Suzuki GSX-S 750 Akrapovic 2018 — Specifications

Do you know that feeling, when you ride a motorcycle that seems to have everything going for it on paper, but once on the road, it sorely lacks character? That’s a bit of the dilemma that has long been associated with the Suzuki GSX-S 750. A mechanically solid foundation, inherited from the legendary GSX-R, but a temperament a little too refined to really shake up the mid-size roadster market. Faced with a crazy Yamaha MT-09 or a meticulously crafted Triumph Street Triple, it looked like a good student, a little too sensible. Suzuki has therefore decided to inject it with a dose of adrenaline and exclusivity with this limited edition Akrapovic, and the result is as seductive as it is clever.

The heart of the matter is, of course, this engine. There’s no question of a high-voltage three-cylinder or a sanitized four-cylinder here. The GSX-S 750 Akrapovic’s engine is a pure inline four, a real one, drawing its roots from the track. With 116 horsepower at 10,500 rpm and a frank torque of 82 Nm, it doesn’t revolutionize the category in terms of raw figures. But its strength lies in its progressiveness and linearity. It pulls cleanly from the middle of the rev range, without jerks or gaps, and delivers its power with a reassuring fluidity. It's an engine that inspires confidence, not fear. The addition of the carbon Akrapovic exhaust, which replaces the usual Yoshimura partner here, is not just a cosmetic operation. It lightens the beast by two kilos and gives it a deeper, more fleshy voice, releasing a few extra horsepower in the process. The whole thing sounds just right, without being aggressive, and helps to forge a more defined identity.

On the road, this Suzuki GSX-S 750 Akrapovic confirms its status as an accessible sport touring machine. The perimeter steel frame and 41mm inverted fork offer unwavering stability and trajectory precision that will delight riders seeking serenity. With a wet weight of 211 kg and a seat height of 820 mm, it remains maneuverable without being nervous. It forgives mistakes and is incredibly versatile. It’s a machine with which you can attack a mountain pass with confidence on the weekend, without being exhausted by a too-stiff behavior on the way back. The braking, with its radial calipers at the front, is effective and controllable, perfectly in line with the overall spirit of the motorcycle.

So, who is she? Suzuki clearly targets the rider who seeks the reliability and enjoyment of a refined four-cylinder engine, without the extremes of a supersport. It’s the antithesis of the MT-09: where the Yamaha seeks to surprise you and make you smile at low revs, the Suzuki offers you regularity and consistency. The Akrapovic edition, limited to only 70 numbered copies, adds a touch of exclusivity with its stickers and carbon plaque. With a price of 9999 euros, it positions itself as a coherent offer. You don’t revolutionize the category, but you refine a very accomplished proposition with quality equipment. It’s a motorcycle that won’t shout its talent, but will demonstrate it, kilometer after kilometer, with robustness and efficiency that are the hallmark of the house. A safe bet, finally dressed in a little madness.