In next week: Suzuki GSX1250F group test

MCN has tested the new Suzuki GSX1250F for the first time on UK soil – but as it only has one real direct rival, we’ve done things a little differently.

We’ve included it’s closest competitor, the CBF1000GT, for the most direct comparison, but as Suzuki has claimed it’s a match for more expensive machines, we’ve included more upmarket machines too.

The Yamaha FZ1 Fazer is our sporting all-rounder benchmark – can the R1-based, £3400 dearer machine outclass the basic Suzuki to justify it’s higher price? Or can the Suzuki hold it’s own on a weekend blast?

The fourth machine in our group to give the value-for-money GSX1250F some context is Honda’s 2010 wonderbike, the VFR1200F. Despite not matching up to Honda’s prelaunch hype, the big VFR is nonetheless a prime example of a top-of-the-range, top-quality big-bore all-rounder – but is it really a £5000 better machine than the no-frills Suzuki? We find it out if it’s worth the extra cash for the quality and technology.

See next week’s MCN, on sale April 14.