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Suzuki's mid-80s
hero
Remember the
GSX-R750R?
January 18, 2026, by
Guy 'Guido' Allen
Remember the first-model Suzuki GSX-R750? Back in 1985
it was ground-shaking stuff. But if you were
well-funded, you could soon order a limited edition
version with real race kudos
Above is an example that recently was up for sale via Iconic in the USA.
Developed in 1985 and launched in most markets in 1986,
Suzuki unleashed a race homologation variant of the
GSX-R750 called the Limited Edition in some places or the
GSX-R750R in others.
A few different variants were produced, with the
production run thought to be limited to 500. The USA was
the biggest market at 200 examples (required for AMA
racing), with another 150 earmarked for the Japanese
market.
Among its attractions were a close-ratio transmission, dry multi-plate clutch, a GSX-R1100 front end including suspension with electronic damping control and floating brake discs, a longer rear swingarm and of course the unique single seat bodywork with different paint compared to the normal road bike.
Domestic versions had power restricted to 57kW (75hp) as per the Japan road regs at the time.
For the rest of the world, the engine produced 75kW
(100hp).
When new, they carried a 50 per cent premium over the
standard machine – which seemed like a lot back then and
in retrospect was probably good value.
It was successful on the track, with a win in the 1985 Le Mans 24-hour with French riders Bernard Millet, Guy Bertin and Phillipe Guichon doing the honours.
The bike shown attracted a top bid of Au$15,000
(US$10,000, GB£7500, €8600) and did not meet reserve.
With around 10,000km (6000 miles) on the odo, it looks
exceptional at first glance. However detail pics reveal a
couple of bodywork issues which may have caused bidders to
hesitate.
See our GSX-750 first-gen profile
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