Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Review & Buying Guide

Released in 2017, Suzuki’s GSX-S750 took over from the firm’s other inline four naked middleweight, the GSR750. Effectively the same rolling chassis given a bit of a makeover, its electronics upgraded and its engine tweaked, Suzuki did a good job with the GSX-S750 however that wasn’t the issue. The issue was the fact that the Suzuki’s competition had done a far better job...

A bike that is hard to criticise but by the same token tricky to really build up much enthusiasm for, the GSX-S750 failed to set the showroom alight and was retired from the model line-up in 2020 with hardly anyone noticing. In the crowded naked middleweight segment, the inline four Suzuki was never going to be able to compete against far newer and better developed rivals and that ultimately was its issue. If you like an inline four and want a chilled-out naked middleweight that won’t let you down, the GSX-S750 is a cheap option. However if you want a bit of excitement in your life, there are more thrilling options out there for not that much more money.

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Price

Costing £7599 when new, the GSX-S750 was one of the cheaper middleweights but that didn’t really help it much as there was hardly anything between it and the likes of the Yamaha MT-07 or even the Triumph Street Triple. Predictably, dealers soon started offering incentives and cutting the RRP, which harmed used prices. Nowadays you can pick up a GSX-S750 for as little as £4000-£4500 in a private sale but it will be tatty and you are better off paying around the £5000-mark for a good one. With this budget, you can expect to get a mid-teens mileage example from a dealer or one that is showing around 10,000-miles in a private sale. There are some late bikes going for just under £7000 however if you budget is this high, you are probably better off looking at the new GSX-8S model, which costs £8299 but can be had on low interest and will come with a warranty. And there are deals to be had on them...

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Engine and Performance

The GSX-S750’s engine (like the GSX-S1000’s) is based on a fairly old lump. Effectively a street-tuned version of the GSX-R750 K5’s inline four (why didn’t they just leave it as it was or even use the latest version?), the GSX-S’s motor is very similar to the GSR’s however it has been given a few upgrades. As well as ventilation holes to reduce pumping losses, the fuel injection system is new, traction control added and the final gear ratios reduced. So it is basically a GSR’s motor made a bit more efficient to pass emission regulations and as such has also gained 8bhp and a noisier airbox. Suzuki didn’t really push the boat out, did they? But did they need to?

On the go the inline four is pleasant enough and doesn’t really do anything wrong. With a very linear power delivery, the GSX-S adds a bit of zing that the GSR lacked (and a much more aurally-pleasing airbox growl) and is certainly rapid enough but despite its undeniable smoothness, it remains quite forgettable. You won’t get off the GSX-S and rave to your mates about its top-end zap (there is some if you go looking for it), instead you will be complementing it on its easy-going nature and progressive drive. Is this a bad thing? Not really and it is a very easy bike to ride smoothly, making it great in damp conditions. If the roads are wet and greasy, the combination of a good traction control system (which isn’t angle-responsive) and this smooth engine make the GSX-S a delight.

In the used market there is nothing at all to fear from the GSX-S’s motor. Aside from the usual checks for any warning lights and remembering the valve-clearances should be inspected every 14,000 miles, you can generally assume all will be well. The exhaust’s black finish can mark quite easily (look for a rattle-can touch-up) but as the bike is fairly new, it is unlikely that there will be any major issues here and the exhaust valve is unlikely to be seized. The cat is based just after where the four downpipes meet, which makes it fairly easy to remove through a de-cat link pipe (around £100-£150) if you want a bit more performance. Some owners in hotter climates than the UK have experienced overheating issues but these are unheard of here...

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Sharing the same D and round-section tubular steel chassis as the GSR, the GSX-S does up its spec slightly through 41mm inverted KYB forks, radial Nissin brakes (with ABS) and a new swingarm but again, that’s hardly pushing the boat out.

Much like its engine, the GSX-S’s chassis is understated but actually very good and extremely assured in bends. It’s not the fastest-turning naked bike but it feels beautifully balanced and over-delivers in terms of its abilities. It’s a bit of a shame that the suspension looks fairly low-spec (only adjustable for preload at both ends) but it does its job well enough and hits a nice balance between firmness for handling and plushness for comfort. Could it be better? Certainly if there was more adjustability built in but it’s not horrific. And the brakes are good with a sound ABS system while the new 10-spoke wheels look good.

Again, as the GSX-S is fairly new there are few major worries when it comes to its chassis on a used bike. The OE chain is very low quality and rusts badly, which probably means it has been changed by now, and the paint finish on the tank can be a bit thin but otherwise it is the usual checks. As with all new bikes, the manufacturers tend to skimp on grease in areas such as the suspension linkages and head bearings, so check for any issues, and also be a bit wary of the clarity of the brake fluid, which should be changed every two years (the lines should be changed every four years). Owners report the finish is better than they expected on the GSX-S, which is always nice, but corroded fasteners aren’t uncommon, especially if the bike is ridden through winter.

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Comfort & Economy

The GSX-S750 is a naked bike and so you have to expect certain limitations when it comes to mile-munching due to the fact it lacks a fairing. Some riders fit a small screen but in all honesty, it isn’t really worth the effort. Keep the speeds down, save you neck muscles, and you can see off the Suzuki’s tank range of around 155 miles in relative comfort but you wouldn’t want to go touring on one! When it comes to economy, you can expect to record in the 43mpg area, which is about average.

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Equipment

The GSX-S750 comes with three-level traction control as standard (which can be deactivated) as well as ABS (technically it was an option but UK bikes all have it) but the dash lacks connectivity and the suspension only has limited adjustability.

A lot of owners customise the GSX-S and bar end mirrors, crash protection, tail tidies (the OE unit really is huge!), pillion seat covers and of course loud pipes are fairly common. A few also add a taller screen and heated grips to improve its practicality as well as a tank bag but in general, most are left naked with owners happy to rely on the small front screen that comes as standard. As there are lots of used GSX-S models out there, the best advice is to go for a standard bike unless you are certain you want the accessories.

As well as blue and red paint options, Suzuki released a ‘Phantom’ GSX-S750, however it is just a stock bike with an all-black paint scheme, black forks and a black exhaust cover so don’t pay a premium for one.

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Rivals

The naked middleweight class is absolutely rammed full of great bikes and so you need to do your homework. Many have been updated recently with connectivity added to their dashs, traction control now common place and even higher-spec models. Try before you buy, they are all very different and have their own plus and minus points.

Triumph Street Triple RS (2017-2019) | Approx Price: £5500-£6500

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Power/Torque

121.2bhp/57lb-ft

Weight

166kg

Kawasaki Z900 (2017-2019) | Approx Price: £4500 - £6000

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Power/Torque

124bhp/73lb-ft

Weight

210kg

Ducati Monster 821 (2014-2020) | Approx Price: £4999-£7000

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Power/Torque

112bhp/65lb-ft

Weight

179kg

Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021) - Verdict

The GSX-S750 is somewhat indicative of Suzuki in the late 2010s. As the company lost focus, they developed ‘easy’ and ‘safe’ bikes rather than push the boat out and innovate. There is nothing at all fundamentally wrong with the GSX-S, and it rides fairly well, but it feels, looks and in many ways performs like a machine that is a generation behind its rivals. It’s very much a traditional Japanese inline four naked bike and as such fails to excite in anything like the way the new breed of parallel twins or triples do, and that’s its major issue. If you can get a cheap one it will certainly do everything asked of it – but if you try out a Street Triple, MT-09, MT-07 or one of the new GSX-8S models you will be left somewhat underwhelmed by the GSX-S750. A solid performer, just one that will never set the world on fire.

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Suzuki GSX-S750 (2017-2021)- Technical Specification

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