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1980s Suzuki GSX-R750 (Slabside) Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Suzuki GSX-R750 Slabside, launched in 1985, revolutionised sportsbike design with its lightweight alloy frame, full-fairing, oil-cooled engine, and aggressive race-replica stance. UK imports were popular both officially and as grey imports, with early 1985–1987 models retaining the original flat-sided fairing panels and later 1988–1989 versions adopting revised frames and bodywork. Original, unmodified examples are now highly sought after in the UK collector market.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and model year)

Condition	1985–1987 (Early Slabside)	1988–1989 (Late Slabside)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-running or incomplete; may need full mechanical rebuild, fairing repairs, and sourcing of OEM parts.	£4,000 – £5,500	£3,500 – £5,000	eBay UK completed listings; H&H Classics – project lots
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and complete; some age-related wear, minor non-standard parts but generally usable and presentable.	£7,000 – £10,000	£6,000 – £8,500	Car & Classic – sold GSX-R750 listings; Bonhams – Stafford auction
Restored / Excellent High-quality restoration or very original survivor; correct bodywork, paint, and parts; matching numbers with history.	£11,000 – £15,000	£9,000 – £12,000	Iconic Auctioneers – sale archives; The Saleroom – multi-house results

Notes: Early 1985 “blue/white” and “red/black” models in original trim command the highest values. Modified bikes with aftermarket exhausts, non-OEM paint, or missing fairings typically trade below midpoint. Imported bikes with km clocks sell slightly below UK-supplied equivalents unless converted and documented.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality: OEM fairings, paint schemes, exhaust, and indicators are key to top values.
• Mileage: Low-mileage survivors with documented history command premiums.
• Model Year: Early 1985–1987 versions are generally worth more than later 1988–1989 Slabsides.
• Condition: Restored or unmolested survivors far exceed the value of modified or worn examples.
• Provenance: UK-supplied bikes with history are most desirable.

Conclusion

In the UK market, the Suzuki GSX-R750 Slabside from the 1980s commands strong collector interest. Early 1985–1987 bikes in excellent condition can achieve £11,000–£15,000, with usable examples selling for £7,000–£10,000 and projects from £4,000–£5,500. Later 1988–1989 models are slightly lower, topping out around £12,000 for pristine examples. Originality, provenance, and model year have the largest impact on price.

Sources (non-link references): eBay UK completed sales; H&H Classics; Bonhams Stafford; Car & Classic; Iconic Auctioneers; The Saleroom.

All Valuations