
SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2004 - 2005) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Power: | 146 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 825 mm) |
Weight: | Low (359 lbs / 163 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe 2004 and 2005 Suzuki GSX-R750s are almost perfect. The new radial brakes solved the slight stopping issues of the last incarnation, the styling’s on the money and the motor and chassis are better than most of us can ever hope to fully exploit.
The only fly in the 10/40W is the K5 GSX-R1000, which is so utterly brilliant there have to be convincing cost savings on the Suzuki GSX-R750 to prefer it.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe new radial brakes effectively cure the K4/5 Suzuki GSX-R750 of its one weak point with fade-free power and sensitivity. The soft-ish stock suspension settings still need stiffening up for hard track work, but even small adjustments mean a real difference. Comfort’s something of a premium and bigger riders may feel a little cramped on the Suzuki GSX-R750.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe DOHC motor is a revised version of the one slotted into the excellent 2003 Suzuki GSX-R750. This time it gains revised engine internals including new injectors, lighter camshafts and increased cam inlet profiles for more rpm and more power.
The Suzuki GSX-R750 spins up quickly and sounds superb, with the traditional metallic rasp so beloved of GSX-Rs all over. Some bikes suffer a stiff-ish gearbox.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueSuzuki's build quality hasn’t got better, sadly, though at least the Suzuki GSX-R750's black wheels don’t show up the brake dust like the previous model’s white items. The paint’s thin on the tank and if the Suzuki GSX-R750 is left outside the whole plot quickly looks dowdy.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe elephant in the living room is the K5 GSX-R1000. It’s faster, newer, more sophisticated and easy to ride. Dealer prices for the Suzuki GSX-R750 are high, and for re-sale reasons the newer-shaped GSX-R1000 is the better buy.
Equipment
The Suzuki GSX-R750's digital dash and analogue tacho supply you with almost everything you need to know on the move – trips, speed, reserve light, water temperature and a shift indicator feature. Legions of aftermarket firms are standing by to help you make your Suzuki GSX-R750 K4/K5 lighter and even faster.
Specs |
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Engine size | 749cc |
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Engine type | 16v in-line four, 6 gears |
Frame type | Ally twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 825mm |
Bike weight | 163kg |
Front suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Rear suspension | Preload, compression, rebound |
Front brake | Twin 300mm discs |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 180/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £101 |
Annual service cost | £120 |
New price | - |
Used price | £3,100 - £5,700 |
Insurance group |
16 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 146 bhp |
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Max torque | 64 ft-lb |
Top speed | 175 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 10.7 secs |
Tank range | 160 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1985: First Suzuki GSX-R750 released. It weighed 179kg and made 90bhp. The first race replica.
1996: Beam frame Suzuki GSX-R750 released.
1998: Suzuki GSX-R750 Gains fuel-injection.
2001: Suzuki GSX-R750 gets new frame, new swingarm, engine updates and new bodywork.
2004: Suzuki GSX-R750 gets new shape, engine and frame mods, radial brakes.
2006: Suzuki GSX-R750 gets new shape, slipper clutch, nitrided forks, new frame, 150bhp.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2004 - 2005)
10 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2004 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2004 - 2005)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £120 |
Year: 2005
Annual servicing cost: £120
Like said brings a smile to my face every time i start it up and open it up! Roll on the track day! 😁
Love it. Prior to this had 3 blades rr5 rr3 and a 929 this much more fun and just as quick if not quicker. Full race can power commander the only bike which i have had which was better was an 05 zx10r ninja (kindly stolen)
Year: 2004
I agree with pretty much everything that MCN has written about the K5 except for the bit about comfort and the GSX-R1000K5; Even at 6' 2", I find the K5 better than my previous K1, because the tank is narrower and the seat is longer so you have more room which allows you to move around and not be locked into position. I managed over 1,500 in France last year on it and without it being too uncomfortable. A 1000K5 is only useful is you want a 1000cc bike. I test rode one of these, along with an '07 R1, before settling for the 750 and I found the former to be too much for the road. It frightened me to see how fast I could go, with such little effort without really noticing that I was doing it. I hit 140mph going up Fish Hill, the A44 just outside Broadway in the Cotwolds, and the K5 was barely ticking over.
Quick, Comfortable and reliable..... Best bike i've ever had..... enough said!!
Hi folks - not rode since I was 17 - wife wouldnt let me - so I divorced her and got a beautiful 750 instead after all the bollox of 4 different tests. Paid 4800 for a 55 plate from DK and what a revelation it is. Yeah Im a new rider and cant really match it against anything else but what I can say is that it excites me so much that I love to ride it - so much so that I have been out nearly every week over the crap weather winter. The only downsides for me are I really could do with a gear change indicator (aftermarket one I can do I guess) riding position leaves my grip tired and I am quite tall so its a bit of a squeeze - but who cares.
hi bikers i just got my gsxr 750 04 plate and all i can say is quality at its best.been after one of these for a while and its been worth the wait five stars all round
Great bike for every level of riding. At home on the track and on back roads. Even used it to tour on. Found it quite comftable, but did get some vibration through the bars at high speeds on motorways. The only flaw was the gearbox. I found several false neutrals.
I bought one of these new in 2005. Since I have done 17,000 miles on it. This has consisted of weekend blasts, commutes to work and two two week trips abroad. The suspension was a bit soft on standard settings, much better stiffened up abit! I have put a hugger on, it should have come with one! It now has a power commander and a leo vince can, K&N Filter and Iridium plugs. The power figure quoted above is optimistic, standard these make 124/125 at the back wheel, with the above mine makes 131 (Quoted above is with the Ram Air effect which you wont get on a dyno). The paint is thin on the tank, mine was starting to look a bit worn around where your knees touch but it has polished up a bit. The paint on the wheels is a bit thin as well and has started to flake slightly. I have run mine on fully synthetic (mainly motul 300v) since it was run in and it doesnt burn a drop, changed the brake fluid and coolant after two years and the battery at the start of this summer. The bike doesnt miss a beat and she rides a dream. Would defiantely recommend.
Purchased a pre registered K5 and the first ride was amazing. I never felt any need to adjust the standard suspension set up as it inspired so much confidence for my usual road riding. The brakes are phenomenal, which was just as well, as you tend to arrive at junctions and roundabouts at a greater rate of knots than expected unless you've kept your eye on the digital speedo. The classy blue and white colour scheme on the K5 is adoreable and whilst the paint on the tank may be a little thin the overall finish on the bike is superb. According to my significant other, the pillion seat whilst in the land of the gods, is comfy and doesn't look out of place on the bike, unlike some after thought on the K6 models. Even two up, you still don't need to redline it to pass cars, because of the extra grunt over the 600's. Complaints? well mirrors, like all sports bikes and for me, numb hands and painful wrists, that has resulted in the best bike I've ever owned (longest kept also)going to a new home. Sad? yes, but poor circulation is the culprit. Would highly recommend you try one as they really are probably the best all round sports package.
I have this bike for almost three years now since I purchased it new, and I still think it is awesome and very usable. I previously had a 2004 R1 prior to this and that was nowhere near as usable. With the Gixer 750 you get the ride style of a 600 but almost the power of a 1000 so best of both worlds. It has been faultless and has an excellent build quailty.