Suzuki Road Show hits Sydney with latest models

Suzuki Motorcycles is traveling around Australia’s main cities with their Suzuki Road Show, featuring the latest offerings in their road bike lines, and giving everyone a great chance to see the bikes in person, most are available now, with the exception of the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 and the GSX-R1000R.

Suzuki’s not yet available GSX-R1000Rs took pride of place and will be available later in the year

You can read out full reviews on the new Suzuki GSX-R1000R here, and the recently launched Suzuki GSX-S750 here.

Of particular interest to many was no doubt the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R, which are new for this year, and feature a host of updates including a full eletronics package.

Front view of the GSX-R1000R

Pricing has been released for both models, with the GSX-R1000 at $21,990 + ORC (MSRP $23,990 Ride Away), and the GSX-R1000R $25,490 + ORC (MSRP $27,490 Ride Away) with an expected October arrival date.

The GSX-R1000 looks awesome kitted out in the accessories, took me a second to realise it had carbon-fibre fairing pieces

Also particularly interesting in relation to these bikes was the genuine Suzuki accessories display, which showed some of the many accessories fitted to a standard GSX-R1000. For those that like to customise there was some very trick kit, like billet levers, and lever protectors, not to mention rearsets.

There was a whole range of GSX-R1000 accessories also on display in a kitted out machine, here are the billet rearsets

Also particularly cool if you’re into carbon-fibre was all the replacement panels available in the same material. They looked awesome under the display lights, but no doubt will be even more impressive under daylight. There’s a long list available, although pricing and arrival date is yet to come.

Some awesome carbon-fibre fairings

Naturally the GSX-S750 was a personal favourite, having just been to the launch, with Suzuki really exceeding expectations with this new model. It’s a great nakedbike option, particularly at a larger capacity than 600cc options, but considerably more nimble than the GSX-S1000. The fueling is also better than the GSX-S1000 we tested last year too!

The new Suzuki GSX250R in race livery

Bigger news was the GSX-R250, putting Suzuki into the smaller capacity LAMS market. Sure they have the Inazuma and TU250X but they really needed something with a sporty leaning that would appeal to younger riders.

Powering the GSX250R is a 248cc parallel-twin engine, with a camshaft profile that delivers maximum acceleration performance at riding speeds between 20km/h to 90km/h, as this is the range that is often used by riders. Handling is managed by comfortable clip on handlebars, with KYB front forks and single rear shock absorber with spring preload adjustment provide excellent handling and cornering ability.

2017 Suzuki GSX250R, Metallic Triton Blue

Seating is a relatively low 790mm and slim fuel tank design allow for better planting of the feet when stopped. Newly designed 17 inch 10-spoke wheels. Petal type brake discs with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) offers greater confidence and peace of mind for the rider. The all-new GSX250R will be available in Metallic Triton Blue or Gloss Black colour schemes and for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $6,790 Ride Away.

The GSX-S125 is a small capacity performer aimed at those who may otherwise look at a scooter for inner city commuting

Another interesting addition is the GSX-S125 and GSX-R125, which feature an advanced liquid-cooled single-cylinder DOHC, 4-valve, fuel-injected, 4-stroke powerplant, class leading power to weight ratio, 785mm seat height, and ABS.

The faired GSX-R125

These join their respective families and are intended for inner city commuters who may otherwise be considering a scooter, and promise low running costs and on-roads, thanks to the low engine capacity. They may even manage to encroach on Grom and Z125 Pro territory, so it’ll be interesting to see pricing.

Styling is cool, with an unusual front end, but the overall build quality and finish looks like a real strong point.

A good opportunity to check out the different ergonomics between the V-Strom models

Also on display was the V-Strom line, including the new 2017 1000cc verstion, including the standard V-Strom 1000 and the V-Strom 1000XT variants. The V-Stroms remained a popular talking point, with people constantly checking out the seat heights and ergonomics throughout the night.

The Suzuki V-Strom 1000XT

For a full run down on what’s new and featured on the V-Strom 1000s check out our original article on the 2017 V-Strom 1000 and 1000XT.

Also present of course was the little tacker of the V-Strom family, the V-Strom 650 and 650XT, with LAMS options also available.

V-Strom line-up

These feature the 645cm3 DOHC V-twin, with a new traction control system, improved styling with the iconic beak, and additional features on the XT model. The total updates are actually massive, and you can check them out here: Suzuki unveil 2017 V-Strom 650s.

Needless to say it was a great event, and the next two will be held in Melbourne (July 6) and then Perth (July 13) you can apply for VIP access to the event via the Suzuki Motorcycles website.