To start with, I’d recommend a visit of suzukicycles.org. Here you will find plenty of info, but be careful though as the site is addictive and you will soon be on the hunt to buy your next modern classic Suzuki. Courtesy of the website is also the this 1985 Canadian brochure which I thought could be a nice introduction to the model recently spotted in Switzerland.
The 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750: the first race focused, ultra light (still for modern standards), 750 Superbike. The model below is a rarity with less than 10.000km on the clock:
First in the Gixxer series and in perfect condition this is even more precious.
This Suzuki GSX-R 750 was imported in Switzerland at those times when it featured a single headlight instead of the standard double headlights:
The bike is a legend. With less than 180kg and just above 100 horsepower this strong and very reliable bike was serious stuff already then. The only care you might need to worry about is keeping the carbs clean. With dirt potentially building up in the tank, tiny debris can clog up the carbs and cleaning them is not what you want to do when you planned to enjoy a sunny day taking out your “special” one for a spin. The best way to keep them clean is to empty them regularly by using a long screwdriver and release the carb emptying screw on the left side of each carb (you’ll need a long screw driver for that 🙂 ) After that you still might want to start the engine and rev it until it dies to male sure that the carbs are really empty and clean. By the way the whole procedure needs to be done with the fuel valve closed, obviously 🙂
Going back to the bike above. The owner Mr. Forrer explains that the bike is like new, it doesn’t have any scratches, and never had a crash or fall. It is available in Switezrland at the website below. The price ? Just above 7600 $.
Check it out here: 1985 Suzuki GSX-R 750
Claudio
I’ve owned US spec 1986 GSXR’s since day one, and have never, ever, seen one with that bizarre headlight. Not in any Suzuki brochures, any GSXR history books, any magazines, anywhere in person or online. I do realize that the model was released first in non-USA markets in 1985 and had a differently shaped lower fairing “chin” area just behind front wheel, and different (smaller silencer with different heat shield) exhaust. But that headlight is a new one- was this possibly a Switzerland only deal, or a customization?
The Yamaha FZR750RR, or OWO1 also had a single headlight version made for Switzerland.
Yes, for some reason all bikes that had a beautiful double headlight toward the mid and end of the 80s had to have this replaced by an ugly squared one for import in Switzerland. I am not sue what is the reason behind that and I will investigate. There’s plenty of examples here which include also Honda RC30.
On my Swiss 1986 Limited Edition, luckily the previous owner already replaced the headlights. Another difference on that bike is that the Siwss model had the rpm counter starting at 1000 rpm instead of the usual 3000 rpm. Anyway, if you see one on the market with a squared headlight, this is a clear sign of possible Swiss import model. Long live the double headlights ! 🙂
What a shame! That’s a design crime against a legendary sport bike classic. I hope there isn’t a specific, different headlight bracket (or “bird cage”) for that atrocity. But there probably is, and immediately sourcing the correct parts must be #1 on the next owner’s list.
I wonder if Swiss models had softer cams, different carbs/jetting, ignition, emissions equiptment as well? Like a USA California model, I’d need to know either way before ever considering this one. Worth less as a collectable in my opinion.
On my Limited Swiss edition there are 2 restrictions, one on the carbs and one at the exhaust. I am aware of restrictions on the early 1100 GSX-R as well. Nevertheless these are fairly easy to remove. To my knowledge, the engine internals are not affected. The thing is that it is really not easy to find good samples of these early Gixxers and when you’ll drive you won’t notice anyway as the power is not comparable to modetn bikes, I still get scared from the Beemer S 1000 RR when it wants to wheely as you switch into 3rd…Instead what is remarksble is the feeling of lightness in addition to the obvious aura of such a bike.
Replacing twin headlights with a single light was not limited to the Swiss bureaucrats. The ultimate desecration was in Australia mid-1990s. The philistines required all twin headlights replaced by a single rectangular cyclops on every Ducati 916 before it could be legally sold. Believe it or not!