As expected Suzuki’s prices for the all-new GSX-R1000 undercut its key rivals. Just like in America, newly-revealed European prices are lower than all its competitors.
The basic version of the GSX-R1000, on sale in late March, costs just £13,249 in England. That’s nearly £2000 less than the base version of the new Honda Fireblade, which is expected to cost £15,225. And the 202hp Suzuki has a significant power advantage as well as new technology including the much-anticipated variable valve timing system. The Yamaha R1, at £15,599, is even pricier. Of the Japanese rivals only Kawasaki’s ZX-10R comes close to the Suzuki, but at £14,149 it’s still £900 more expensive. BMW’s S1000RR, meanwhile, starts at £13,950, making it the closest competitor for the GSX-R1000 in price terms.
It’s the same story if we step up to the GSX-R1000R, available in May. The higher-spec Suzuki’s UK price has been pegged at £16,099. The rival Honda – the CBR1000RR SP – will cost £19,125, more than £3000 over the Suzuki’s price. The Yamaha R1M is even more at £19,399. This time, though, Kawasaki is very close with the £16,249 ZX-10RR.
The aggressive pricing from Suzuki means that this year’s most radically-new superbike is also the cheapest. That suggests Suzuki is taking a leaf from Yamaha’s book. Its rival has made huge sales gains in recent years with dominant, bargain-priced mass-market bikes like the MT-09 and MT-07, although hasn’t extended its low-cost ideas as far as the R1.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said: “Anticipation is high for both the GSX-R1000R and the GSX-R1000, and we’re delighted to be able to confirm highly-competitive pricing for both models. The GSX-R1000R was designed and built afresh from the ground up, and gets a comprehensive electronics package to further enhance its performance. We’re also really pleased to be able to offer a stripped back version of our flagship sportsbike that delivers the same, unrivaled engine performance and class-leading power at a lower price point. Our brand philosophy is to deliver value-packed products at a great price, and the GSX-R1000 is both brand new and the most affordable litre sportsbike on the market.”