real kicker is that the GSX-R750 only weighs seven pounds more than its smaller sibling. That translates to an incredible experience in the saddle when you consider you're getting the same race-ready features with a more potent engine.
GSX-R1000
First introduced in 2001, the GSX-R1000 answered the demand for more power and capability. This two-wheeled powerhouse has maintained that reputation in the GSX-R family, sharing the distinct styling, lightweight design, and no-compromise approach to performance that's defined the GSX-R fleet since the 1980s. What can you expect from this nimble sportbike?
Unlike the GSX-R600 and GSX-R750, the current version of Suzuki's liter bike is a bit newer, having hit the road in 2017, and uses a beefed-up frame. Its lightweight chassis and 1000cc inline four-cylinder engine are a phenomenal combination, with the bike weighing only 443 lbs and delivering nearly 200 hp. Moreover, with the engine producing a broad power band, the GSX-R1000 handles almost effortlessly at any speed, especially with advanced tools like the Suzuki Bi-Directional Quick Shift System, Traction Control, and the various drive modes.
The GSX-R1000 is also well-equipped with technologies and features that make your ride more enjoyable. For example, Suzuki outfits it with an LCD multifunction instrument panel so that you have vital data within view at all times. LED lighting adds to the GSX-R1000's value, as does Suzuki's exclusive Motion Track Anti-Lock Brake System, the Suzuki Easy Start System, and the Suzuki Low RPM Assist System. These technologies finetune your experience in the saddle, working behind the scenes to enhance your control, improve traction, and deliver a smooth takeoff without the risk of stalling.
The Suzuki Investment
Whether you're a new rider dreaming of getting in the saddle or have logged thousands of miles and have just as many stories to tell, there's a used Suzuki GSX-R for you. Suzuki guarantees as much by building a diverse lineup that delivers exceptional power, performance, and handling for every skill level and riding style. Moreover, the GSX-R family embodies Suzuki's no-compromise approach to quality, which makes investing in a used Suzuki motorcycle one of the wisest and most rewarding decisions you can make.
