THE RiDE VERDICT
WE LOVE THESE — always have, always will. The detail changes a little depending on which model you have, as you might imagine, but then again, perhaps not as
much as you might imagine. Maybe that’s because from the overall looks, to the riding position to the braking feel, the evolution of the GSX-R from 2005 to 2016 was gradual enough to keep the essence of the original while adding posher suspension, better brakes and more power. In fact, many owners reckon you’re better off with a properly sorted K5 than a shiny new L6, as the early bike isn’t hamstrung by emissions and noise regs. We wouldn’t necessarily argue. Whichever you choose, you’ll find it relatively roomy (especially from the K7 on with its adjustable footrests) and relatively comfortable for a sportsbike. The great thing is that even if they’re ridden fast on the road, they’re rarely thrashed — there just isn’t room... So although suspension and brakes can take a hammering, the engines are barely stressed for most of their lives. So you get reliability, speed, power and practicality in one package. Yes, a ZX-10R’S madder, an R1 can beat it round a track and an S1000RR is more high tech but as a pure road sportsbike, a GSX-R1000 is more or less perfect.