By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Suzuki GSX-R 750 (L1) vs Ducati 848 EVO (MY2011)
Suzuki GSX-R 750 vs Ducati 848 EVO: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
Tip the Suzuki GSX-R 750 into a fast bend and it won't put a foot wrong. The Ducati 848 EVO's nose snaps toward the apex. Its front keeps reporting the grip all the way round.
So which one do you buy?
The GSX-R 750 has the edge if…
Racetrack use
Inches ahead: GSX-R 750
Between the curbs, the GSX-R 750 asks a bit less of you at speed. Most of that is more lean clearance and more feel through the bars. It's a fine margin, nothing more.
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: GSX-R 750
On running costs, the GSX-R 750 edges it. Not by enough to bank on.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: GSX-R 750
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the GSX-R 750. Thank lighter steering for that. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: GSX-R 750
For the Monday-to-Friday grind, the GSX-R 750 pulls a nose in front. The reason: a smaller footprint and lower running costs. Your own commute could easily flip it.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
The Ducati 848 EVO costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value.
What makes each one tick
GSX-R 750
There's no angry animal in the GSX-R 750, just an inline-four that answers cleanly down low and screams once you downshift for real power. Corner entry is where the steering bites, and the slightly upright stance doesn't make you hang hard off the edges to get it. Every shift clicks home cleanly.
Nils rode the GSX-R 750 in the Eifel in 2015, and in Andalusia in 2025 (NastyNils Testride).
848 EVO
Slim under you, the 848 EVO rides firm enough to pass every ripple in the pavement up through the bars. There's no hesitation once the throttle turns, because the V-twin answers instantly and its torque climbs in a steady line. The Brembos don't hold back. Its exhaust note rings out from under the seat.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The GSX-R 750 has the lower seat: 31.9 in (810 mm) vs 32.7 in (830 mm).
- The GSX-R 750 has the lower wet weight: 419 lb (190 kg) vs 430 lb (195 kg).
- The GSX-R 750 makes more peak power: 150 hp (110 kW) vs 140 hp (103 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
GSX-R 750
Strengths
- Eager, never angry
- Commits on a light push
- Gearbox that just works
- Built for long, hard laps
- Bristling, free-revving engine character
Trade-offs
- Geared a notch too tall
- Stock brakes fade when hot
- Minimal electronic aids
- Firm suspension for road riding
848 EVO
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic Italian design
- Precise, race-bred handling
- Soulful, charismatic V-twin engine
- Strong Brembo braking system
Trade-offs
- Excessive engine heat in slow riding
- Unforgiving ergonomics for street use
- Firm suspension on rough roads
- No ABS or electronic rider aids
Known problems to check before you buy
GSX-R 750
- Mirror caps falling off The plastic mirror caps are held by fragile tabs that can break, causing the cap to detach while riding. Suzuki later supplied caps with longer tabs to fix the issue.
848 EVO
- Rear brake pad friction material detachment (recall 12V-188) Recall 12V188000 On 2012 models, the rear brake pad friction material may separate from the backing plate, causing sudden loss of rear braking efficiency. Ducati issued a recall to replace pads.
- Hard starting due to low-capacity battery terminals Many owners report slow cranking and failure to start, especially when cold. Upgrading to heavier-gauge battery cables (e.g., Motolectric HICAP) often resolves this.
- Fuel tank swelling from ethanol-blended fuel The plastic fuel tank can deform and swell when exposed to ethanol, making removal difficult and potentially causing fitment issues.
- Voltage regulator / rectifier failure The stock voltage regulator is prone to overheating and failure, causing charging system problems and electrical gremlins. Upgrading to a more robust unit is a common fix.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 13-year-old GSX-R 750 with a 13-year-old 848 EVO.
- GSX-R 750
- about $9,200
- 848 EVO
- about $8,300
At 13 years old, the Suzuki GSX-R 750 sits around $9,200 while the Ducati 848 EVO lands near $8,300. That's a $900 gap in the Ducati's favor. These are estimates from the used market, not live listings.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| GSX-R 750 | 848 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 32.7 in (830 mm) |
| Wet weight | 419 lb (190 kg) | 430 lb (195 kg) |
| GSX-R 750 | 848 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 849 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | L-twin |
| Power | 150 hp (110 kW) | 140 hp (103 kW) |
| Peak power at | 13,200 rpm | 10,500 rpm |
| Torque | 64 lb-ft (87 Nm) | 72 lb-ft (98 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 11,200 rpm | 9,750 rpm |
| Top speed | 170 mph (274 km/h) | 166 mph (267 km/h) |
| GSX-R 750 | 848 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 4.1 US gal (15.5 L) |
| GSX-R 750 | 848 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 310 mm | 320 mm |
| Wheelbase | 54.7 in (1390 mm) | 56.3 in (1430 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GSX-R 750 | 848 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
