2005 GSX-R1000: Second thoughts, no reservations

by Grant Parsons

After two days of testing the new GSX-R1000, I'm sitting here trying to get a handle on my thoughts about the new top-of-the-line literbike from the boys from Hammamatsu.

I'm a humble track day guy. I don't race. I like to go fast on the track. Scratch that—I love to go fast on the track. So from my perspective, there's a lot to like about the new Gixxer. I felt confident quickly on this machine, and I was immediately impressed by the the midrange punch and the slipper clutch.

The sound and oof coming onto the front straight was 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 seemed very good to me, as someone used to riding a 600cc machine, and the lower, narrower seat, along with the shorter reach to the handlebars over last year's GSXR1000, make what was a bit of an intimidating machine seem much more accessible.

Me, I like change, so the new exhaust can definitely appeals to me, and the integrated turn signals are the cat's, especially the ones in the rear. Everything else seems instantly dated.

I was surprised to find that I really liked two new features of the thou': The gear-position indicator and the slipper clutch. The clutch in particular made me sound like a GP hero every time I banged down several gears coming into the roundabout turn 2 at Eastern Creek Raceway. Considering that I've got a significant investment in learning to downshift quickly and smoothly while braking as things like turn one come screaming up fast, I was surprised to realize that I was an instant convert to the ease of the slipper clutch. If you're a bit off in your timing of downshift and throttle blip, the end result is race-hero smooth. Nice.

I guess what it comes down to, for a track-day guy like me, is that the 2005 GSXR1000 feels more accessible than its predecessor. That's not to say Suzuki softened it--after all, they claim an extra 14 ponies, and to use them all, you'd have to have a serious skillset.

But 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 a guy like me to consider owning the Suzuki liter-bike. In the past, the big Gixxer was perhaps a bit off-putting to some. Now, I think it has a lot to offer a performance-minded track day rider, as well as a racer, which is no small feat.

Oh, and I can't sign off without passing on what had to be the coolest image of the day:

I'm coming onto the long front straight at Eastern Creek, winding up the new Gixxer, when none other than former World GP Champion Kevin Schwantz comes flying past, hoisting the front end slightly as he puts the power down, all the while painting a monster darkie with the sliding rear tire. And I had the best view in the house.

I know those guys do stuff like that all the time, but I usually see it from the side of the track with a camera in my hand. To see it from that perspective, well, I'm still reeling.

Available in the states with an MSRP of $10,849, the new GSXR1000 will be available in black/yellow, black/gray, and, of course, blue/white.