The GSX-R series is what truly defines Suzuki. The first a 750cc rolled out over three decades ago. It was followed by an 1100 and then in the year 2001 came the 1000cc. The engine capacities, the styling, and the technology might have changed over the years, but the focus for the brand has remained constant: Any motorcycle that carries the GSX-R nomenclature must be track-focused. It might not be savage or mad or be the epitome of technological breakthroughs, but a GSX-R must handle; it must brake; and it must feel completely at home on a racetrack. No surprise then that we are at Kari Motor Speedway to ride the latest generation GSX-R in both the standard R1000 and R1000R forms. You can read about the pricing and specs of these bikes by clicking on their names. And we expect the world from these GSXRs for it has taken Suzuki nearly a decade to come out with this 6th generation model. Whats more, its now claimed to be the most powerful, hardest accelerating and cleanest running GSX-R ever built.
Suzuki has been making the V-Strom in Japan since 2002, although it introduced the model in global markets only by 2009. The V-Strom is a dual purpose adventure bike which incorporates design elements from other Suzuki models. It even borrows the fuel injection system from the track-bred GSX-R models. Suzuki launched the V-Strom 1000 in India in February, at the 2014 Auto Expo. The brand also makes a smaller-engined version the V-Strom 650. The latter, however, is not in the offering for the Indian market at present due to customs regulations. The V-Strom 1000 is powered by a 1037cc, V-twin, four stroke engine. This big displacement liquid cooled engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The dual purpose model offers an adjustable windscreen, inverted telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock and dual disc brakes at the front. Even the India-spec model comes with ABS as standard. Suzuki is currently selling the V-Strom in two colours only: Candy Daring Red and Pearl Glacier White.
The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is the top of the line motorcycle in the Gixxer range of premium commuter bikes. Powered by a fuel-injected version of the 155cc engine, the Gixxer SF Fi is aimed at the youth looking for a stylish and technologically advanced commuter bike. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi retains the sculpted fuel tank and the rear panels from the naked Gixxer, though it now gets a full-sized fairing. Styled to resemble the bigger GSX-R superbikes, the fairing has been aerodynamically shaped to improve the motorcycles touring capabilities. The aggressive riding position, fat tyres and the stubby exhaust give it a sporty character. The Suzuki Gixxer SF Fi is built on the single downtube frame. It is powered by the same 155cc single-cylinder engine that is used in the rest of the Gixxer range, though the fuelling is now taken care of by an electronic fuel injection system. The Gixxer SF Fi gets the same power output as its carburetted sibling 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed transmission
The Suzuki Gixxer SF is a fully-faired premium commuter motorcycle, which is based on the Gixxer naked motorcycle. It is targeted at a young audience looking for a stylish commuter motorcycle which can double up as a tourer. The Gixxer SF carries forward the sculpted fuel tank and the rear panels from the naked motorcycle, though the edgy body panels in the front section have made way for the full-sized fairing. This fairing has been styled to resemble the bigger GSX-R superbikes and, the company claims, has been aerodynamically shaped to improve the motorcycles touring capabilities. The Gixxer SF is built on a single downtube frame, which also is used in its naked sibling. It is powered by the same 155cc single cylinder engine which delivers 14.6bhp and 14Nm of torque through a five-speed transmission. There is an option of fuel injection in the SF FI model range. A rear disc brake is on the options list, as is ABS. The Suzuki Gixxer SF is available in four colours: blue, black, red, and a rather fetching red and silver. The MotoGP edition paint scheme gets the Ecstar logo, which is the official supplier of engine oil to the manufacturers MotoGP effort. There is also special edition model called the Gixxer SF SP. It comes with a different graphic layout, maroon coloured seat and a clear lens LED tail lamp. The SP model is now available in two colour schemes, one of which is a combination of grey and black, and the other is a combination of black and gold, with new graphics on the headlamp cowl and fuel tank. The latter is available only in FI form.
The Aprilia RSV4 R APRC ABS has a rich and successful racing heritage and has been derived from the companys successful racing bikes over the years. The RSV4 was first introduced in 2009 and has evolved into a very capable machine over these years. Packed with modern technology and great ergonomics, the RSV4 R APRC ABS is one of the best litre-class bikes around. The Aprilia RSV4 R APRC ABS is powered by a four-stroke longitudinal 1,000cc 65° V-4 cylinder engine, which has won the Italian manufacturer two WSBK championships in the past four years. The liquid-cooled engine produces 180bhp and 115Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox with a multiplate wet clutch. The exhaust system has an oxygen sensor and is laid out in a four into two into one layout. The Aprilia RSV4 R APRC ABS can be switched into three modes- T (Track), S (Sport), R (Road). The APRC or Aprilia Performance Ride Control package for the bike, comes with a traction control (ATC), wheelie control (AWC), a track-only launch control (ALC) and a quick shift (AQS) system. The ATC can be adjusted while the bike is in motion while the AWC can be adjusted to three levels. The bike is also equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS). The Aprilia RSV4 APRC ABS is available in two colours - Black Competition and Fluo Red. It goes up against other 1,000cc supersport motorcycles like the Yamaha YZF R1, Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX R1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R and the BMW S1000RR
