Free Revving Etiquette

Suzuki unleashes the all-new 6th generation GSX-R1000, which comes loaded with 200bhp of raw power. We head to the Kari Motor Speedway to experience the full thrust of both the GSX-R1000 and the more race-focussed GSX-R1000R.

- Arup Das

Working on Saturdays is punishing enough. And when you have to catch a flight at 6:35am from Delhi to Coimbatore, only to return the same evening, gruelling is the word you’re looking for – isn’t it? But, surprisingly, that was not the case on this occasion. You see, I was so excited to go to Coimbatore that I could barely catch a wink the previous night. As for sacrificing my weekend, I couldn’t really complain as this was going to be my best working Saturday in a long time. Why? You may ask. Well, simple really – the opportunity to ride Suzuki’s new GSX-R1000, and the more race-focused GSX-R1000R at the Kari Motor Speedway.

I know what you’re going to say – riding the 200bhp (199.2bhp actually, but then who’s counting) Suzuki twins on a tight 2.1-kilometre Kari track could actually end up being a bit of a tease since we won’t be able to experience the GSX-R’s true capability. However, I would say that the track could show us how versatile these two litre-class bikes truly are.

When I first saw the dynamic duo parked at the garage, the GSX-R1000 in a menacing matte black and the GSX-R1000R in traditional Suzuki Triton Blue, my cautious mind told me to start with the R1000 to get a feel for both the bike and the track. But, I quickly set that thought aside and listened to my heart – so I opted for the R1000R instead. Just to keep things in perspective, both bikes are powered by the same 999.8cc engine, with an identical output of 199.2bhp at 13,200rpm and 117.6Nm of torque at 10,800rpm. So there is no slower version.