Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2005-2006)

A true great, the best road/track bike available for under 12K. Buy a well cared for example and wheely your way to happiness.

I own a k7 (my review can be found on this site marked wtf!) and previously a k4 I have just had a day out on a k9 which handles very similar to the k5/k6 with maybe just a bit more feedback from the front... that said I jumped straight onto my mates k6 phantom and was instantly rewarded with how a real sportsbike engine should accelerate... god how I hate the eu3 regulations and how they have sanitized, sterilized and stifled all the fun out of new bikes. That feeling was blown apart within 50 yards... power starts from tickover (wheelies from 20 mph) and fear and excitement comes with huge equal measurements af adrenaline. power after 80 mph on the road is of limited use and this thing has it from 0 mph all the way through... ok it fades a little at top speeds but how often do we go past 150 mph ? honestly! I was a little disturbed by the dunlop tyres on it but it didn't stop me having the best days riding in my life. The current fireblade has the best current engine (almost scary how it takes off after 6500 rpm) and the previous model fireblade (preferably in repsol colours) was probably the best looking bike (since the 916) in my humble opinion. BUT as a fun filled every ride every day bike this is still number 1 the daddy!!!

Bought new in 2006. Since then I have covered 16000 miles visited 16 countries done approx 25 track days including Nurburgring and 500 miles on the Isle of Man TT course. It has never used a drop of oil and let me down only once after an 1800 mile ride undertaken on 3 consecutive days in torrential rain when water got into the ECU (fine once dried out). I am 6'3" and find it perfectly comfortable for touring and during a 4000 mile ride in Europe never once wished I was on any other bike. On the track it corners with the 600's and stays with the latest 1000's on the straights (new Blade can pull out a few meters though). Its ability to adjust its line mid corner is excellent and the chassis is beautifully neutral. Currently running on Diablo Corsa iii's which suit it on the road and track although rear is completely worn on RHS after only 1000 miles (but 5 trackdays). BT014s were fine on road but would move around on track but very preditably when pushed hard. Can't honestly think what I would replace this bike with but if I had to I am sure I would find something...there are a lot of very good bikes out there and this is one of the very best. Not really too worried about frame cracking mine has been tested and brace fitted and has a 5 year warranty.

but it was simply too small for me. Why do they insist on making these things smaller and smaller. :(

Honestly, I don't see the point of traiding it for any other new bike. It's perfect!

I have had a few modern jap bikes in the last few years. They were all reliable and had good and bad points, as would be expected. This gixxer is the most complete package I have ever ridden! It have a slick quality feel with every input and control movement. It actually pulls well in 6th showing just a couple of thousand revs, I've tried it! Its devastatingly fast, too fast in fact. I always thought you can't have too much power, but power corrupts, and this bike can make you do some silly things. But then that just demonstrates its quality I guess, although its a super litre bike, I feel happier chucking it about, than my old 04 zx6rr. The riding position (I'm 6'1"), clocks, engine, brakes (only ever need one finger!) and the incredible sound it makes with the standard exhaust is nothing short of amazing. It may be a surprize then to read I am selling it... It's just too good, I have cornered quicker on this than on anything else I have ridden, and have gone faster, WAY faster, just because the bike makes it possible. I need to slow down! I would recommend this bike to those who have self control, there is no upgrade from one of these!

This is what real men ride. Had it for about three weeks and would not say a bad thing about it. It cornes so stable yet so fast. Really easy to turn in and feels really planted out of the corners. I ride in the lake district and all of the bumps in the roads are like take off ramps for my little gixxer. Love it!!! Any of you R1 rider want a race to sort it all out just get in touch.

Simply the fastest, sharpest, and sexiest bike on the market. No other bike makes you feel like this one does. Why buy anything else? Stacka

i have been riding this since november 2006.. totally cool to ride.. amazing power delivery.. power band starts from the moment you open the throttle.. sharp handling and no flexing when pushed are its best qualities.. Just love the way it goes.. sure will give tough competition for all 2007 bikes.. is either ways the KING in 2006..

Had my K6 for two weeks and done 1200 miles, even with this crap weather! Power and speed are addictive, as is the sound from a Racefit Mega can.Buy one or miss out on an amazing experience.