Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2012-current)

The now old GSX-R was an exceptional bike, winning AMA and world endurance titles and narrowly missing out on a BSB title. Suzuki have simply improved the weak points, namely better brakes, more midrange, lighter handling with a few cosmetic tweaks, which in the end produces an exceptional road bike with real world manners. It may lack sophisticated traction control and ABS, and isn’t as race-focussed as BMW’s S1000R or Kawasaki’s ZX-10R but it won’t be far behind in terms of lap times and is much more forgiving on the road.

Engine

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Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 has always had an exceptional engine and the new motor follows that tradition with class leading torque. Pistons have been redesigned to be 11% lighter with different crowns which has increased compression from 12.8:1 to 12.9:1. Torque is up to a quoted 86ftlb with peak power of 182bhp. Peak power may be slightly down compared to the sporty ZX-10 and S1000R but it’s far more usable through the midrange.

Ride and Handling

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Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 was one of the first bikes to have big piston Showa front forks. For 2012 the forks remain but have been revised with a shorter fork length and softer spring as the bike is lighter. The rear suspension remains unchanged. Suspension feel is excellent and it’s easy to transform the Suzuki from a mild mannered road bike into a cutting edge race bike with a few clicks of the suspension.

Equipment

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Unfortunately there’s no optional ABS and there’s no traction control which may put a few potential owners off. However, the GSX-R does have a three-way power mode switch which restricts the power, which can be done easily and whilst on the move from an easy-to-use paddle switch on the left bar. There’s also fully adjustable foot-pegs as standard and now the addition of Brembo radial brakes as standard on the new model.

Quality and Reliability

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Our MCN long-term GSX-R 1000 has completed more than 16,000 trouble-free miles and after a quick clean comes up looking like new. GSX-R reliability is legendary and there’s no reason to question the new bike, the motor should be bullet proof even after a mild tune. The quality of components used on the bike is high, like Showa suspension and Brembo brakes. Compared to the old GSX-R’s Suzuki have pulled their socks up in terms of build quality and it shows.

Value

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At just under £11,000 the GSX-R is one of the the cheapest superbikes on the market. It’s a few hundred cheaper than the standard Honda Fireblade, a grand less than Yamaha’s R1 and over a grand cheaper than Kawasaki’s new ZX-10. Yes it’s the only 1000cc bike not to have traction control but it’s the cheapest.

Model History

2012: model introduced

Other Versions

Specifications

Top speed	186 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.3 secs
Max power	182 bhp
Max torque	86 ft-lb
Weight	203 kg
Seat height	810 mm
Fuel capacity	17.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	50 mpg
Tank range	180 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	999 cc
Engine specification	16v (74.5 x 57.3), 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	43mm fully adjust
Rear suspension adjustment	Single fully adjust
Front brakes	2x310mm four piston caliper
Rear brake	220mm disc single piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70x17
Rear tyre size	190/55x17