SUZUKI has introduced an Anniversary Edition GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 to celebrate the 20th year of its race-bred flagship sports bike. In recognition of this significant birthday, the very first Anniversary model sold in the UK was presented to its proud new owner - Mark Robinson of Preston, Lancs - at Silverstone last weekend by Suzuki GB's newly-appointed Sales and marketing Director, Nick Palmer and leading contenders in this year's World Superbike Championship, Australian Troy Corser and Japanese team-mate Yukio Kagayama.

Making subtle and stylish reference to the history of the model range, the new bikes boast retro-style paintwork and graphics; from horizontal lines to blue seat-cover and a timeless colour-scheme which complements the sharp, modern bodywork.

Special features unique to the Anniversary models include vortically grooved brake discs, blue chain and black limited edition end cam with embossed anniversary logo. Each machine is sold complete with a limited edition key and limited edition serial number engraved on the yoke. Suzuki launched the original GSX-R750 in 1985 and set new standards for road-going sports bikes. For the first time in motorcycling history, the public could buy a big-bore machine that offered genuine sports performance and race-bred technology.

There have been 17 subsequent model updates since those early days along with endless year-on-year improvements to the GSX-R family, which has grown to include 600cc, 750cc and 1000cc versions, each sharing innovative design and technology values plus a reputation for living in the fast lane. The first-ever GSX-R750 was unveiled at the Cologne Show in 1984. Here was a bike that looked like it had been wheeled straight out of a pit lane garage but was actually a high-volume production machine. It had four cylinders, air and oil cooking and a racing heritage to be proud of.