Best Of The Bunch?

Track blast suggests new GSX-R1000R could be the top dog.

Michael Neeves

They’ve taken their time, but Suzuki’s new GSX-R1000R is finally here – and it’s a cracker.

At the launch of the sixth generation GSX-R at Phillip Island, the engine rightly takes centre stage. It’s smaller, lighter and loaded with the oomph needed to compete with the current crop of superbikes.

Stab the one-touch starter and the over-square 999cc inline four-cylinder motor barks into life. It’s as raw and angry as ever, snorting and growling through its airbox and titanium pipe.

At full noise around this MotoGP circuit it’s clear the new Suzuki is fast – ZX-10R/R1/Panigale quick – as it should be with a claimed 199bhp. But, more impressively, there’s a torrent of power through the rev range, thanks to Suzuki’s Broad Power System which includes new exhaust valves, secondary injectors, dual stage inlet trumpets and the new VVT system.