Suzuki Gsx-R1000

SUZUKI GSX-R1000

A movable beast

Modern sportbikes can make you mental. Is it the g-forces? The near Star Trek-like ability to transport you to the next corner instantly? It is these things and the incredible light-footed ease with which these motorcycles do whatever you ask them to.

"Doing" has been the trademark of the GSX-R1 000. All-new this year, Suzuki's flagship sportbike presents an interesting combina tion of elements when we compare its CW testing sheet with that of last year's bike. The 2006 model was 414 pounds dry, this year it is 439. That is a pretty shocking, nearly 6 percent increase in mass.

By the same measure, then, the 5 percent increase in peak engine output is also shocking: Power is up from 154.4 horsepower to an astonishing 162.8 hp. This increase wasn’t free, because the peak is 1000 rpm higher, The increased torque comes with a similar shift toward higher revs: An 8300-rpm highpoint becomes a 9750-rpm one. Overall, from 4500 to 7500 rpm, the 2006 version is clearly stronger (by as much as 5 ft.-lb.), then from 8500 to the 13,400rpm rev limit (up 300), the new GSX-R rocks the hydrocarbon hut with the highest peak power in the test.

Power is slightly softer than that of the old bike in low-rev, lazycommuter mode, but overall bottom-end fueling is clean and among the nicest of the bikes in the test. Take off with some enthusiasm (around 5000 rpm) and the bike goes with vigor and authority,

delivering the kind of off-the-line lunge literbike lovers love.

Ride quality and ergonomics are sportbike excellent, and throttle response at a sane or even slow street pace is very, very good.

And what about the switchable power maps? The detectable difference in delivery may be useful in low-traction conditions, but on our sunny days and clean roads, nothing less than full power would do.

As is the case with most of these bikes on the street, no matter what you ask, the Suzuki will deliver more than you need.

On the road, it rides smoothly, moves swiftly. And even if the bike didn’t charge to victory in track testing, it is hard to argue with the GSX-R’s overall polish and amazing performance in the day-to-day riding most of us do. Mark Hoyer

SUZUKI

GSX-R1000

$11,399

4~ps A Your horsepower king A Supple-yet-taut suspension A Superbly polished feel A Cat-like agility for a 1000 Downs v Heaviest of the Japanese 1000cc Fours v Love it or hate it styling v Twice pipes? v Capt. Kirk not included