The 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR from Japan was powered by a 749cc DOHC inline-4 producing 118hp at 11500rpm. Weighing 170.0kg (375 lbs) and with a seat height of 785mm, it was aimed at racing riders.
The 1983 Triumph T140 TSX, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 744cc of OHV twin power, delivering 50hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 188.0kg (414 lbs) with a top speed of 170km/h (106 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR | 1983 Triumph T140 TSX | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 744 cc |
| Power | 118 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 72.0 Nm | 54.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 260 km/h | 170 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 170.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 186.0 kg | 202.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX targets all-round versatility and everyday riding. On paper, the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR's 118hp trumps the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX's 50hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX for all-round versatility and everyday riding. Parts availability is difficult for the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR and moderate for the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR
Born in 1989, the 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR is a 749cc four-cylinder racing machine producing 118hp from Suzuki.
Full 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750RR Profile →About the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX
Introduced in 1983, the 1983 Triumph T140 TSX features a 744cc OHV twin engine producing 50hp, establishing itself as a notable standard motorcycle.
Full 1983 Triumph T140 TSX Profile →