SUZUKI GSX-R1000
Untouchably fast since its introduction seven years ago, the GSX-R1000 is good at most things, but most notably it excels at accelerating. Despite the fact that its immediate family member, the Hayabusa, might actually be quicker in a straight line, it's been the GSX-R1000 that has truly spooked and intrigued us for years.
The R1 might have ushered in a new era of superbikes, but it was the GSX-R1000 that flipped us on our ears (sometimes literally) and showed what an actual "racebike with lights" was all about. Its immense power and light weight offered a truly adrenaline-packed riding experience, but surprisingly it's feeling a bit long in the tooth amongst its counterparts from Kawasaki and Honda.
The brakes feel downright flat and weak, while the power delivery also seems to take ages to spark to life. It'll be a tough pill to swallow for many Gixxer enthusiasts, because no longer is the GSX-R1000 the King of the Street. Hell, it's not even the Queen.
It would take some serious mods to bring the GSX-R on pace with the Kawi and Honda-probably a full exhaust system, fuel management and definitely brake upgrades.
It's still one serious ride and two of our test riders' top choice, but with familiarities aside and seat-of-the-pants performance impressions making the sale, the Gixxer has some work to do for next year.
 ZAMORA: "If all the bikes...  ZAMORA: "If all the bikes were men's magazines, the GSX-R1000 would be Playboy. Its styling is definitely aging compared to the newer bikes, but it still remains a class act. Like a high-priced call girl, the GSX-R always guarantees a great ride on a hot piece." |  TEACH: "It's easy to ride,...  TEACH:"It's easy to ride, inspires confidence and does everything well, just not superbly." |  SEXTON: "This bike feels...  SEXTON:
"This bike feels like home. It's easy to ride, easy to forgive and loaded with power when you need it. The one shortcoming is the brakes, but it's nothing a set of steel braided lines and rotors wouldn't cure." |
 FMF'S SLIP-ON COMES IN SINGLE...  FMF'S SLIP-ON COMES IN SINGLE OR DUAL APPLICATIONS. THE DUAL WILL SOUND DEEPER, BUT WE FIGURED ONE WAS ENOUGH. IT LOOKS IMPECCABLE AND SOUNDS MEAN AND AGGRESSIVE. |  WINDSCREEN OUR STOCK WINDSCREEN...  WINDSCREEN
OUR STOCK WINDSCREEN IS INTACT BECAUSE THE AFTERMARKET UNIT WE ORDERED STILL HASN'T SHOWN UP. THE HOTBODIES RACING MIRROR BLOCK-OFF/TURN SIGNALS WERE A GOOD IDEA, BUT WE FORGOT HOW ANNOYING IT IS TO NOT HAVE MIRRORS SOMETIMES. |  SUZUKI'S AFTERMARKET PARTS...  SUZUKI'S AFTERMARKET PARTS AND ACCESSORIES DEPARTMENT GOT THE NOD ON THIS PART. THE GSX-R HAS A COOL TAILSECTION AND WE DIDN'T WANT IT CLUTTERED WITH AN OBTRUSIVE LICENSE PLATE HANGER. |
BUYER'S BOX
MSRP: $11,499
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, 998cc
SUSPENSION:
Front: 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable
Rear: Monoshock, fully adjustable
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 55.7 in
Weight: 379 lbs
Tank capacity: 4.6 gal
CONTACT: www.suzukicycles.com
PARTS:
MIRROR BLOCK-OFF/INDICATORS: www.hotbodiesracing.com, $39.95
EXHAUST: www.fmfracing.com, $549.99
FENDER ELIMINATOR: www.suzukicycles.com, $57.95
A hard day's work deserves...
A hard day's work deserves a reward...
Conclusion:
Suzuki's GSX-R1000 has sat on top of the hill and easily shrugged off the attacks from the other Big Three since its introduction. Meanwhile, the once unbeatable CBR floundered about trying to reclaim what was once so easily owned.
The tables have completely turned in 2008 and the CBR1000RR is now back in the hot seat. Though its questionable styling will certainly turn some potential owners away, it would only take one quick ride to reel them back in.
The two-piece suit didn't...
The two-piece suit didn't go over as well as Teach had hoped.
Kawasaki's ZX-10 also has an Ugly Duckling complex and feels just slightly too rough around the edges to give Honda a fright. The R1 is due for an overhaul, and it's definitely ready. Despite our extra assistance with aftermarket mods (gearing), it still came up flat. The GSX-R didn't get as much aftermarket help because it's been so strong in the past, but it still could've used some more assistance to hang with the Honda and Kawi.Where does that leave you? Try to get a serious deal on the R1 or the GSX-R that'll leave some money left over for modifications and you'll have a stonking superbike. As for the CBR and ZX-10-we just showed you all you'll need! For now, anyway.