Digging deep into our archives, we bring you this First Ride review of a legendary motorcycle: the 1995 Suzuki GSX-R1100. The GSX-R1100 became super popular in drag racing circles and for good reason – that 1074cc four-banger was m ade to zip you in a straight line quickly. If it was handling and circuit performance you were looking for, the GSX-R750 was the bike to choose. The 1100 was the sport tourer of the time even if it wasn’t supposed to be. At least we’d consider it one now thanks to its smooth, powerful engine, clip-ons above the triple, and comfortable seating position.
Let’s also take a step back and shed a tear for inflation. When it was new, you could walk out with one of these GSX-R1100s for $10,000 and have some cash left in your wallet. In 2023, a motorcycle with relatively similar performance would cost you twice as much! But instead of dwelling on the current, we’ll let you enjoy the past. Happy reminiscing.
The Big Lean: Suzuki’s 1995 GSXR1100 Drops Weight, Gains Performance
Mar. 19, 1995
When Suzuki’s GSXR model line was first introduced way back in 1986, they were quintessential sportbikes. Light and powerful with superior handling, the GSXRs were the scourge of racetracks and canyons worldwide. Since then, the years have been cruel: The GSXRs, unequaled kings of the proverbial sportbike hill in the late 1980s, grew fat and complacent at the top.
Suddenly, it’s 1994. And the GSXR lineup is pushing around a hundred or so pounds of extra pork that was nowhere to be found on the featherweight originals, and Suzuki is getting stomped in Superbike and unlimited-class racing the world over.
So Suzuki puts the GSXRs on a diet. The GSXR600 underwent the most drastic cutback – it withered away completely! The GSXR750 was run through the weight-reduction mill last year, dropping 24 pounds in the process. This year, thankfully, the GSXR1100 got put on a fast. And the results are spectacular!
If you cough up the $9549 (American dollars) suggested retail price for a 1995, you get 493 pounds of motorcycle – replete with an awe-inspiring 1074cc, four-valve-per cylinder powerplant – that is surprisingly comfortable: With bars mounted above the triple clamps, low-mounted foot pegs, and multi-adjustable suspension at both ends, this big Suzuki is surprisingly tour-worthy. Still, it’s not for the meek – although we could see going coast-to-coast on a stock GSXR1100, we’d count on taking plenty of stops to stretch and relax aching body parts.
And the GSXR1100 sacrifices nothing for this relatively sedate riding position – ground clearance is more than abundant. Expect to never drag parts on a properly set-up GSXR1100, at least not on the street.