Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Though the model debuted in 1985, Suzuki’s legendary Gixxer line did not make its way to the US until 1986. The changes were minor – better headlights, a revised belly pan, and 25mm longer swingarm, but Americans were probably too busy drooling over the first true street-legal race replica sold in this market to notice.
Those aren’t just our words – Suzuki specifically marketed the Gixxer as a “racebike for the street” and backed it up with a design that featured a 749cc inline-four motor fed by 31mm Mikuni carbs and Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber with 16 valve heads. It put down 80 horsepower at the rear wheel (106 at the crank) through a six-speed transmission, and impressively the engine weighed 30 pounds less than the previous GS750 motor (even though that was air-cooled).
Weight savings were not just limited to the motor. The whole bike weighed just 388 pounds dry, which was a revelation at the time. The GSX-R750 inspired copycats from the other Japanese manufacturers and impressively, it’s still in production today (though it hasn’t seen significant changes since 2011).
Manufactured in January of 1987, this example is VIN: JS1GR75A9H2101031. The seller acquired it in 2021 from a collector in Orlando.
During his ownership, the seller has ridden two miles. The odometer shows 16,659 miles.
Maintenance:
In 2020, this bike had just gone through a “3-year frame off, nut and bolt restoration” by Andy Robinson at Modern Classics Sportbike Restorations (MCSR) based in California.
Per the restorer, “The base for this restoration was an early 87′ GSX-R750 with clean California title, but I converted it to an 86′ layout to be faithful to the original. The restoration is 99% OEM, with only a few fasteners that were remade due to lack of availability, and aftermarket screen/mirrors.”
The seller has included the following regarding the engine work: “Stripped to the cases, all new mains, big end bearings, oil seals and gaskets. Cylinders honed and pistons fitted with new rings and wrist pins. Heads rebuilt with new valve oil seals and valve seats reground. New clutch. Carbs ultrasonic cleaned, rebuilt with new gaskets and fuel valves. Stage 1 jet kit fitted for smoother acceleration off idle. Hi-Flow air filter with stock airbox and stock OEM exhaust system. Fuel tank petcock rebuilt, tank in excellent condition, no liner.”
There are about 100 shakedown miles on this bike since the restoration was performed. The shock was rebuilt with a GSX-R1100 body and remote reservoir, and it has a GSX-R1100 steering damper as well. The seller also provides a photo album of the restoration and finished product
Photos from the restoration are available here.
The seller states that there are no known mechanical issues. “It runs flawlessly.”
Modifications:
1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100 steering damper.
OEM turn signals with smoked lenses.
Painted fairings by PPG. The seller notes RS Bike Paint in the UK was used as a reference for the base coat colors.
Not pictured: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R1100 rear shock body and remote reservoir.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Extras:
This sale includes the original owner’s manual, a GSX-R750 brochure, and a Skoal Bandit jacket.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states that there are no cosmetic blemishes.
Currently located in Fort Myers, Florida, this Suzuki is offered on a clean California title. Have any GSX-R750 or Skoal Bandit stories/questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
