Expert guide: Get your Gixxer fix with these sub-£5k used Suzuki GSX-R bargains!

It’s a rather sorry state of affairs that now, in 2024, Suzuki only have two GSX-R models in the range – and one is a GSX-R125! There’s the new GSX-8R too, of course, which had won fans thanks to its low-cost, high-performance nature, but right now it’s slim pickings for Suzuki sportsbikes.

But fear not – as the GSX-R name has been around since 1985 (yes, we know there was a Japanese-only GSX-R400 in 1984) so there are plenty of superb examples out there.

Yep, from 125, 400, 600, 750, 1000 and even 1100cc, the used GSX-R world is your oyster.

All you need to do is pick what style and capacity you fancy.

To give you a helping hand, we have picked our top-five used GSX-Rs. Enjoy…

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MCN Recommended: 1996 – 1999 GSX-R750 WT SRAD – £2,000 – £6,000

This one-time hooligan machine has stood the test of time

Spec:

• Power 128bhp
• Engine capacity 749cc
• Seat height 830mm
• Kerb weight 194 kg

The GSX-R750 SRAD arrived in 1996 and instantly became the hooligan’s choice. It may have struggled in WSB but the unique look and bulbous tail, not to mention its screaming inline four and razor-sharp handling, saw it become the race-rep to be seen on. Even now, an SRAD turns heads (and stomachs depending on the vulgarity of the paint scheme) and with a few modern parts (shock, tyres, brakes) it is a 1990s icon that still stands the test of time.

GSX-R750 WT SRAD used buying advice

● Inspect the forks for any pitting as changing the chrome stanchions and rebuilding the forks will set you back around £400. If the seals are weeping, be extra cautious.
● The six-piston Tokico calipers have a terrible reputation for seizing pistons. This is due to corrosion building up between the caliper and seal, forcing the seal onto the piston and seizing it.
● Switchgear plastic becomes very brittle with age, leading to snapped switches as well as internal wiring failure. Used parts are tricky to locate and therefore expensive, so check all is working.

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2004 – 2005 GSX-R750 K4/5 – £2,800 – £5,200

The quintessential 750 is one of the finest sportsbikes ever

Spec:

• Power 145bhp
• Engine capacity 749cc
• Seat height 825mm
• Kerb weight 180kg

Despite WSB changing the rules to allow litre bikes to compete, Suzuki still released a new GSX-R750 in 2004. An absolute delight to ride, this generation really is the perfect blend of a super sport bike’s chassis and the grunt from a litre bike and is often regarded as the quintessential GSX-R750. The K4/5 is a fabulous bike and very well priced in the used market.

GSX-R750 K4/5 used buying advice

● The GSX-R’s small discs (300mm) aren’t great at dissipating heat, so feel for warped rotors and check their thickness to see if they are approaching their limit. New OE discs cost £230 a side.
● The GSX-R’s wheels are quite susceptible to dings. Check the rims very well to ensure they run true and also look for paint flaking off as the finish isn’t brilliant.
● The paint on the tank is thin and prone to scratches while fasteners corrode quite badly.

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2006 – 2007 GSX-R600 K6/7 – £3,500 – £5,500

This supersport screamer could have been a game-changer

Spec:

• Power 124bhp
• Engine capacity 599cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 177kg

If Suzuki had launched the GSX-R600 K6 a few years earlier it would have been rightly heralded as a game-changer for the firm – but they didn’t and it hit the road at the same time as the stunning Triumph Daytona 675 and a radical new Yamaha R6. A real screamer of a super sport bike, the K6 has an amazing chassis but it looks a bit dated. This generally makes it cheaper than its more showy super sport rivals and that is good news if you are buying.

GSX-R600 K6/7 used buying advice

● The K6/7 was part of Suzuki’s worldwide brake recall, so ensure the work was completed as it is a major potential safety issue.
● The gearbox on the K6/7 isn’t as slick as you would expect and a few owners have experienced issues. Check it engages all the gears and none hop out during a test ride.
● Check the finish is holding up.

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2005 – 2006 GSX-R1000 K5/6 – £3,500 – £6,000

Electronic modes and gizmos? Nah, you can keep ’em!

Spec:

• Power 178bhp
• Engine capacity 998cc
• Seat height 810mm
• Kerb weight 184kg

The GSX-R1000 K5/6 is, quite rightly, regarded as one of the best analogue litre bikes ever made. Devoid of fussy electronics, the K5 not only looks amazing (got to love that trapezoidal exhaust) it also rides beautifully with a storming midrange, superb chassis and excellent brakes. With a genuine 160bhp, the K5 is blisteringly fast but feels anything but intimidating.

GSX-R1000 K5/6 used buying advice

● Watch out for gearbox issues as the selector fork that guides second and third gear is quite weak, often leading to issues. Check it doesn’t hop out of gear on a test ride.
● If the bike doesn’t idle smoothly it could be a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS). Generally the primary TPS breaks its spring and replacing it is a fiddly task.
● The exhaust valve is located just behind the right foot peg and often seizes. Check it is moving freely and look out for an Fi warning light.

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2017 – current GSX-R125 – £2,500 – £4,500

The baby of the family is more spacious than it looks…

Spec:

• Power 15bhp
• Engine capacity 124.4cc
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 134kg

Initially a cool-looking 125 (especially in the MotoGP-rep paint, which cost a £100 extra), the closer you get to the GSX-R125 the more disappointing it gets. Conventional forks, a conventional brake caliper, the GSX-R125 is not as high-spec as some of its rivals but you get ABS as standard, keyless ignition and a strong DOHC liquid-cooled single cylinder motor. Light, agile and able to record 122mpg, the GSX-R125 isn’t that flashy but it is functional and impressively roomy for taller riders.

GSX-R125 used buying advice

● The OE exhaust has a horrible habit of rusting.
● Always check for crash damage and run an HPI check to see if there is any hidden history.
● The two-piston front caliper is prone to seizing, especially when used through winter. A full rebuild kit is less than £25.