Preview - Suzuki returning to MotoGP

[CB4ME_imp]

I'm probably not in the majority here, but I've always been partial to Suzuki's. (I've owned 4).

It's nice to see Suzuki returning to MotoGP in 2015. They've been struggling as a company but are willing to invest millions to return to premier class racing. I hope it pays off in the long run.

Here is a picture of one of their bikes. They are down at Austin testing this week.

[the Ferret]

I like Suzuki's and was disappointed when they pulled out of MotoGP a couple years ago. Baustista was very close to getting the big S on the podium.

3 of my top 10 favorite bikes were Suzukis.. GS 850G, GS 1100E and GT 750 and those are the only three Suzukis I have owned

Looking forward to Suzuki's return to MotoGP

[736cc_imp]

3 of my top 10 favorite bikes were Suzukis.. GS 850G, GS 1100E and GT 750 and those are the only three Suzukis I have owned

Looking forward to Suzuki's return to MotoGP

Suzuki's always made bullet-proof motorcycles. I've owned XN85 TURBO, GS1000 Wes Cooley replica and DRZ400 enduro

[redbirds_imp]

I'm looking forward to Suzuki getting back into Motogp also. A real shame that they and Kawasaki pulled out. 2015 will be a good year.

By the way, I love Suzuki bikes too. I think the DL650 V-strom is just about as fine a bike for the modest cost that exists.

[thumper_imp]

They'd better plan way-ahead when braking for corners if they're gonna go racing without front rotors!

[the Ferret]

They'd better plan way-ahead when braking for corners if they're gonna go racing without front rotors!

Everybody knows if you lock up those front disc brakes it will throw you over the handlebars. They are trying to avoid that.

[The Spaceman_imp]

If my DL1000 hadn't attacked me and broken my hip, I'd still be riding Suzuki today. That bike was awesome (albeit ugly). Fast, great handling (I did some suspension upgrades), roomy, and I had a full set of hard luggage which I miss very much with the CB. The last big ride I did on it was Ft. Lauderdale to the Cherokee Nat'l Park area. Left in the am, had dinner that night with my pal in Horse Shoe NC. Turned around and rode home the next day. The bike had 70k miles when I sold it, the guy who bought it rode it to Alaska and back. Last I saw of it, it was for sale in the used bike department of the local BMW dealership.

Funny thing though, I rode the new VStrom 1000 ABS, and couldn't imagine trading the CB for it. The CB is exactly the right bike for me at this point.

[CB4ME_imp]

Testing has completed in Austin in hot weather. Best lap 205.85 secs but more importantly the team was very happy with what they learned. Kevin Schwantz (1993 500cc champ) joined the team and did some laps.

[Tortuga_imp]

I've always had a soft spot for Suzis too, they were always somehow the 'underdog' compared to cocky Honda, and the other jap brands.

Suzuki were always the ones that came last in the ride reports (GSX600F anyone? No thanks I'll take the CBR). They were always doing some discount scheme or promotional finance deal.*(the GSX600F/750F range were cruelly dubbed 'The teapot' by UK jounos at the time).

Even the colours were more 'track suit' like than other makes. Everything just seemed a bit cheap and cheerful. So why did I buy not one but TWO GSXR750's over time?

Because the name, 'Gixxer' is a legend, it's a brand in itself. A lifestyle, a dream, a statement!

The fact I hated both of mine didn't detract from the fact they were seen as 'bad boy bikes'. The British press would always tag the Gixxer 'the hooligan of the group' in tests. I liked this image even though the bike (or me) never fulfilled this potential.

My ego was writing cheques my body couldn't cash!

Still, I don't want to see another iconic brand name from my youth go down the toilet in my lifetime (R.I.P Saab, Rover et al)

Go Suzi go go go go!


More tea, vicar?

[The Spaceman_imp]

The Gixxer was the first bike that fit the modern supersport profile. That being a fully faired race bike for the street. The Hyabusa was equally unique and ground-breaking. And who could forget the "Water Buffalo," the rotary bike, etc. There's a lot of history with Suzuki.

I sure hope whoever teams with Suzuki in MGP brings back the Rizzla girls. The cop outfits they wore are still giving me fits..