Both the Yamaha R1 and the Suzuki GSXR 750 are open-class sportbikes and both with relatively long histories in the world of sportbikes.
The Yamaha R1 first arrived on the scenes back in 1998, and the Suzuki GSXR a bit further back in 1985.
This article compares Yamaha R1 Vs. Suzuki GSXR 750…
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Is Yamaha R1 Worth The Extra Cost?
To those who are seeking a great deal more horsepower and performance capability, then the additional cost of the R1 is absolutely worth it.
The R1 has a more powerful 999cc engine, as well as a good amount of extra horsepower and torque – 191hp and 76.2lb-ft when compared to the GSXR 750, which only manages 148hp and 64lb-ft of torque.
If, on the other hand, you’re not interested in the additional power, bigger engine, and sporty handling, then it’s a lot more to pay for those differences.
Many see the R1 as an overpriced bike compared to many others.
One thing to be said for the GSXR 750 is that despite the fact its engine is only three quarters the displacement of the Yamaha R1, it isn’t a mere three quarters of the total power and torque, which makes the GSXR great value.
What Is The Best Buy?
For these two bikes, the one that is the best buy will depend largely on what features the riders prioritize as being the most important overall.
For power, speed, and more advanced features, then the Yamaha R1 is definitely the best buy.
If what you need is agility, a lighter frame, fewer ccs in the engine, and something a bit more energy and fuel-efficient, then the GSXR 750 presents itself as the better buy.
In fairness, both of these bikes offer terrific performance metrics.
They have good acceleration, pleasing speeds and are both well designed and of a high order of quality.
Side by side, however, the R1 is more the “performance” bike.
Which One Lasts Longer?
Given the proclivity of both of these models to be used at the racetrack and in other racing scenarios, it’s hard to say for sure which model will last the longest.
Both bikes, if well looked after, could serve a rider for up to 100,000 miles.
The 191hp of the R1, however, seems to tempt more riders to use it for track days and racing.
Statistically, this increases the risk of it being totaled by 25,000-30,000 miles.
In terms of the build quality and components in each bike, there’s no reason that both bikes shouldn’t have long on-road lives with the right riders.
Which One Holds The Value Better?
Without a doubt, the GSXR 750 will hold its value better than the Yamaha R1.
The first reason for this is the lower MSRP. The 2020 GSXR 750 is $12,499, compared to $17,399 for the 2020 Yamaha R1.
A higher starting price just gives more room for the R1’s value to fall within the first year, especially as many buyers see the brand-new bike price as being overinflated in the first place.
Another reason for the GSXR 750 retaining somewhat more value is that while both are racing bikes, the Suzuki’s smaller engine and slightly lower performance rating means it can’t be put through as much strain and wear as the Yamaha R1.
The Yamaha R1 does have some great features, though, such as its unique styling, advanced electronics, keen brakes, and high-quality suspension.
It also has a greater air of refinement than the GSXR 750.
These can be a plus when the time comes for resale.
Buying Parts: Which One Is Cheaper?
For both of these bikes, riders should expect to pay very high prices for OEM parts.
Regardless of the model year, OEM parts are costly and it is often a source of ire among both Suzuki and Yamaha fans.
For example, a cylinder head assembly on a 2016 Yamaha R1 will cost at least $1200 plus additional costs for extra smaller parts needed to replace it.
If you were to add professional labor to that, it would spiral even more out of control.
For a 2020 Suzuki GSXR 750, the same component would cost $1800.
There is a difference in the model year, but the example shows the general rule that these motorcycle parts are extremely expensive.
Fortunately, riders do have the aftermarket options.
Because the Yamaha R1 and Suzuki GSXR 750 have new models in 2021 with no sign of stopping, parts are in great supply and riders can find cheaper options for both bikes.
Which One is Faster?
You might expect the 999cc engine of the Yamaha R1 would help it to be quite a bit faster than the GSXR 750.
The truth would surprise you.
The Yamaha R1 boasts 191hp and has a top speed of 186mph in its latest form.
The GSXR only manages 148hp, and yet has an estimated top speed of 189mph.
This, for many riders, is evidence that the R1 is a somewhat overpriced bike for its actual performance.
It does have better acceleration, horsepower, and torque, but ultimately, in the speed game, the smaller 750cc Suzuki can catch up.
Are Both Models Still Being Made?
Interestingly, both of these models are still in production even though it was believed that the Suzuki GSXR 750 was to cease production in 2020.
Suzuki’s own website shows quite clearly that there is a 2021 model available for the GSXR 750 with similar specifications to the 2021 model.
The Yamaha R1 is still in full production.
Yamaha sold more than 4 million bikes in total, including the R1, around the world in 2020.
Those figures are down on previous years, but the R1 continues to be popular despite some viewing the price as high.
What Are The Biggest Differences In Those Two Models?
The first, starkest difference between the two bikes is in their engine displacement.
The R1 is a 999cc bike, whereas the GSXR 750 is, as the name suggests, a 750cc engine.
The engine size creates another difference in power and torque.
The R1 outmatches the GSXR 750 in both metrics, boasting up to 191hp and 76.2lb-ft of torque.
The GSXR 750 only manages 148hp and 64lb-ft of torque.
Both bikes are sports bikes, and both have similar top speeds, but the Yamaha R1 is seen as the more “senior” in the sporting field thanks to its stronger acceleration that is useful for bursts of speed on the track.
The Yamaha R1 is also quite a lot heavier than the GSXR 750.
It weighs in at 448lbs in total or 203kg.
The Suzuki is much lighter thanks mostly to its lightweight frame, weighing in at a more svelte 359lbs or 163kg.
Riders interested in more elaborate engineering and electronics features will also find the Yamaha R1 more pleasing.
From 2020, its new intake system, refined rocker-arm valvetrain, titanium exhaust, and cutting-edge CP4 engine have impressed in particular.
The GSXR 750 is of somewhat simpler construction, though that isn’t to say it doesn’t have advanced features of its own.
Yamaha has certainly gone further, however, in its application of new technology.
It is a “younger” bike, too.
What Do The Reviews Say?
For the Yamaha R1, the prevailing positive reviews praise the level of engineering and technology in the bike.
While older model R1 bikes were criticized for their weak braking capabilities, the newer models in 2020 have shown great improvement in this area, but still lacking compared to some major competitors.
The GSXR 750 is first praised for its great-value price point, even for the newest models.
It makes a great sportbike for enthusiasts who are on more of a budget and can’t afford Yamaha’s more inflated prices.
Other plus points for the GSXR 750 include its low seat height, pleasing rider ergonomics, and the ability of the rider to easily adjust the footpegs.
It is also praised, of course, for its relative speed compared to engine size.
It is able to keep up with the 999cc Yamaha R1 despite being 250cc smaller in engine size.
The main criticisms of the GXSR 750 come in its agility not being quite as good as people expect.
With its speed, lightness, and nimble frame, it is expected that it would beat out many on agility, but some find it rather lacking.
Which One Is Better In Motorsport?
Normally, when comparing a 999cc and a 750cc bike, you’d fully expect the answer to be the larger engine bike.
The Yamaha R1, on paper at least, is the superior bike for motorsport.
Indeed, in terms of superbike racing, riders would choose it over the GSXR 750.
It is perhaps unfair to compare them so directly, however.
The Yamaha R1 is good for the “superbike” category of motorsport.
The GSXR 750 is also built for sport, but perhaps in a lesser league than the R1.
The GSXR 750 would certainly give the R1 a run for its money with its surprising engine power.
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