After riding Suzuki’s 2000 GSX-R750, including street rides back-to-back with open classers, I was amazed at the power that Suzuki packed into the 750. I also began to wonder what type of open class bike Suzuki could make — given the fact that its 750 hangs with the big boys. Well, it looks like we are all about to find out.
For 2001, as you probably know by now, Suzuki is releasing a GSX-R1000. This is by no means an in-depth review or analysis of this motorcycle, but simply a preview.
Featuring several upgrades from the 750 (aside from the increased displacement), Suzuki is sending us all a message. The GSX-R1000 is Suzuki’s new flagship — not the 750. With titanium nitride coated fork tubes, differential bore, six-piston front brake calipers, titanium head pipes, and exhaust power-valve system, Suzuki did much more than punch out the bore and stroke of its incredible 750.
At a claimed 375 pounds dry, the 1000 (actually displacing 988cc) will be in the same ball park as the current 600s (except, for Suzuki’s 359 pound GSX-R600). Unlike the 750, the 1000 has a 190 section rear tire (on a six inch rim), thicker frame spars and revised swingarm. The engine, of course, is also different. Among other things, the engine (unlike the 600 or the 750) has a balancer for reduced vibration.
Available at Suzuki dealers in the U.S. roughly in March of 2001, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 appears ready to take on Yamaha’s R1 and Honda’s CBR929RR. In the never-ending game of one upsmanship, Suzuki is about to play its ace.
U.S. MSRP of the GSX-R1000 is $10,399.
