EICMA 2015: Suzuki unveils all-new GSX-R 1000

Suzuki may have fallen behind the current crop of litre-class motorcycles with the ageing GSX-R 1000, however, the brand has just unveiled an all-new generation model which intends to put the Japanese brand back in the game with the big boys. 

Suzuki, in fact, is claiming that this new sixth generation GSX-R 1000 is the most powerful and yet the lightest they have ever built. The motorcycle now comes with a slew of riding aids such as traction control, riding modes, ride-by-wire throttle, ABS and a quick shifter. 

What makes this sixth-gen model so important is its new 999cc, in-line four cylinder engine which gets variable valve timing – a first for any production litre-class machine. This system advances valve opening timing for improved response especially across mid and top-end of the power band. The new engine is said to develop around 200bhp and combined with the new GSX-R’s estimated weight of close to 200kg, is expected to offer crackling performance.

The new GSX-R 1000 is a full-on track tool thanks to its race-developed Showa balance free front forks that are wire free and offer total adjustability. At the rear, there’s Showa’s balance free monoshock which, again, is fully adjustable. 

The new GSX-R 1000 will go on sale globally by the middle of 2016 as a 2017 model. Suzuki will have its work cut out competing with other established litre-class machines such as the 2016 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, new Yamaha R1 and BMW’s S1000RR.