For 2005, Suzuki has taken everything they’ve learned developing those championship-winning machines and produced a new-generation supersport bike that is ready to build on Suzuki’s heritage of total domination. Introducing the incredible, all-new 2005 GSX-R1000 - a fitting flagship to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the birth of the GSX-R line of supersport bikes!
The new GSX-R1000 features an engine with increased displacement, producing more horsepower and torque than ever, with quicker acceleration to match - both from a standing start and in roll-on blasts through the gears. It has also been redesigned to shave precious pounds, making it a phenomenal 8.8 to 28.6 pounds lighter than its closest rivals. Its light weight along with completely refined suspension front and rear give the GSX-R1000 razor-sharp handling and superb responsiveness.
There is a lot to like about the new Gixxer. One can feel confident quickly on this machine, and be immediately impressed by the midrange punch and slipper clutch.
The sound and “oof” coming onto the front straight can be intoxicating, and the fuel injection works so well that the throttle seems directly connected to the rear wheel. The on-off throttle transitions are extremely smooth, and fine motor control is exemplary.
The compact chassis and riding geometry might seem very good to someone used to riding a 600cc machine, and the lower, narrower seat, along with the shorter reach to the handlebars over last year’s GSX-R1000, make what was a bit of an intimidating machine seem much more accessible.
New Titanium intake and exhaust valves with larger 4.5mm stems provide an increase in strength. The valves are lighter, overall permitting a 1000 rpm higher engine redline. New wind-tunnel-developed bodywork with reshaped vertical headlights, repositioned ram-air ducts, plus turn signals integrated with mirrors and tail-section reduce the frontal area by 4% and drag by 5%.
Two new features of the Gixxer stand out. The gear indicator and the slipper clutch. The new chassis has a redesigned instrument cluster which, features an analog tachometer with rpm indicator, digital speedometer and new gear indicator - also includes LCD odometer-tripmeters, coolant temperature, clock and EFI diagnostics. Back-torque limiting clutch allows smoother downshifts, plus the new rack and pinion operating system provides more positive clutch feel.
What it comes down to is that the 2005 GSXR1000 feels more accessible than its predecessor. But that is not to say Suzuki softened it.
The tractable mid-range, a predictable high-end hit, the low seat height that allows easy paddling around, the gear-change indicator that makes track days a bit easier and that wonderful slipper clutch (something that would add maybe $800 to the price if you had to go to the aftermarket), all combine to make it easier for any track day rider to consider owning the Suzuki liter-bike. In the past, the big Gixxer was perhaps a bit off-putting to some. Now, it has a lot to offer a performance-minded track day rider, as well as a racer, which is no small feat.
