The new 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 is still easy to live with on weekdays, a big part of why it's so attractive. Less radical than a 600, its 750cc four-cylinder engine delivers quicker sprints at low and medium revs while proving much more rider-friendly on the road.

This super-flexible powerplant wakes up early and works like a beast at higher revs. You can immediately feel its strong desire to launch you forward with more thrust than any 600 on the planet. Also, less shifting is required to get the most out of it.


Stable as always, but more nimble
With the latest improvements, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 feels lighter and therefore proves better at braking and changing directions, although not as much as the smaller 600 (which is built on the same frame). That's a great thing on the road, where the GSX-R750 shows more stability and is less affected by strong winds than most 600cc superbikes.

This generation also stands out with a sharper chassis and a nose that inspires more confidence when attacking corners. Few top-notch sportbikes offer such a comfortable seat and riding position, not to mention decent wind protection. And that goes for the passenger as well -- not too high and exposed. On the flip side, the intake system makes too much noise whenever you open up the throttle.

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750's highly adjustable suspension provides just enough smoothness on our good old Canadian roads. Suzuki engineers always keep daily riding dynamics in mind and show it with the GSX-R750, which stands head and shoulders above its rivals in terms of comfort and ergonomics.

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 feels lighter and therefore proves better at braking and changing directions, although not as much as the smaller 600.

Versatile sportbike
A more powerful clone of the GSX-R600, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 costs a few hundreds of dollars more. That price differential doesn't justify the extremely Spartan fairing and instrument panel. Anyhow, the 750 remains one of the most effective Suzukis for track days and certainly the friendliest on the road.

The shorter wheelbase and reduced weight make it more agile for sure, and the team of engineers must be commended for their technical achievements. More versatile than its smaller sibling, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 once again dominates the Japanese manufacturer's sportbike lineup on the road.

While the more athletic, lower-inertia GSX-R600 still makes more sense on tight tracks and race day, the GSX-R750 is the way to go in every other situation.

Pros
More torque, power and stability than any 600
Great versatility (road and track)
Powerful, easy-to-modulate brakes

Cons
Significant inertia
More nimble, but not as much as the best 600s
Excessive intake noise