The 2020 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and up-spec GSX-R1000R edition are Suzuki’s tried-and-true flagship literbikes that are at home on both the streets and the circuit thanks to the compact chassis and reliable literbike power. Powered by a liquid-cooled 1,000cc inline-four featuring Suzuki Variable Valve Timing (VVT), the Gixxer lays down power with assistance from its ride-by-wire electronic rider aid package and clutchless up-and-down quickshifter. Where the base model has a Showa Big Piston Fork, the R has a performance-improving and popular Showa Balance Free Fork.
In Kevin Cameron’s technical preview of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 he stated: “Suzuki’s very identity is in GSX-R, and this new [2017] bike looks like a very sharp sword.”
A few years ago we put the GSX-R1000, Aprilia RSV4, Yamaha YZF-R1, and Honda CBR1000RR in a head-to-head comparison and as test rider Bradley Adams put it: the Suzuki “is lighter than before, with easier tip-in mannerisms than the R1 and a noticeably more agile feel than the RSV4 at full lean. Pitch the bike into the corner and you’ll notice that front-end feel has improved over the previous-generation GSX-R thanks in part to new chassis dimensions.”
As you might expect then, the racetrack-oriented literbikes that serve as competition include the Honda CBR1000RR, Yamaha YZF-R1, Aprilia RSV4, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, as well as the BMW S 1000 RR and Ducati Panigale V4.
The GSX-R1000 has a $200 increase since 2019, making the current 2020 price tag at $15,599 and comes in Glass Sparkle Black/Metallic Matte Black No. 2 or Pearl Glacier White/Glass Sparkle Black paint schemes. The fellow edition to the line is the sporty GSX-R1000R which is available at $17,699 in Metallic Triton Blue or Glass Sparkle Black/Pearl Mira Red.
