GSX-R at 40
This Team Classic Suzuki GSX-R750 has lapped the TT quicker than any other 750. We take it for a wobble…
By Mike Armitage
In the Classic Superbike race at last year’s Manx GP, Michael Dunlop pedalled this GSX-R750 SRAD around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course at an average of 126.681mph. The fastest-ever lap by a 750cc bike, it would have put the 28 ‐yea r‐old 750 in eighth place during qualifying for this year’s Superbike TT against all the BMW M1000RRs and Honda Fireblades. Clearly, it’s a bit special.
This is evident before I’ve even trundled out onto Cadwell Park’s undulations. The racer feels oh-so-different to my own SRAD road bike – the footpegs are tucked high, the seat is way taller, and the four-cylinder engine responds so crisply to a mere whiff of unleaded it makes me wonder if my own bike’s airbox is full of papier mâché.
And out on track the GSX-R is simply wonderful. The way the motor builds revs, accelerates and devours its close-ratio gears is sensational – on Cadwell’s start straight the low clip-on ’bars gently sway as the Suzuki tries to wheelie in third and fourth gears. Tipping into corners is effortless, the 750 turning with the immediacy and precision you only truly experience on a proper race bike. Today’s sportsbikes are epic, yes – but this is another level. The best bit is the front end. Feel from the traditionally mounted brake calipers and forks is exquisite, letting you place the chassis exactly where you want and carry oodles of corner speed. Or at least make a wobbler like me feel like that’s what they’re doing.
It’s not just corner entry that stands out, though; it’s the way the delicious chassis and rich stream of clear feedback let you alter lean angle and direction mid-turn. I’ve ridden race bikes before that have clearly been exceptional, but made me feel a tad inadequate. The Team Classic bike fills me with confidence.
It’s the fastest-ever 750 around the Mountain Course – and it’s the greatest one I’ve ever been lucky enough to ride.
