BRUCE ON TRACK

I really feel for Suzuki because they’ve built an awesome machine… but it’s just not quite good enough. That’s pretty much been the story from the start with this bridesmaid of a bike that secured second place in 2017 at our SBOTY test, first time out. It was good then, and it’s good now, but the rest of the sector has moved on and the Suzuki has been found wanting. That said, it’s one of the easiest of bikes to ride on track, being good to handle and agile, made all the sweeter by its torquey motor. I am a big fan of the Suzuki and having raced one all last year I know its potential, but being up against brutes like the BMW and Honda, it felt pretty steady at times, and don’t even get me started on the decent Brembo brakes that are ruined by the ABS. The tech on the Gixxer is basic but functional, with a combined traction/ wheelie control function across 10 different maps. On the one hand it keeps life simple, but it also flags up how basic the machine is when compared with its rivals that have everything from Slide Control to GPS aiding you on track. In the right hands the GSX-R is very much a track weapon, but it feels like you have to ride it very hard if you want to keep on the tail of some of the newer generation sportsbikes. But what else would you expect from a machine that’s trailing the competition by almost 25bhp on the same dyno? The GSX-R’s best quality is its handling and in the hands of newbies or pros, it will win you over with its trustworthy, obliging nature. The same can be said for the spacious riding position that makes you feel like you sit in the bike rather than on it. There are so many good points to this bike and I really hope Suzuki decide to dig deep and refresh it with a more competitive edge in 2021.

So close…

Drive: 4th

Agility: 5th

Stability: 5th

Feel: 5th

Tech: 6th

Brakes: 6th

Overall: 5th