GSX vs. GSX-R

Can anybody tell me the difference between the Suzuki GSX series and the GSX-R series?  

GSX is a touring series and the GSXR is a sport series...  

The GSX isn't really a "touring" model designation, it's more for models that are "sporty" but not hard-core sport like the GSX-R series. The now-discontinued (but surprisingly popular) Katana series were designated GSX models from the beginning, and there have been several other inline-four models in the past that used that designation that weren't touring models.  

what is the difference in the engine on a gsx-r and a gsx / katana ,,,,,, also i dont know why you say suprisingly popular ? i have a 02 katana , that is really stylish that i rode 200 miles the other day my legs did hurt but not near as much than if i were on a gsx-r !  

The Katanas basically use the original mid-80s era air/oil-cooled GSX-R engines with minor mods.

The reason I used the term "surprisingly popular" was because the Katana series were basically updated only once through their near 20-year lifespan in Suzuki's lineup, yet they continued to sell well. That doesn't happen very often in any motorcycle manufacturer's lineup.  

makes sense , what are the differences between the gsxr and the katana engines now ?  

Vastly different, in nearly every aspect of engine architecture. The newest generation GSX-R engines are liquid-cooled, use modern fuel injection, have much better overall design for power production, lighter, more powerful. It's basically the difference between a design from the 80s versus a completely modern design over 20 years later.  

ok ........ that tells me a lot ...... thanks for you guys info just curious what the difference was you can probably tell im new to the sport bike scene ..... what is you guys over all opinion of a katana if you dont mind me asking cause i just got mine and i really like the looks and ride of the bike but i dont know much about them !  

The Suzuki Katana series was one of the original "budget sportbikes" to come from the manufacturers. They're good bikes to start off on, with easy-to-handle powerbands and mellow handling. Their overall performance is adequate (especially the 750), but the  80s-era engine and budget chassis/suspension mean that they're heavier and slower than more modern machinery.