2001 Suzuki GSX-R1000

Pros: Limitless power, raw grunt, excellent handling, a truly devastating open class machine
Cons: Poor throttle manners, dated looks (despite updates)

Ok, so after 6 years, it may still look like the same ol' Gixxer, despite some cosmetic updates and tweaks - but no matter what your feelings about the looks, in terms of raw-edged power and excitement the liter gixxer (GSXR 1000) is unquestionably the...

Pros: Power, weight, handling
Cons: Common styling, power

I bought the GSXR1000 soon after it was released in the States and they were still difficult to find. Rolling the bike off the dealer parking lot had me amazed at how strong the bike felt off the line, even during break-in. The experience only got better...

Pros: Ultra fast, Ultra Light weight,Ultra Sharp
Cons: None of your friends will ride with you any more.

I have had the GSX-R1000 for just over a year now and would have to say that it is the best sportbike that the market has to offer. This bike has all the power of an all out race bike from a few years ago all put into a package that weighs just a touch...

Pros: motor, stablility, comfort, suspension adjustment. great value!
Cons: frame felt thin, would "creek" when hot.

Bought mine new in 2002. Fantastic motor! Better grunt that any of the newer liter bikes (even the ZX10R which I now have) below 5K. Put about 6K miles with only one issue with the FI light coming on. Took to Putnam Park and Mid OHIO twice for track days. Very stable and predictable on good tires. This thing any lunch rear tires at the track though!! Great bike for wheelies as well.

Pros: Perfect handling and tons of power.
Cons: Touchy throttle and tons of power.

I've had the pleasure of riding one of these beautys for 8 months now. A friend who was deployed to Iraq left it with me for safe keeping. I've ridden countless bikes and owned 12 different bikes in the 19 years that I've been riding. This one has been the most fun yet. It handles like a 600 but has a brute force that is unexplainable. The riding position is typical sportbike and I have a bad back so it is uncomfortable on longer rides, but most sportbikes are for me now. I would buy one of these if I wasn't to the point where I'm looking at sport tourers. The only real negatives on this bike are the throttle and clutch take a little getting used to. The clutch pressure is not too stiff but when mixed with a touchy throttle the power comes on fast. For an experienced rider these are not real problems, you just have to respect the mighty GSXR 1000.