2018 Suzuki GSX-S750 and GSX-S750Z | First Look Review

Suzuki has updated its GSX-S750 and GSX-S750Z naked sportbikes for 2018, making them Euro4 compliant and adding traction control and optional ABS.
Suzuki has updated its GSX-S750 and GSX-S750Z naked sportbikes for 2018, making them Euro4 compliant, adding traction control and optional ABS, and more.

Thanks to Europe’s stringent Euro4 regulations that take effect for 2017, California riders can now own Suzuki’s GSX-S750 naked bike. When it was introduced for 2016, it was offered only as a 49-state model because it didn’t comply with California emissions laws.

Here’s the deal: Like all vehicle manufacturers interested in tapping the lucrative European market, Suzuki had to update its entire line of models to comply with Euro4 emissions and sound regulations. That included fitting the GSX-S750 with a more efficient catalytic converter in its muffler, and recalibrating its induction system for a cleaner-burning engine.

Suzuki addressed both ends of the equation, fitting the GSX-R750-based engine (derived from the 2005 model) with new 10-hole fuel injector nozzles that permit finer atomization of the incoming fuel mixture prior to combustion. A catalytic converter system similar to what’s on the GSX-S1000 was applied to the 750’s muffler and—voila!—the GSX-S750 not only became Euro4 compliant but also legal in California. The new muffler is lighter than the previous canister, too.

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Suzuki's GSX-S750's engine is derived from the 2005 iteration of the legendary GSX-R750 sportbike.
Suzuki’s GSX-S750’s engine is derived from the 2005 iteration of the legendary GSX-R750 sportbike.

Engineers also reconfigured the engine’s airbox that now draws air from three inlet points. Turns out the new design is a music box of sorts; according to company spokesmen the updated airbox echoes some of the engine noise, in a friendly and exhilarating way, back to the rider, especially during acceleration. Music to the ears, they tell us! We’ll see, er, hear for ourselves when we get a 2017 GSX-S750 for testing.

The updated engine also has a series of vent holes at the base of the cylinder cases, which Suzuki says reduce oil pumping within the crankcase for less drag.

Although blue and red versions of the GSX-S750 are shown, Suzuki says colors have not yet been finalized, though the GSX-S750Z will be in matte black.
Although blue and red versions of the GSX-S750 are shown, Suzuki says colors have not yet been finalized, though the GSX-S750Z will be in matte black.

Since acceleration is always a priority among performance-minded naked-bike owners, the S750’s final-drive gearing was shortened for quicker response at the rear wheel. Further assisting snappy launches is a 3-mode traction control system modulated via switches on the left handlebar. There’s also Suzuki’s Easy Start System (a single push of the starter button is all it takes to fire up the engine) and Low RPM Assist (fuel metering is automatically regulated to prevent the engine from stalling at low speed) in the mix, all in the interest of making the ride more enjoyable for the GSX-S750 rider.

New 17-inch diameter, 10-spoke wheels are wrapped with Bridgestone rubber, and 4-piston calipers bite onto 310mm petal-type brake rotors. ABS is standard on the Z model.

Suspension includes the gold-anodized KYB 41mm inverted fork up front with 4.7 inches of travel and spring preload adjustment. The rear shock has 5.4 inches of travel and 7-way preload adjustability.

Suzuki's GSX-S750/Z features an all-digital instrument panel.
Suzuki’s GSX-S750/Z features an all-digital instrument panel.

These days most sporty naked bikes check in with full-digital instrument displays, and the GSX-S750 is no different. A very stylish LED display is posted on the tapered handlebar, and a small, angular nose fairing sets the styling tone for the rest of the bike, right down to the aggressive-looking aluminum footpegs that look like refugees from the GSX-R ranks.

Available as early-release 2018 models, the GSX-S750 will be offered in two versions: a standard model and a S750Z model with ABS and matte black paint. Pricing is TBD, and both should be in Suzuki showrooms starting in March. That includes all Suzuki showrooms in the California, too. It’s time to get naked in the Golden State.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Fantastic, leave it to suzuki and honda to be lazy

    No performance figures, and a crap suspension that isnt even adjustable(rebound or compression)

  2. I was going to buy a triple 2017 Yamaha FZ09 but I might buy the Suzuki GSX-s750Z as I like the 2005 GSXR750 engine it has and the ABS traction control and I like Suzuki motorcycles.I like Yamaha also but the GSXR engine in anything is great.My first sportbike was a 1986 Suzuki GSXR750 in blue and white.Fun bike for tight canyon roads.The brakes would grab at the last minute.Scary when going into a descending U type corner and your slowing from 80mph!!!

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