02 954 to 06 or 07 GSXR 750- Would ya?

954inMN · 06-14-2006, 12:22 AM

Currently riding an 02 954 and relatively happy but thinking of getting something else. Probably not until next year. I am currently only riding on the street but I am going to take Keith Code's #1 and #2 in August.

Due to where I live trackdays will still be few and far between but I'd like to start doing some, including 07 Grattan if it occurs. I had been thinking about trading to a GSXR 1000. I prefer the seat height and feel that it would be more comfortable than a 1KRR (which I have ridden a bit).

Then I started thinking GSXR 750. Might be a little easier to ride on the track, little power loss compared to the 954, maybe a little lighter, more flickable. Might save a buck or two on insurance (and the bike itself). I sat on one and it felt a little more cramped than the GSXR 1000 but not bad ( I am 5' 9"). I love the exhaust and the bikes look now. I was hoping that teh 07 1000 might have the same look.

I know I don't NEED liter power but it is fun and when I had a 600 I felt like it lived it's life at 7000-8000 rpm with brief redlines where my 954 is typically babied with brief excursions into high RPM. I also ride at times in high altitude where HP loss is real and the liter bikes are still plenty powerful...

Any thoughts, anybody actually ridden a recent GSXR 750?

dim_sum · 06-14-2006, 10:50 AM

The gixxer 750 is the ultimate track bike enough said...

john954rr · 06-15-2006, 2:25 PM

I did just what you are considering. In the winter of 2004 I sold my 954, and three months later bought a 2005 GSXR750. No regrets. Not sure about the 06 or 07 GSXR750, since they put out more power than my 05, but the only difference I notice is a small loss of torque at lower RPM. This means you will have to learn a bit about engine management/gear selection, but this is part of the experience and good lessons to be learned. Truth is that both bikes offer more performance than I could utilize, but learning a slightly different bike is fun, and change is good.

954inMN · 06-15-2006, 9:05 PM

I was looking at dynos on the Akropovic website (I know less than scientific dyno source but still...). I actually figured the dynos wouldn't be too much different, they have similar peaks but 4000-5000 rpm the gixxer has half the torque and horsepower. The other problem is that it seems like the 750's are harder to find and may actually cost a little more than 1K.

I have plenty of time to think I am thinking this fall at the earliest, probably next spring/summer. Should be able to see some better dynos by then.

954inMN · 06-15-2006, 9:06 PM

dim-sum and john- are you guys primarily riding on tracks or street?

john954rr · 06-15-2006, 9:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954inMN

dim-sum and john- are you guys primarily riding on tracks or street?

I am 98% track. Only street is to scuff in new tires, and that is only within 10 miles of my home. The 750 is a great compromise. Nearly the power of a 1K, and not the "noise/buzz" of a 600. A bit forgiving if you are one gear too high, but you will give something up to the 1000RR. From 10K rpm up I cannot tell the difference from my 954RR (although it's been a while since I rode the 954). The 750 handles great (I have installed Ohlins SB cartridges), but so did the 954 (I had Dan Kyle respring and revalve the forks). All in all I would say the 750 handles slightly better than the 954, but since the forks are aftermarket maby not a fair comparison. The 750 is more fun. You have to work more, but hey, that's what it's all about. Since you indicated that you will be mostly street these things may not make any difference to you, but if you are like me you will drift toward the track, and give up the street. It sucks - too dangerous, and you cannot twist the grip as you like.

Purpdust · 06-16-2006, 2:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john954rr

I am 98% track. Only street is to scuff in new tires, and that is only within 10 miles of my home. The 750 is a great compromise. Nearly the power of a 1K, and not the "noise/buzz" of a 600. A bit forgiving if you are one gear too high, but you will give something up to the 1000RR. From 10K rpm up I cannot tell the difference from my 954RR (although it's been a while since I rode the 954). The 750 handles great (I have installed Ohlins SB cartridges), but so did the 954 (I had Dan Kyle respring and revalve the forks). All in all I would say the 750 handles slightly better than the 954, but since the forks are aftermarket maby not a fair comparison. The 750 is more fun. You have to work more, but hey, that's what it's all about. Since you indicated that you will be mostly street these things may not make any difference to you, but if you are like me you will drift toward the track, and give up the street. It sucks - too dangerous, and you cannot twist the grip as you like.

John,

Who did you 750 forks for you? & have you changed the rear suspension?

john954rr · 06-16-2006, 2:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purpdust

John,

Who did you 750 forks for you? & have you changed the rear suspension?

Purpdust,

Joey, the ex Ohlins guy, who now works for Dan Kyle, installed the SB cartridges. He also made a slight modification to the cartridges to allow a bit more compression upon initial application of the brakes.

I have not yet changed/modified the shock. My feeling is that until the stock shock gets hot is works fine, and most of my track days only allow 20 minute sessions (17 minutes really, to allow for clearing of track between groups), so this has not been an issue. Nonetheless I am still thinking about putting an Ohlins shock on, and may do that this summer.

dim_sum · 06-20-2006, 11:50 PM

Currently I am ripping up the streets.... I cant wait until I get my blade ready for track.

rokitt51 · 10-28-2006, 11:49 AM

I have only been on 1 954 before, and it was alright i guess. The suspension was really bouncy and the bars seemed really high for my liking. The power never seemed to just come in. But this being said, i was used to my RC51 and i know there is a big difference. My RC's suspension was tight and the steering responsive. Yeah the RC is heavier but man dont she move. Right now i am also on a GSXR750 K6. Campared to what that 954 did, this thing is a all out beast. Took it out to the roads on thursday night, and man o man. Get on the throttle and it just pulls off until the higher RPS where it wants to stand up a little, but completely controllable. Left right left into the corners and it does it fast. All i really had to do was think about it. Too hot into the corner, bang bang bang downshifts, slipper is working well. I will always stick with the Honda because of the RC, but the 750 is nice. oh and that is coming from a 300 lbs guy. As for mods to the 750 there are none on the bike. But i have the M4 (GP), PC3, BMC, trumpets, Galfer lines f/r and wave rotors, and BSTs waiting to go on the thing.