2013 brought the discontinuation of Suzuki automobiles in America on one end and on the other the company proudly announced the achievement of one million GSX-Rs produced since inception in 1985. To calm any brand concerns from the auto news, Suzuki’s Sr. Director of Motorcycle/ATV/Marine operations, Larry Vandiver reassured, “It’ll be business as usual [on the bike side].” So looking at the situation as the glass half full, this could only mean that ASMC will be focusing more intensely on its future sportbikes. 2013 didn’t bring a massive retooling of any of the Gixxer options but it did commemorate a big achievement in model production.
A welcome addition to the...
A welcome addition to the Hayabusa spec list is ABS and Brembo monobloc front binders.
For those who lost count, Suzuki has hit the 1,000,000 mark in GSX-R production and is marking the occasion with a Commemorative Edition GSX-R1000 for 2013. Special graphics, anodizing, blacked-out Brembo calipers up front, and a numbered tag are part of the package. Around 1,000 will be available in America in March with a price of $13,999. The base GSX-R1000 carries an MSRP of $13,799. The 750 and 600 will both have new colors for 2013 but no mechanical changes from last year.
For all the Big Bird fans out there, the latest Hayabusa receives new Brembo monobloc front brake calipers with a 2mm increase in the front piston diameter to help scrub speed faster after running down the strip or letting the bike breath on the freeway. The Brembos are claimed to be lighter and more rigid than the past bolt-together calipers and provide better feedback to the rider. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) have been added to the list of standard equipment too. Expect to pay $14,399 for the new ‘Busa unless the Limited Edition yellow spurs your interest for an additional $200.