Suzuki GSX-F 750 2002 — Specifications

Who still remembers the era when sportbikes were gentler, designed to conquer roads? At the turn of the 2000s, Suzuki took a gamble with this GSX-F 750, a hybrid proposition that wanted to reconcile the character of a former circuit glory with the demands of touring. Derived directly from the engine blocks of the late 1980s GSX-R 750s, this 750 cm³ inline four-cylinder is the heart of the machine. With its 93 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and a torque of 69.6 Nm, it no longer has the madness of youth, but it has gained wisdom. It needs to be revved to deliver its power, a bit doughy between 4000 and 6000 rpm before regaining more assertive vocals. It is this character, slightly retro, that gives this motorcycle its soul.

On the road, the picture is mixed. The riding position, slightly leaned forward on demi-handlebars, is a good compromise for entire days in the saddle. The fairing, with its "bio design" style characteristic of Suzuki models of the era like the 1998 GSX-F 750 or the 2001 GSX-F 750, provides adequate protection. But as soon as the pace accelerates, the limits appear. The braking lacks bite, a chronic weakness at Suzuki during this period, and the suspension, especially the rear shock absorber, is too dry, turning small bumps into nervous rebounds that destabilize the front end. At high speed, the motorcycle loses its stability. This is clearly the point where it cannot compete with established competitors like the Honda VFR 800 or the Triumph Sprint ST, which are much more rigorous and stable.

For whom, then? For the touring rider looking for a versatile and accessible machine, capable of devouring highways at a top speed of 215 km/h while remaining maneuverable in the city. For those who are seduced by the price of a used Suzuki GSX-F 750, often much gentler than that of its rivals. The 20-liter tank promises good range, even if the fuel consumption of a Suzuki GSX-F 750 is not among the most economical. It is a compromise motorcycle, honest, complete in its equipment, but which requires the rider to compose with its moods. The seat and the gearbox are firm, and the passenger is clearly the poor relation of the adventure.

So, what is the opinion of the Suzuki GSX-F 750? It is that of a charming but imperfect machine. It does not have the surgical precision of a GSX-R 750, nor the unwavering comfort of a pure GT. It occupies a niche, that of tamed sportbikes, with an authentic engine character and a price-pleasure ratio that was difficult to beat at the time. Today, it represents an interesting option on the used market for a rider who wants to taste a piece of Suzuki history, without the demands and costs of a true sportbike. It remains, despite its flaws, a unique proposition in the range of Suzuki GSX-F 750 motorcycles.