SUZUKI GSX750F (1998 - 2005) Review

Version: Both katana and FX

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £250

I am now on my 2nd one of these 3 years apart and I have loved them both (only sold the first one due to circumstance), I used to have a golden rule, I only ever have a bike model once, I broke that rule to have another one of these. It would take nothing short of the devil ice skating past me on a frosty morning before I part with my latest one.

Buying experience: I brought both privately. One off a shifty industrial estate with no mot, tax and there was more red flags than a soviet freedom day parade. The second of a nice driveway from a nice part of the country at… night without a torch, Both are and we’re impeccably great bikes I brought both for under a thousand pounds each. The first had a really long period of ownership, infact the longest iv owned any motorcycle for. My second one is still owned By me. I’m either really lucky or the general service life and robustness of these motorcycles is fantastic.

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £150

This is a very comfortable bike. I've suffered with herniated disks (L5, S1) and find this bike offers a seating and hand position that allows me to easily shift weight from my butt to my hands occasionally to relieve back strain. Shifts easy, corners good and brakes well. I've seen bad reviews for the brakes but suspect not everyone gears down to reduce speed placing extra strain on their brakes. I wish there was an option (even aftermarket) for a better wind blocking fairing and windscreen for winter driving. The centre stand is much to difficult to set, and nearly impossible since I installed my side cases. My biggest issue is that there are no options for luggage unless it's universal fit soft saddle bags which are insufficient for a sport touring bike and don't fit the style. I was lucky to find what I believe is the last available top case mounting rack which I ordered from Italy (I'm in Canada), and had to custom fabricate my own side case mounting frames. I now have a 58L top case and 48L side cases by Givi Outback Trekker.

Buying experience: Bought my '03 in 2008 from a dealer who was a family friend and gave me a great deal. $4700 CDN, 23000kms. My '01 I bought in the spring of 2022 for $2000 CDN, 47000kms.

Version: Katana

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £1,500

Brakes suck and too heavy an long runs good very fast and yes I would refer to a friend

Buying experience: Privately and 1800 bucks needed battery and clutch plates

Year: 2001

Great value bike.. Seat height great for me 29" leg. Not everyone's cup of tea ha! Paid a £1000.00 for mine worth every penny! Seriously I have had many different bikes through the years but this does it all! For a 53 year old biker carrying a few extra pounds what more do you need?👍

Version: Gsx750f k4

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £200

I think overall the bike is fantastic. I never found it being heavy a problem. Like any sport bike after a couple hours with out stops it can start to become uncomfortable . I had it for 2 years and I ride 365 of the year . So it good in all weather.

Buying experience: Brought privately for a very good price compared to a dealership. All it needed was a set of new tyres

Year: 1998

Annual servicing cost: £300

All in all this is a great bike. I bought it in order to do my A licence test having been away from bikes for 30 years. Sure, there are no bells and whistles and some may say a little ugly (I don't) but she has power to spare, a great sound and never lets me down.Best: Engine is super reliable. Low seat which allows a shorty like me to flat foot. Worst: Rear brake locks up easily. Locking hard to the right in a slow U turn with a slight squeeze on the front brake will shift the centre of gravity so much no amount of leg muscle will prevent you from dropping it!! I also find the bike a little on the heavy side.

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £100

This bike rides incredible well considering height and dimensions. The fuel tank is not big (15L at best) but it let pilot ride about plus 300km with moderate revv at 120-140 speed.

Year: 2000

It does what you would expect from a bike of this class, reliable, slick gearbox, economical.

Buying experience: Purchased privately, previous owner had spent a lot of money with a local bike garage but have no idea what they actually did apart from fitting a fuel filter that caused vapour lock.

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £500

This is the worst bike I've ever had the misfortune to own. My advice would be to buy a bus pass instead.

Buying experience: I bought privately and will NEVER buy a Suzuki again, EVER! This has put me off for life.

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £50

I find it relatively hard to believe that people find it ugly but it must be true about beauty being in the eye of the beholder as I find it great to look at. The engine and gearbox are second to none and its reliability and fuel consumption I find are excellent. I will say the handling takes some getting used to but once you know your bikes limitations then it performs and handles well and can keep up with a lot of newer bikes. It really comes into it's own when you get to around the 5000 rpm range and for a sports tourer it is a flying machine but it is also happy to bimble about at low speeds too. I would certainly recommend anyone to buy this bike as it is reliable, cheap to run and will certainly put a smile on your face every time you take her out.

Buying experience: I bought mine privately as i have owned one prior to this and i do love these bike and I am immensely proud to be out and about on mine.

Version: GSXF 750

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £100

Great fun with unexpected top speed. No bells or whistles. Simple,practical motorcycling bliss.I would recommend this bike to a friend any day of the week. It's practicality and price are huge factors in the overall enjoyment of driving one of these. Mine cost me €2000 with 13000 miles on the clock. It is unpretentious and solid motorcycling at its best. I actually love driving this bike 7 days a week. Chains,sprockets and tyres last for a lot longer than other models. Only small issue I have is the front brakes,but I will be upgrading to braided brakelines sometime soon and will be purchasing a touring screen also.

Buying experience: I bought mine privately for €2000 euro. It had been up for 2200 but because it was not taxed the previous owner dropped the price by 200 euro.I have had the plugs,oil and a front tyre changed in 11000 kms of use.So other than petrol,I have had little other expense and it starts and runs with no problems.

Year: 1998

have had many rides over the years, primarily into dirt bikes and cruisers, sold all my bikes about 12 months ago, and then needed something to do around 200kms a day for awhile, searched on a few sites and then comes across a very tidy 1998 GSXF 750, and WOW what a bike, rev's well, slick gearbox, and just a comfy bike to ride. Loving it

Buying experience: private and an excellent bloke

Version: K6 (2006)

Year: 2005

The GSX750F K6 is a brilliant bike when held within its intended use and category. Obviously it is not a super sport poster toy nor was intended to ever be anything of the sort but if you want a bike that is capable and wears many hats well then this is the bike - ok you won't win bragging rights but this is a bike for the roads we all have to share and live on. The GSX750F is the modest mans ever reliable work horse doing what all good bikes should with no angry moments, its quick and fast but in a dignified manner. The question now is - am I happy I have one in the shed waiting for the next fine days ride "you bet I am" As for the looks I think GSX750F 2006 is one great looking bike quirky but traditional.

Buying experience: Private purchase with 34k on the clock

I'm dissapointed. The odometer got stuck st 99,999. I felt like I was robbed. I estimate it now has 150,000k on it. Just replace the consumables and get back on the road. I'm 6'3" and have ridden it every day. The side stand - well you just stand on it hard. The bike has been parked outside at work in the Aussie sun. I think next services is going to be discs, tyres, brake pads, chain and sprockets. Looking at the prices, for $4000 I can go get another one with only 20,000k and see if I can lock up another odometer!

After writing off my last bike due to an inconsiderate deer crossing my path needed a new sports tourer. My decision to plump for the GSXF was decided totally on budget. Picked up a 2001 with 21k for £1100. VFR800s were easily double that and sometimes more even for a 98. Having owned a VFR800 I was disappointed I couldn't stretch to get another one. However I was surprised by this. Way more low down power and similar but not quite as significant top end rush. The power is more accessible but it won't keep up with similar sized bikes flat out and easily eclipsed by litre plus bikes. Probably due to the weight of the bike, plus my 15 stone more than any faults with the engine itself! More comfortable, but felt heavy and less darty into the corners. Terrible standard screen, being 6'3 might make me bias though. 150 miles from a tank about right. Does what you need and looking objectively I don't know of any other bike that delivers as much for the same price.

This was my first bike. Heavy, bulbous dated looks and a massive exhaust all belie a solid all rounder. The one outstanding feature is the super powerful engine which, despite its aged design is sheer fun, especially when in the powerband. The bike's sidestand has a tendancy to tip forward when the machine is idling and drop with little warning. Reliability is awesome as is the price. Not great for a new rider due to high power and weight but still worth a look for many.

The best bike ive owned to date . Engine is a beauty . Very smooth and sweet , but the best bit is the mid range . From 4000 it pulls like a Pullman . I leave this thing in top and cruise everywhere up the steepest of hills without any chew . The handline is superb to . I do most of my riding 2 up and i get no wallowing and scary moments . Brakes are mint to . Fuel economy is acceptable . I love the looks of this beast to . A real proper muscle bike that will not let you down .Only bad bits if i had to pick something is maybe the finish on painted areas . Like most Jap machines it flakes off , but its easy sorted . Agreat bike .

This is a good bike, often underated by those who've never owned one. There's nothing flash about it but it does what it's been designed to do very well. The engine is great, revving freely and reasonably smoothly. I had no problem regularly holding it at 190 km/h on the freeway. The gearbox is quite smooth but I also found it somewhat inconsistent. Ride is a bit soft but can be firmed up. Handling is predictable but not as stable as a bigger bike. I found the bike a bit tight for my height (6'1"). Equipment is pretty basic, but the price is relatively low so that's fine. Quality was ok; nothing to complain about but nothing outstanding either. I had the odd elctrical niggle but nothing major. An honest bike that grows on you the longer you own it. The only bike I've ever bought a second time. Personally I think it looks better than most modern sports-tourers (I had a red then a black one), and the only reason I sold the second one was to buy a bigger bike for two-up touring.

Bought my GSX750F two years ago this month, a week after I passed my test. It was 8 years old then, with 19,000 on the clock. It's now over 30,000. The engine is 100% reliable, and has never missed a beat, but it does suffer a little from carb icing at start up when it's very cold weather. The handling could be sharper, but it was never meant for racing, so I guess that's to be expected. The biggest failing is the brakes, which have a habit of binding, and are not the best even when they're working ok. Don't get me wrong, it stops, but not as quickly as it could. It's a great bike for long days out and touring, as it's really comfy, and on a run I've had over 50mpg too! I'm loking for a change soon, and the only question for me is, what do I get to better the GSX?

i owned a 1999 gsx750f for 4 years. i had mine as a second bike for 2 up touring. at the time funds were the deciding factor as to what the second bike ws gonna be. plumped for a gsx because i could get a cheap low mileage bike that i knew i could do all the servicing and repairs on. what a bargain... the gsx did it all, 2 up camping holidays, 2 week tours and all day riding. ive upgraded to a 1200 bandit now, mostly because 2 up riding destoyed the performance of the gsx. comfort on the gsx was great, me and her indoors could ride all day and still feel fresh at the end of the day. reliability was superb, i did all the work on the gsx, it never went into a dealers for anything. things to look out for: look at exhaust collecter, prone to corrosion, keep it clean, keep it painted. keep your eye on front brakes, they need stripping every year, old hat brakes that need to be in tip top shape to be even adequate, rest of it is just normal servicing. the bike is nissan reliable, easy an forgiving to ride, low seat height (will suit shorties), handles ok and is cheap to buy and fix. the engine will do great miles if looked after (old gsxr750 motor)and even has good weather protection but you'll work a bit harder with the gearbox when you're riding 2 up... it's a pretty good bike though, even if it seen as a poor mans vfr

Yes the GSX 750F is ugly damn ugly but look further at the bike and what you get is a lot of bike and as a novice you feel confident riding it. No its not gixer fast off the mark the top end is plenty fast enough. There are great bargains out their and you get more bhp for the same insurance as el bandito 6's. Be safe and enjoy!!!

Got this recommended by a biking mate. I only got my licence recently because I was too stupid before- but the doc says I'm ok now. It was recommended as a user friendly, economical, reliable straightforward bike which would teach me about the feel of a bike. It is doing all these things. Perhaps the marking by owners is often a bit high, because this bike is often rated by new riders or riders returning after a break. The GSXF won't set the world on fire, but it has a nice flat torque curve, smooth oil tight engine, quiet until I get a decent can and generally novice friendly. I thought is was scary fast to begin with, but now I see it is a fairly long bike which weighs a bit, so the front wheel is unlikely to come up. I'm not glad I got the 750, as I think I'd be bored with the 600, and I also like the low down flexibility of the engine. It will go to 12k (revs), but it's done it's best by 10.5k, so no point screaming it. The brakes are good and progressive, but the forks dive more than I would like. Perhaps progressive springs are on the cards. The controls are all smooth and easy to use. The bike seems to handle well, but it's weight means dropping into a turn is not as fast as sports bikes, but on the Bridgestons BT021s, it is stable, predictable and grips well. I couldn't ask for more. Wind protection is good now I have a double bubble screen (they need this). Avoid flip-ups for the GSXF, I've been told. So far I've managed a maximum 2000 miles a month. Although the headlights are good for a bike, I fitted Philips Extreme power headlamp bulbs- very good now. I have yet to find an ignition advancer for it as standard it will accept 91 RON. There is good space for throwover painers and a pillion, and being 6'3", I like having to reach for the bars slightly. The suspension is a nice compromise, but it is a little unsophisticated. I'm getting usually about 135 miles without having to use the 5 litre reserve, but I suppose I do make good progress. When touring, about 150 miles is as far as I want to go and need a 15 minute stop. The chicken lines have all but dissapeared now- testimony that even a clot can ride this. Easy to work on and straightforward. Even the fairings only takes about 20-25 minutes to remove and refit which allows the real work to take place. If I was doing less mileage or weekend only stuff, then I'd have a Bandit. I'm not so this fits just fine for a year or so more until I find a Guzzi to rack up the miles. Maybe a Duke for weekend jaunts as well.

I had a GSX600F till some bloke tried to wipe me off so the prospect of the 750 was exiciting and scary. I'd restarted riding 12 months before and at 64 you think 3 times before you jump. But its everything I want, it commutes, tours and goes quick enough when needed all with impeccable behaviour. With my partner aboard there's 120 years of biking enthusiasm and boy do we enjoy it. If it weren't the bike it is I sure wouldn't do pillion trips or commute 4000 miles over the autumn and winter. I have added a double bubble cause it saves me bending so far, a fender extender to save the down pipes, a Scott oiler and heated grips. The latter help me to hold and control cause I have a bit of arthritis in the left thumb - show me another bike that would be as good I might change---- nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnah!

What more can I add, pleased in every way would buy again.

I was going to buy a Ducati ST2, but my girlfriend said the seat was too hard so I got this. Then we split up. I wish I'd bought the ST2 because when I had the test ride, I loved it. It seemed better balanced and more agile than the Suzuki. Having said that, I have no real complaints about the GSXF, it does everything I ask of it and I've been a happy owner. It's been reliable until very recently when it's started eating batteries. Strengths: Quite comfortable, quite quick, I like the looks, overall it's a well put together package. Weaknesses: Very easily falls off sidestand - learn to park in gear! Suspension doesn't cope too well with bumps. Steering a bit heavy.

Having met a few guys who owned the 750 I decided to check out the local Suzi dealer. I wasn't looking to buy new, but when I saw the price combined with a good trade in I had no choice. Some people call it heavy, but having swapped stright from a tourer it felt like I was sitting on a roller skate! The performance is good enough for me, I don't need warp figures on the speedo and I can hold my own with my riding partners. There are some niggling faults, but it's still a great bike for the money. Strengths: Reliability is superb, performance and braking are more than acceptable. Fuel consuption figures are excellent, as is long distance comfort. No real problems with the finish of the bike even though it's seen 3 salty winters. Weaknesses: Suspension can feel a bit harsh (or is that just British roads?). Biggest gripe is feeble headlights, but nothing is perfect.

She's good looking, comfortable, cheap, and has all the power you can use. Ok, lacks some charm, but the new for 2004 tail end makes a big diference! Now, the style is way better. Everybody knows the race replica boys think it sucks, but we know we ride more comfortable, expends less money, and can run with the vast majority off them. Strengths: Price, confort, versatility. And trust me, she can run too. Weaknesses: Lack of charisma, but in time, she will grow up on you.

I've been a part-time biker all my life, but this has always been on nothing more than 125's. Finally at 44 years of age and prompted by my wife's desire to travel europe as a pillion, I passed my test. Now I had to find a bike that would suit my needs. Did a lot of reading and visited a lot of showrooms and decided to take a look at the bike that the magazines love to slate. The Susuki GSX750F. It was big, clean, cheap, comfortable, 15 months old and had 6000mls on it, and I thought it looked OK. I'm told that it does not perform as well as the latest sports bikes, but it accellerates well enough to scare the pants off me when I push it! It felt very heavy to start with (because it is) and I found that I needed to be very firm to get it into the corners. But after a few minutes in the saddle I began to feel very comfortable and confident with the handling. I've now put 500mls on her in 3 weeks and just love riding her. Two hours in the saddle is a doddle and get almost 60MPG. Strengths: Nice seat height, relaxed riding position, feels well planted on road, pulls well at low revs. Weaknesses: Can be a bit noisy (use ear-plugs). Very heavy.

I bought it 3 years ago as a used parrallel import, changed the speedo etc, and now it is a very cheap fast fun bike. It is comfy enough for long trips, I get about 50mpg out of it, and it really goes if you push it, it is way more capable than I am. My biking mates think it looks crap, but what do they know? This bike is great for everyday use, and will scratch or tour with anything. Strengths: It is fast, comfortable, frugal and fun. what more could you want? Weaknesses: The front end looks dated.

My fist bike was a 250 super dream, and then this Suzi was offered, I near snapped his arm off at the price. I go everywhere on it, to/from work, loads of leisure riding, its just so comfortable! I can keep up with the 'BIG' boys, (no track days yet) and enjoy all the engine has to offer with out feeling that I want more than the bike can give or the bike can give more than I can handle. It eats up the miles with ease, and having just fitted some Avon Azaros boots, turning into the corners are a breaze. Even with the top box and panniers fully loaded this bike handles well! Well its good enough for me anyway. I like the look of the bike; to me it seems a finished product, with its smooth, sleek lines. Strengths: Ease of use, styling, reliablity, riding position, low fule costs, simple maintenance. Weaknesses: Heavy steel frame, no way of protecting sides in slides (not that I've tried (sliding it)), Huge fairing very expensive to replace, should the need arise.

How much bike do you need for our roads. The gsx does everything I want and more.It accelerates very well at the top of the rev range and stops just as well with ebc hh and new hoses. Strengths: Comfort, but still a bit heavy on my wrists, (20st rider). Power, all round ability. Lights, physical size. Weaknesses: Hand numbing vibes, suspension, standard screen is too low.

Big, comfy, heavy and surprisingly quick. They are sort of an anti-style icon, bit like a Skoda. Funnily, non bikers think they are attractive - sports bike riders turn their noses up at them. With no winter use, she is as good as new. Race can and dynojet has liberated an extra 8bhp, and a nice noise, and on a private track 140 is easily achieved smoothly and witout any drama. Economical and comfy on A roads, it is a god budget sprts tourer. Given the non trendiness of the bike, you can get a very good second hand one for little money, and new well below list. Strengths: Simple, reliable, cheap to insure for the performance -- I recommend dyno and can to improve both the mid range and top end-- the difference is startling. Weaknesses: Built to a price , so if you use it in winter invest in a bucket of wd40.