Top 5 three-quarter litre corner eaters

Published: 29 May 2009 Updated: 19 November 2014

Some prefer the Ducati 749 to the 999 - and for good reason
Aprilia Shiver
Suzuki GSX-R750
Kawasaki ZX-7R
MV Agusta F4 750

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Is 750cc the perfect capacity? For many it strikes the perfect balance between the light weight and sharp handling of a 600 and the all out power of a litre bike.

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If you want the definitive three-quarter litre bike, it has to be the Suzuki GSX-R750. As MCN road tester Neevesy says: “It seems to be one of biking’s best kept secrets. You really don’t need a 600 or a 1000 if you’re on a Suzuki GSX-R750 – it’ll smoke them all.”

But the GSX-R750 isn’t the only tasty 750 on the market:

Ducati 749 (2003-2007)
“Preferred by some to the Ducati 999, and for good reason. The Ducati 749 is a cheaper motorcycle new or used, plus the smaller engine makes just the right amount of power for the chassis in certain road riding situations. The Ducati 749 has a kind of balance, an addictive precision, in its steering, acceleration and braking that makes it a machine that surprises riders with its understated ability.”

Kawasaki ZX-7R (1996-2003)
“The Kawasaki ZX-7R is proof that a motorcycle doesn’t have to be the latest, lightest and most powerful to be popular. The Kawasaki ZX-7R was no match for Suzuki’s GSX-R750 when launched in 1996 and was never updated significantly until it was deleted in 2003. But people love them and bought the Kawasaki ZX-7R because it looked great and they’re a decent road bike if not a match for the competition on the track.”

Suzuki GSX-R750 (2008-current)
“The K8 is the latest incarnation of the giant-killing Suzuki GSX-R750. With only minor tweaks for this year and a facelift, the 175mph K8 is now the smoothest and most refined GSX-R750 ever. During MCN’s Road Test it made a staggering 133bhp at the rear wheel on our dyno. That’s 3bhp more than a 2002 R1. The GSX-R750 is still the perfect all-round sportsbike, user-friendly, fast and fun.”

Aprilia Shiver (2007-current)
“The Aprilia Shiver is one of a new breed of Aprilia motorcycles that’s going to plug the huge gap in their range between the RS125 and RSV1000R (aside from the Pegaso trailie), and best of all it’s less than six grand. The Aprilia Shiver is designed to take on the middleweight motorcycle world – the Honda Hornet and Ducati Monster S2R.”

MV Agusta F4 750 (1999-2004)
“The MV Agusta F4 750 is a slice of Italian exotica that pretty much delivers on all counts. Simply stunning Massimo Tamburini styling was the most beautiful since the same designer’s Ducati 916. Spec, build quality and handling was there to match. The F4 750 is an instant classic and coveted and collected in equal measure.”

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By James Keen

Some prefer the Ducati 749 to the 999 - and for good reason

Aprilia Shiver

Suzuki GSX-R750

Kawasaki ZX-7R

MV Agusta F4 750