The story of the SV650
The SV650 was first introduced in 1999 as an affordable-but-fun middleweight, available either naked or half-faired. No one, not even Suzuki, could have imagined the cult appeal the bike would develop, as it appealed to everyone from commuters to riders looking for a capable tool for a weekend blast, and now fills race grids up and down the country. 20 years on, we take a look back at the history of one of the biggest overachievers in motorcycling.
The naked version of the SV650 cost just £3,999 when it was launched back in 1999, with the S model a mere £300 more. Both bikes immediately found favour with the motorcycling public, with a combined 2,549 sold in the first year and 2,939 the following year.
The SV was designed to be the answer to many people’s prayers; a robust, reliable, but characterful V-twin middleweight, suited to a range of riders and uses.
It was affordable and did everything it needed to. But it did it better than its rivals, with nimble, agile handling more akin to more expensive, sportier machines, and an engine that has gone down in motorcycle folklore. MCN referred to it as a ‘straightforward middleweight V-twin all-rounder which proves you don’t have to be boring to be practical’. It found a niche and it excelled.
It was comfortable as well, with a plush seat and easy-going ergonomics – especially the naked version. It could take a pillion too. And there was a great range of accessories, which meant the SV could be taken touring across the continent, or, with the fitment of fairing lowers, a pillion seat cowl, and a racy exhaust, become a mini V-twin weapon between the hedges.
Such a weapon in fact, that in club racing, the SV650 was the bike to be on when it came to the twin classes. As people sought more affordable ways of going racing, the SV filled Minitwin grids up and down the country, which boasted tighter regulations than other classes of racing. Frames couldn’t be modified, nothing could be done to the engine, and even things like the forks had to remain standard. However, the basic package from Hamamatsu was far greater than the sum of its parts, and the bikes posted impressive lap times around circuits like Donington Park, Brands Hatch, and Cadwell Park.
2003 saw the introduction of the second generation SV650. The new bike boasted an all-new cast aluminium frame, new swingarm and new exhaust. It also made the switch to fuel injection from carburettors. It got a power hike, too, taking peak power up to over 73bhp, while peak torque increased to 47.2lb-ft.
And it continued to fly out of the showrooms too. 2,266 were sold when the new bikes were introduced, as new riders, commuters, and racers alike sought them out.
In 2007 new twin-plug heads were introduced to improve emissions, but it was the last update before the naked SV650 was superseded by the SFV650, which was launched in 2009.
The SFV650 was launched in Fuerteventura to widespread praise. MCN rated the upgraded engine five out of five, and commended the new bike, writing “the old SV650 was a good bike and to be honest Suzuki didn’t have to do much to make it a great bike once more. But they have gone one better and given us an excellent bike.”
Changes to the camshaft profiles and valve lift, a 10% increase in crankshaft inertia, newly staggered intake and exhaust tract lengths, and a new exhaust made it possible to boost low-rpm and midrange power, without sacrificing top-end output. There were also new valve springs, and while the bore and stroke remained the same from the older SV650, the bore was plated with Suzuki’s race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating. It also benefited from new iridium spark plugs.
The most striking difference was how the new bike differed visually from the SV. The classic styling made way for more modern lines, and a new steel trellis frame replaced the aluminium frame of the outgoing SV650.
In classes where limited modifications were permitted, the SV650S continued its dominance of club racing grids, with it’s clip-ons and removable rear subframe. But in the more relaxed Supertwin classes, the SFV650 was carving a name for itself.
JHS Racing in particular were championing the way with the SFV, turning out an exquisite example dressed in GSX-R600 fairings, that turned heads when on display at Motorcycle Live.
The preparation put into the bike was essentially the same that goes into a superbike. The JHS SFVs used the original crankshaft, but got new con-rods, pistons, valves and valve springs. It retained the standard ECU, but with some parameters changed and some sensor eliminators, to extract every ounce of power. This bike didn’t have to do thousands of miles between services.
“The SFV650 boasts even more potential than the SV for racing,” James Holland from JHS Racing said at the time. “It’s the engine we like the most, as the nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating in the bores allows us to run higher tolerances with our pistons and rings.”
But for 2016 the naked SV returned to the range, doing everything it did in 1999, only better. It’s more powerful and lighter than the SFV650, with clean, classic styling to appeal to a variety of riders. It boasts some more tech too, with a one-push, easy-start system and Suzuki’s low-rpm assist function that makes it incredibly difficult to stall the bike when pulling away. On its launch in northern Spain it was praised for its handling, with Bike Social writing, “The Suzuki’s chassis is mint. It turns well, holds a line, and leans over till the long hero blobs and exhaust are dragging if you want.”
Two years later and the SV650X joined the lineup alongside the standard SV, while the S made way. It offered something new for SV customers, sporting café racer-inspired styling with a bikini fairing, dropped bars, and ribbed seat, plus a retro-style livery.
The SV650 remains a model that does far more than it should, better than it should. When the first SV650 rolled off the production line in the late 90s, no one would have believed that it would find favour with so many riders looking for so many different things, and go on to fill club racing grids and tackle the Isle of Man TT. It really is one of motorcycling’s biggest overachievers.
SUZUKI ANNOUNCES ITS SUMMER LOW-RATE FINANCE OFFER
Suzuki has announced the details of its summer low rate finance offer, which gives customers the ability to tailor a finance package to their individual needs by choosing from either a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement, and the term of their choice – from two, three, and four years – with an APR to match.
The offer is available on all V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000 models, plus the GSX-S1000F, GSX-S1000, and GSX-S750 street machines, with a minimum deposit of £1,000. With a minimum deposit of £500 customers can also take advantage of the offer on the GSX-S125 and Address scooter.
Address HP Only. Credit is available to UK residents aged 18 and over, subject to status. Suzuki Finance is a trading style of Suzuki Financial Services Limited; St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.
SUZUKI ENHANCES GSX-R 0%REPRESENTATIVE FINANCE OFFER
Suzuki has announced an enhanced 0% APR Representative finance offer on the award-winning and race-proven GSX-R1000R plus the entry-level GSX-R125, available until the end of September 2019. There’s also a new £250 Suzuki deposit contribution on the GSX-R125.
Available with a minimum deposit of £1,000 on the range-topping GSX-R1000R, customers can ensure they’re choosing a deal that best suits their personal circumstances, and opt for either a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement.
Suzuki’s 0% APR Representative offer also extends to the learner-friendly GSX-R125, which is available with a minimum deposit of £750, £250 of which comes as a Suzuki deposit contribution, meaning buyers need only £500 deposit.
The GSX-R1000R uses a host of MotoGP-derived technology, from a clever variable valve timing system that allows it to produce both low-down and midrange torque and impressive top-end power, to a comprehensive suite of performance-boosting electronics that includes an IMU-governed, 10-mode traction control system, launch control, quickshifter and auto-blipper, and cornering ABS.
The GSX-R125 set new benchmarks when it was launched in 2017, coming into the 125 sports bike market with the best power-to-weight ratio. It boasts an LCD dash, LED lighting, keyless ignition, and Suzuki’s easy-start system.
SUZUKI MOTOGP-INSPIREDARAI CHASER-X AVAILABLE
Suzuki and Arai have joined forces to create a Team Suzuki Ecstar, MotoGP-inspired Chaser-X limited edition helmet, which comes with an RRP of £550 and is available now through authorised Suzuki dealerships or online.
The helmet gets a striking blue, white, and yellow design with bold Suzuki lettering, reminiscent of the firm’s GSX-RR MotoGP racer, and is ACU Gold Standard certified. It also uses a double d-ring chin strap fastener, Arai’s new shield latch system, and includes liner speaker pockets.
SUZUKI SET FOR INAUGURAL ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER FESTIVAL
Suzuki will showcase its adventure and off-road ranges at the inaugural Adventure Bike Rider Festival, which takes place from 12-14 July at the Ragley Hall Estate in Warwickshire, with visitors also able to enjoy test rides on many of the models on display.
The range-topping V-Strom 1000XT – which features a 1037cc V-twin engine packed with low-down torque and a broad midrange, plus a two-mode traction control system and intelligent cornering ABS – will be displayed alongside the standard V-Strom 1000. The cult-favourite V-Strom 650 will also be on display, side-by-side with the more off-road-focussed V-Strom 650XT, which swaps cast wheels for lightweight spoked options, and gets hand guards and lower cowling as standard. Both models use Suzuki’s characterful and famed 645cc V-twin engine, and get traction control and low RPM assist.
Demonstrating the V-Strom’s adventure-potential is the Bike to Japan V-Strom 1000, which was ridden from the UK all the way back to the Suzuki factory in Hamamatsu, Japan in 2014.
Proving big adventures can come in small packages is the V-Strom 250. The A2 licence-friendly machine uses a flexible parallel twin engine, and includes full luggage among its range of accessories, and will be on display along with its larger capacity siblings.
Further highlighting the Japanese brand’s off-road prowess is the RM-Z450 motocross machine and KingQuad 750 ATV, both of which will be present on the Suzuki stand, while the head-turning new KATANA will nod to the firm’s street bike range.
Visitors to the festival can also sample the entire V-Strom range for themselves, with test rides available over the course of the event. The KATANA – an evolution of the iconic 1981 machine that uses a 150hp version of the legendary GSX-R1000 K5 engine, housed in a lightweight aluminium chassis and tamed with a three-mode traction control system – will also be available for demo rides.
For more information on Suzuki’s adventure range, click here. To find out more about the new KATANA, click here.
SUZUKI REVAMPS SPRING OFFER
Suzuki’s widely-regarded finance offer – which gives customers the ability to choose either a two, three, or four year agreement with an APR to match, plus the option of deciding between a PCP or Hire Purchase deal – will continue this spring, with new models now included in the campaign. Both the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000, plus the XT and GT variants of both models, are now available as part of the offer. The award-winning V-Strom 650 uses Suzuki’s famed 645cc V-twin engine and features a two-stage traction control system (which can be turned off), plus easy-start and low rpm assist. Meanwhile the range-topping V-Strom 1000X GT comes fully-equipped with aluminium top box and panniers, plus tapered handlebar and lightweight spoke wheels.
The SV650X – the café racer-inspired version of the equally-popular SV650 – is now part of the offer, along with the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F, GSX-S750 and learner-friendly GSX-S125, plus the Address scooter.
All new models from Suzuki come with a three-year warranty and one-year Suzuki Roadside Assistance. Each is also equipped with Datatag’s MASTER security system for added peace of mind.
For information on all of Suzuki’s offers, click here.
Minimum deposit £300. Address Hire Purchase finance only. Credit is available to UK residents aged 18 and over, subject to status. Suzuki Financial Services Limited, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH.
TEAM GB BMX STAR DECLAN BROOKS PASSES MOTORCYCLE TEST
Team GB athlete, freestyle BMX star, and Olympic hopeful Declan Brooks has swapped pedal power for horsepower, passing his motorcycle test using Suzuki’s SV650.
Brooks – who finished third in the FISE Chengdu BMX World Cup event in China last November – passed his CBT last year, as he took the first steps into gaining his motorcycle licence. Now, with nearly a year’s worth of experience under his belt, the 21-year-old has passed both his module one and module two assessments, thanks to Shires Motorcycle Training, and can finally remove the L-plates as spring arrives.
Declan Brooks, “I’m used to feeling nervous ahead of world championship competition, but it didn’t stop the apprehension for each part of the test, so it was a huge relief to be told I’d passed. I really enjoyed learning, doing my CBT, and getting some miles in on the GSX-S125 last year, but I was keen to keep going and go through my full test. I definitely enjoyed having more power on tap and a bigger bike with the SV, too. This has come at the perfect time as well; it’ll not be long until the clocks change and the weather warms up, and I’m now excited to get on the road and plan some rides this coming summer.”
Brooks is currently competing in world championship around the globe, with the aim of representing Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the first time freestyle BMX will be included in the games. He is also from a motorcycling family and background, his father racing before Declan got his first taste of a motocross bike at four.
He added, “I think having a bicycle and two-wheeled background definitely helped. Even though there are obviously massive differences, you’ve got a feel for balance, how to use your weight, things like that. My dad will be pleased too!”
Riding a GSX-S125 to pass his CBT and gain experience, Brooks will now use Suzuki’s user-friendly SV650. However, due to his age, the 74bhp machine uses a restricted ECU to bring it down to the 47bhp limit, available through authorised Suzuki dealerships.
SUZUKI CONFIRMS PRICING ON NEW COMMUTER MODELS
Suzuki has confirmed pricing for its new Address 110 and Inazuma 250F models, with the economical commuter-targeted machines priced at £1,799 and £3,999 respectively.
The Address 110 defines urban practicality, with its impressive 145MPG* figure, a kerb mass of just 97kg, and over 20 litres of under-seat storage. The stylish new scooter also boasts cutaway footboards, making it easy to stop around town, a rear brake locking system for use when parked, and an ignition cover which aids in security.
Performance comes from a new fuel injection system and redesigned piston skirts, while cast aluminium wheels with hollow cores boost handling capabilities.
The new scooter comes with an RRP of £1,799 while a number of optional accessories are also available, including a top box, hand guards, and tall windscreen.
The Inazuma 250F joins Suzuki´s on-road range for 2015, following the success of the naked Inazuma 250 launched at Motorcycle Live 2012.
The new F variant adds a fairing and screen for improved weather protection on longer journeys, all wrapped around an economical 248cc parallel twin capable of 85MPG* while also delivering enough punch for a spirited ride out of town.
The Inazuma 250F is available with an RRP of £3,999. Both the Address 110 and Inazuma 250F are expected in dealers in March.
*Data resulting from tests made by Suzuki in compliance with WMTC. These tests were conducted by a single pilot with no additional optional equipment. Fuel consumption may vary depending on your riding style, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, the presence of accessories, the load, the weight of the crew and many other parameters
SUZUKI V-STROM 650XT NOW IN DEALERS
Suzuki´s new V-Strom 650XT is now available in dealerships nationwide, with pricing confirmed at £7,499.
Based on the popular V-Strom 650, which has been the best-selling mid-capacity dual-purpose motorcycle over the last decade, the new XT version boasts lightweight DID wire spoke rims, designed to improve performance on unpaved roads, while a new beak takes design cues from the V-Strom 1000 and iconic DR Big and improves airflow to the radiator.
Hand guards, aluminium sump protector and engine bars complete the look and add to the V-Strom 650XT´s rugged presence.
Suzuki GB Marketing Manager Rob Cooper commented, “The XT version of the popular V-Strom 650 builds on the original bike´s proven platform as a comfortable and capable adventure-tourer, but adds new levels of practicality with the wire wheels and other added extras, helping maintain the V-Strom´s position as the best dual-purpose machine in this sector of the market.”
The V-Strom 650XT is available in authorised Suzuki dealers now with an RRP of £7,499. Additional accessories, including aluminium luggage and Vario touring screen, are also available.
WATERS AND IDDON JOIN HALSALL SUZUKI FOR 2015 BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
Double British Superbike race winner Josh Waters and World Superbike EVO front runner Christian Iddon will join the Halsall Racing Team in 2015, spearheading Suzuki’s official entry in the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship.
The move will see Waters continue his long relationship with Suzuki, having taken two Superbike titles for the Japanese marque in his native Australia between 2009 and 2012. In 2014, the 27-year-old took the Suzuki GSX-R1000 to two race victories and secured a brace of top six results.
Having spent two years racing on the world stage, Iddon will return to Britain in 2015 for what will be his first full season in the MCE British Superbike Championship. The 30-year-old is no stranger to success in the UK having taken two victories on his way to fifth place in the 2012 British Supersport Championship. The nine-time British Supermoto Champion also impressed by taking pole position in a wildcard appearance at the Assen round of British Superbikes last year.
Last month Halsall Racing announced a partnership with Suzuki GB which sees the Bolton-based outfit become Suzuki’s official British Superbike representative from the 2015 season.
Josh Waters:
“I’m excited to be back in British Superbikes for a third year in 2015. It’s great to be staying with Suzuki and I’m really looking forward to moving into the Halsall team. I really enjoyed riding a couple of rounds for Martin in 2013 and Jack Valentine has such great experience with Suzuki so I can’t wait to get working with him.
“The team has a good plan to make the bike as strong as possible for 2015 and I can’t wait to ride it for the first time later this year. There’s no reason I shouldn’t be able to start this season where I left off at the end of 2014”.
Christian Iddon:
“I’m really excited about joining Halsall Suzuki for 2015. The bike has clearly got pedigree; two years ago it finished second in the championship and last year Josh won races on it. With the added experience of Jack Valentine, I’m really confident about this package.
“It has to be said the Halsall team have had a meteoric rise in the championship, just a few years ago they were in in the Superstock 1000 class and now they are a factory supported British Superbike team. I originally stopped doing Supermoto with a view of winning a championship, so I expect to be running at the front!”
Martin Halsall – Team Owner:
“It is looking really exciting for the Halsall Team as we embark on our new adventure with Suzuki. We’re really looking forward to working with Josh Waters and Christian Iddon; they both have a lot of promise and I think they will fit in great with the team. We’ll be doing our best to put together a great package for the pair of them and can’t wait to get started in a couple of months’ time.”
Jack Valentine – Team Manager:
“I’m really pleased we’ve signed Josh and Christian to ride the Halsall Suzuki in 2015. Josh has a wealth of experience with the GSX-R and he’s already highlighted some of the areas he’d like to improve. His strong end to the 2014 season shows the bike has got potential and he is determined to get the most out of it.
“Christian joins us having spent two years racing brand new bikes in World Superbikes, impressing with podiums and front-row starts on the Supersport MV Agusta and strong EVO results on the Bimota BB3. He showed the kind of results he is capable of rocking up at Assen last year with an unproven bike only to go and take pole position. I’m confident he’ll get on really well with the GSX-R.
“In Josh and Christian we’ve got a really strong line-up; one that I believe is capable of taking Suzuki back into the British Superbike showdown.”
2014 WORLD ENDURANCE BOOK ON SALE
The latest 2014 Endurance Season Review book by renowned French photographer David Reygondeau is now on sale.
The large-format hard-back 176-page publication is packed with all the best imagery from this year’s series along with information and facts on all the major teams and riders, including 13-time World Champions Suzuki Endurance Racing Team and World Superstock Champions Junior Team LMS.
Reygondeau, who also shoots all the stunning Endurance images for Team Suzuki’s www.suzuki-racing.com has teamed-up with journalist Valerie Moreno; who provides all the words and information for what is again promised to be a must-have reference publication to have in the library.
It is priced at 45 Euros, plus postage/ shipping costs to various countries, and available now direct from David Reygondeau:[email protected]
SUZUKI GB ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH HALSALL RACING FOR 2015
Suzuki GB has today announced its partnership with Halsall Racing for the 2015 MCE British Superbike (BSB) season.
Having agreed terms just last week, Suzuki is delighted to confirm that it will entrust the company’s BSB effort going forwards to Halsall Racing, competing on the GSX-R1000 with a two-rider line-up next season.
Suzuki GB General Manager, Paul de Lusignan, commented, “We are very pleased to agree terms with Halsall Racing for next season. With the obvious enthusiasm and professionalism of team owner Martin Halsall combined with the unrivaled experience of Jack Valentine as Team Manager, we believe we have a strong foundation to build on for next season and beyond.”
Having already taken delivery of 2015 GSX-R1000s, Halsall Racing will commence development with the assistance of Suzuki Motor Corporation, with the first test planned in the new year.
Team owner, Martin Halsall added, “We entered into BSB with clear objectives. We always intended to be here long-term, but our ultimate goal was to represent a manufacturer at the highest level. While our agreement with Suzuki meets that objective, this is really the beginning of a new future for us as a team. I would like to thank Suzuki for the faith they have put into everyone at Halsall Racing and look forward to the season ahead.”
Team Manager Jack Valentine brings not only a wealth of racing experience, but particular experience of Suzuki, having managed both World and British Superbike teams for the brand.
“It’s fair to say that this deal is like coming home for me”, commented Valentine.
Suzuki’s Paul de Lusignan added, “While we’re excited for the future with Halsall Racing, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Philip and Hector Neill at TAS for their superb support over the last 14 years, and wish them the very best for the future.” |
MOTORCYCLIST TO RIDE FROM UK TO INDIA IN NEW RECORD ATTEMPT
Sushanth Shetty is aiming to set a new record by riding his Suzuki Hayabusa from the UK to India in the fastest overland journey between the two countries.
Setting off from the UK on Saturday 25 October, Sushanth, who lives in London but retains his Indian citizenship, will ride his Hayabusa to France and through Europe to Turkey and then Iran. From there it will either be Pakistan, if his visa application is accepted in time, or Dubai, before arriving in India.
Dubbed the East India Express, the journey is expected to take 15 days of riding if permission is granted to travel through Pakistan – however, a police escort would be required – or slightly longer if a deviation through Dubai is necessary, but Sushanth is looking forward to the challenge.
Sushanth, who has previous travel experience through Asia and Europe, said, “I´d always fancied riding a bike from the UK to India and came up with the plan in Bangkok while travelling through Asia. I´ve also done a bit of riding across Europe before. But I didn´t think I was cut out for six months or so of riding and ´finding myself´; I wanted to do it as fast as possible. So I tried and thought about a few different bikes, but it had to be the Hayabusa. It should be a good journey and I´m looking forward to setting off. I´m looking forward to going to Sofia in Bulgaria, Ljubljana in Slovenia and Istanbul in Turkey. I´m also a bit apprehensive of Eastern Iran and Pakistan, but I´m also really looking forward to riding through Iran as a whole, and hoping I can do the whole thing to set the fastest overland journey time between the two countries, and that´s sticking to speed limits too.”
Sushanth already has his flight booked back to the UK on 23 November, after spending a few days at home. The bike will remain in India for India Bike Week in February before being shipped back to the UK.
To follow Sushanth´s journey live, click here.??For more information visit http://theeastindiaexpress.com
NEW SUZUKI GSX-S1000 RANGE HEADLINES COLOGNE SHOW
Suzuki pulled the wraps off its new GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models at the opening of this year´s International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany, as the Japanese manufacturer unveiled several new models and updates that will form part of its 2015 model range.
GSX-S1000 ABS
The product concept behind Suzuki´s new super-naked was to provide the spirit of GSX-R in a naked streetbike chassis. Designed for nimble and agile handling, the GSX-S1000 features an all-new frame and utilises engine design and characteristics from the iconic GSX-R1000 K5, famed for its low-down torque and mid-range power.
With knowhow from MotoGP development, the GSX-S1000 benefits from a traction control system boasting three-modes as well as the option to switch the system off completely. ABS is also available, with the bike expected in dealership showrooms in late spring next year.
GSX-S1000F ABS
Also unveiled as part of Suzuki´s new GSX-S range, the F variant features all of the benefits afforded to its naked sibling, including an all-new frame, traction control and ABS, but wrapped it in a newly designed fairing.
Designed with the same concept in mind, the GSX-S1000F shares the ergonomics and riding position of the naked version, with both aimed at providing a sporty ride on the road, but leaving customers with the choice of added weather protection or sheer naked aggression. It too, is expected in late spring.
Address 110
The new Address 110 is expected to arrive in early spring next year, and brings with it exceptional fuel economy and value. Boasting 139MPG* and a 5.2 litre fuel tank, the Address 110 is set to become the commuting scooter of choice.
Practical touches include under-seat storage in excess of 20 litres that will comfortably take a full face helmet and riding gear, and rear handbrake for use when parked. The Address benefits from a new fuel injection system and reduced overall weight, which comes from sporty, redesigned bodywork and cast aluminium, hollow-core wheels.
V-Strom 650XT ABS
Based on the already popular V-Strom 650, which has been the top selling dual-purpose machine in the 650-800cc class in the last decade, the V-Strom 650XT comes with more adventure as standard.
The new V-Strom 650XT takes design cues from the DR Big, the first dual-purpose machine to feature the now standard ´beak´ design synonymous with models in the adventure sector. A new beak blends smoothly into the existing front bodywork, with air ducts that channel airflow to the radiator.
Newly designed, lightweight, wire-spoked aluminium wheels aid in the adventure-styling of the new V-Strom 650XT, and shock absorption performance is increased on unpaved roads. Its arrival is anticipated as early as December this year.
Bandit 1250S ABS
Bandit is back for 2015, with the iconic machine on sale in the UK early next year. With the original Bandit models developing a cult following, the latest incarnation uses the newest version of Suzuki´s 1255cc inline four-cylinder engine and gets a styling update to bring it into 2015.
After repeated wind tunnel testing, the redesigned fairings, with new radiator shrouds, offer improved aerodynamics, with venting just below the headlights, as well as better wind and weather protection for both rider and pillion.
Inazuma 250F
The A2-licence friendly and ideal commuter, comes clad with a newly designed fairing for 2015, with the Inazuma 250F unveiled at Intermot.
Adding extra wind protection to the popular city-wise machine, which boasts an impressive 85MPG figure, cost conscious commuters can now travel even further in comfort. The new faired Inazuma will be on sale in early 2015, alongside the existing naked machine.
GSX-R1000 ABS
The iconic GSX-R1000, which took the win at the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans earlier this year in the hands of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, now comes with ABS as standard for 2015.
As the Japanese brand celebrates its return to the blue-ribband class of motorcycle racing next year, the GSX-R1000 will also be available in the replica colours of Suzuki´s new MotoGP racer, the GSX-RR.
*Data resulting from tests made by Suzuki in compliance with WMTC. These tests were conducted by a single pilot with no additional optional equipment. Fuel consumption may vary depending on your riding style, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, the presence of accessories, the load, the weight of the crew and many other parameters
WATERS & TYCO SUZUKI WIN AT ASSEN BSB
Josh Waters raced to his second British Superbike Championship victory of the season for Tyco Suzuki at Assen’s TT Circuit in the Netherlands in the Australian’s first-ever appearance at the famous Dutch venue.
Waters backed-up his first race win with a solid eighth place in race two, where his team-mate John Hopkins finished fifth. ‘Hopper’ had been in the early hunt for podium honours, but struggled to hang onto the leading quartet after using the best of his tyres in the early laps.
In race one, Waters came through from his fifth-row grid spot to take a well- deserved victory aboard his Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000. With rain falling just before the start, Waters’ crew made the correct tyre and set-up choice; which afforded him the confidence to carve his way through the pack.
A late and exciting battle with Ryuichi Kiyonari had the huge crowd on the edge of their seats, but the hard-charging Aussie delivered on the final lap to take a hard-fought-for victory.
Josh Waters:
“I’m ‘rapt’ to have taken another win for Tyco Suzuki and I really enjoyed the conditions. Coming here for the first time I’d have been happy with solid single figure top-10 finishes but the boys really have perfected a top-class wet-weather set-up on the Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000 and I just dug in, kept it upright and yeah, I’m really happy to get another BSB win. I made a poor start in race two and got caught-up and maybe was a little frustrated, but I’m satisfied enough with my weekend’s work and we can take away a lot of positives.”
John Hopkins:
“I’m really frustrated as I know I had the pace for the podium if not the win, but I really had to use up the best of my front tyre running deep into the turns to stay with the front four. Staying in the draft on the straights was pretty tough and once the front tyre went off, we were tucking the front everywhere and I couldn’t risk crashing. Yeah it’s a tough one. Through the fast-flowing stuff I could hang with them no problem but on the straights we were losing-out. But we did what we could today and just have to regroup and look to Silverstone for that podium finish.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“A great gutsy win from Josh Waters in race one when he could so easily have settled for a finish in very difficult conditions. We have to take into consideration it was the lad’s first time here at Assen, which is no easy track to perfect, and eighth in race two is also a good effort considering he had a sluggish start.
“John was hampered by his tyre-choice early in race one, but when the track started to dry he was coming through very quickly on the intermediate rear; had it stayed dry I’m certain he would have been top-five at least. That’s part of the gamble in those conditions and unfortunately for John, like many others, he lost out.
“In race two it was great to see him battling at the front-end in the dry with Kiyo and Shakey. Unfortunately he couldn’t turn it into a podium finish, but we will analyse his thoughts on the race and the data and see what we can improve for Silverstone in a fortnight.”
British Superbike Championship, Assen, race one result:
1. Josh Waters (Tyco Suzuki)
2. Ryuichi Kiyonari (BMW) +0.184s
3. Stuart Easton (Kawasaki) +23.904s
4. James Ellison (Kawasaki) +24.637s
5. Christian Iddon (Bimota) +29.741s
6. Dan Linfoot (Kawasaki) +37.273s
7. Jed Metcher (Kawasaki) +38.068s
8. Howie Mainwaring (Kawasaki) +49.647s
9. Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha) +50.861s
10. Lee Jackson (BMW) +52.446s
British Superbike Championship, Assen, race two result:
1. Shane Byrne (Kawasaki)
2. Ryuichi Kiyonari (BMW) +0.152s
3. Tommy Bridewell (Yamaha) +0.460s
4. Dan Linfoot (Kawasaki) +4.170s
5. John Hopkins (Tyco Suzuki) +8.759s
6. Stuart Easton (Kawasaki) +12.203s
7. James Ellison (Kawasaki) +17.729s
8. Josh Waters (Tyco Suzuki) +30.241s
9. Filip Backlund (Yamaha) +32.308s
10. James Westmoreland (BMW) +33.060s
BSB Championship Points (after 10 of 12 rounds): CLICK HERE
Assen BSB Image Gallery: CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS