2011 Middleweight Sportbike Shootout - Street [Video]

Ducati 848 EVO vs. Suzuki GSX-R750 vs. Triumph Daytona 675R

By Pete Brissette, Jun. 16, 2011, Photography by Joe Bonnello, Video Michael Nardi

Page 5

Conclusion

Is it possible that Suzuki knew at the time it was penning the 2011 GSX-R750 (and 600) that it may have caused the venerated 750 phoenix to rise from the ashes of sportbike obscurity? The gearhead Suzuki engineers were likely just interested in making the best GSX-R750 they could craft. But the bean counters at the company surely must’ve known what they were up to when they put the 750’s price tag within spitting distance of the MSRP of a 600.

The 848 EVO seems to have lost some ground in this crowd, largely due to its less-compromising-for-the-street race bike-biased design. Taken on its own, though, each of us would gladly park this dark demon in our garage.

The Daytona 675R makes a helluva case for itself with its premium suspension and brakes, as well as a quick shifter, while matching the GSX-R’s $11,999. And most of us think the Triumph is easily the best looker.

2011 Middleweight Sportbike Shootout - Street

However, the Suzuki’s expansive spread of power, handling performance that’s within 90% of the Triumph’s, virtually identical brake package and overall most welcoming ergonomics (Kevin said the GSX-R is the bike he’d use on a ride to Las Vegas) make the GSX-R750 the best value of the three bikes here. Additionally, the aftermarket offers mountains of treats for GSX-Rs.

From commuting to weekend warrioring to most potential for light-duty sport-touring to trackday weapon, the 2011 GSX-R750 is the total package.

Comparing Three Adventure Tourers
	Ducati 848 EVO	Suzuki GSX-R750	Triumph Daytona 675R
Engine Type	L-Twin	Inline-Four	Inline-Triple
Displacement	849cc	750cc	675cc
Bore & Stroke	94mm x 61.2mm	70mm x 48.7mm	74mm x 52.3mm
Compression	13.2:1	12.5:1	NA
HP (BHP or Rear Wheel)	Claimed 140 - Tested rwhp 119.2	Claimed 148 - Tested 120.3	Claimed 124 - Tested 111.2
Torque	Claimed 72 - Tested 61.9 ft-lbs	Tested 52.4 ft-lbs	Claimed 53 - Tested 48.5 ft-lbs
Frame	Tubular steel trellis w/aluminum single-sided swingarm	Aluminum Twin Spar w/aluminum swingarm	Aluminum Twin Spar; aluminum swingarm w/adjustable pivot point
Wheelbase	56.3 in	54.7 in	54.9 in
Rake/Trail	24.5°/3.8 in	23.8°/3.8 in	23.9°/3.8 in
Front Suspension	Inverted fully adjustable 43mm Showa	Fully adjustable 41mm Showa BPF	Fully adjustable inverted 43mm Ohlins NIX30
Rear Suspension	Fully adjustable Showa shock with progressive linkage	Fully adjustale Showa link-type shock	Fully adjustble Ohlins TTX36 twin tube shock w/piggy back reservoir
Tires	120/70 x 17 Front - 180/55 x 17 Rear	120/70 x 17 Front - 180/55 x 17 Rear	120/70 x 17 Front - 180/55 x 17 Rear
Front Brakes	Dual radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers; 320mm semi-floating rotors	Radial mount Brembo monoblock calipers; 310mm floating rotors	Radial mount Brembo monoblock calipers; 308mm floating rotors
Rear Brakes	245mm disc, 2-piston calliper	220mm disc, single-piston caliper	220mm disc, single-piston caliper
Weight	370 lbs dry	419 lbs curb	407 lbs curb
Seat Height	32.6 in	31.9 in	32.7 in
MSRP	$12,995	$11,999	$11,999