Suzuki has a recall out on 6,928 motorcycles because of a fuel pump O-ring that have been twisted during installation, and therefore is causing fuel leaks on three motorcycle models from the Japanese brand. The affected bikes include the Suzuki GSX-R1000 family (2017), the Suzuki V-Strom 650 family (2017-2018), and the Suzuki GSX-S750 (2018).
One of the highlights from the INTERMOT trade show in Germany was the new Suzuki Katana. Set to be an early 2020 model, the Suzuki Katana takes the GSX-S1000F platform, and brings a unique retro-modern look to its chassis.
This means that the heart of this sport bike comes from the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000, which has been re-tuned for street duty.
Though Suzuki is light on details, this should mean a 147hp sport bike, with basic electronic aids. This should also mean an attractive sport bike for under $12,000 here in the USA, if our math is correct.
It may only be the third model year for this generation of the GSX-R1000, but Suzuki is bringing some smart updates to its “King of Superbikes” for the 2019 season.
The changes a primarily a response to the rule changes in the WorldSBK Championship, with the 2019 Suzuki GSX-R1000 getting some subtle refinements.
The most notable change is that the new adjustable swingarm pivot, which will help setup changes for racers and track day enthusiasts alike.
Visually, riders will notice that the exhaust muffler on the 2019 bikes has been colored black, to help it blend into the rear tire and not stand out like a flying toaster oven..
The wait is finally over. The Suzuki Katana is back. Breaking cover at this year’s INTERMOT show, the 2019 Suzuki Katana takes an old classic, and makes it new again.
True the to concepts we have seen in previous years, the new Katana is a stylish modern take on the iconic lines from the the 1980s.
Essentially a Suzuki GSX-S1000F with new bodywork, the new Katana isn’t perhaps all-new, in the truest sense of the word, but the bike evokes strong emotions for those who remember its past; and for a new generation of rider, the 1980s styling fan is just now becoming a thing, making this a well-timed launch.
It’s that time of the year again, where Christmas comes early to the motorcycle industry, and we get to see all the new motorcycles that will be coming for the next model year, and beyond.
For the 2019 model year, we expect to see new models debuting at the INTERMOT, AIMExpo, and EICMA trade shows, which are in Cologne, Las Vegas, and Milan.
With things kicking off in Germany next week, we thought we would put together a guide for all the new motorcycles that we expect to see in the coming weeks. There are a bevy of new models that we know will be released at these three trade shows, and there are more than a few rumors of new bikes as well, which may surprise us.
Without wasting anymore time, let’s get down to it. We have broken down the new models and rumors by each manufacturer. Enjoy!
Today we have an unusual story involving a recall. Suzuki Motor of America is piloting a program where it will pay owners to go get their recalls done, trialing the idea with the GSX-R owners who need to have their front brake master cylinders inspected and repaired.
The recall affects 2004-2013 Suzuki GSX-R600 & GSX-R750 models, as well 2005-2013 Suzuki GSX-R1000 superbikes. For those who get their recall completed between September 1, 2018, and November 30, 2018, there is a prepaid $100 Visa card in it for them.
The current generation Suzuki GSX-R1000 gets unfortunately neutered for the American market, but it is a stout superbike on the other side of the pond, where its 200hp is unleashed. Now our European friends get to see what the Suzuki GSX-R1000 can do when the Japanese brand cranks it up to 11.
Behold the Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ryuyo, a 209hp superbike that weighs 370 lbs (dry), and is our answer to the teaser photos that Suzuki has been sharing on social media. The work of Suzuki Moto Italia, only 20 Ryuyo-spec machines will be made for consumption, and they will cost €29,990 if you want one.
An homage to the Ryuyo R&D center that tests all of Suzuki’s new models, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 Ryuyo is an example of the technical prowess found at this Japanese motor house.
Is it INTERMOT yet? Because that is the only way that we will get Suzuki to stop teasing what is almost definitely a new Katana motorcycle. Giving us the brand’s third installment on a teaser video series (1 & 2), this time around we see the fuel tank of the machine in question.
The shape doesn’t tell us too much. It is clearly for a street bike, and it has some sporty curves to it. Though, we are obligated to say that you shouldn’t read too much into that analysis. The part at the end though, where a katana sword is being drawn, well…yeah…ok.
Expected to be built off the GSX-R1000 platform, the Katana should be a more comfortable sport bike option to the venerable superbike, with an anticipated retro flare from the 1980s, which should help differentiate the motorcycle from the Suzuki GSX-S1000(F).
Here is the second teaser video from Suzuki, getting us hyped for a new motorcycle release at the INTERMOT show in Colgone, Germany. Like the first video, this one features a blacksmith creating a Japanese sword…a Katana, if you will.
As such, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to imagine that Suzuki’s teaser campaign is for anything other than the rebirth of the Katana motorcycle. We have seen the name trademarked in various markets, including the United States, there have been concept models of restomod creations shown at numerous times, including in Suzuki’s own show booths.
Lastly, there have been links to the Suzuki Recursion concept becoming the new Katana lineup, which would feature a turbocharged twin-cylinder engine.
Suzuki Moto Italia has been making some waves lately, as the subsidiary continues to tease this carbon fiber wearing Suzuki GSX-R1000 on social media.
Using hashtags like #spotted, #staytuned, #motogp, #2019, and #eicma, we can assume that the bike will debut at this year’s EICMA show in Milan, but what exactly will debut is up for debate.
A second photo (below) shows a link with the Yoshimura brand, with the exhaust company’s logo hidden beneath the tail section, but this information only makes things even more confusing to us.
Perhaps Suzuki is readying a track-only version of the GSX-R1000 superbike? That seems to be the consensus online, but that doesn’t quite make sense to us though, especially with the headlight and taillight still installed.