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Detail	Value
New price	£8,949
Engine size	999cc
Power	185bhp
Top speed	190mph
Insurance group	17

Suzuki GSX-R1000 – K7 2007

MCN overall verdict

Suzuki has never made a bad GSX-R1000, and they still haven’t. Their flagship superbike always leads the class, never follows, and the new GSX-R1000K7 is no different. Not only does it have more power than ever before – up 7bhp to 185bhp - it’s now even to handle than ever. The user-friendly nature of the Suzuki GSX-R1000 was always its best asset, and now thanks to a three way power switch you can choose how much power you need depending on the conditions.

Engine

On full-power ‘default mode’ the low rpm power on the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been softened to allow for more absolute power at top revs (maximum power is now made 1000rpm higher in the revs at 12,000rpm), which means the GSX-R1000K7 is missing some of the instant, neck snapping power it was able to dish out at walking speeds. No mater because this makes the Suzuki GSX-R1000K7 more docile when squeezing on the gas exiting corners, which is good. There’s still an ocean of mid-range torque ready for you when you open the taps, enough to seriously embarrass its revvy rivals – and of course a whole heap of howling power at high rpm. The power delivery and throttle response of the latest Suzuki GSX-R1000 is smooth and polished beyond belief.

Ride and Handling

A longer wheelbase makes for fewer wheelies coming out of slow corners on track, which will please the racers. Forks are a huge improvement on the under-damped units on the Suzuki GSX-R1000K5/K6, and like the rear shock has high and low speed compression damping. But with the extra adjustment on offer there’s more scope for mucking up the handling, making the GSX-R1000K7 slow steering and twitchy on the bumps. Dial in the right settings and it’s pure stable, confidence-inspiring Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Equipment

The Suzuki GSX-R1000K7 has every toy in the superbike book: electronically-controlled steering damper, slipper clutch, fully adjustable suspension, radial brakes and master cylinder and adjustable pegs. The ‘piece de resistance’ is the three-way power switch. Mode ‘A’ is full power, ‘B’ softens the power up to the 9000rpm-mark, then ‘releases’ to give full power at full throttle. ‘C’ cuts power at low revs and practically cuts power completely after 8000rpm, turning the Suzuki GSX-R1000 into a Suzuki SV650. Find parts for Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Quality and Reliability

Although Suzuki GSX-R1000s tend to be bullet-proof mechanically and can stand tens of thousands of miles of hard use, the finish isn’t quite as good as the competition. The paintwork on the panels and engine casings is thin and the GSX-R1000K7’s new twin pipes look particularly cheap – although Suzuki is probably assuming people will get rid of them anyway in favour of replacement cans.

Value

To be able to get this much technology and easy to use performance for less than nine grand is staggering. If it’s anything like the GSX-R1000K5/K6 model you’ll be ale to use it for commuting, touring, track days and with very little modification even go racing (and be competitive) on it too – quite a feat. Find Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles for sale.

Model History

2001: Original K1  Suzuki GSX-R1000 released.
2002: Suzuki GSX-R1000K2 model – no significant changes.
2003: GSX-R1000K3 model released. New chassis, bodywork, more power, less weight.
2004: Suzuki GSX-R1000K4 model – no significant changes.
2005: New Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 model released. New chassis, bodywork, more power, less weight.
2006: Suzuki GSX-R1000K6 model – no significant changes.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	190mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.5 secs
Power	185bhp
Torque	ftlb
Weight	172kg
Seat height	810mm
Fuel capacity	17.5 litres
Average fuel consumption	38mpg
Tank range	146 miles
Insurance group	17
Engine size	999cc
Engine specification	16v, in-line-four, fuel-injection, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment	Fully adjustable
Front brakes	Twin 310mm discs, four-piston radial calipers.
Rear brake	220mm disc, twin piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17