Update 3.2.2018: My apologies, the links to the first RK we wrote up below led to bike now linked in this post, which is a second RK available from “whiteknuckle”. Sorry for the confusion, I’ll watch the VINs closer in the future. Good catch, James! -dc
Update 2.28.2018 This GSX-R750RK was first listed last month for $27,500 and is relisted for $24,900 buy-it-now or offer. Links updated. -dc
From the same era as last weekend’s OW01 and a direct competitor on the race track, this Suzuki GSX-R750RR is maybe the least well known of the period’s homologation specials, and it’s my personal opinion that this is the best-looking GSX-R of all time. But it’s also hugely rare, another case where they were supposed to build 500 for homologation purposes, but it’s unclear if that many were actually made. Certainly, they’re extremely hard to find here in the USA, although some did make it to Canada.
Why is the bike so rare? Well the general idea with homologation specials is for the basic platform to win races, so the manufacturers really didn’t care all that much about marketing them, and they were priced accordingly: the GSX-R750RR or “RK” as it was also known was actually a good bit more expensive than Honda’s RC30 and looked far less exotic to anyone not in-the-know. The rules only specified that you had to build 500 examples, not that you actually needed to sell the things.
Why is the bike so special? Well the RK was chock-full of trick, track-ready goodness. First of all, Suzuki used race-spec internals, along with different bore and stroke for the RK. But, counter to usual racing thought, they went from the standard Slingshot’s 73 x 44.7mm back to the earlier bike’s 70 x 48.7mm and used sand-cast engine cases, along with a brace of 40mm Mikuni CV carbs. Why go to a longer stroke engine? To regain some of the older bike’s missing midrange torque, something the new bike was sorely lacking. The oil-cooler was updated [remember that these were oil-cooled], and a second unit was added to keep cylinder head temps under control. A close-ratio six-speed gearbox with an uprated clutch helped handle the abuse racers were likely to inflict. The swingarm was braced, the aluminum tank has a lower profile, the fairing has a revised shape and is made of lighter fiberglass compared to the stock plastic. The frame was revised as well, made thicker around the steering head, and there were updated suspension components at the front and back.
From the original eBay listing: 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RK for Sale
Up for sale is a beautiful 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RK GR79C with only 22,801 kilometers (14,168 miles). This rare RK is a homogilation bike from the racing division at Suzuki. JDM model. Very limited build. Bike is 100% stock except for the RUN stickers. All fairings and components are 100% genuine OEM Suzuki factory. Bike only has a few tiny scratches and handling marks from shipping. Rear butt pad is worn, however not bad but needs to be re-upholstered to be perfect. Engine is very clean, no corrosion present. No blistering in the paint. Bike appears to have never been down or crashed. This bike has a ton of curb appeal and presents itself as a bike with 1,400 miles, not 14,000. Runs like the day it was new. New battery and new fluids. Bike comes with Utah state title and is titled as a street bike for road use.
The Buy It Now price is set at $27,500 and there are still a few days left on the listing. Unlike many valuable homologation bikes, this one actually has a few miles on it. Certainly nothing to worry about and, if you plan to ride it on occasion, you at least know that it won’t need a complete overhaul before you take it out for a brisk weekend ride. It’s always tricky to judge from photos, but this looks to be as described and is in excellent shape for a nearly thirty year old bike… Resplendent in classic Suzuki blue-and-white with the signature red tail section, it’s a great-looking machine, although the afterthought-level brake light could have been better integrated…
-tad
As I mentioned prior, definitely my favorite GSXR. It’s funny though, I don’t recall ever hearing about this bike until my buddy introduced me to it last year. How did it do in racing back in the day? How did it compare with the rivals of the time? Love it just the same, just curious how it slipped by me.
This is a JDM bike, not a full power export model FYI. I can tell by looking at the frame. Still rare though.
And that it’s stated as such in the blurb…..
I think I’m the only one in the States that has a export model ( Germany, France) Gixxer RK. I love it such a blas to ride.
Agree its a cool footnote to Gixxer history and a neat bike but these didn’t make any impact on World Superbike races. Doug Polen got a pole at Sugo in 89 on one but otherwise Suzukis were basically non-factors in World Superbike in that era. That isn’t necessarily a reflection on the bike itself but may be an indicator of Suzuki’s budget or general lack of interest in that series at the time. I can tell you that from a club racing standpoint, we never saw these. An occasional RC30 and OW01 but not these limited Gixxers. These were likely used in AMA and BSB series, as the basis for what Yosh/etc put on the track. Most of the changes made by Suzuki could be easily replicated or improved upon by others, so guys would buy a standard Gixxer and install their own engine internals, swingarm bracing, etc.
My comment above is only the USA club racer viewpoint by the way, no clue how it was in other countries.
Very clean. Very cool. Only problem is the repaint. The lowers give it away. 27.5k high high retail, considering the 1.1 mile all original ZX7RR sold for 25K at Mecums last week.
The extra money a guy would pay is for the “hassle factor”. You can rationalize the overseas transaction, shipping, importing, title work, etc to a point.
When you see the same bike on youtube with a $17k ask (translated to US$), then 3 weeks later it is offered to you for $27.5? Forces the “normal” guys to do the legwork themselves. A vacation to Japan or England would be less than the markup. I’m for a profit, but 10k on one bike?
It did very well on the world endurance race in F1 class. RR and race bike, which was developed jointly by Yoshimura and Suzuki had a lot of cross-pollination, a bit like 911 GT1. The road bike was developed alongside the 88-89 race bike. While RC30 and OW-01 were made so that private teams have access to the performance of RVF and YZF, RR was more race bike first that were sole to the public just to fulfill the homologation requirements.
What’s the difference?
Hill Billy, the most notably, 77hp governor. JDM 750cc was limited to 77hp, due to gentlemen’s agreement. On a paper at least.
Thanks J.B.21 I own an Australian delivered RK and know the difference between JDM restricted versions. If you can tell the difference by looking at the frame I’d like to know how.
Sold my RK (or as some like to say RR) about 18 months ago for $19.5 USD ($26k Aust). It had just under 2000kms and was like new but unless you find some one who is a Suzuki fanatic or an early WSB fan (late 80s / early 90s), these are hard bikes to get top dollars on. The RC30 is just a more popular bike and to be fair did have better technology in its day.
The only negative to the RK was the stock pipe was a bit quiet but could never bring my self to go aftermarket and spoil what was a completely original bike.
Hi Hill Billy,
The major differences are the indicators. Export models have a larger indicators, and I think that’s pretty much all the visual differences. Unlike RC30/OW01 which had different headlights or mirrors, RK was at least visually pretty much exactly the same between JDM and export model.
People on this site often say a bike is too expensive.
Every time I see this, I wish that person would post one in similar condition available for less.
That should be a rule. No more talking out of your ass unless you can back it up with fact. If you feel a bike is too expensive but fail to show any evidence supporting your claim, that is the definition of speaking out of your ass.
Lets be honest, these bikes form part of a bygone era of bespoke factory special machines not likely to be repeated. All four major Japanese manufacturers lobbying at once to deliver something special for racing purposes.
They’re not going to drop in price. In terms of value…..it’ll be whatever someone is prepared to pay at the time. Should it be a collector attempting to procure the fab four line up then it may be higher than normal.
David, l still regret not buying your RK when it was offered in Melbourne on eBay for 22k AU. 10 min from home. l thought about it for too long. If it’s the same bike that is.
Sold my RK (or as some like to say RR) about 18 months ago for $19.5 USD
Someone once said…”Only a fool knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.”
All I can say as to value is the RC30 in Vegas Bonhams that we watched go for $92,300 last month (including premium). What happened 12 months ago, or 2 months ago, is no longer a reliable indicator of value on these things. I “overpaid” for an exceptional RC30 four years ago, private sale, $27,500. I didn’t care bc I wasn’t buying it as an “investment”. Just like I didn’t care at all what I had to pay to get the 72 mile OW01 at the Bonham auction last month. My bikes won’t be offered up for sale again while I’m alive anyway. So “value” is meaningless on these things anymore. Anyone who thinks they will ever find another homologated bike for what they were supposed to sell for last year, or 4 years ago, is probably still hoping for sub-$1 a gallon gas again. Good luck. If I see a bike I want, I’ll spend what it takes to get it, period.
First off, I’m the one that bought that ZX7RR at Mecum for 25K. I know it was a lot for a R but it’s the bike that started it all for me and I’ve owned a few over the years but they just weren’t “new” so when I saw that one at Mecum…I had to have it. I’ll likely put the one I’ve been restoring on here for sale but going to be a while as the parts are all over the US getting painted and restored.. 🙂 And yes, I’m with GSXR Guy…I love this bike and I’d love to have one in my collection but I can’t get myself to pay 25K for one with unknown miles and no history. If anyone else on the board has one that’s super clean and knows the miles….let me know as it’s top of my list and I’d be more then happy to pay a finders fee or do some trading! All in all, high miles and unknown history translate to a -20%+ or so value change….In my opinion anyway.
Gary has two RR’s for sale. Two different eBay ads. The picture shows the first one that had been painted. This one is the second one, that just had the clear coat applied.
Seems like this forum is geared for the every day working man, who enjoys cool, rare motorcycles. There is always going to be the guy who will pay whatever for whatever. Best of luck to the buyers and sellers.
Lol, Love your comment Tom! ????My sentiments exactly.
My mistake, they are two different listings. Good catch James! When I clicked the link for the first bike there was a notice from eBay, “This listing has ended. The seller has relisted this item or one like this.” I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen a different listings when this notice is displayed, but it is one like this and not the same bike.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/122938757806?rmvSB=true
https://www.ebay.com/itm/122986008452?rmvSB=true
dc
Gary told me the one with “actual mileage” sold. Confusing as they are so similar but apparently that one is gone….unless something changed since we last spoke…?
I might have some bikes of interest for you.
I agree completely. People seem to forget that the value of a given bike hopefully increases over time… I love the comments sections when they move the discussion along or inform and educate, but some of the baseless negativity gets old. Like that old Monty Python skit: “This isn’t an argument! It’s just contradiction!” Also, I’d guess you’re a bit of an expert on this particular bike: screen name + email = MO article…