Big Gixxer

In 1985, suzuki changed the face of the street bike world with the introduction of the GSX-R750. This racing-inspired street bike featured numerous unique racing features such as an aluminium alloy frame, air-and-oil cooled engine with flat slide carbs and twin discs with 4-pot callipers.

gsxr1100 fb base

A year later, suzuki introduced its bigger sibling, the GSX-R1100. With more power from its larger 1052cc engine but like the 750 it had a lightweight aluminium box frame full fairing, Full-floater rear swing and a four-cylinder four-stroke engine. The new Big Gixxer had a claimed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) and produced 125bhp. Together with its low weight short wheelbase and proven chassis it was the weapon of choice for fast riders in the 80s.

The first version of the bike was updated several times. In 1989, suzuki added an 1100cc engine to the frame of its previous year's GSX-R750 model and called it the K1. However, at the time many magazines advised buyers to avoid this "K" model because its questionable handling.

Luckily, in 1990 the bike was again tweaked, and its wheelbase lengthened to correct handling issues. In 1991 larger carburettors were added and a new faring improved the aerodynamics by placing headlights under a smooth plastic cover. 1992 saw aggressive graphics in line with the time and it was also the last year for oil cooled engines.

The model changed dramatically in 1993. The new engine was water cooled, which allowed an increase of power, bringing the total output to 155 hp. The bike's weight increased slightly as well, finally topping the 500-pound mark that suzuki had been flirting with for years, but the overall look of the bike remained essentially the same as previous models.

The GSX-R1100 had its heyday in the mid 1990s, but as competition spurred development of lighter and faster sport bikes, it became more and more outdated. In 1998, suzuki stopped producing the GSX-R1100 and, after three years without a big bore sport bike, they would release the GSX-R1000 in 2001.

Even though tens of thousands of GSX-R1100s were produced and sold all over the world, original examples in good condition have become something of a rarity. Many bikes were ridden hard and crashed, making them popular starting points for street fighters and customs.

CMS has the largest inventory of vintage Japanese OEM spare parts in the world, helping GSX-R owners across the globe to keep their iconic machines running like clockwork. Curious about what we have to offer for your motorcycle? Make sure to visit our website www.cmsnl.com and prepare to be amazed!