Stunning SRAD: ’98 Suzuki GSX-R750 Resto / Mod

90s Supersport Stunner from Ammar Çeker x Mim Moto…  

In 1985, Suzuki revolutionized modern superbiking with the original GSX-R750, hailed as the world’s first street-legal “replica racer” — basically a racebike for the street, which sacrificed comfort and practicality for the sharp edges of outright performance.

“With a clean sheet of paper the engineers at Hamamatsu drew up a bike that could both win races and yet be legal on the streets…and they did an astounding job.” –Rider

That would remain the GSX-R ethos: to design racebikes and adapt them to the street, instead of the other way around. Fast forward to 1996, and Suzuki unleashed their new GSX-R750 SRAD onto the world, swapping out the age-old cradle frame:

“They replaced it with a chassis developed from their RGV Grand Prix machine, crammed in a fallen angel of a motor and then sculpted the shape in a wind tunnel. The Suzuki GSX-R750 is nothing less than a track thoroughbred.” –MCN

The new GSX-R incorporated technologies derived from Kevin Schwantz’s 500cc GP racer, including a brand-new alloy twin beam frame and 129-bhp engine with SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) induction, all while shaving 44 lbs from the previous model, giving the SRAD a fighting weight of 395 lbs — similar to the original ’85 model.

In 1998, the 39mm were carbs were replaced with fuel injection, which worked incredibly well, leading smoother power delivery and faster acceleration.

Enter our new friend Ammar Çeker, an Amsterdam-based digital designer who’s always wanted a 90s sportbike. As a 35th birthday present, he bought himself a low-mileage ’98 GSX-R750 SRAD, which combined the classic looks he desired with modern fuel injection. It was love at first ride:

I fell in love with how modern a 25-year-old motorcycle felt on my first ride. After buying it, I spent about six months just getting to know the bike without doing anything else. I went on the track a few times, and it felt amazing. I was absolutely certain that I’d found the right motorcycle.

So Ammar decided to restore and upgrade his Gixxer to a very high degree, enlisting the help of SRAD whisperer Vedat Balkız of Turkey’s Mim Moto. Fortunately, parts are still in good supply for these retro racers due to Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, which offers more than 10,000 parts through a network of specialist dealers:

“We launched the programme to highlight just how many new, genuine parts for older Suzukis were still available, and competitively priced. We wanted to help owners restoring bikes do it properly. So we’ve taken new photographs of every part on the programme, created parts lists, and made workshop manuals available to download to help owners carry out work.”

What’s more, the programme sponsors our friends at Team Classic Suzuki, who build and campaign machines like the GSX1100 Katana racebike (and WSBK-powered Big Kat) we previously featured, racing them at various classic events.

Race Kat: Suzuki GSX1100 Katana Race Bike

 

The restoration of Ammar’s SRAD 750 was done at Mim Moto’s shop in Istanbul. The engine was completely rebuilt, the brakes upgraded with Brembo units, the headlights removed and fairings modified, and they settled on a Porsche 935 design that bears a striking resemblance to the Suzuki racing colors:

“I was inspired by the design of the Porsche 935 Moby Dick JDavid, which I admired. We adapted the color palette and lines to the motorcycle body.”

Ammar says the bike feels incredibly modern for a 25-year-old bike, as if you’ve taken a time machine back to 1998 and ridden the bike straight off the showroom floor.

“Apart from that, its design and workmanship attract a lot of attention. I hope one day I can make a place for him in my office and he will always be in sight.”

Below, we talk to Ammar for the full story on this stunning SRAD 750.

SRAD 750 Resto / Mod: Builder Interview

Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

My name is Ammar, and I’m a digital designer based in Amsterdam. Motorcycles have been a part of my daily life for approximately 10 years. Moreover, I find motorcycle designs incredibly aesthetic, which makes them vehicles that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

I bought this motorcycle for my birthday last year; I always wanted to have a 90s supersport motorcycle. At first, I did not have such long-term plans. But as I rode it, I started to fall in love. My other motorcycles have started to feel less exciting.

I contacted Mim Moto in Istanbul via social media. He has the same motorcycle and knows where even the smallest bolt is. I had the motorcycle shipped to Istanbul and all the restoration was done there. I was very satisfied both in terms of workmanship and budget.

• Why was the bike built?

Everything started about 1.5 years ago. I always wanted to have a 90s race bike, the kind I’ve dreamed of: classic headlight structure, iron bars holding the headlight fairing, and a large bulky tail. After thorough research, I decided to get the 1998 Suzuki GSX-R750, which has both the classic look and modern fuel injection.

After a few months of searching, I found a motorcycle with only 21,000 km on it for my 35th birthday. I fell in love with how modern a 25-year-old motorcycle felt on my first ride. After buying it, I spent about six months just getting to know the bike without doing anything else. I went on the track a few times, and it felt amazing. I was absolutely certain that I’d found the right motorcycle.

First, I started collecting parts. It’s a known fact that Suzuki’s brakes are not good on this model. I learned that the front brake calipers can be replaced with Brembos using an adapter. Also, I couldn’t imagine a Suzuki without a Yoshimura exhaust, so I found that and slowly acquired all the other parts.

Throughout the bike’s restoration, I was in constant contact with Mim Motor. I had complete trust in him because he also owned a 1996 SRAD. He knew every single bolt very well.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

I was inspired by the design of the Porsche 935 Mobydick JDavid, which I admired. We adapted the color palette and lines to the motorcycle body. After months of trials, we settled on this design. The hornet design on the tail, the white front look, removing the stock headlights…and more.

After the mechanical upgrades were completed, the bike’s construction took about two months. After all the processes were finished, extensive mechanical tests were conducted for a long period.

• What upgrades were done to the bike?

The engine of the motorcycle was completely restored by separating all its parts one by one. Apart from that, the brake calipers were replaced with Brembo calipers. The headlight was removed from the motorcycle and the head fairing was modified. Ultimately, the entire motorcycle received a fresh coat of paint.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

To be honest, the idea of coming up with a nickname had never crossed my mind. However, I’ve been using ‘Revv’ consistently on the bike’s website and social media accounts right from the start, so we can stick with that: @revvmotorcycle.

• Can you tell us what the finished bike is like to ride?

If you ever get a chance to ride this bike, the first thing you will feel is that it feels incredibly modern. It is very surprising to get such clear reactions from a 25-year-old motorcycle. It’s as if there is a time machine and it feels like you took it from the dealer in 1998 and rode it.

Apart from that, its design and workmanship attract a lot of attention. I hope one day I can make a place for him in my office and he will always be in sight.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I would like to express my gratitude to Mim Moto for their invaluable contributions, Musa Balkiz for his design assistance, Mehmet Kocaman, Kerem Albayrak and Gurbuz Asil for the photography. Thank you all for your dedication and assistance in making this project a success. Your contributions have been instrumental, and I am truly grateful for your help.

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