The 2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Anniversary Edition is an iconic Japanese super sport that has a crap ton of power, followed by a butt load of power. The aggressive styling, paired with the 30th anniversary colour scheme is a combination that can’t help but turn heads. If I could use one word to describe this bike, it would be “snappy”. So much has gone into designing this bike to optimize throttle response along with great power no matter where the tachometer lies on the RPM spectrum. Nothing quite compares to the raw power and low end torque of a liter bike, and like you’d expect, Suzuki does not disappoint.
An aggressive riding stance, that surprisingly was more comfortable than one would expect, didn’t leave my wrists as sore as they have been on other super sports. The high-grip leather seat leaves you feeling confident when positioning yourself to lean when going around corners. Speaking of corners, the GSX-R1000 features a race-proven back-torque-limiting clutch which contributes to smoother downshifts, easier rev matching, and minimal wheelhop when cornering. The foot pegs can be adjusted to one of three positions both vertically and horizontally, within a 14mm range. Therefore, finding the right riding position based on your size/preference is easy.
Suzuki has incorporated three different throttle settings you can choose from with your left thumb and index finger being settings “A”,”B”, and “C”. “A” being the most aggressive, and “C” being the most forgiving which leaves “B” falling somewhere in between. The difference between these settings was substantial – using the “A” setting I found myself almost lifting the front wheel any time I rolled into the throttle. Throttle response was instant, so if you turn your wrist without being ready for the kick that’s about to follow, things could turn hairy real quick. The “C” setting was a tamer beast that was best suited for mellow riding, or riding with a passenger, that being said, the tame beast is still a beast.
Having owned several Kawasaki super sports in the past, I was a little skeptical of Suzuki and I was trying my best to not have a biased opinion about the GSX-R1000. And after 5 minutes of riding, whatever skepticism I had went right out the window. Much like being in an argument with your girlfriend, it’s hard to stay mad at something when you love it so much. With an MSRP of $14,999. It’s the lowest costing liter bike in its class, making it hard to think of reasons not to get one.
I can’t help but find myself wanting to emphasize the throttle response – it’s just there all the time, any gear ready to go when you need it. The exhaust sounds really good throughout the RPM range, considering stock exhausts have never been known to be all that great. Although, paired with a Yoshimura exhaust, this bike is sure to sound great.
The electronically-controlled steering damper is a tremendous standard feature that automatically adjusts depending on your speed, so no more having to manually adjust your damping. The GSX-R1000 loves to lean as much as it loves to accelerate. The twin 310 mm disc radial-mounts 4-piston Brembo Monobloc calipers, with standard ABS enable you to stop on a dime. Lightweight and fully adjustable 43mm Showa big piston front forks offer excellent feedback and provide responsive yet stable operation. Lighter front and rear wheels also help keep the bike light, sitting at 448 pounds wet.
The only real point of issue I had was the mirrors – they’re hideous. Something about incorporating the massive turn indicators into the mirrors adds a bulky and unattractive look that hurts the overall image of the GSX-R-1000. My attention kept getting drawn to a misplaced mirror wiring that was visible between the top of the instrument cluster and the underside of the windscreen. Something easily fixable, but this minor imperfection bothered me the more I saw it.
The 2016 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is a great bike that was made for the track, and found its way into the streets. If you’re bored of your 600cc, or an experienced rider that’s looking for a fun and aggressive bike that will leave you with a smile on your face time and time again, then look no further, this bike fits the bill in every way possible. With countless titles under its belt, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has proven itself over and over with its power and reliability.
