Early Release 2016 Suzukis | FIRST LOOK

Suzuki unlatched the security door and allowed us a peek at three early release 2016 models. And once our eyes grew accustomed to the light, we saw…um, hey, haven't we been here before? Yes, in fact, we have. Suzuki's early introduction bikes include the GSX-S1000 models, in naked and fully faired guise, the return of the Bandit, and the continuation of the TU250X.

News on the GSX-S1000 is merely a confirmation that this bike, whose engine is based on the vaunted 2005 GSX-R1000’s, is really, no kidding, we’re totally serious, coming to America. Aluminum framed and featuring three-mode traction control, the GSX-S1000s get street-friendly ergonomics, KYB adjustable suspension, and Brembo Monobloc brakes. And finally Suzuki’s given us prices: The base GSX-S1000 comes without ABS for $9,999 in Metallic Triton Blue or Metallic Fibron Gray. Option up to the GSX-S1000 with ABS and pay $10,499; it comes in Metallic Triton Blue or Sparkle Black/Pearl Mira. Think about that: The ABS version of the GSX-S1000 is $1,500 less spendy than a Kawasaki Z1000. The base model is almost $1,800 under the ABS-free Honda CB1000R. Only the smaller-displacement FZ-09 triple, at $8,190, significantly undercuts the Suzukis. It’s on!

If you really want a full fairing, go for the GSX-S1000F, which is the same under the skin as the naked version and comes standard with ABS for $10,999 and in the same colors as the GSX-S1000 ABS. Delivery is expected in late September to early October.

We're eager to ride this bike, and will have a chance around the MotoAmerica round at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in mid July.

Riders tired of sorting through their AARP membership packets will be delighted to see the GSX1250F return as the Bandit 1250 for 2016. This time it’s in half-faired guise; when we last saw the GSX in 2012 it wore a full fairing to clothe its torque-rich (and top-end deprived) liquid-cooled inline-four. As before, the Bandit rolls with a steel-tube frame, upright ergonomics (which look much more touring-oriented than the new GSX-S line’s), and ABS-aided brakes. The 1250 was known mostly for its tractor-like engine and sedate manners above all. MSRP is $9,899 in red or black. (Incidentally, the 1250FA was $11,899 the last time it was sold here. So, good news there.) Start pestering your local Suzuki dealer about the Bandit in late July or early August.

Finally, Suzuki's continuing with the pint-sized TU250X, a bike we don't see a lot of here in California because, well, it can't be sold here. For residents of the other 49 states, revel in the TU's 249cc, air-cooled, two-valve single, retro styling, spoke wheels, and low (30.3-inch) seat. Perfect for newbies and retro freaks outside of the Golden State. (Maybe our friends in the Grand Canyon State or the Beaver State can sneak a few across the border for us.) MSRP is the same as the '15 model's, $4,399. Deliveries start in late July.

And with that we were ushered outside into the eye-searing sunshine, left to wonder what else Suzuki has for us in 2016. Come to think of it, ’16 is a tidy 30 years since the first GSX-R made its way to America…