Not often seen but always appreciated, the GSX-R homologation special for 1986 had a single seat, alloy fuel tank, and dry clutch. This SoCal example might have some questions better left unasked, but has great potential as a riding or racing restoration.
1986 Suzuki GSX-R750R Limited Edition for sale on eBay
Suzuki had only just introduced the GSX-R750 in 1985 when its light weight and rugged reliability made it a natural for the race course. To homologate for Superbike racing, the -R was built, not changing the alloy chassis or oil-cooled engine, but adding a few special parts. To help cope with a 106 hp race machine, brakes and anti-dive were borrowed from the 1100cc model, along with 18-inch wheels front and rear. The oil-cooled four was coated in a dark gray, and the steering damper is needed more on a 1985 short swingarm model.
The first owner must’ve been hard on a bike, since this auction pictures a past salvage title and damage to lowers on both sides. It’s a study in contrasts, with the good-looking frame and swingarm but a massive gash in the tank. Luckily the VIN can be researched and the dry clutch is undeniable. Many comments in the eBay auction, here are just a few:
When I bought it the fairing was scraped up. the lowers were missing as well as the turn signals along with a few other small bits.Fluids have been regularly checked and replacedThe carbs have been removed and cleanedBrake fluid changeClean fuel addedNew batteryTires have plenty of tread and no crackingElectrical works as it shouldThe exhaust is a first gen Yoshimura from R &D America, USA.It’s loud even with fresh packingThe drive-chain is near new but marks show in the middle of the adjustment of the swing-arm
The scratches on the gas tank and wind screen are compliments of the original owner. I was having the upper fairing repainted by guy that didn’t know what the heck he was doing, the color was wrong and the paint was super thin so I stopped and just left it as you see it.
I have an extra set of the NLA OEM stickers for the gas tank and for the upper fairing.The lowers and middle side covers are livable.
Looks like Iconic has one up for auction. Their’s is in very good condition so assume it will be end up bringing solid money.
Is the market this strong? No denying the cool factor. Condition dictates price, most of the time.
Salvage title, bad bodywork, seat reupholstered, etc. Not a big deal when the price reflects condition. I’m guessing the guy paid 4 grand in 1990, and just put it on the market based on other high sales.
Drop the price to 8 grand, and someone will snap it up.
Bought a canadian version for $5250 canadian in 1992.
Have two of them. I’d say $9-10k tops. Let’s see, I’m real interested.
relisted here – https://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Suzuki-GSX-R/193226136535?hash=item2cfd2cdbd7:g:IiQAAOSwFhZd0290 – with some additional comments ( and another $2K ! ). I haven’t had any luck finding the video referenced, maybe someone could post a link. Don’t want to hear about any RSBFS fans wearing a vintage helmet… 🙂
Very odd. No offers, so let’s raise the price. The seat on my LTD doesn’t have sloppy stitching. It’s very uniform. The 1100 pipe won’t fit properly, so no real value add.
Way too much info, quality not there, and the price is too high. Still 8 grand. Original driver with blemishes should fetch around 12-13 grand, while a perfect one could fetch 16-17. What do other LTD owners think?
It keeps being repeated but these did not have a aluminum tank.