More Track Focused Suzuki GSX-R1000R In The Works?

As a superbike manufacturer, Suzuki has a rich history of producing some of the best litre-class sportbikes out there. The GSX series, right from the K1 platform up until the K9, always had a bit more to offer compared to its competition. Unfortunately, Suzuki fell short after it launched the GSX-R1000 back in 2012, as its competition -- BMW, Aprilia, Ducati and Kawasaki -- moved ahead, all demonstrating that electronic aids like traction control and race ABS were the future of sportbikes. The GSX-R1000 arrived with none of these. Since then, superbikes have evolved even more in terms of electronics and features, with the Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale leading the charge.

Cut to the present and Suzuki has not one but two GSX-R1000’s on offer: the Standard and the R version. The new GSX-R’s engine has been rebuilt from the ground-up and produces a peak power figure of 200PS, on par with its competition. Furthermore, the bike's chassis has been tweaked and is now more forward-biased to give it better handling. For people seeking a spirited ride, Suzuki has the R version, which comes equipped with all the bells and whistles one can think of -- except for a gyroscope, which is a bit of a letdown.

Now though, the company has posted a picture of an all-carbon-based GSX-R1000R on its Italian Facebook page along with hashtags that suggest the bike will be unveiled at the San Marino MotoGP at Misano this weekend. The bike in question features a carbon fairing, race-style bubble screen and lever guards, and could be a ‘Limited Edition’ model of the GSX-R1000R for next year.

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Firms like Honda, Ducati and BMW have all sold expensive, track-inspired versions of their road-going superbikes. Suzuki, on the other hand, has had no such thing. That’s all about to change now with the arrival of this tricked-out version. A rival to the Rs 85 lakh HP4 Race, maybe? Only time will tell.

At present, the standard GSX-R1000 is only available in India upon preorder while the GSX-R1000R is priced at Rs 19.80 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi)

Watch this space for more.