Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.


2004 GSX-R750

Suzuki introduced the 2004 GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 models during its annual dealer meetings Friday at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.


2004 GSX-R600

The 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600’s new engine has a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 42.5mm and a higher compression ratio, 12.5:1 versus 12.2:1. Weight has been taken off of nearly every part inside the engine including the new forged pistons, the crankshaft, the connecting rods and hollow camshafts with larger inside diameter. The biggest news inside the engine is the addition of lighter titanium valves, which are now set at a steeper included angle, 22 versus 28 degrees, with a straighter intake port. The lighter valves allow the use of lighter springs and the reduced spring pressure allows higher rpm.

Improvements to the fuel-injection system include lighter and narrower dual, double-barrel 38mm throttle bodies, which have one improved injector per cylinder. A smaller, lighter and more powerful Engine Control Module (ECM) has been added.

The GSX-R600’s aluminum alloy twin-spar frame is all-new and is 15mm narrower than the old frame at its widest point. The new fuel tank is 15mm shorter and 20mm narrower at the rider’s knees. The swingarm is now braced and the conventional forks used previously have been replaced with Showa 43mm inverted units. Wheelbase is 54.7 inches (1390mm), rake measures 24.0 degrees with trail at 3.66 inches (93mm).

The front brakes have been upgraded to radial-mounted, four-piston Tokico calipers with smaller rotors (300mm versus 320mm) and a new Nissin radial-piston master cylinder.

Claimed dry weight is 354.9 pounds. MSRP is $7999.

Suzuki engineers say they developed the GSX-R600 first, then built the GSX-R750 next to produce a bike the size of a 600cc machine with the power of a 1000cc machine.

The 2004 GSX-R750 gets the same frame, swingarm, forks, brakes, wheels and geometry as the GSX-R600 but with a slightly longer wheelbase than the 600, 55.0 inches (1395mm) versus 54.7 inches. The 750 comes with many improvements in the engine department including new pistons, more compression, titanium valves, lighter camshafts and a smaller, yet more powerful ECM. The 750 also gets a new, narrower set of single-injector, 42mm throttle bodies to fit inside of the narrower frame and smaller fuel tank. A curved and trapezoidal-shaped radiator is unique to the newest 750cc machine.

Claimed dry weight is 359.3 pounds. MSRP is $9499.


2004 DL650


2004 GS500