Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1546847
P114 RIDE REVIEW I 2027 SUZUKI GSX-R1000RS the motorcycle is not upright. Then there's the LCD instrument panel, and frankly, it is the GSX-R1000RS's biggest disappointment. In an era when even learner motorcycles have crisp, full-color TFT displays, Suzuki's black-and-white LCD looks positively prehis- toric. The information itself is comprehensive enough, but the presentation is cluttered, uninspiring and difficult to read at a glance, particularly in changing light when you've got the sun in front of you. It feels like a component carried over from another generation rather than something belonging on a flagship superbike costing nearly $20,000. Suzuki may argue that the simplicity suits the GSX-R's no-nonsense character, but there is a difference between uncomplicated and outdated. The rest of the motorcycle has moved forward significantly; unfortunately, one look at the dash suggests Suzuki forgot to bring the instruments along for the ride. Sorry, just facts… THE VERDICT Suzuki hasn't attempted to reinvent the super- bike segment with the 2027 GSX-R1000RS. Instead, it has updated a familiar formula with a stronger engine, higher-specification chassis components, and expanded electronics (despite the dash). The basic GSX-R layout, however, remains largely familiar. Faster, lighter and more technologically complex superbikes are available, but the GSX-R takes a straightforward approach. Its performance is substantial, although the power delivery, chassis and electronics remain manageable on the road. That said, the usual liter bike compromises remain—it generates heat in traffic, the riding position can become demanding, and exploit- ing its full performance on public roads is downright unrealistic. Despite this, the GSX-R1000RS remains effective and engaging. It may not represent a radical departure from the established GSX-R formula, but Suzuki has updated the package without fundamentally changing its character. CN 2027 SUZUKI GSX-R1000RS ($18,639) Engine Liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke Valvetrain 8-valve, DOHC Displacement 999.8cc Bore x Stroke 76.0mm x 55.1mm Compression Ratio 13.8:1 Transmission Six-speed Horsepower (claimed) 192 hp at 13,200 rpm Torque (claimed) 81 lb-ft at 11,000 rpm Fuel System Dual injectors per cylinder, ride-by-wire Clutch SCAS (Suzuki Clutch Assist System) slipper clutch Frame Twin-spar aluminum Front Suspension Showa Balance Free Front (BFF) inverted telescopic fork, coil spring, oil-damped Rear Suspension Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion (BFRC-lite) monoshock, link type, coil spring, oil-damped Front Brake Twin 320mm discs, Brembo monobloc radial calipers Rear Brake Single 220mm disc Wheels, Front/Rear Cast alloy, 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 6.0 in. Front Tire Bridgestone Racing Street RS11, 120/70-17 in. Rear Tire Bridgestone Racing Street RS11, 190/55-17 in. Rake 23.3° Trail 3.7 in. Wheelbase 55.9 in. Ground Clearance 5.1 in. Seat Height 32.5 in. Fuel Capacity 4.2 gal. Wet Weight (claimed) 448 lbs.