SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2006 - 2007) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £120
Power: 125 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Low (359 lbs / 163 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £4,200 - £5,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2006 K6 Suzuki GSX-R750 was launched at the height of the Japanese firm’s purple patch, when they were making some of the finest bikes on the planet. The 148bhp hell raiser was also one the lightest of the breed, if the 163kg dry weight figures were to be believed and such was our appetite for sports bikes back then, it was a ground-up overhaul of the GSX-R750 K4 that preceded it just two years earlier.

Attaining immediate cult status, it was a hit among speed freaks, scratchers, and for those in the know, it was always more of a riot than the GSX-R1000. Even by today’s standards its performance still hits the spot and at full chat few bikes will ring your bell like a GSX-R750 in full swing

Yes, it’s basic, but it’s still one of the most capable, flattering race replicas you can buy and every bit as quick through a set of bends or around a track than a modern superbike, especially if you add a few well-chosen performance mods.

Although the GSX-R750 was updated in 2008 and 2011 it wasn’t by much, which makes the much-loved K6 a must-have for sportsbike fans on a budget.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

There’s little the GSX-R750 K6 can’t do. With a new frame wrapping tightly around its even more compact engine and a longer swingarm for extra stability and rear grip, the Suzuki is stable on the road, goes exactly where you point it with little drama and although the suspension isn’t the last word in plushness, the Suzuki never shakes, wallows or weaves over the bumps.

It’s the physical size of a 600 (the rolling chassis is identical to the GSX-R600) and the seat height (810mm) is 15mm lower than the K4’s, but the riding position is so well laid out that even taller riders won’t struggle on longer journeys, although it’s obviously still no tourer. It isn’t too ‘wristy’, there’s a decent amount of legroom with its new three-way adjustable footpegs and if you fit a taller aftermarket screen, you’ll vastly improve wind protection.

On track it’s just as easy to manage. It has a supersport machine’s appetite for big corner speed with agility to match, although push hard and you’ll eventually run into brake fade and find the limits of its soft suspension. Uprate the master cylinder, go for braided steel lines, quality fluid and brake pads to get the best out of its radial Tokicos. Fitting a racier rear shock and fork internals will give the K6 more bite in the corners, make the steering even crisper and improve ground clearance.

With those mods and sticky tyres, only the most committed superbike riders will manage to get past you on a trackday.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Even now, a claimed 148bhp (around 130bhp at the back wheel) is just about the perfect amount of power for a sportsbike– not too gutless or monstrous. The Suzuki is quick without being threatening and has the mesmerising, rev-hungry involvement of a supersport bike, with a dash more torque that fills-in the bottom end making it tractable on the road and easier to ride on track.

It’s not slow, either. A datalogged top speed of 168mph, a 0-100mph time of just over five seconds and a quarter mile in the tens isn’t far off a superbike. But one of the most popular (not to mention cheap) mods is to fit a one-tooth smaller front sprocket to give the GSX-R750 even sharper acceleration. It’s at the expense of a few miles an hour off the top speed, which you’ll rarely notice and your speedo will read slightly faster, but only by a few mph.

Like the previous K-model GSX-R750s, Suzuki once again went to town on the motor making it lighter, smaller and smoother, so this was the year of the classier, more refined 750, but it still had that raw race engine character underneath. These are also the days before electronics, so all you got was a gear position indicator and immobiliser.

Although it has the same glitchy low speed throttle pick-up still seen on current Suzukis (sort it out lads), once you’ve got the engine loaded it always produces the perfect amount of power and torque, wherever you are in the rev range, to send you surging out of a corner without tying its chassis in knots, or munching through expensive rear tyres.

It’s also the last 750 before Euro 3, so its airbox growl is raucous and exhaust suitably shouty.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Mechanically the GSX-R750 is simple and robust, but a full service history is always a good idea and there are no electronics to worry about, not even ABS. General reports on reliability are good, but paint finishes were never the deepest at the time, so it’s easy for a K6 to look worn around the edges, if it hasn’t been looked after.

There are some reported problems, though, so look out for regulator/rectifiers, throttle position sensors, water pumps, worn gearboxes and Fi warning lights (mostly the result of fitting race exhausts). Although rarely raced (there’s never been a class for them) many were ridden hard, ragged on trackdays and generally used, abused and modified. Standard bikes are the best and worth paying the premium for.

We've got 13 Suzuki GSX-R750 (2011-on) owners' reviews on the website, and its overall rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 tells you all you need to know about how much people like their bikes.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Like a 600 the lightweight GSX-R750 is kind on tyres, clutch, brakes, fuel and valve clearance services are every 15,000 miles, so the GSX-R750 isn’t going to cost the earth to run. Insurance is cheaper than a 1000 and used prices are sensible. If you can find a well-loved example it’ll give you as much pleasure and mind-melting entertainment as any modern day sportsbike.

It's main rival was the Ducati 749, but 750s pretty much died out after this.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Fully adjustable suspension, radial brake calipers and a combined LCD/analogue dash are highlights, but that’s about it. But that’s no bad thing because it gives the GSX-R750 K6 an uncluttered purity.

The GSX-R750's combo mirror/indicators look cool, but tend to wobble a bit, thus blurring the view and the stubby `MotoGP' exhaust merely disguises a huge, pig ugly catalyser - which probably robs the bike of 10bhp. Pillion pegs are a bit laughable on this Suzuki GSX-R750, as is the pillion pad.

Specs

Engine size 749cc
Engine type 16v, in line 4, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 16.5 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 163kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 310mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size 120/70 x 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 33 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £120
New price -
Used price £4,200 - £5,000
Insurance group 16 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 125 bhp
Max torque 55 ft-lb
Top speed 170 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 10.7 secs
Tank range 115 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2000 Suzuki GSX-R750 – The first of the ‘K’ series GSX-Rs that carried on to the end of 2003. The 2000 model was actually called the GSX-R750 Y and followed by the identical K1, K2 and K3, which received minor updates along the way. Weighing a claimed 166kg dry it featured a lighter new aluminium chassis, upside down forks, more angular styling than its ‘SRAD’ predecessor, new clocks with an LCD readout and a compact new fuel injected engine tuned to give a claimed 141bhp.
  • 2004 Suzuki GSX-R750 –  K4 (and ’05 K5): new chassis (including a black frame), styling, dry weight down to 163kg, upside down forks and radial brakes. Motor gets titanium valves, ECU gets more brain power and power increases to a claimed 145bhp,
  • 2006 Suzuki GSX-R750 – GSX-R750 K6 (and ‘07 K7): still weighing a waife-like 163kg dry the 750 gets a new chassis with a longer swingarm (although the whole bike is 15mm shorter overall) and an even lighter, more compact shorter-stroke engine with a stacked gearbox, a secondary balance shaft to reduce high rpm vibes and a host of internal upgrades, boosting power to a claimed 148bhp.  A slipper clutch, taken from the mighty GSX-R1000 K5 is fitted for the first time and the front brake disc diameter up 10mm to 310mm.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2006 - 2007)

18 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-R750 (2006 - 2007) 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 (2006 - 2007)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Engine: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £120
5 out of 5
03 May 2022 by laireeboi

Year: 2006

I had a power commander mapped to a 'two brothers' carbon fibre stubby exhaust and 1 tooth less sprocket installed. This bike was sooooo awesome to ride; so much fun. hard to keep it anywhere near the speed limit. Many compliments from many riders with much nicer bikes than mine regarding the sound (think track day and moto gp) and responsiveness of this bike... put 40k on it in 3 years and sold it but I still miss it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 colins pride and joy
09 January 2021 by colins suzuki

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £100

had the bike since new,now got 100.000 on clock and still keep with any 1000 and it still looks as good as the day I bought it, had 3 offers to buy, but at 74 still enjoy riding it

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

bike is at its best when I sat in the seat riding it,dont take passengers,bum gets a numb after a couple hours, but I put that down to my age.

Engine 5 out of 5

no dislikes, just open the throttle some more

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

exhaust valve on bottom of exhaust,, kept getting stuck, suzuki dealer removed it, not had any problems since,

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

couple of oil changes ,nothing too dear when it comes to parts

Equipment 5 out of 5

I liked the small exhaust at the bottom,tyres from new brig bt014 ,then gone on bt016 , still no chjcken lines,

Buying experience: bought new from suzuki dealer 2006 (bridge m/cycles) £7800

5 out of 5
12 August 2019 by Scott Keen

Year: 2006

Had this bike for 2 years bought a 2015 Yamaha R1 and after 6 months sold it again because the gsxr was more fun

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 GSXR 750 K6
24 October 2018 by Rob Wright

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £100

All the sportsbike you'll ever need.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

This is cheating a bit as I've upgraded to BST wheels, WP suspension and billet Brembos. Standard stuff I would give a 4/5.

Engine 5 out of 5

The right amount of power for the road and for embarrassing big stuff at track days.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The regulator will fail. It's just a question of when.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do my own servicing apart from valve clearance checks which are done professionally every couple of years for around £250.

Equipment 4 out of 5

All the equipment you need on a sportsbike. Yes some of the modern trinkets would be nice but they're not missed. Best tyres for sporty riding & decent mileage have to be Dunlop sportsmarts (7k from a rear) though the ride is a little harsh. Metzeler racetecs rule for track work & M7RRs suit the bike very well but you'll only get 2500 from a rear.

Buying experience: Bought cheap from a clown. Has since been fettled to perfection, winning a Thundersport streetfighter championship on its way.

3 out of 5 Crappy Suzuki
28 March 2018 by Jon

Version: K5

Year: 2006

Had mine at 13k miles. I put 1000 miles on it within 6 months then the gearbox went. Whilst it was working, performance was decent, with a good mpg range, but absolutely dire build quality and are common for gearbox issues, i wouldn't buy another gsxr after this and this was my 2nd after moving up from a 600 SRAD.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Crap, gearbox went after 6 months riding it, had better reliability of my old aprilia rs 50 lmao.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: awful, overpriced unreliable rubbish

5 out of 5
12 May 2016 by Richard

Year: 2007

Excellent bike. Perfect for the road and track. Very good power and handling.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

fantastic engine

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

reg/rec and stator issues. otherwise perfect

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: bought from dealer 2013 for £4,995

5 out of 5 GSXR 750 K7 (almost perfect)
26 May 2015 by Medic

Version: K7

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £150

Only negatives I can think of are no fuel gauge and annoying exhaust valve that keeps sticking.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

A little uncomfortable on long journeys when I first had it, but I can now sit on it for 120-130 miles with no problem. Only need to stop for fuel.

Engine 5 out of 5

Loads of Power and it's never let me down yet. Only niggle is it's a little bit juddery at low revs, but that may be caused by the exhaust valve?

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

owned for 3 years and 7,000 miles. Touch wood, never had any problem except error code caused by the soon to be removed exhaust valve.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

About to pay £450 for a 16,000 mile service. Not cheap, but well worth it from an independent specialist, who is pretty much going to strip and rebuild the engine, forks, sprockets, new chain, brake system etc. It will be like a brand new bike :)

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: I'm really happy with what I paid. The same model and mileage are now going for £800-1000 more than I paid 3 years ago. That makes me properly happy :)

5 out of 5 The perfect bike
19 May 2012 by

I have the k6 750,i was looking for something more powerful with better suspension but would still be forgiving if i made a mistake.(moving up from a fzs600 fazer (fantastic bike)).I bought this bike in dec 2010 for £4k with 3.5k on the clock,a bargain at the time,it had a leo vince can on it which sounds amazing. my 1st bike was the fazer so this was a big step up but it was very forgiving and allowed me to progress my driving without being to harsh.To conclude this bike is amazingly quick/sharp to turn and exit the corner,plus its a good steping stone if you are moving from a less sporty 600. p.s just done a driving experience.(drove a ferrari,lambo,aston,audi r8,and a porsche)and in my opinion the gixxer pulls faster and harder. p.p.s got taken round the track in an ariel atom and to be honest don't think the gixxer would win that battle,but would be close. buy one and don't hesitate

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 K7 Gixxer Seven-Fiddy
19 December 2009 by Pharaoh41282

I loved this bike to death. She was stolen from me, but the memories will live forever in my heart... Now that that's out of the way, let me say that after owning an R6, this bike was a welcome upgrade. Light as a feather with handling to match, but a motor like a beast. Never ran out of power with this bike. Never a single problem with it, quality was awesome. Replace the heavy exhaust, tune the suspension, and this bike will pull forever.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Best I've ever owned
07 September 2009 by dev_d7

I sadly had to sell my K7 750 as I race and needed a 600cc racebike. It is the best bike I've ever owned, and all round just fantastic. I would've liked the bodywork to be a little better quality and maybe a lap-timer included in the dash, but otherwise no complaints. The motor is great and a perfectly balance between a 600 and a 1000. I am saving to buy myself another one for the road. Why on earth the other manufacturers still don't produce them I do not know! Is the success of the GSXR-750 not obvious?

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Buy One
15 May 2009 by TheSpikyOne

A sensational all-round package. It's a bike that makes experts out of idiots.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 gsxr 750 k6
13 June 2008 by simonheatman

I.ve just changed from a CBR600F to the GSXR750. Only had it 3 weeks and I've put 1000 miles on it. This bike wasn't on my initial shortlist of bikes as I'm only 5ft4 and having ridden previous Gixxers thought it would be too tall and uncomfortable. Not a bit of it, the bike fits me like a glove and is within a hairs bredth of the comfort of the CBR. It also has a lot more torque so doesn,t need to be revved if you,re not in the mood. If you are in the mood this is a quick bike that can mix it with the big boys.I,m recently back into bikes so have no NCB so couldn,t insure a 100cc. After buying this, I'm not bothered

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 gsxr 750
13 June 2008 by simonheatman

I.ve just changed from a CBR600F to the GSXR750. Only had it 3 weeks and I've put 1000 miles on it. This bike wasn't on my initial shortlist of bikes as I'm only 5ft4 and having ridden previous Gixxers thought it would be too tall and uncomfortable. Not a bit of it, the bike fits me like a glove and is within a hairs bredth of the comfort of the CBR. It also has a lot more torque so doesn,t need to be revved if you,re not in the mood. If you are in the mood this is a quick bike that can mix it with the big boys.I,m recently back into bikes so have no NCB so couldn,t insure a 100cc. After buying this, I'm not bothered

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 gsx-r750 K6
21 March 2008 by

after my last big off when racing the i realised that broken bones don't heal the same when you get older so i decided to pack it in. with doing so i was on the look out for a good all round proper sports bike for the road & the odd track day. I have previously owned a blade, 3 r6's, 1 gsxr K1 750, zxr 750, R1, Mille r, and loads of off road stuff. I ended up buying the K6 750 due to all the good reports i'd read, and how right they was. The 1st thing to change was the rear sets, (diamond £160) then i went down 1 gear the front sprocket, and fit a pair of supercorsa's (which i used when racing) then went to oulton park (trackday) to put it through its paces. The first big issue was the suspention by the end of the day it was dialed in to its hardest settings and it was squatting coming out of some corners. so i had the front & rear resprung and revalved to my weight. as i'm now riding on the road i didn't want to spend a fortune on ohlins shocks ect so i had the suspension set for fast road riding with enough left to dial in when on the track.(£450 kias suspension) Mid range was a bit poor so i also bought a full leo de vince race system bargain (ebay USA £370 delivered) power commander k&n filter again from the USA. Dyno'd at rocket center blackburn (£145). next a track day at angelsey (great ciruit now revamped) OH my GOD what a difference i had to dial in the suspension a little for the track but no big deal. I can not beleive the difference this exhaust system made to this bike. the stock cat must restrict the bike no ends. Bare in mind i've been racing sports bikes for many years with ohlins this and ohlins that all set up for me by people that know what there doing. This bike is great straight out of the crate for the road and the track the best there is in my opinion. little tweaks here and there like front sprocket 1 gear down and the suspension setting up make a big difference. but a full system, power commander, air filter and dyno make this bike an awesome machine. A 1000cc bike in a 600 chasis. the finish on the suzuki's are not as good as your honda's keep the metalwork clean and lightly oiled (wd40) as it can fur up quite easily. WHO KNOWS MAYBE WE WILL SEE A CBR 750rr ONE DAY!!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 My new K7!!
27 May 2007 by hellfired

I collected my new gixxer from the dealer yesterday and I've already covered nearly 300 miles! Riding the thing is just so addictive, and so easy to do! The noise it makes is astounding - someone at Suzuki has definately been sent away to the School Of Emotive Engine Noise! The airbox growl is amazing! I love the colour scheme, and it certainly gets plenty of looks in town - blip the throttle and the revs rise and fall as fast as your wrist twists the grip! It's amazing! The only chink in its armour is the lack of a fuel guage... I came to this from a Bandit and as such it's the only thing I miss! Still wouldn't swap it or anything though!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 My K6
24 May 2007 by skycat

Fantastic bike, its a great confidence giver. It sticks to the road like glue whether in the wet or dry. The 750 has all the fun of a 600 and a bit more torque of a larger sports bike, best or both for me. I find it very comfortable, though ive change the screen to a double bubble. All on all brill 'five stars', and it be sometime before i find a replacement.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 billys new k6
04 May 2007 by mrbillspeed

i have bought the parallel import gixxer, chuffed to bits but the swing arm has some lift (approx 10mm) but no side movement, has anyone else come across this??

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 This is the bike to own, period!
04 June 2006 by Venom18

What can I say about this bike, in brief coz Im not one for writing long essays, this is the best bike I've ever owned. I had the K4 750, the K5 1000 and now I have the K6 750 and I have to say its a better bike than the 2 put together. A little bit more gruntier than the K4 but obviously not as powerfull as the 1000. Where it really excels is the handling, throw this machine into a corner and it sticks every time. Its so much more flickable than the 1000 its unbelievable, the grin factor you get is so much more. My belief is a 1000 makes you a lazy rider coz we all know they're like rocket ships so it doesn't matter if you mess a corner up coz you'll catch whoever up when you get to a straight. The 750 makes you work for it but its alot more satisfying. For me having owned a 750 and a 1000 before, I'll never change again. Roll on the K8. Strengths: Looks, noise, handling, grin factor. Weaknesses: Nothing as yet.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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