RELIVING THE MAGIC

2012-2016 SUZUKI GSX-R1000 L2/3/4/5/6

Already starting to look very old-school, the GSX-R1000 was updated for the last time in 2012, however as with the K9 model, Suzuki didn’t really go far enough due to the lingering impact of the global financial crisis on the company.

Visually still very similar to the outgoing GSX-R, although it had a single exhaust rather than the K9’s twin pipes, the L2 was bereft of such things as traction control, ABS or ride by wire technology, instead relying on some good, solid, engineering principles.

As before, under the L2’s skin were some fairly substantial mechanical changes. The 999cc motor was overhauled with 11% lighter pistons, a new top end, revised cams and altered ventilation holes between the cylinders restoring some of the power and torque lost between the K7 and K9 models. The BPF forks were made 7mm shorter to give the bike a more nose heavy attitude, Brembo monoblock calipers added much-needed bite and the fairing was slightly different.

MEMORABLE FEATURE:

The 2014 model was the first GSX-R sportsbike to come with optional ABS.

USED PRICE GUIDE FOR L2:

£5,800 (tatty) £6,300 (okay) £7,000 (mint)