The Original 1986 GSX-R1100
The Bike That Altered Superbikes forever...
by Micke Englund of www.gsxr.tk

The Suzuki GSX-R1100 appeared in 1986 and changed the sportsbike class forever.




This was arguably the most exciting bike of 1986 - the GSX-R1100. The GSX-R1100 followed the GSX-R750 but was of course both stronger and more powerful even though they have identical size. The bike weighs in at 197kg (434pounds), which was lower than all the Japanese competitors sport 750´s. The GSX-R1100 was the most extreme in the sport/racing trend and proved Suzuki´s world lead in "High Technology and High Performance".

The engine is comparable with the legendary GSX1100-engine but is 14kg (30pounds) lighter and 72mm (2.8") thinner. The GSXR engine has SACS (Suzuki Advanced Cooling System) and the TSCC (Twin Swirl Combustion chamber) four valve system. The 1100 has a new type of carburetors with flatslide throttle. The result is a higher and smoother power output with good response in high rpm´s. The GSXR1100 did have, thanks to Suzuki´s outstanding engineering talents, the markets best power/weight ratio: 1.51kg (3.3pounds)/hp. The weight distribution is ideal with 50% on each wheel.

The 12.8kg (28pounds) frame is completely constructed of aluminum profile of aircraft quality. The GSXR1100 has fantastic brakes - twin 310mm "floating" disks in front with eight individual brake-pistons. A combination of these brakes and the GSXR's low weight makes it outstanding, even today. The Suzuki GSXR1100 was the fastest motorcycle that could be bought in 1986. Even more important is that it gives the best performance in all aspects. Stability, cornering and brakes are all in a class which has to be experienced to be understood. It has been said that, "the feeling of riding a GSXR is so total that a rider can almost experience it like an extension of him or her self."

Matt Oxley, after a test at Laguna Seca, said, "I´m convinced that it´s the best sports superbike ever"
How right he was!