There may have been monoshock sportbikes prior to the GSX-R750, but the bike’s ubiquity and accessibility helped it define the modern sportbike in ways that earlier bikes could not. And while it’s true that, if you look up “sportbike” in the dictonary, you’ll probably find a picture of a GSX-R, nice examples are getting very hard to find, since owners didn’t generally lavish the same level of care on their reliably Japanese steeds that one would on something from Italy… especially of the GSX-R750 Limited Edition model intended to homologate the bike for racing.
When the GSX-R was introduced, water-cooling was specifically avoided to reduce weight and complexity, and the bike makes due with air and oil-cooling to keep temps in check. The bike used a distinctive alloy beam frame, along with fully-enclosed, very slab-sided bodywork, other characteristics that came to define the sportbike. The stock 18″ wheels, however, give the bike’s age away, and finding good, sticky rubber to fit the bike at your local motorcycle shop could prove difficult.
Designed to homologate certain features for various production-based race classes, the Limited Edition model as seen here is very rare, and came with a dry clutch, lightweight aluminum gas tank, solo seat, the longer, revised swingarm introduced in 1986, and Suzuki’s electronic anti-dive forks. It was significantly more expensive than the standard bike but, as an homologation machine, that really didn’t matter much to prospective buyers.
Today, these don’t command quite the value of a Honda RC30 or a Yamaha OW01, but are still extremely desirable and should prove to be a pretty solid investment. This example is hanging out in Mexico, and looks like it’s in very nice shape, with relatively low mileage, although the wheels appear to be non-standard 17″ items. Great if you plan to ride your machine regularly, not so great for collectors.
From the original eBay listing: 1986 Suzuki GSX-R750 Limited Edition for Sale
This is the very rare edition of 199 units only for the USA by Suzuki Japan. I’m the only owner that this motorcycle has had (I bought it in his box at Austin, Texas in 1988). It’s not a copy. Surely it is one of the less than ten (may be five) in the world, in good conditions, but this one is in very good conditions.
Obviously, some of our resident experts can comment on the bike’s authenticity, as an LE obviously can be faked, but at a glance it appears to have the dry clutch and anti-dive forks specific to this model, so that’s a good sign. There are no takers yet at the $12,900 starting bid, which is certainly expensive for a Slabbie but, considering the rapidly appreciating prices for old Gixxers in general, combined with this examples homologation-special status, that seems like a pretty reasonable starting place for this bike.
-tad
I love all the 86 Limited bikes. After looking at the pictures provided, I think this would be a great driver/rider. It would need a few things to make it more collectible, or maybe the new owner would like the challenge. The following observations are just that; I’m not knocking the bike, as it is a Limited. There’s no mention if the owner has any original parts.
Aforementioned wheels
Tank painted incorrect
Steering damper should be in front of fork
Missing blinkers/reflectors
Broken/Missing upper fairing under mirrors
Wrong color seat
Aftermarket rear shock
Aftermarket windshield
Missing airbox
Missing stock pipe
Brake lever should be silver
No speedo cable
Wrong front brake master cylinder
The good:
Its a real limiited in the pictures. Looks clean and well cared for.
Yosh pipe which is a plus in my book.
The not so good:
The white seat is painful to look at. The wheels look like Technomagnesio 18’s, 17’s is what you want.
The paint on the gas tank does not look OEM to me.
The write up is poor, and comical, but hey, I always buy bikes off ebay from a seller in Mexico with 0 feedback.
The 89 GSXR 750 RK had an alumiinum gas tank, the 1986 GSXR750R limited did not.
Nah, that’s exactly the kind of stuff I was looking to hear: it IS a nice bike, just not 100% original.
I thought the same thing about the wheels, until I noticed he mounted the fork bracket/brace under the fork mount instead of above where it’s supposed to be, hence taking up the gap difference. I think a stock Limited would fetch the asking price or more, just not this one.
If anyone is in need of info on what a 1986 limited should look like. I am the original owner of a 364 mile example of this bike. Mine is 100% stock from the factory, right Down too the air in the tires form 1986, and can provide pictures to anyone in need.
This bike being offered out of Mexico, would make a great rider for sure ????.
There’s also something very strange going on with the triple clamp. Look at the listing pictures with over head views, pics are rotated sideways. Instead of the Limited’s nice machined top clamp, there’s some kind of black thing bolted on top- probably to raise the clip ons. The more closely that you look at this very poorly presented example, the more “improvements” you notice that would take time and money to reverse and that devalue it. That chunk missing out of the upper fairing and repainted fuel tank are really costly negatives. Opening bid price is a good 25-30% above market value for a no excuses Limited…yeah, I’ll be wire transferring that money to Mexico, no problemo.
You know, the more I look at this listing, the more annoyed I get with it. He’s original owner, but not one word on maintenance, or anything else relevant or important to know. Does he have any or all of the stock parts? Those open carbs are another big negative- wonder if it’s jetted properly, and how long it’s been running unfiltered. I figured one thing out: he did raise the clip ons. That’s what caused the chunks (both sides, same exact size) missing out of the upper fairing- at full lock the bars hit the lower edge of the fairing, cracking off pieces. Nice work on your “one of the five best in the world” examples…
Spot on 6 G
I’m sorry, it just doesn’t look like it is in that “really good conditions” to me.
None of that really matters, since there are only four other LTD’s left in the World! At least at this high level!!!
There is a much better example NOW on eBay along with this one. So now there only 3 left to find.
Glenn… Buddy….. Lol do your research…. There are lots of these bikes still in great shape and original.. If you know where to search globally, you will find a half a dozen for sale at any given time, and in as good if not better shape then this one, and probably more original. There is another one on eBay right now in the USA. It’s a good bike, but don’t overthink quality and rarity on this one????
The Japanese export model appears to surface quite often too. It’s painted in red, grey and black to commemorate the Suzuka 8 hour race team. They must be cheap in Japan and still readily available for those prepared to search. Price range in Australia is 10 – 15k as a number have been imported here and there was also the Australia delivered version in blue as per this ad..
Saw that one on eBay! I’ll probably post it up here later this week.
I also have an 86 limited with 430 original miles and is totally stiock. I paid substantially more than the prices some of your are discussing.
I looked at the “good one” on Ebay closely. Much much better than the hacked one from Mexico. I feel this is a nitpicking session, as these bikes warrant that, alas in the Limited category.
Missing taillight cover, left heel guard, chain guard, blinkers, bar ends, and airbox.
Aftermarket pipe (some guys consider a +), sprocket, and screen.
Broken speedo/fender holder.
Yoshi stickers hiding anything on lowers?
Upper painted very close but not correct color or blue design. Look closely.
I know, I need a life. It’s sad. It’s just hard not to see this stuff when I’ve become very familiar with these things.
Great bike though, best of luck to the seller and buyer.
How much and when did you buy it? Has it gone up or down in value?
I paid $22,500 2 years ago. From what some of the guys are saying on this thread it appears it has dropped drastically. I don’t believe that’s the case. I follow homologated bikes closely. I also have an rc30, rc45, RC51, owo1, zx7r, cbr900rr (not a homologated bike) and a 95 916sp.
MFB…nice collection of homologated bikes???? I think we think alike. I have the 86 limited with 364 miles, an owo-1 and zx7rr k-1, both still in original crates. Also have the Suzuki 750 rr and the spr from 94, an RC-30, and the only Ducati 851sp-1 ever imported into North America. I think homologated bike values will always be good.. And regardless what others think, $22,500.00 for an 400 miles bike. I wouldn’t lose any sleep over that purchase… Most who complain about values or d-value bikes are those who’s means don’t allow for such purchases… I’m always found this site ironic in that it seems to be more about bike bashing rather than celebrating these bikes… Just one collectors opinion…
The most expensive Limited I’ve seen in Aus was 30k(AUD) but it was brand new. I think it was on this site too. Thats an exceptional case. Another was 6 – 8 months ago with 12,000 kms and was an immaculate example. 15k with no takers on ebay and it was the Suzuka 8hr japanese model.
@k3……. I’m also a fan of the homologation specials and recently acquired an m1. I’m a regular reader of this site because l love classic sports bikes and simply stated some factual prices I’ve witnessed in Aus. Something l have recognised is that prices are higher in the USA. Regardless of what people pay is their perogative…….as long as they’re enjoyed. Depth of pockets equates to nothing and being out there riding is what counts.
Des, congrats on the m1, great bike. And I agree differents markets create different price structures….as for you comment on deep pockets, every hobbies has a price point they can play in and enjoy the sport for sure… However, if you want to get in the game with an Honda Rc-40, supermono, or a D16rr… Trust me depth of pockets needs considered… Also, unfortunately these rare bikes are so hard to find parts for that restorations can take years if not never due to unavailability of parts, which forces these bikes into museums and man caves for the of there days…
Pete”s limited for sale on eBay is sweet. I’ve seen it in person. I would be surprised if it went for 15-18k.
Sorry, would no be surprised if it went for 15-18k.
K3, Iet’s leave the money debate alone. You have some nice bikes…….. in particular the RK Gsxr (one of the prettiest Suzuki’s ever built). I passed one up here last year which had 2000 kms on the odometer with original Michelins still fitted. $21,500 aud. Anyway, I was pursuing someone for the M1 whom finally gave in. All original with 22,000kms, three owners, original books, service history, manuals, original and Muzzy system included. I’m happy with it and they’re essentially impossible to find here. I think I have enough bikes now……..but as the same story goes “this is the last one I’m going to buy” comment appears to be tested again and again.
That RK with 1965kms was mine. A lovely looking bike and quite a modern feel to ride. Alas, with way to many bikes to look after, she found a new home at the same price I paid ($21k Aust).
It was a nice machine. When it was located in Vic was when I should’ve inspected and brought it home as it was 15 minutes away from home. I cannot buy sight unseen.
Were the rumours true that it was damaged in transit while being shipped from WA to NSW?
$18500 for the “good” one. Bravo.
$19100 for the one from Mexico? Seems fishy