Suzuki GSXR 1000 - Roadtest

Performance

Handling

Comfort

Looks

Equipment

Value

Overall

Technical summary

List Price:

£9,800

Insurance:

Group 17

Engine:

998cc in-line four cylinder

Performance:

178mph top speed

Power:

170bhp

Weight:

N/A

MPG:

32mpg

Range:

124 miles

Review

Let's rewind back to 2005. Suzuki had just launched the K5 GSXR-1000 and it is rapidly becoming an iconic superbike. Grunty, lightning quick, lightweight and agile - the K5 rewrote the rulebook and for the first time took Suzuki's underdog toe-to-toe with the Yamaha R1 and Honda Fireblade.

But the K5 was always going to be a hard act to follow and arguably Suzuki has never managed to top it. The later Gixxer 1000 K7 (launched in 2007) was stunning to look at but felt heavier, more bloated and less agile than its forebear.

So, although Suzuki would never say so, perhaps this latest K9 is something of a concessionary rethink. It's the first new-from-the-ground-up GSX-R1000 since '03 and that's been getting K5 fans fired-up about the prospect of a modern version.

They might be disappointed, though. The latest GSX-R 1000 feels more like its recent relative, rather than the remake of an icon. That's not all bad. This is a screamingly fast bike, but it's not a super-agile flyweight like the K5.

There's plenty of grunt delivered low down the rev range and a ballistic surge of power as the needle swings into the red zone. To make the thumping power delivery more user-friendly, Suzuki has equipped the GSXR-1000 with its Dual Mode system which allows the rider to electronically limit horsepower delivered to the rear wheel. This can be useful if you find yourself riding in slippery conditions, or if a slightly unhinged mate hops on to have a go.

In fact, the Suzuki is friendlier than you might think in other ways too. It's one of the best-behaved superbikes we've ever ridden on the road. The chassis is surprisingly adept at absorbing bumps and ruts, giving you the confidence to unleash the Gixxer's full 160bhp much earlier than you might on something more fidgety.

Extra equipment includes three-way adjustable foot pegs to help tall or short riders find a comfortable(ish) riding position. There's also fully adjustable suspension for track day fans - a system that includes Showa's Big Piston forks, which offer a more feel from the front end particularly under heavy braking.

It's also worth considering Suzuki's excellent reputation for reliability, particularly when dealing with high-revving superbikes like this. The GSXR-1000 is competitively priced too - although it doesn't undercut rivals like it used to.