It’s finally here….almost. The next generation of Suzuki’s legendary GSX-R1000 made an appearance at EICMA this week, alas, it is a “Concept” and we’re going to have to wait until at least the second half of 2016 before this 2017 model is officially launched in its production form.

None the less, it appears Suzuki has returned to the Superbike fight and have armed themselves suitably with class standards such as traction control, ride modes, quick shifter, Brembo brakes and Showa’s latest production suspension technology.

Suzuki claims it’s the lightest and most powerful GSX-R ever. Its four-cylinder engine will feature variable valve timing and finger followers for the valve train as well as Suzuki’s top feed injectors. Also boosting power is an exhaust header utilizing a crossover that is tuned on the fly to provide the broadest possible toque curve while maintaining high peak horsepower.

The look of the new bike has some very obvious similarities to the K5 GSX-R1000 with its single headlight and front fairing intakes. It’s not the most revolutionary design but those older GSX-R’s are among the most beloved, and if the company were thinking of honouring the past, this look was a good one, especially when it was winning everything in sight and the GSX-R1000 was ‘King of Superbikes’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI6ZC74OkxE