GSXR1000 K5 and K6..... why is it held in high regard?
Discussion
I keep getting drawn to the Limited Edition ZK4 in black with gold wheels as my next low cost care-free bike. But one thing in the back of my mind is that the K4 seems to take a back seat in favour of the K5 once the internet gives its advice.
Looking at wikipedia there isn't much in it apart from the K5 being shorter and prone to cracking frames.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_GSX-R1000
So if i went for a K4 simply because i prefer its appearance am i going to be missing out on much? What is so special about the K5 and K6?
Looking at wikipedia there isn't much in it apart from the K5 being shorter and prone to cracking frames.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_GSX-R1000
So if i went for a K4 simply because i prefer its appearance am i going to be missing out on much? What is so special about the K5 and K6?
I haven't rode any older/new ones but own a K5. Everyone says it's the engine, which is phenomenal. Lots of grunt low down and makes for a great road bike as well as being a riot on the track. That and it being one the last good looking Suzuki 1000 and pre Euro 4, it has made it more desirable than other models. Best bet, go ride one if you can find a dealer with a second hand one.
Someone on here probably has more knowledge than me as I haven't rode the older bikes (or many of the newer bikes for that matter) but for the money, I don't think you would find a much better 1000 which does it all.
Someone on here probably has more knowledge than me as I haven't rode the older bikes (or many of the newer bikes for that matter) but for the money, I don't think you would find a much better 1000 which does it all.
I had two K6 Thous, fantastic bikes. They definitely flatter the rider too.
I did mention this when this came up in the past, but my little anecdote is that a mate of mine who races (Duc TriOptions currently, several other classes over the years) and I used to go to the Ring regularly, long before the TG effect ruined it. We used to go there for dedicated bike-only training sessions, so we took it reasonably seriously. Anyway, we went one year with me on my K6 and him on a K3 Thou (essentially same as K4 iirc?) which he had spent a fair bit of money on in terms of suspension and brakes. He's a very good rider, way above me, and understands what he needs in terms of how a bike is set up. Anyway, he asked if he could do a lap on my K6, which was completely standard, even the suspension settings. One lap later, he came back in raving about it and the first thing he did when we got home was to chop the modified K3 in for a K6. In his opinion it was that much better.
I doubt very much that you'll hate a K4 but if you get a chance to ride them both back to back, go for it - but make sure you have the purchase price of the K5/6 in your pocket!
I did mention this when this came up in the past, but my little anecdote is that a mate of mine who races (Duc TriOptions currently, several other classes over the years) and I used to go to the Ring regularly, long before the TG effect ruined it. We used to go there for dedicated bike-only training sessions, so we took it reasonably seriously. Anyway, we went one year with me on my K6 and him on a K3 Thou (essentially same as K4 iirc?) which he had spent a fair bit of money on in terms of suspension and brakes. He's a very good rider, way above me, and understands what he needs in terms of how a bike is set up. Anyway, he asked if he could do a lap on my K6, which was completely standard, even the suspension settings. One lap later, he came back in raving about it and the first thing he did when we got home was to chop the modified K3 in for a K6. In his opinion it was that much better.
I doubt very much that you'll hate a K4 but if you get a chance to ride them both back to back, go for it - but make sure you have the purchase price of the K5/6 in your pocket!
I run a k6 750 (same as K7) and I hear similar. Not as sought after as the 1000 but people seem to really rate this model and the k5 1000 model
Not really sure why as I've only had a K1 before this. Seems a good bike, handles well, light and not much emission crap on them - maybe thats what it is
Not really sure why as I've only had a K1 before this. Seems a good bike, handles well, light and not much emission crap on them - maybe thats what it is
sprinter1050 said:
Wasn't it the K5 engine that had the fastest piston speed of any (road ?) bike engine?
Just having a look.59mm stroke for the K5 @13,500 gives 87.1 feet per second.
same year R1 53.6mm stroke @ 13,750 gives 80.5 feet per second.
Bmw S1000rr 49.7 mm stroke @ 14,000 gives 76.0 feet per second.
So looks like your memory is holding up.
Shadow R1 said:
sprinter1050 said:
Wasn't it the K5 engine that had the fastest piston speed of any (road ?) bike engine?
Just having a look.59mm stroke for the K5 @13,500 gives 87.1 feet per second.
same year R1 53.6mm stroke @ 13,750 gives 80.5 feet per second.
Bmw S1000rr 49.7 mm stroke @ 14,000 gives 76.0 feet per second.
So looks like your memory is holding up.
obscene said:
Shadow R1 said:
sprinter1050 said:
Wasn't it the K5 engine that had the fastest piston speed of any (road ?) bike engine?
Just having a look.59mm stroke for the K5 @13,500 gives 87.1 feet per second.
same year R1 53.6mm stroke @ 13,750 gives 80.5 feet per second.
Bmw S1000rr 49.7 mm stroke @ 14,000 gives 76.0 feet per second.
So looks like your memory is holding up.
spareparts said:
I find most modern IL4s gutless in comparison... revving at 14k rpm to make instant progress is not my thing.
Quite often, I feel as though that's exactly what I want!
I often look at the CBR600RR and the R6 in classified searches. The thought of having to really uncork it to get the bike flying appeals for road use. What a laugh. I love my Triumph Daytona but that gives such easy poke from 3000rpm up, you can shift at 6500rpm and still shift along and only hold the gears past that if you really want to go. I generally row along on the midrange, so I sort of crave a revvy little thing.
Loved my K5. I bought it following a trip to the Alps with some friends. 2 of them were on K5's and I had a CBR1000RR. The Honda was massively out classed by the Suzukis in just about every area. I had to have one.
Bought one and modified it.
Sold it and bought a K7, which I've owned for 8 years. For me, the K7 is a better bike, but only because it too, is very much not standard. I had the opportunity to ride chipchaps K5 on Friday and it's a cracker. The motor is fantastic and despite not having done many miles recently, it certainly felt up for it. Great bikes. Following well deserved.
Bought one and modified it.
Sold it and bought a K7, which I've owned for 8 years. For me, the K7 is a better bike, but only because it too, is very much not standard. I had the opportunity to ride chipchaps K5 on Friday and it's a cracker. The motor is fantastic and despite not having done many miles recently, it certainly felt up for it. Great bikes. Following well deserved.
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