Suzuki GSX-S750 [2017-2018]

Pros: Balanced weight, gets traction control system, doesn’t heat up

Cons:  No LED headlamp, limited service reach

Suzuki India had the bigger nakeds, the GSX-S1000 and the GSX-S1000F on sale since the last two years. But there was always room for a smaller streetfighter as there was a need for a more affordable, less aggressive and stunning looking motorcycle. That’s where the GSX-S750 comes into the picture. It has a four-cylinder engine. Has the right sound. And even carries a good snob value. It’s also assembled in India alongside the legendary Hayabusa.  

Sometime this year, we rode the GSX-S750 at the race track and were mighty impressed. But being a road bike, the best place to test it out is on the ever-growing and gruelling Mumbai roads. 

The Japanese are known for their quality control techniques and it reflects on the GSX-S750. The bike has been well built. The panel gaps are bare minimum. The plastic quality is superior. Along with the paint finish, the chassis welds have been done very professionally. In short, the attention to detail is impressive and doesn’t speak to an inferior job. 

The bike might sound aggressive, but once on the move, everything calms down. The riding ergonomics is good for a naked, thanks to a friendly seating triangle. The seat is low, wide and has good padding. It’s easy for the rider to hook on to the fuel tank. The clutch is light to operate which was a boon in city traffic. 

749cc. Inline four cylinder. 114bhp. These numbers aren’t mindboggling ones, but the GSX-S750 has some other attributes that makes the experience a good one. To start with – power delivery. It’s linear, friendly and the process is smooth. The engine is refined, tractable and is responsible for a sound that is addictive. Like some of the in-line four bikes out there, the GSX-S750 can do 40kmph in sixth gear. When you switch from sober to action mode, the GSX-S750 delivers some outstanding performance. The power kicks in at 5500rpm and stays all the way till 11,000rpm. The throttle response is incredibly smooth, but there are minor vibrations around the 6000rpm mark.  The performance is exciting but not aggressive enough to scare anyone. And that’s what Suzukis are all about.  Exciting, yet easy and controlled. 

The GSX-S750 behaves as if it has split personalities. In the city, the bike is composed, sober and thanks to features like low-rpm assist, it’s a breeze to operate in the city. Take it out to the twisties and the GSX-S750 turns violent, but in a safe way. The bike attack corners like a sharp rocket. The front isn’t exactly light, but the turn-ins and quick directional changes are possible. The bike is forgiving and involving. The brakes on this Suzuki are good too. It’s powerful, has bite and is fairly progressive. 

With the GSX-S750, it doesn’t matter how hard you ride or how badly you’re stuck in the traffic. The bike doesn’t heat up like the other bikes in the segment do. The KYB suspension is set on the firmer side but offers a good compromise for daily riding and some spirited weekend mornings.

The GSX-S750 is decently equipped with some latest technologies. It gets a three-level traction control system, Nissin ABS and full LCD instrumentation. Other than the regular ride data, the cluster also shows average fuel consumption, range and clock. It also sports adjustable front brake lever, adjustable suspension and LED tail lamp. The GSX-S750 gets the easy start system. Here, the rider doesn’t need to hold the button. Just a simple press brings the motorcycle alive. 

At 19.3kmpl, the GSX-S750 can be ridden for around 247kms in a single tank before heading to a petrol station

The streetfighters are all about churning out tonnes of practicality in the weekdays and lift up your spirits over the weekend. The GSX-S750 does all this very well. It has a design that necessarily doesn’t shout aggression but has the capability to attract bystanders’ attention. 

The Suzuki GSX-S750 is a winner. It does everything well and in its own ways. It’s a great everyday bike. It loves to be exploited on the curves. And if you fancy a day at the track, the GSX-S750 won’t disappoint there as well. At Rs 9.23 lakhs on-road Mumbai, the GSX-S750 might look a bit pricey, but when you consider the value it offers, you might want to head to the nearest showroom with a chequebook. 

Photography by Kapil Angane