Yamaha R6 Vs GSXR 750

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The Yamaha R6 and the Suzuki GSX-750 have garnered immense popularity owing to their speed, power, and features. But which one is better for you?

The R6 comes with a 599cc, inline 4-cylinder that can pump out 116 HP at 14,500 rpm, while the GSXR 750 boasts a 749cc engine with a maximum power of 148 hp. The two bikes look similar in design, but in terms of features, they are quite different from each other.

Both rides are exceptional, and they're backed by a great engineering team that's always looking for new ways to improve. Nevertheless, if you are given the opportunity to choose only one, you want to know which one's better.

In this comparison of the Yamaha R6 vs GSXR 750, we look at two superb middleweight motorcycles that have dominated the racing world for years. As motorcycle enthusiasts and experienced riders, we have tested both bikes for speed, performance, power, and maneuverability to determine the prowess of each ride.

In this article...

HideShow

Yamaha R6

In the 600cc superbike class, the R6 has had a great deal of success. The bike is attractive, and it has enough power to compete with the Suzuki GSX-R600 and Honda CBR600F4i. The bike was first introduced to the world in 1999 and has subsequently been modified since then. Major updates came in the year 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2017.  

The R6 became gasoline-infused in 2003, following the trend of other superbikes, and in 2006 it was equipped with Yamaha's groundbreaking YCC-T ride-by-wire engine management technology. This technology improves engine performance and allows for higher rpm. The 2006 edition of the motorcycle could reach up to 17,500 rpm.

Yamaha again modified the motorcycle in 2017 to include a magnesium chassis, a new aluminum fuel tank, and the front three-way inverted KYB 43mm forks with rear KYB mono-shocks. All these factors together have a favorable impact on lowering friction by up to 8%. The R6 now has stability control, riding modes, and ABS braking, which are all exceptional technological advancements. The R6 is available in matte/white silver, Yamaha blue, and matte grey colors.

GSXR 750

It was regarded as the first contemporary superbike in the world. The Suzuki Advanced Cooling System (SACS) was a high-pressure oil chiller system that was cutting-edge at the time.  The four-cylinder engine produced 106 HP and reached a top speed of 146 mph. The aluminum frame helped reduce the weight to 179 kg, which was significantly less than the competitors.

By today's standards, the complete fairing looks boxy, but it offers far better streamlining than comparable early-80s models. It's no surprise that when the first 750 was produced, it gained an edge over other manufacturers, and everyone else followed suit with their sportbikes.

The GSXR 750 has a 749cc engine that produces 148 horsepower at 12,800 rpm and 86.3 Nm at 11,200 rpm. The four-stroke crosswise four-cylinder DOHC engine features four valves for every cylinder.

The bike has a huge trapezoidal-shaped condenser to enhance airflow. The GSXR-750 sports a revised cylinder head with narrower valves, which has resulted in a more condensed combustion chamber.

The light titanium valves on the Suzuki GSXR 750 are not only strong but also extremely efficient. Small hollow camshafts are used to control this. The bike is equipped with an SDTV throttle valve for maximum performance. Each cylinder boasts two multi-hole injectors.

The GSXR 750's chassis is made of aluminum alloy castings, which make the bike incredibly light while yet maintaining maximum stiffness. The Showa 41mm inversion forks on the GSXR-750 are completely variable for spring preload and come standard with the bike. They also assist compression and rebounding damping.

The hind shock absorber is a Showa shock absorber with a 46mm piston. The braking system on the GSXR 750 has been considerably upgraded over the previous model, with 310mm brake discs and radial-mount calipers. The rear brake caliper weighs 100 grams less than the front brake calipers. LCD speedometer, analog tachometer, gear position display, and dual trip meters are standard in the GSXR 750

Comparison of the Yamaha R6 and GSXR 750

The key differences between the R6 and the GSXR 750 have been discussed in detail below. Though both bikes are exceptional in their own ways, as discussed above, there are still some domains where one surpasses the other in engine capacity, design, and suspension.

Engine Strength

The R6's low engine capacity may make you question its capability, but at over 12,000 rpm, you get to realize the true potential of this ride. In fact, at higher rpms, it comes close to the maximum horsepower offered by the Suzuki's 750. The R6 provides a superior ride thanks to certain clever technology that enhances the overall experience.

Because it is built for speed, the R6 isn't a strong competitor for the Suzuki GSXR 750 for speeds below 12,000 rpm. However, at higher speeds, this motorcycle will provide a thrilling ride.

In comparison to the R6, the Suzuki 750 has a cooled liquid, efficient, 749cc engine, which produces 148 horsepower. Even though the engine seems to be huge, it is designed to be extremely efficient, resulting in increased burning and combustion. The cylinder head is modified with a thinner valve area to maintain the bike at a greater compression ratio.

In a contest, the GSXR 750 will quickly reach its peak, but as the rpm rises, the R6 begins to roar and gain speed. The 750 has recently been updated to include metal alloy springs and ultralight titanium valves. Because the valves can be controlled through thin hollow camshafts, the motorcycle's friction and weight are reduced.

Design

In 2017, R6's external design received a comprehensive update. The aerodynamics are altered with the addition of a fresh aluminum-coated fuel tank, a magnesium chassis, ABS, riding modes, and stability control.

With all these upgrades, the R6 was able to cut friction by almost 8%. The R6 can be seen to have a noticeable advantage above the GSXR 750 in terms of appearance and design. It is equipped with the most up-to-date technologies in the world of motorcycling.

The chassis of the Suzuki GSXR-750 is made of alloy and aluminum castings, making it extremely light. It has a whopping 16.5-liter gasoline tank with an average consumption of 5.5 liters for 100 kilometers. Suzuki's featherweight character has been enhanced by adjusting several components. The four-stroked efficient engine is built in such a manner that the actual weight distribution is minimized. The valves on the cylinders have been changed to make them thinner.

The camshaft has been constructed of forged steel to decrease vibrations that occur during higher speeds. The gearbox and crankshaft locations have been adjusted to bring the engine closer to the chassis, resulting in cleaner and shorter openings.

When it comes to tech, the Suzuki hasn't missed a beat. Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET), Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System, Suzuki Ram Air Direct, and the Idle Speed Control (ISC), are all available. High Ram air intake supports all of these technologies by stabilizing the engine at rest speeds and enhancing cold starts.

Suspension

The R6's suspension is quite amazing, with KYB 43mm twisted forks, which may be set three ways upfront. At the back, you'll find KYB mono-shocks with four-way adjustment. Showa 41mm cartridge forks are fitted to the front of the bike. The foundation is completely adjustable, with rebound and compression damping options.

The rear suspension of the R6 features a 46mm piston with preloaded adjustments, compression dampening, and rebounding damping.

The GSXR 750 has a unique RM-Z450 back-end suspension, allowing the shocks to be in a more natural arc. Side loads are also reduced. The braking mechanism is equipped with radial-mount calipers and massive 310-millimeter braking round discs.

Bridgestone circumferential tires are mounted on cast aluminum rims. Although Suzuki GSXR 750 lacks the R6's technology, it does include an LCD-based speedometer, twin trip meters, analog tachometer, and gear shift indicator. The ride boasts a reduced seat height, a lighter and more compact fuel tank, as well as movable foot pegs to enhance your seating position.

All in all, both Yamaha R6 and GSXR 750 are amazing rides, and it's hard to choose between the two models. While the Suzuki has more capacity, the R6 is more responsive at higher revs. The R6 has a superior appearance because it borrows heavily from the R1. It also has a superior electronics package to the GSXR 750. Both analog and digital instruments are used in the latter. The Yamaha R6 is a great choice if you want a bike that commands attention. On the other hand, if acceleration and power are your main concern, then you could consider going with the GSXR 750 as it excels in these areas.