Suzuki has shown its new colour options for the 2018 GSX-R1000R, with the award-winning superbike available both in an eye-catching white and stealthy black version of the firm’s MotoGP-inspired livery. The GSX-R1000 is also available in the same white paint scheme as the GSX-R1000R, as well as a matt black for 2018, with blue accents and wheels.
In the hands of Michael Dunlop, the new GSX-R1000 – which is not only visually inspired by the GSX-RR, but benefits from engine and chassis technology taken directly from the prototype racer – won the blue riband Senior TT on the Isle of Man, while his teammate in the Hawk Racing stable, Richard Cooper, raced to nine victories in the National Superstock 1000 class. In Superbike trim, it won this year’s MotoAmerica title and the Australian Superbike championship.
The GSX-R1000R gets an inertial measurement unit-controlled traction control system with 10 settings, plus cornering ABS, launch control, a bidirectional quickshifter and auto-blipper, plus Showa’s race-proven balance free suspension.
The GSX-R1000R comes with an RRP of £16,099, while the GSX-R1000 is available for £13,599. Both will be on display on the Suzuki stand at Motorcycle Live, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, and opens its doors on Saturday 18 November.
Suzuki SV650X revealed at Eicma 1Suzuki has revealed its new SV650X for 2018, pulling the wraps off the café racer-inspired V-twin middleweight today at Eicma, in Milan, Italy.
Taking design cues from the SV650 Rally Concept – which the Japanese firm showcased at the Osaka Motor Show in 2016 – the SV650X follows the same concept with a design that pays homage to the tarmac rally cars of the 1970s. The ‘neo-retro’ styling sees the SV650X get a new bikini fairing and tinted screen, clip-on handlebars, and a tuck-roll seat.
The SV650X utilises the same punchy V-twin engine as the standard SV650, and gets Suzuki’s low-rpm assist and easy-start system. There are also new, preload adjustable front forks, which will feature across the SV range for 2018.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “The SV650 is a hugely popular machine in the middleweight sector of the market, and it has been ever since the launch of the original in 1999. Thanks to its characterful and punchy V-twin engine and capable chassis, it combines a fun, sporty ride with affordability and practicality. The SV650X builds on that proven platform and brings retro styling to the range, with clip-on handlebars that not only add to the look, but create an even sportier feel. Preload adjustable forks will further enhance performance, with riders able to adjust to suit their own riding style and use, and that will apply across the SV range for 2018.”
The new SV650X will be on display at Motorcycle Live, which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham, alongside the rest of Suzuki’s 2018 model range, including the award-winning GSX-R1000R and new GSX-S125 and GSX-R125 machines.
Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 is to be restored to full working order at this year’s Motorcycle Live – which takes place from 18-26 November at the NEC in Birmingham – as part of the Japanese manufacturer’s presence at the annual event.
The iconic Grand Prix machine will be completely stripped, before being carefully and meticulously restored by Team Classic Suzuki chief mechanic Nathan Colombi. The restoration will be supported by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme.
1989 was arguably Schwantz’s best season for results, with only crashes preventing him from lifting the world title. He finished either first or second in every race he completed that season, taking six wins and a further three runner-up finishes. He would eventually lift the world title for Suzuki in 1993. The Texan was named a Grand Prix legend in 2000.
Suzuki restoration projects or builds have become a mainstay of the Motorcycle Live features list in recent years, and after the Vintage Parts Programme was launched at the 2013 event, Suzuki has gone on to build a brand new TL1000S, restore an original GSX-R750F, and build Team Classic Suzuki’s Katana endurance racer at the last three shows.
Suzuki GB aftersales marketing co-ordinator, Tim Davies, said of the project, “Kevin Schwantz is still, undoubtedly, a legend among motorcyclists in the UK; we saw that with his presence at British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year. For us at Suzuki, it’s no different, either, and his 1989 RGV500 is an iconic machine that we’re looking forward to restoring. We’ve built or restored a number of bikes at Motorcycle Live in recent years but this is the first time we’ve restored a legendary racing machine like this. It’s a new challenge, and also something different for visitors to the show, while still allowing us to highlight just how many genuine Suzuki parts can be ordered through the Vintage Parts Programme.”
The restoration of Schwantz’s RGV500 won’t be the only feature on the Suzuki stand at Motorcycle Live, with the popular ‘elbow down’ feature making a return.
Suzuki’s extensive 2018 model range will be available for show-goers to explore and try for size, along with a display of race bikes that will include Michael Dunlop’s Isle of Man TT-winning GSX-R1000, while free teas and coffees will be served from on the stand for visitors who want to take a break from walking the halls. The Suzuki Shop will stock the latest lines in Suzuki merchandise and clothing.
Suzuki can be found on stand 3A20 at this year’s Motorcycle Live when doors open on November 18. For show information and tickets, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.
Following the launch of class-leading Suzuki GSX-R125, the Japanese firm has released a new range of accessories for the entry-level sportsbike, and are offering a sports pack that promises to save customers £72 over the cost of the individual items.
Retailing for £239 – including fitting – the sports pack includes a double bubble screen and pillion seat cowl, further enhancing the race bike looks. There’s also a fuel tank protector and heel plate protection set.
Available now, the pack can be fitted at the time of purchase or as a retro-fit, and offers a significant saving of £72.
Other accessories available include graphics kits, wheel tape, and tank bag.
Suzuki has given its V-Strom range the GT treatment, with new versions of the Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 1000 now available from authorised dealerships.
Available for £1,000 more than their comparative standard models, the GT variants of Suzuki’s popular adventure machines come with three piece luggage as standard; the top box and panniers boasting a combined capacity of 64L. For those looking at the more off-road orientated models in the V-Strom range, the GT kit is also available on the XT versions of the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000.
For 2017 the new V-Strom 650 gets a two-stage traction control system, which can also be switched off, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s new easy-start system. An updated version of Suzuki’s proven 645cc V-twin produces more power and torque, helped by a new exhaust system.
Performance is also further improved thanks to a 1kg weight reduction, while practicality is also increased with a 12V DC outlet as standard; the whole package wrapped in new bodywork inspired by the firm’s iconic DR-Z and DR-Big machines. There’s also new luggage and new heated grips available as part of Suzuki’s genuine accessory range.
The newest V-Strom 1000 is also updated for 2017, and became the first Japanese adventure machine to feature corning ABS. The larger sibling of the V-Strom family also boasts a three-mode traction control system, as well as the same easy-start system and low RPM assist as the 650. A redesigned screen improves weather protection, as part of the the bike’s newly-fitted bodywork.
The V-Strom 650 GT will retail for £8,399, with V-Strom 650X GT available for £8,899. The V-Strom 1000 GT will come with an RRP of £10,499, with the range-topping V-Strom 1000X GT available for £10,999. All are now available in authorised Suzuki dealerships.
Suzuki GB continues to expand its dealer network, with Via Moto in Sheffield and Youles Motorcycles in Blackburn both hosting customer open days to mark the acquisition of the Suzuki franchise.
Both events saw Suzuki provide a number of display bikes and additional test ride machines. On display were Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977 world championship-winning RG500s, along with Kevin Schwantz’s 1993 RGV500 and Kenny Roberts Juniors’ 2000 RGV500, both of which also took world championship glory in their respective years. Suzuki’s purpose-built events unit attended both events, and hosted a number of test rides, providing additional machines such as the all-new GSX-R1000 and the new V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000 adventure bikes for customers to try.
Hosted on September 23, the Via Moto open day also saw reigning National Superstock 1000 champion and Bennetts Suzuki British Superbike rider Taylor Mackenzie in attendance, plus a 10% discount across the range of clothing and accessories. Youles Motorcycles hosted its open day on October 7, and were able to display the new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 for the first time, following their European press launch at Silverstone.
Rob Mercer, Youles Motorcycles general manager, said of taking on the Suzuki franchise, “We are extremely excited to be working with Suzuki. They have a great range of bikes from learner machines right through to TT-winning superbikes, and with such a depth of range there really is something for everyone. Also, the support we have received from Suzuki has been fantastic and the opportunity to view the championship-winning bikes and new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 proved to be a big draw with our customers.”
Via Moto’s Matthew Gilder, commented, “The open day in September was a brilliant way to mark the opening of the new Suzuki showroom, and having such iconic bikes on display added another element to the day for all of our customers. It’s not very often you get to see bikes such as Barry Sheene’s world championship-winning machines up close. We’re really looking forward to working with Suzuki and are delighted to be taking on the franchise. It’s a brand with a lot of history and a loyal customer base, and with so many new models this year, an extensive range.”
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, said of the new appointments, “With both Via Moto and Youles Motorcycles we have dealerships that both have enthusiastic and knowledgeable teams of sales staff and workshop technicians. That level of enthusiasm and passion was demonstrated at theirrecent open days. Via Moto and Youles Motorcycles will service key areas for Suzuki in the UK, and we’re looking forward to a successful working relationship together.”
Youles Motorcycles can be found on Pendle Street in Blackburn, BB1 1NG, or contacted on 01254 277135.
Via Moto are located at 156-158 Shoreham Street in Sheffield, S1 4SQ, and can be contacted on 0114 303 3000
Suzuki has launched a new finance offer on its GSX-R1000; the Japanese firm offering 3% APR over three years with a minimum £1,000 deposit, while giving customers the choice over whether they opt for a PCP deal or a hire purchase agreement.
The new GSX-R1000, which took a total of nine race wins in its debut year of competition in the British National Superstock 1000 championship, as well as Superbike championship titles in the United States and Australia, was developed by the same team behind Suzuki’s MotoGP project. It boasts an engine that utilises the same variable valve timing technology as the GSX-RR prototype racer, that boosts low-end torque and midrange without sacrificing top-end power. It also gets an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that helps govern a 10-stage traction control system.
With a £1,000 deposit the new GSX-R1000 can be ridden away for £184.73 per month on a PCP deal over three years, while a deposit or trade-in of £2,917.61 means it can be enjoyed for £129 per month. Customers looking to avoid a final balloon payment and opt for a hire purchase deal can ride the new GSX-R1000 for £315 per month, with a deposit of £2,900.69.
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, “The best of the summer and sunny weather might be behind us, but there’s still plenty of reason to buy a new GSX-R1000. It’s been a successful debut year for GSX-R1000, with multiple race wins in the UK, highlighting just how competitive it is out of the box. The offer means riding this all-new race-winner has never been more accessible or affordable..”
For more information on the new GSX-R1000, click here.
Suzuki GB is delighted to be attending the annual Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show at the Staffordshire County Showground, and will again be bringing an array of iconic production and race bikes to the event, which takes place on 14-15 October.
Showcasing Suzuki’s racing heritage will be both of Barry Sheene’s world championship-winning RG500s, the 1976 and 1977 machines recently restored to their former glory by former Grand Prix technicians Martyn Ogborne and Nigel Everett. The restorations of both machines were also aided by Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme, with many parts carrying over to the production RG500.
From the same era will be the 1976 Manx Grand Prix Senior race-winning TR500, and a Crooks Suzuki T20 – the first Suzuki to appear at the Manx Grand Prix.
Moving forward in time, Suzuki will also display Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500, along with his Lucky Strike-sponsored, 1993 world-championship-winning bike and his 1994 machine. Also in Lucky Strike colours will be a full-factory RGV250. The newest machine on display will be Kenny Roberts Junior’s 2000 world championship-winning Telefonica Movistar RGV500.
Further highlighting Suzuki’s Vintage Parts Programme will be the 1985 GSX-R750F, which was restored as part of the firm’s GSX-R 30th anniversary celebrations at Motorcycle Live, while the GSX-R1100, which has been restored by Suzuki’s young apprentices, will also be on display.
Suzuki GB’s aftersales marketing coordinator, Tim Davies, said,“We’re incredibly excited to get back to this year’s Staffordshire show, and this year we will be bringing as many classic bikes and iconic race bikes as we can fit in the lorry! Both the GSX-R750F and GSX-R1100 projects really serve to highlight our Vintage Parts programme, while the refurbishment of Barry Sheene’s 1976 and 1977, world championship-winning RG500s was not only a fantastic thing to do, it again promoted the programme, as some parts carried over to the road bikes.
“We’re also looking forward to seeing the displays from the Kettle Club, the Suzuki Owners’ club, the GT X7 club, Air-Cooled Suzuki and Katana club, and the guys from Robinsons Foundry. Plus, we’re excited to welcome Suzuki Performance Spares to the village area at the show, too.”
The Staffordshire Classic Motorcycle show takes place at the County Showground, located off Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0BD, and runs from October 14-15. For further show information, click here.
Suzuki has launched a new hire purchase finance deal on its range of small bikes, which means the new GSX-R125 can be ridden away from as little as £89.28 per month over 36 months, with no final balloon payment and a deposit of £1,000.
However, as part of the same offer, customers can also put down a minimum deposit of just £33, making it even easier to ride away on one of Suzuki’s small capacity machines. With the minimum £33 deposit the new GSX-S125 can be enjoyed for as little as £108.67, also over three years.
Suzuki’s expansion of its small capacity range for 2017 has also been bolstered by the arrival of the new V-Strom 250 and GSX250R, which feature as part of the offer, along with the Burgman 125 and Burgman 200.
The newest member of the V-Strom family can be owned for £107.39 per month, while the GSX250R can be had for £98.67, both over three years with a £1,000 deposit.
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, said, “There were already lots of reasons to buy a new GSX-R or GSX-S125 – class leading power-to-weight ratios and acceleration performance just two of them. However, our new offer makes ownership an even more attractive and affordable proposition. We understand stretching to a big deposit or final repayment is not always possible for a typical 125 rider, so a £33 deposit and three-year deal hopefully helps new owners. However, if you are able to find more or have a trade-in valued at £1000, this can help bring those monthly repayments down, too. A straightforward hire purchase agreement means customers will fully own the machine at the end of the agreement, while the standard three-year warranty available will mean owners are fully covered for the full finance period, too.”
Suzuki is proud to be the only manufacturer fitting the industry-standard, Datatag MASTER security scheme kits to its 125cc machinery, including the brand new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125.
The GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 join the Burgman 125, VanVan 125, and Address 110 in Suzuki’s 125cc-and-below range, with the Japanese brand setting itself apart from its competitors as the only major manufacturer fitting MASTER security kits to bikes in this sector of the market.
The MASTER security scheme is already proven to greatly reduce the risk of motorcycle theft, thanks to the tagging and marking of major components, making the identification of stolen motorcycles much easier. Featuring state of the art technology, the scheme includes new ‘stealth’ UV etching, Datatag transponders, and Datadot technology, as well as registration on a secure, Police-approved database.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, commented, “The reduction of bike theft is something that we at Suzuki are heavily committed to and want to help achieve. Bike theft is a big factor in people leaving motorcycling for good, when owners simply don’t replace their stolen machine. We want to help owners and riders of all of our models be safer and protect their pride and joy, whether that’s a GSX-R1000, V-Strom 650, or a smaller capacity model, such as the new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125. A machine’s capacity will make no difference to an opportunist thief, so it makes no difference to us; we want to help protect all of our bikes and customers, and we’re very proud to be the only major manufacturer taking this approach.”
Suzuki is making the SV650 an even more appealing proposition to riders wanting a practical, do-it-all machine, by giving away a free 27-litre top box and £400 worth of fuel with every one sold in September.
Already a popular middleweight naked with a high reputation as a fun, affordable, and practical machine, the addition of a top box means the SV650 now offers even more levels of versatility. With 27 litres of additional storage, owners can commute or travel with ease, while still enjoying the bike’s traits as a fun roadster on twisty routes.
£400 worth of free fuel – supplied with a pre-paid fuel card – also means owners can travel over 5,000 miles for free*.
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, said, “The SV650 has been known as a reliable, versatile, fun, but practical motorcycle since its introduction in 1999. It’s always been as at home on your favourite B-road as it is filtering through traffic into town. This new offer caters for those customers looking for a bike that offers both those qualities, with added levels of practicality thanks to the inclusion of a free top box. Add the free fuel and it adds even more value to an already affordable package.”
To take advantage of the new offer, contact your nearest authorised Suzuki dealership, or for more information on the SV650, click here.
*Based on an unleaded fuel price in the UK of £1.15.9 per litre and 74.34mpg (measured in WMTC mode. Actual fuel economy may vary by condition).
Suzuki is giving customers even more reason to choose from its V-Strom range this September, with £750 worth of free accessories available on both the standard and XT variants of the V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1000.
It means customers can choose from comprehensive luggage options for their V-Strom, allowing them to go further for less this autumn, as well as other items from Suzuki’s extensive range of genuine accessories, that includes centre stands, engine bars, tank pads, and heated grips.
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, said of the offer,“Choosing and fitting accessories is an important part of the buying process for a lot of customers, especially in the adventure bike sector. Many of these bikes are taken on trips into Europe and beyond, as well as light off-roading. With this offer we have added even more value to our already affordable V-Strom range, giving customers the chance to customise their machine at the point of sale and tailor it to their individual needs. The £750 can be used against any genuine accessory for their V-Strom, including luggage, heated grips, centre stands, or even products from our clothing range. We want each customer to spend the benefit as they see fit.“<
The V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650, including the XT variants of both models, are also currently available on Suzuki’s Flexible Finance Scheme with just 4.9% APR. It means, over 37 months, the V-Strom 650 can be ridden away for £65.58 per month, with a deposit or trade-in of £2,500 and an optional final repayment of £3,296.
The offer runs until the end of September 2017.
For more information on Suzuki’s V-Strom range, click here.
Team Classic Suzuki is gearing up for this year’s Classic TT on the Isle of Man, and welcomes onboard new sponsor Carl Cox Motorsport ahead of the island’s Festival of Motorcycling.
Michael Dunlop returns with the team, looking to defend his Classic TT Superbike title onboard his XR69, while former Grand Prix ace, Danny Webb, who stood in for an injured Lee Johnston at last year’s event, also returns.
Johnston, however, will return to the Classic TT in Team Classic Suzuki colours this year, making it a three-pronged attack for the team in the hotly-contested Superbike class.
Carl Cox Motorsport will also step up its involvement with Team Classic Suzuki, after joining forces for the Bikers’ Classic at Spa earlier this year. Carl Cox – who already has a personal sponsorship deal in place with Dunlop – is no stranger to classic Suzukis, and has a fleet of early GSX-R750s, 1100s, and Katanas, that regularly race at the Phillip Island Classic and Festival of Speed, while a TT-racing sidecar outfit that also operates under the Carl Cox Motorsport banner is Suzuki-powered. The world-famous DJ himself has also just taken delivery of a new GSX-R1000R.
Steve Wheatman, Team Classic Suzuki team principal, said, “As always we’re really excited to be going back to the Classic TT. It’s a truly special event, and we all love seeing the classic racers going round this famous island. This year we’re coming back with three riders. Michael’s been with us for some years now, we won the Superbike race with him last year, so the aim has got to be to try and replicate that this year. We know he’s capable, we’ve just got to give him a bike that’s capable, too, which we’re confident we can do. Last year Lee missed the event but was supposed to be riding for us, so it’s great to be able to welcome him back to the fold. But deputising for Lee last year was Danny, who really impressed us with his attitude and his performance in the race, despite a little technical issue that probably prevented him from showing his full potential, so we wanted to make a bike available for him again this year.
“This year we’re also going there with a new partnership with Carl Cox Motorsport. Carl and all of the team there live and breathe motorcycles and motorcycle racing, and it’s great to be able to get involved with their project. They are already very involved in the racing of classic Suzukis, and we’re hoping that, with their support, we can have not only a successful Classic TT, but a successful, longer-term partnership.”
Carl Cox added, “It’s absolutely amazing to be part of this year’s Team Classic Suzuki Isle of Man campaign – it’s an incredible lineup on some of the most well prepared and stunning bikes in the business. With our involvement in racing and racing our own classic Suzukis in Australia and a great relationship with Michael Dunlop, being able to support him and the rest of the team at the Classic TT is a very exciting opportunity for us to be involved in.”
The opening practice session for Team Classic Suzuki is scheduled to take place on Saturday 19 August.
Suzuki is giving fans the chance to ride to the British Grand Prix with Kevin Schwantz on Friday 25 August, as the 1993 500cc Grand Prix world champion makes his way to the Silverstone circuit for the weekend’s action.
Schwantz will be at the Super Sausage cafe on the A5 near Towcester for a typical English breakfast from 8:30am, before riding on to the British round of the 2017 MotoGP season at Silverstone at 9am, where Suzuki will have a dedicated bike park.
While at the Grand Prix, fan-favourite Schwantz will spend plenty of time on the Suzuki display stand, meeting fans and signing autographs, as well as firing up his world championship-winning RGV500 at various points throughout the weekend.
The Texan, who is officially a MotoGP legend, will also enjoy the MotoGP race from the Suzuki fan stand – with tickets still available – which will be located on the outside of Copse corner.
Kevin Schwantz,“I’m looking forward to attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and watching some good racing from the Suzuki stand. The British fans were always among the best, so it’s going to be great to see everyone and also to get to ride to the track on Friday together. And being reunited with some of my old race bikes which are still here in England and firing them up will be quite special as well; there is nothing like the sound of a two-stroke.”
The British Grand Prix will take place at Silverstone from 25-27 August. For more information and Suzuki fan stand tickets, click here and select ‘prices’, followed by ‘fan grandstands’.
Suzuki has confirmed pricing for the hotly-anticipated V-Strom 250, with the newest addition to Suzuki’s adventure range coming with a launch RRP of £4,599 when it arrives in dealerships in October.
The V-Strom 250 boasts Suzuki’s frugal-yet-punchy 248cc parallel twin engine, delivering 23.4Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, with peak power of 25PS delivered at 8,000rpm. However, the new V-Strom’s trump card is its efficiency, with the twin cylinder engine capable of achieving 88.28mpg.
Designed to excel on the urban commute as well as a continental adventure, the V-Strom 250 gets a useful, full LCD dash, displaying a fuel gauge, average fuel consumption, gear position indicator, two trip meters, odometer, oil change notification, tacho, speedo, and a clock.
Adding protection from the elements on longer journeys is an extensively wind tunnel-tested screen and bodywork, while adding practicality is a range of accessories, including three-piece luggage, hand guards, and centre stand.
For more information on the V-Strom 250, click here.
Suzuki ’s annual all-star track day is back for 2017 and will again take place on Silverstone’s prestigious GP circuit on Monday 4 September, with this year’s attending stars including Bennetts Suzuki’s Taylor Mackenzie, Sylvain Guintoli, and Richard Cooper, as well as Motovudu on-track instruction guru and 500 Grand Prix race-winner Simon Crafar.
Operating out of Silverstone’s iconic Wing pit and paddock, the day will give Suzuki fans the chance to ride and receive some tuition from a range of Team Suzuki riders. The Bennetts Suzuki British Superbike team will be in attendance, with Taylor Mackenzie, Sylvain Guintoli, and National Superstock 1000 championship challenger, Richard Cooper. Buildbase Suzuki’s Superbike rider Bradley Ray and Superstock contender Alex Olsen will also be on hand.
Suzuki legend and three-time British Superbike champion, John Reynolds, will be available to talk about his role in the development of the new GSX-R1000, while offering his advice and experience, alongside track instructors James Whitham, Simon Crafar, Glen Richards, and Dean Skipper.
Following his ride at Oliver’s Mount onboard his father’s world championship-winning Suzuki XR14s, Freddie Sheene will also be among the special guests.
Attendees on the day can book into one of three groups, based on their level of experience and ability, with all that come along getting a Suzuki gift bag.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said of the event, “We’re really excited to be going back to Silverstone for this year’s all-star track day, and it’s great to again be using the full GP layout; it’s one of the best circuits to ride in the world. But the best bit is always spending the day with customers, chatting with them in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and getting the chance to have a ride around with them on track. It’s also a great opportunity for us all to learn a thing or two about circuit riding from those that race Suzukis and instruct on GSX-R1000s for a living, hopefully making us all faster and safer on track. It’s going to be another great event and one we’re all really looking forward to.”
Suzuki has announced that the all-new 2018 RM-Z450 will be available with a launch price of £6,999 when it arrives in UK dealerships in September, following the bike’s European press launch in France this week.
The MX1 machine, which gets a new frame and swingarm for 2018 as well as an engine that produces more power and a flatter torque curve, has been developed with the input of Suzuki’s factory MXGP racers Kevin Strijbos and Arminas Jasikonis, who have raced the bikes for the first time this season.
Priced at less than its rivals, the new RM-Z450 also gets the latest version of Suzuki’s holeshot assist system and traction management system, thanks to a new ECU. Showa’s new balance free rear shock comes as standard, offering improved cornering performance, feel, and agility, along with new, spring forks that are 2mm thicker in diameter than the previous model’s.
Thomas Ramette, three-time Arenacross UK champion with SR75 World Team Suzuki, said on the launch, “I was really pleased to be invited to be one of the first to try the 2018 RM-Z450. It’s completely new. The bike feels more easy, especially in the corners. They’ve improved in this area a lot. I really like the previous model having won three titles in the UK with it, but this one is much better. Also the engine, the power is really full, everywhere.”
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, added, “The new RM-Z450 takes the winning potential of the old bike and improves on it in every area with a more rigid chassis, more power, and improved throttle response. But at £6,999 remains very competitively priced against its rivals.”
For more information on the new, 2018 RM-Z450, which arrives in dealerships in September with a launch price of £6,999, click here.
There will be a new entry point into Suzuki’s legendary range of sportsbikes from September, when the all-new GSX-R125 arrives in dealerships with launch prices from £3,999, while the new GSX-S125 will be available from £3,699.
Promising the best power-to-weight ratio and acceleration performance in the 125cc sportsbike class, the new GSX-R has been produced with the same dedication as the rest of the GSX-R range that has seen over one million bikes produced in a history spanning more than 30 years.
The GSX-R125’s single-cylinder bore is plated with Suzuki’s own, race-proven, nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide, while a big-bore, 32mm throttle body and advanced, six-sensor, four-hole fuel injector optimise fuel delivery in all conditions. Setting the new GSX-R apart from many of its rivals is the use of a double overhead camshaft engine design (DOHC), which improves airflow at higher engine rpm and makes for more precise valve timing. There’s also a large, 4.3 litre airbox to further increase performance.
A slim chassis design helps the GSX-R125 achieve the lightest weight in its class, tipping the scales at just 134kg. The low weight means the GSX-R125 is able to launch better and steer quicker than its rivals, and also contributes to the bike’s ease of use and fuel economy, too.
A new keyless ignition system also makes the GSX-R a practical choice for riders, along with Suzuki’s easy-start system and a full LCD dash that displays a fuel gauge, clock, and gear position indicator, alongside speedo, tacho, and odometers, and an oil change indicator light.
The package is all wrapped in slim, lightweight bodywork that aligns it with Suzuki’s GSX-R racing family, with a stacked, full LED headlight and LED taillights.
The new GSX-S125 also benefits from the best power-to-weight ratio and acceleration performance in the naked 125cc street bike class, using the same, GSX-R developed 125cc engine. With plenty of zip to leap away from the lights and queuing traffic, the more upright riding position of the GSX-S125 means it is well suited to town and city centre riders and commuters.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said,“The new GSX-R125 means those sportsbike fans that are getting into motorcycling for the first time can join the largest and most iconic family of sportsbikes in the world from the start of their riding careers. And like other GSX-R riders, they can be sure they are riding a bike that is built to achieve the maximum performance it can within class regulations, by focussing on weight-saving and acceleration performance.
“But it’s also not only new riders that will enjoy both the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125, with both offering engine performance to please experienced riders that are perhaps looking for a small bike for city use, that are easy to ride, filter with, and park in busy town centres.”
On a hire purchase finance deal, with a deposit of £977.86, the new GSX-R125 can be ridden away for £75 per month over 48 months, while the GSX-S125 can be had for £69 per month over the same period with a £925.29 deposit, with no final ‘balloon’ payment and the bike owned at the end of the agreement.
For more information on the GSX-R125 click here. To learn more about the GSX-S125, click here
Suzuki has launched a new Tourer accessory pack for the 2017 V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT, giving owners the chance to go further for less this summer.
Available for £659 – representing a saving of £190 over the cost of the individual items – the pack includes a comprehensive, 55-litre top box and fitting plate, as well as protective engine bars, chain guard, and tank pad.
The pack is available from all authorised Suzuki dealerships with any new V-Strom 1000 or V-Strom 1000XT, and can also be fitted retrospectively.
For 2017 the V-Strom 1000 gets a new, inertial measurement unit-controlled, lean angle-sensitive ABS system, alongside its two-stage traction control system, that can be also be switched off, and is currently available on Suzuki’s low-rate finance offer.
As part of the offer the V-twin adventure bike, with the Tourer kit added, can be ridden away for just £115 per month over 37 months, with a £2,397 deposit and optional final repayment of £4,696.
For more information on the V-Strom 1000, click here.
Suzuki has announced a new deposit contribution and low-rate finance offer that means customers can enjoy lower monthly repayments on a number of new models in the Suzuki range.
Suzuki launched a new 4.9% APR deal on the GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000F, and SV650 earlier this year, and from July onwards the new V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 650XT, V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 1000XT, and GSX-S750 will all be available on the same scheme. A £500 deposit contribution from Suzuki also means customers can increase their deposit and enjoy lower monthly repayments.
As part of the new offer the V-Strom 650, which gets more power and torque for 2017 and an updated electronics package with traction control, low-rpm assist, and easy-start system, can be ridden away for as little as £85 per month, over 37 months, with a deposit of £1,850.08.
The GSX-S750, which uses the engine from the iconic GSX-R750 and features the same three-mode traction control from the bigger GSX-S1000, can be had for £75 per month, also over 37 months, and with a deposit of £1,869.53.
Suzuki GB national sales manager, Jonathan Martin, announced the new offer, saying, “Our new offer makes riding a new Suzuki this summer even easier. The lower rate of interest helps lower monthly repayments right away, while a deposit contribution of £500 means customers can increase their deposit amount to enjoy even lower monthly repayments, or reduce the amount of their own cash they put down, saving them £500 or allowing them to put that towards things like accessories. With the season in full swing, it’s a great way to get on a new bike and enjoy the rest of the summer.”
Suzuki’s new offer runs from July 1 – August 31. For more information click here.
Motorcycle Industry News and Images mainly from UK
