all-new Suzuki GSX-R750—now priced only $400

2010 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Limited Edition

I honestly don’t see Suzuki selling many of its all-new GSX-R600 sportbikes here in America this year. I don’t say this because I found any damning fault with the race-bred 599cc supersport’s engine or chassis performance while hot lapping the 2.38-mile, 17-turn road course at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Alabama. Or even because of its shocking $11,599 MSRP—upward of a $900 premium over middleweight class carryover models from Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha. It really comes down to an intense sibling rivalry with the also all-new GSX-R750—now priced only $400 more than its little brother—that I believe is going to sway potential buyers away.

Having just returned from the U.S. press introduction staged at BMP, were I spent an entire day riding both 600 and 750 versions of the 2011 GSX-R, it’s apparent which of Suzuki’s supersport duo offers the most value, performance and practicality for all but those looking to race in sanctioned 600cc competition. While the new 600 is no slouch, having an exceptionally linear power delivery, ultra-slick-shifting gearbox and nimble handling, there’s no replacement for displacement as the old adage goes.

2010 Suzuki GSX-R 750 Sport Bike