RE: Suzuki GSX-R1000: PH Fleet
Thursday 17th April 2014
It is with a lot of excitement and a slight degree of concern that PH2 welcomes a new arrival to its fleet, a 2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Why the wobbles? For those not overly familiar with motorcycle performance, let me explain.
GSX-R1000 has all the trick bitsAlthough last updated in 2012 with engine tweaks including lighter pistons and new ventilation holes between the cylinders, not to mention upgraded Showa Big Piston Forks (BPF) with flash new Brembo brake calipers, the GSX-R is regarded as something of an 'old-school' litre bike.
Some suspension fettling among early tasksHow fast?
Again, compared to the latest litre bikes, some may say the GSX-R1000 is a bit dated. But come on, can we put this into context? The Suzuki makes a genuine (not claimed) 156hp at the rear wheel and weighs 203kg ready to rock. It can cover a quarter mile in around 10.5 seconds and be doing 150mph when it does that. Within a mile it will crack 180mph and fairly soon afterwards be touching its (limited) top speed of 186mph. So anyone who says the GSX-R1000 is slow really does need their head examining. It's not as fast as some other litre bikes, but any vehicle that can break the national speed limit in three seconds from a standing start is hardly slow. Which is my worry.
More height at the back among tweaks plannedAnything to change?
Although I've only done a few miles so far on the Suzuki (I flatly refuse to call it a Gixxer as I hate that expression) there are a few bits that I want to sort. The suspension isn't 100 per cent as I'd like it and I reckon the rear needs a bit of height to sharpen the handling (thankfully an electronically adjustable steering damper comes as standard). I'm also thinking the forks could be softer, but I'm going to chat to a suspension person about that. I'm interested in seeing what it will do (at a private test facility, naturally) without its top speed limiter and I've heard talk about power restrictions in the lower gears that need investigating with an ECU remap.
Suzuki GSX-R1000: PH Fleet
PH2 adds a GSX-R to the fleet for a long-term test - just don't call it a Gixxer, OK?
GSX-R1000 has all the trick bits
Where the likes of the Yamaha YZF-R1 have traction control and the BMW S1000RR both TCS and ABS, the Suzuki has none of these. Sure, you get variable fuel modes (Suzuki was actually the first to introduce these on the 2007 GSX-R1000), but that's about it. The Suzuki is very much an 'analogue' motorcycle - you twist your wrist and the bike accelerates, you hit the brakes and it stops. If at either point the tyre can't handle the demands, well, that's when issues start.
But is that a bad thing? If you are obsessed with the latest technology then yes but, you know what, while I'm all for electronics in some ways it's a delight to return to a modern bike without them. Since I started road testing bikes over a decade ago, dashboards have become overloaded with information that is mind-bogglingly hard to interpret, let alone actually change. I've still never worked out how to do anything on an MV dash aside from zero the trip and Aprilia's RSV4 is even worse - I remember years ago asking one of the bike's designers how to use the lap timer and he just shrugged. So in truth the lack of electronics doesn't worry me, what does concern me is the performance.
Some suspension fettling among early tasks
Again, compared to the latest litre bikes, some may say the GSX-R1000 is a bit dated. But come on, can we put this into context? The Suzuki makes a genuine (not claimed) 156hp at the rear wheel and weighs 203kg ready to rock. It can cover a quarter mile in around 10.5 seconds and be doing 150mph when it does that. Within a mile it will crack 180mph and fairly soon afterwards be touching its (limited) top speed of 186mph. So anyone who says the GSX-R1000 is slow really does need their head examining. It's not as fast as some other litre bikes, but any vehicle that can break the national speed limit in three seconds from a standing start is hardly slow. Which is my worry.
Put quite simply, I like going fast. I struggle with self-control and on a bike as fast as the GSX-R I am slightly nervous about my licence. Although I own a few older litre bikes, they aren't anything like as easy as the Suzuki to go ballistic on. On my first ride of the GSX-R I blatted gently (I thought) through a few gears and then got quite a shock when I looked down at the speedo. Rapid recalibration of my brain is needed and I'm now more aware than ever before about speed limits and unmarked police cars. I've always shied away from owning a modern litre sportsbike due to fear of speeding, so I'm interested to discover if all this power and performance is worth having over a slightly more licence-friendly 600 or 750.
More height at the back among tweaks planned
Although I've only done a few miles so far on the Suzuki (I flatly refuse to call it a Gixxer as I hate that expression) there are a few bits that I want to sort. The suspension isn't 100 per cent as I'd like it and I reckon the rear needs a bit of height to sharpen the handling (thankfully an electronically adjustable steering damper comes as standard). I'm also thinking the forks could be softer, but I'm going to chat to a suspension person about that. I'm interested in seeing what it will do (at a private test facility, naturally) without its top speed limiter and I've heard talk about power restrictions in the lower gears that need investigating with an ECU remap.
Although, having said that, I may just ask them to reduce the top speed limit to 70mph... I'm also intrigued as to how an 'old' GSX-R1000 has managed to win a WSB race when everyone was writing the bike off before the 2014 season started, so a trip to the WSB team's HQ is certainly on the cards. The GSX-R1000 should open the doors to some great PH2 features in the upcoming months. Hopefully not one ones about how to defend yourself in court on a speeding charge...
FACT SHEET
Bike: Suzuki GSX-R1000
Run by: Jon Urry
On fleet since: April 2014
Mileage: Not many yet
List price new: £10,999 (basic rrp)
Last month at a glance: Well, it's fast. Really, really fast.
Discussion
Love the GSX-R and the CBR, simple but very effective weapons.
As said, the differences in stats for these machines are academic if we're talking about non-track relevance.
ABS is the one thing I'd like to have though, also for that real world application.
The GSX-R and Blade are both pretty comfortable as well imho.
As said, the differences in stats for these machines are academic if we're talking about non-track relevance.
ABS is the one thing I'd like to have though, also for that real world application.
The GSX-R and Blade are both pretty comfortable as well imho.
I remember the phrase (cliche) 'recalibrate my brain' from reading about the R1 when it first came out. More than 15 years ago. Time to drop that one. Consign to the same pile as 'dab of oppo', 'tyres scrabbling for grip and 'perfect placement for heel and toe'.
Nice bike though. Is gixxer pronounced Gixxer or Jixxer?
Nice bike though. Is gixxer pronounced Gixxer or Jixxer?
Blah blah blah.
Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
They've also had the electronic limiter on lower gears for years. Did Urry actually write this? Good lord.
Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
They've also had the electronic limiter on lower gears for years. Did Urry actually write this? Good lord.
Edited by Reardy Mister on Thursday 17th April 14:43
Reardy Mister said:
Blah blah blah.
Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
Good K5's aren't exactly ten a penny these days so not sure its a fair comment. Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
Either way the big Suzuki is a dinosaur, a testament to the poor financial state of Suzuki and their lack of investment or innovation.
Saying it has all the top parts when it only has Brembo calipers is a tad disingenuous. Ohlins suspension? Decent forged wheels? Carbon bodywork? All conspicuous by their absence. Analogue? No, cheap is more like it.
Fact is Suzuki are trying to palm of an outdated, poor quality machine which can't hold a candle to the competition and the public aren't buying it.
Just look at their sales figures if in any doubt. While the K5 might be the iconic GSXR, the game has moved on immeasurably and Suzuki have been caught napping.
And in all honesty, if you can't figure out the RSV4, I'm not sure you really have any right to be reviewing bikes.
John Urry, poor effort
Edited by bass gt3 on Thursday 17th April 14:51
Interesting - will follow with interest. I have a K5 model and would be really interested to hear how the latest model compares to some of the previous incarnations.
On another note, I had a good look around one of these at the bike show and was surprised how little things appear to have moved on aesthetically.
On another note, I had a good look around one of these at the bike show and was surprised how little things appear to have moved on aesthetically.
bass gt3 said:
And in all honesty, if you can't figure out the RSV4, I'm not sure you really have any right to be reviewing bikes.
Bit harsh, don't you think? It was the dash he was complaining about and I can't blame him. I'm a fairly (very) technical person, never having needed a manual for anything. Just to change the hour on the clock on my bike, need to direct myself to the internet every single time.But, what you're saying is true of course, Suzuki don't have the cash to do much to the GSX-R. On the other hand, there are some great deals to be done on the GSX-R's at the dealers, which makes them, like you state it, cheap. Last time I was at my dealer the price of the GSX-R was about 30% cheaper than the CBR.
bass gt3 said:
Reardy Mister said:
Blah blah blah.
Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
Good K5's aren't exactly ten a penny these days so not sure its a fair comment. Take those performance figures and compare them to the K5 thou.
Then tell me how far it's moved on.
Emperors new clothes. I'm not saying any extra power is strictly necessary. I'm just saying save your money and buy the K5.
Either way the big Suzuki is a dinosaur, a testament to the poor financial state of Suzuki and their lack of investment or innovation.
Saying it has all the top parts when it only has Brembo calipers is a tad disingenuous. Ohlins suspension? Decent forged wheels? Carbon bodywork? All conspicuous by their absence. Analogue? No, cheap is more like it.
Fact is Suzuki are trying to palm of an outdated, poor quality machine which can't hold a candle to the competition and the public aren't buying it.
Just look at their sales figures if in any doubt. While the K5 might be the iconic GSXR, the game has moved on immeasurably and Suzuki have been caught napping.
And in all honesty, if you can't figure out the RSV4, I'm not sure you really have any right to be reviewing bikes.
John Urry, poor effort
Edited by bass gt3 on Thursday 17th April 14:51
It's half the price of a Panigale or top RSV4 and with the discounts available, £2.5k less than a Blade.
It has its place in the market as good GSXRs always have as budget, bullet proof, no frills speed.
Fit an Ohlins shock, carbon, after market whizz bang electronics kit (that many don't want anyway) and you'd still have change over an RSV4 and it'll do 100k miles on one engine and have a decent parts back up. Comfy too.
Not knocking the RSV4, or a GSXR1000 fanboi, but you are comparing apples with oranges to slate a bike for missing things and being sub-standard when it's 60% cheaper than the opposition. If it was the same price you'd have a good point.
It's cheap, reliable, old-school speed. Nothing more, nothing less.
Does need a refresh though
3DP said:
BPF forks are class leading, Brembo calipers are top notch.
It's half the price of a Panigale or top RSV4 and with the discounts available, £2.5k less than a Blade.
It has its place in the market as good GSXRs always have as budget, bullet proof, no frills speed.
Fit an Ohlins shock, carbon, after market whizz bang electronics kit (that many don't want anyway) and you'd still have change over an RSV4 and it'll do 100k miles on one engine and have a decent parts back up. Comfy too.
Not knocking the RSV4, or a GSXR1000 fanboi, but you are comparing apples with oranges to slate a bike for missing things and being sub-standard when it's 60% cheaper than the opposition. If it was the same price you'd have a good point.
It's cheap, reliable, old-school speed. Nothing more, nothing less.
Does need a refresh though
Pete, I was referring to the"trick bits" comment. All the jap bikes come with BPF so hardly trick.. It's half the price of a Panigale or top RSV4 and with the discounts available, £2.5k less than a Blade.
It has its place in the market as good GSXRs always have as budget, bullet proof, no frills speed.
Fit an Ohlins shock, carbon, after market whizz bang electronics kit (that many don't want anyway) and you'd still have change over an RSV4 and it'll do 100k miles on one engine and have a decent parts back up. Comfy too.
Not knocking the RSV4, or a GSXR1000 fanboi, but you are comparing apples with oranges to slate a bike for missing things and being sub-standard when it's 60% cheaper than the opposition. If it was the same price you'd have a good point.
It's cheap, reliable, old-school speed. Nothing more, nothing less.
Does need a refresh though
But I'm really looking at it in isolation.
Yeas it's cheap, but that seems not to be its USP as the Blade shifted many more units even at 2.5k premium. So people do want quality and technology at a decent price point and the Suzuki misses by a mile. There's no denying the sales figures otherwise people would be flocking to Suzuki's cheap no frills offering.
Suzuki trying to tell us it's an "Analogue" bike is nothing more than marketing department hyperbole. For analogue read "we couldn't be arsed/afford it" The Blade has no TCS, ABS anti wheelie etc on the base bike yet sells. The zx10 has tcs and power modes as standard and abs as an option. It sells.
The Suzuki offers nothing the others don't do better. It's time has long passed.
And call me a cynic, but ill wager the only reason PH2 have a long term GSXR is Suzuki were fed up with looking at it sat on their sales floor.
Edited by bass gt3 on Thursday 17th April 15:30
EggsBenedict said:
I remember the phrase (cliche) 'recalibrate my brain' from reading about the R1 when it first came out. More than 15 years ago.
Showing my age now but I can remember a lot of the mags using phrases like that when the original Honda Fireblade (893cc IIRC) came out in 1992 as it revved up much quicker than people had been used to up until then. I bought one and loved it.The reason I don't advocate litre bikes is that the sensation of speed is no different than on a slower bike. You still get the wide eyed "OhF**K" moment on a 675 Triumph. The difference being you might be doing 100 or even 80 instead of 125, 150, etc etc. This GSXR with 156bhp is still not as silly as your S1000RRs, ZX10Rs and Panigales though.
Which is why it surprises the hell out of me that the 600 class is 'on the decline'. I guess because most people who want to pose buy 1000s and most people who want to calm down buy naked bikes these days.
Which is why it surprises the hell out of me that the 600 class is 'on the decline'. I guess because most people who want to pose buy 1000s and most people who want to calm down buy naked bikes these days.
I really like the GSXR Thou for its simplicity. It isn't trying to be something it isn't, it's just an old school chassis, no electronics, and a big hearty motor, at a cheap price. And if there's one thing Suzuki know how to do - that's build a stonking IL4 motor with verve and character.
I can't think of a better track bike than a used GSXR with a couple of light upgrades. Punchy and with a reliable motor; if it gets binned, it isn't a huge amount of money (relative to other new bikes), and there are plenty of spares/upgrades available.
I can't think of a better track bike than a used GSXR with a couple of light upgrades. Punchy and with a reliable motor; if it gets binned, it isn't a huge amount of money (relative to other new bikes), and there are plenty of spares/upgrades available.
MarJay said:
The reason I don't advocate litre bikes is that the sensation of speed is no different than on a slower bike. You still get the wide eyed "OhF**K" moment on a 675 Triumph. The difference being you might be doing 100 or even 80 instead of 125, 150, etc etc. This GSXR with 156bhp is still not as silly as your S1000RRs, ZX10Rs and Panigales though.
Which is why it surprises the hell out of me that the 600 class is 'on the decline'. I guess because most people who want to pose buy 1000s and most people who want to calm down buy naked bikes these days.
Disagree. The shove you get on a K5 thou (and I'm assuming all incarnations after it, I've not ridden a later GSXR) from any speed at anything over 4.5k rpm is life altering (or it certainly was at the time). I rode a demo from Crescents the first week they came out and coming off an 04 R1, it blew my mind. I am the worst wheelie monger in the world and yet I hoisted it at 85 and put it down at 135 in the blink of an eye, first try and felt I could do it all day. Fine, that's not the ultimate measure of fWhich is why it surprises the hell out of me that the 600 class is 'on the decline'. I guess because most people who want to pose buy 1000s and most people who want to calm down buy naked bikes these days.
k all but it certainly puts it in a different league from a 675. My perception moved on again when I rode a 1098S. When I got off my R1 to swap with a mates 675, I felt like I'd got back on my old VFR400. I've done 165mph as a pillion on a Hayabusa before I shut my eyes and started to pray and it was still pulling like a 12 year old boy. That's a 1300 doing what it does best. I can still find a 600 enjoyable, I think the ultimate balance is a (GSXR)750. But in terms of experience, I am still convinced that there is no replacement for displacement.
I am suspicious of guys who slate 1000s as unnecessary in the same way I am suspicious of all the guys over the years who say to me at bbqs "oh yeah, I'd have a motorbike ya'know but I'm such a mental I just know I'd kill meself on one". Righto mate, I think I've just seen someone over there I need to talk to...
bass gt3 said:
Good K5's aren't exactly ten a penny these days so not sure its a fair comment.
Either way the big Suzuki is a dinosaur, a testament to the poor financial state of Suzuki and their lack of investment or innovation.
Saying it has all the top parts when it only has Brembo calipers is a tad disingenuous. Ohlins suspension? Decent forged wheels? Carbon bodywork? All conspicuous by their absence. Analogue? No, cheap is more like it.
Fact is Suzuki are trying to palm of an outdated, poor quality machine which can't hold a candle to the competition and the public aren't buying it.
Just look at their sales figures if in any doubt. While the K5 might be the iconic GSXR, the game has moved on immeasurably and Suzuki have been caught napping.
And in all honesty, if you can't figure out the RSV4, I'm not sure you really have any right to be reviewing bikes.
John Urry, poor effort
I test rode an Aprilia Tuno V4 and the anti wheelie pissed me off, I couldn't figure out how to disable it on the test ride, when I got back to the dealers I asked the sales manager of the Suzuki / Aprilia dealer ship how to turn it off, he couldn't do it either. All I can say is, you must be a genius and with you're obvious talent you should be reviewing bikes! I wouldn't be reading though.Either way the big Suzuki is a dinosaur, a testament to the poor financial state of Suzuki and their lack of investment or innovation.
Saying it has all the top parts when it only has Brembo calipers is a tad disingenuous. Ohlins suspension? Decent forged wheels? Carbon bodywork? All conspicuous by their absence. Analogue? No, cheap is more like it.
Fact is Suzuki are trying to palm of an outdated, poor quality machine which can't hold a candle to the competition and the public aren't buying it.
Just look at their sales figures if in any doubt. While the K5 might be the iconic GSXR, the game has moved on immeasurably and Suzuki have been caught napping.
And in all honesty, if you can't figure out the RSV4, I'm not sure you really have any right to be reviewing bikes.
John Urry, poor effort
Edited by bass gt3 on Thursday 17th April 14:51
I have a 2010 GSXR1000 and love it, I don't care for traction control or anti wheelie..........that's what the throttle is for, just turn it in the appropriate direction.
Good job John Urry. P.S. I didn't like the Aprilia much after having had a Tuono Fighter for years and loving it.
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