2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review

[seruzawa]

Not too long ago we had gixxers breaking frames, remember? Frame technology that worked for 125hp motorcycles is inadequate for 170hp motorcycles.

But it's moot to me. A friend just bought a street triple and man what a hoot that bike is! (He traded a Rockster for it at the Triumph dealer in Denver). I told him not to let me ride it again because I would never bring it back. A lot more fun than one of these literbike torture racks. More responsive on the street. It's just a totally superior street/canyon ride to these race replicas imho. Light and goes like the proverbial bat-out-of-hell.

Race replicas are so passe'. I can see why the Big4 have called in all the cards to keep the triples off the same tracks in the US.

[MOKE1K]

Ah,...they only broke from abuse. I never had any issues with mine, coarse I always set it down nice and soft.

[SmokeU]

Originally Posted by MOKE1K

Ah,...they only broke from abuse. I never had any issues with mine, coarse I always set it down nice and soft.

Like that dude with the CBR600 RR?

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by SmokeU

Like that dude with the CBR600 RR?

I can take my DR400 or my IT175 out and slam the front down on the ground all day long without damaging them. You'd think that a bike capable of traveling at 180mph would be able to handle a few dozen wheelies.

[SmokeU]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

I can take my DR400 or my IT175 out and slam the front down on the ground all day long without damaging them. You'd think that a bike capable of traveling at 180mph would be able to handle a few dozen wheelies.

The Concours is holding up great after several wheelies too.

[Kenneth_Moore]

"street environs may reveal issues not perceived at 140 mph"

Yes, they certainly may.

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

Well yeah, that's why Harleys are so heavy, got's to keep all them ponies feets on the ground...if they made 'em any lighter why they'd just up and run off by themselves...

I guess that also explains the standard HD rider dimensions.

[MOKE1K]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

I can take my DR400 or my IT175 out and slam the front down on the ground all day long without damaging them. You'd think that a bike capable of traveling at 180mph would be able to handle a few dozen wheelies.

Yeah but can your Yamaha/Suzuki do a wheelie at 180?

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by MOKE1K

Yeah but can your Yamaha/Suzuki do a wheelie at 180?

Ha! They'll barely do 60. But they do survive head-ons with junipers.

[krider001]

Nice review Pete. My only knock is the knock I have on all Suzuki sportbikes is the stupid racer boy graphics. At least Suzuki is now making all black versions of the 1000 and more rational 750. If a bike has a graceful design it doesn't need stupid graphics. That iss why you don't see stupid racing graphics on Ducati motorcycles. But the great John Burns said once when I said the above " buying a bike on looks is stupid cause you can't watch it while you ride it. "

The Great One