The original superbike replica-- the 2008 Suzuki GSX-R750.

One of the most noticeable changes is the replacement of the ultra-trick MotoGP-inspired shorty silencer by a larger triangular-cross-section muffler which proved necessary in order to meet increasing government sound and emission regulations.

With the addition of this year's Gixxer 750, the entire GSX-R sport lineup sports the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS).

All that new technology only costs you $400 extra this year. MSRP now rings in at $10,599.

Exiles from the supersport and superbike classes, the Ducati 848 and Suzuki GSX-R750 represent two different middleweight takes on the high-performance sportbike.

Both bikes feature a wide range of suspension adjustability, the Suzuki takes it one step further by introducing both high- and low-speed compression dampening on both the fork and shock. This allows the rider to tune the suspension even more precisely.

Kenny demonstrates the Gixxer 750's cornering prowess.

foot controls can be moved up and down or forward and aft in a 14mm range, allowing the rider to customize the riding position.

On the racetrack the Suzuki's gearing felt tall, but thankfully, the Gixxer's versatile engine is up for the challenge.

Complementing the Suzuki's solid chassis is a ripping engine that feels like the perfect balance between the slightly anemic feel of a 600 and the rip-your-arms-off pull of a 1000.

A swept analog tachometer houses a gear position indicator as well as Suzuki's S-DMS setting. It's flanked by a digital LCD display that reports speed, coolant temperature, dual trip meter functions as well as an odometer and a clock. A bright, programmable shift light is located just below.

2008 Ducati 848 vs Suzuki GSX-R750 dyno chart courtesy of Mickey Cohen Motorsports.

A tall windscreen and low seat height allow the Gixxer pilot to effectively tuck in at speed.

A new reshaped headlight uses three separate side-by-side light beams. The center 55W halogen beam functions as the low beam, and is flanked on either side by a brighter 60W multi-reflector halogen high beam.

In terms of current American roadracing rules these two bikes don't directly compete against each other, although on the spec charts, streets and sales floor they do, with only $2896 separating their respective MSRP's.

The 750 rolls on redesigned cast aluminum wheels that are lighter and more rigid due in part to the offset three-spoke design in which the spoke curve matches the direction of spinning wheel.