From The Archives

September 2015

Aesthetics

"One is apt to overestimate beauty when it is rare," wrote Mark Twain. This observation holds true in our sport more times than I'd care to admit — the Munch Mammoth of 1969 comes to mind. Obviously, I'm biased toward the Interceptors when it comes to classic sport bikes, but there's one period comparison that I've never quite understood, and that's the visual attraction of the original Suzuki GSX-R750.

Here we have an example of Suzuki's best effort in 1986, the GSX-R750 Limited Edition. The LE boasted a nearly 60% price premium over the standard model, and for that the buyer got a dry clutch and seven pound weight savings. At $6500 it was the most expensive Japanese sport bike available. I'm certain that many see a pleasing aesthetic in its pudgy body, Electrolux exhaust and garish paint, but it escapes me.

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Compare the GSX-R to the same year Honda Interceptor.

Lines, angles, shapes, color. These design elements blend into a cohesive style; lithe, light and sexy. I don't know what style Suzuki was chasing — Steampunk Endurance Racer? — but they missed the mark.

And don't get me started on engineering and build quality....

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