Mention the word ""sportbike"" and one bike instantly comes to mind before any other – the Suzuki GSX-R. A multi-award winner, and one of the best-built sportbikes ever, the GSX-R is the Japanese manufacturer's iconic racer that leaves many of its competitors trying to play catch up, both on and off the track. The 2005 Suzuki GSX-R family of bikes continues this tradition of excellence.
There are five GSX-R sub-models available in the 2005 model line, including the 600, the 750, the 1000, and two exclusive 20th Anniversary models for the 600 and 750. The two anniversary models feature limited edition styling and details, but otherwise, they are very similar to the standard models.
Each of the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R's sports a compact and lightweight four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, horizontal in-line engine, albeit with different displacement. Where the 600 has a 599cc engine, the 750 and 1000 feature 749cc and 998.6cc engines, respectively.
The chassis on the 600 and 750 models both consist of a lightweight aluminum frame, with an extruded main spar design that helps improve overall rigidity. The 1000, on the other hand, features a newly redesigned chassis that's been optimized for improved rider ergonomics. New for this model is an all-new aluminum frame in a more compact design, including a shorter reach from seat to handlebars, a shorter fuel tank that narrows at the rider's knees, lower foot pegs, and a lower seat height (31.9 inches).
As one might expect from this award-winning line-up, each of the 2005 Suzuki GSX-Rs are outfitted with premium Showa suspensions, and top-of-the-line braking systems. The 1000 even features Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coated stanchion tubes and a cross-mounted steering damper, to help reduce friction, and to improve response. All models feature dual hydraulic disc brakes with four-piston calipers on front, and dual-opposed piston brake calipers with a hydraulic disc on the rear. Also standard on all models are lightweight cast aluminum wheels, and high performance radial tires.
The 2005 Suzuki GSX-R leads the way in terms of performance and handling, and it has a stockpile of awards to back up its claim. This is one strikingly beautiful bike that has all the power a rider could ask for, regardless of their riding experience level. With its low center of gravity, super-tight control and response, and race-inspired engineering, the Suzuki GSX-R is sexy and aggressive, both in design and in action.