Suzuki GSX-R 1000 - Is it worth buying?

Suzuki GSX-R1000 used to be among the top names in the world of superbikes a few years ago. Then there was a time when the competition hit hard and other brands came up with really fast and better motorcycles. Suzuki fell behind. But it didn’t give up. It learned from its mistakes and used its MotoGP expertise and developed the all-new GSX-R 1000 that has over 600 new parts and components and has regained that lost position with pride.

The new GSX-R 1000 is a clear picture of what Suzuki is capable of achieving when it gets down and hard. Suzuki has been around for the longest of times and has immense knowledge and expertise when it comes to building motorcycles. So what’s the new GSX-R 1000 all about and is it worth considering?

The new Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is a brand-new bike. Suzuki didn’t want to compromise anywhere at all. As for the looks, the GSX-R 1000 definitely looks like a superbike. It is pretty compact for a litre-class motorcycle. It has a sculpted fuel tank which allows you to grip the bike nicely especially while handling that fast corner. The LED headlight adds aggressiveness to the motorcycle whereas the LED tail lamp should tell you that it’s a Suzuki. Yes, the humongous side-mounted exhaust is hideous but it's there to make the bike compliant to the stricter emission norms. And it sounds bloody brilliant which makes you forget the way it looks and appreciate the way it sounds.

It isn’t just the sheer power that makes the GSX-R 1000 this fast, it is its aerodynamic design as well. The front has air intakes that efficiently channel air. Also, the fuel tank has been made a bit lower so that you can tuck in that much better and avoid encountering the unnecessary wind blast.

Running on an all-new engine, the GSX-R 1000 goes like a missile. It has 202 PS of max power and 118 Nm of peak torque that shoots the bike off into the oblivion. Also, the GSX-R 1000 specs sheet tell that it weighs just 200 kg. We will leave you to do the math here and imagine the sheer acceleration of this superbike. Another crucial component here is the SR VVT (Suzuki Racing - Variable Valve Timing) which trickles straight down from the MotoGP GSX-RR. This provides a better torque distribution which you have at your disposal throughout the entire rev range making the GSX-R 1000 a very lethal machine.

Suzuki has also worked upon the handling of the new GSX-R 1000. It has a new aluminium chassis which is lighter and stiffer and works wonders. The GSX-R 1000 is extremely agile and nimble even after all that weight. It leans into a corner with ease and switches directions without a fuss. The fuel tank is also narrower which makes moving around while riding the bike that much easier. Of course, you need to be aware of what you’re doing otherwise things wouldn’t end that well.

In terms of riding aids, the GSX-R 1000 gets a host of electronics like 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), 10-level traction control, ABS, riding modes, and whatnot. It also gets a slipper clutch and a motion track brake system. Talking about brakes, this time Suzuki has incorporated Brembos - dual discs at the front and a single unit at the rear - with radially mounted callipers.

On paper, the new GSX-R 1000 definitely looks like a mouth-watering package but if you are considering buying any superbike you wouldn’t, shouldn’t just go by the numbers. You need to have a connection with the motorcycle which you can only realise if you ride one. This is something which you can’t understand by reading articles or by watching video reviews. Go out there and swing your leg over and ride the bike.

As for the question, is the Suzuki GSX-R 1000 a worthy machine? Definitely yes. Suzuki has improved on various aspects and made the new Gixxer a much better bike than its predecessor in both track and street riding aspects. There are numerous small things like the single touch starter that tell you the attention to detail on this machine. Suzuki has provided its famous racing blue colour which is what the GSX-RR wears in MotoGP. If you have got Php 955,000 lying around then go ahead and get this beast, you wouldn’t regret it a bit.