Suzuki Motorcycles
Suzuki has been manufacturing motorcycles since 1952 and was all about two-stroke engines for more than two decades. In fact, Suzuki didn’t introduce a motorcycle with a four-stroke engine until the GS750 was produced in 1976.
Just two years later Suzuki unveiled the GS1000E, which became the flagship model of the GS series and Suzuki’s first-ever literbike. As far as contemporary motorcycles go, Suzuki may be best known for the GSX-R sportbike, beginning with the GSX-R750 in 1985. The United States got the bike a year later, and it was hailed by some as the most important new motorcycle in a decade. The popular platform is alive and well today. Suzuki also has a storied racing history, highlighted by Joel Robert who gave Suzuki (and Japan) its first World Motocross championship in 1970, and Kenny Roberts Junior, who gave Suzuki its last 500cc/MotoGP title in 2000.
Suzuki motorcycles include the GSX-R family of sportbikes such as the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R600 and the high-powered Hayabusa, cruisers such as the Boulevard M109R, SV650 and V-Strom streetbikes, and the Burgman 650 scooter. Suzuki’s off-road motorcycles include the DR650S dual sport and RM-Z450 motocross bike.
What's old is new again, as Suzuki has revived the Katana name and re-introduced one of its most iconic models. Underneath that retro-inspired bodywork lies the basic framework of the GSX-S1000.
Some say Suzuki created the modern sportbike era with the 1985 GSX-R750. The spiritual successor to that bike, the current GSX-R1000R adds more displacement – and another R. Thankfully, Suzuki still produces a GSX-R750 sportbike, the last manufacturer to do so.
When it was first introduced in 1999, the Suzuki Hayabusa blew everyone away with its massive power and straight line speed – capable of over 200 mph. It was because of this machine that the OEMs came to a gentlemen's agreement to limit top speed to 187 mph (300 kph). Suzuki last updated the Hayabusa in 2008, and it's still in production today.
Along with the Hayabusa, Suzuki released another bike in 1999 that has garnered a cult-like following: the SV650. The hugely popular SV has gone through a few different iterations over the years, but is just as popular as ever thanks to its inviting engine and how easy it is to ride.
In Adventure Touring circles, the V-Strom 1050 has been a staple. It doesn't necessarily outclass the competition in any particular category, but as a sum of its parts, the 'Strom is an amazing and capable motorcycle.
The Suzuki Burgman 650 is a scooter that could easily pull double duty as a cross-country sport-tourer. Comfortable, zippy, and with a ton of creature comforts (not to mention storage capacity), the Burgman 650 is another staple in the Suzuki familiy.
