Intermot show: Suzuki GSX-S750

More power and a significant styling makeover has turned the once awkward GSR750 into a serious middleweight nakedbike contender. Unveiled alongside a bevy of updated Suzuki models at the Intermot Show in Cologne overnight, the inline four-cylinder DOHC 749cc nakedbike is boasting quite a bit more than a new name.

Engine tweaks have resulted in an extra 8hp (6kW) from the 2005 GSX-R750 donor engine and, while new bikes everywhere are gaining heftier exhaust systems to cope with tightening emission laws, the 2017 nakedbike’s exhaust is actually lighter than the outgoing GSR’s, thanks to the addition of the GSX-S1000’s catalytic converter to do the heavy lifting. Revised injectors also mean a more efficient combustion, too.

There’s a switchable traction control system joining the ABS actuated brakes which have been uprated over the outgoing model and the KYB suspension is a preload-adjustable affair only at both ends.

Joining the newly named nakedbike in the Intermot spotlight was the firm’s V-Strom range. The 1000cc version has taken the lead of the 650 and will be made available in either a standard (road biased) variant or an XT (off-road biased) version. Both models will benefit from the addition of linked brakes and cornering ABS as well as a revised three-way adjustable windscreen.

Bigger news came for the 649cc V-twin V-Strom 650 with a heavily updated engine which Suzuki says was 60 new engine parts. All to do with Euro 4 compliance, which the engine now is, it also boasts a dual spark cylinder head and an all-new exhaust system.

It’ gains the three-way traction control system of its 1000cc counterpart, as well as the luggage system, instrument panel and headlight. The chassis remains unchanged, but it the overall bike is 10mm narrower and slimmer in the waist thanks to the revised bodywork.

The firm’s all-new entry-level sportsbike also broke cover in Germany overnight, too, a bike that will hit Australian dealerships towards the end of next year. Powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled fuel injected engine, it boasts a keyless ignition, stacked LED headlights, an LCD dash and a seat height of 785mm.