On the track
That's where all the beauty of this bike is revealed. Like any self-respecting seasoned rider, I first checked the suspension. Wow! The new DLC-coated 43-mm forks now feature high and low speed compression damping along with adjustable rebound and preload settings. These features are usually exclusive to factory bikes or aftermarket forks. The adjustment allows the rider to control the oil flow differently in the event of a sudden impact. This is very useful... when you know how to adjust it. The same settings also apply to the rear shock. Nice.

It is easy to find an effective aerodynamic position.

Consequently, body stiffness in corners is improved, especially since the swingarm has been extended. The resulting stability gives you the urge to open the throttle and fly to the next corner. But be careful: the electronic steering damper is not calibrated to handle dramatic weight transfers. At least, the pressure on the rider's arms is lessened due to the lower centre of gravity. Transitional maneuvers are executed just like with a 600. It's pretty amazing to have a large-displacement bike and to no longer have to fight to enter a corner.

True to its reputation, the transmission works with remarkable precision, with or without the clutch. You can upshift or downshift through the six gears by flirting with the engine limiter and without using the clutch. By the way, you can reach 158 km/h in first gear until the limiter stops the fun. Likewise, you can stay in fourth gear and sprint to a whopping 287 km/h. In sixth gear, you'll reach a speed of 140 km/h at 6,000 rpm.

As for the brakes, needless to say that the eight-piston radial callipers that clamp on the 310-mm front discs deliver powerful and flawlessly progressive stops. Be careful the first few times you hit the brakes! Those of my tester never faded despite the scorching sun and the 32-degree heat.

Moral of the story
Yet again, Suzuki delivers the goods. The 2007 GSX-R1000 is a superbike that leaves nobody indifferent with its flashy styling and neat finish. And what more can we say about the engine? I guess the first question any potential buyer should ask is: am I ready to handle that much power? If you hesitate just for a second before answering, reconsider your decision...

So, in conclusion, be careful and have fun. You'll make a lot of people jalous!


What turns me on:

• Engine and transmission combo
• Stability
• Adjustable footpegs
  

What turns me off:

• SDMS system
• Exhaust system
• Seat
  

Photo Credit : Olivier Delorme