2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Review | MC Commute

Suzuki pairs value, versatility, and performance in the liter-sized superbike segment with its 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000R ($17,749). This up-spec GSX-R benefits from upgraded suspenders, a slick-shifting electronic quickshifter, and a couple of other worthwhile upgrades that make it more competent on and off track.
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When it comes to outright street-riding comfort, few sportbikes ride as well as Suzuki GSX-Rs. And that trend continues with its 1000R. It’s a very slim motorcycle-especially for an inline-four. The seat is well supported and the reach to the clip-on style controls isn’t too aggressive. We like the position of the rider’s footpegs, which are neither too high, nor too low. It would be nice if this GSX-R had foot control adjustment like its GSX-R600 and 750 duo. One change we bemoan is its 0.4-gallon-smaller 4.2-gallon fuel tank.
Tap the starter button and the GSX-R fires to life with a unique growl. Despite employing a conventional inline-four firing order, the engine offers signature character unlike others in its class. We especially appreciate its meaty intake roar and whiny, high-tech-sounding exhaust note. Suzuki offers an ingenious variable valve timing solution that helps give its four-cylinder the best of both worlds.
Peppy bottom-end bark morphs into thick car-passing midrange oomph. Top-end power is strong too, but not quite as powerful as competitors in its class. Still, it’s got enough giddyap to get the blood pumping. We’d estimate a horsepower figure in the mid-160s at the 190-series Bridgestone Battlax RS11 tire. Fuel-mileage-wise, we measured an average of 36 mpg.
An early leader in sportbike electronics (the ’97 GSX-R750 was the first Japanese sportbike with fuel injection), this GSX-R retains its S-DMS adjustable power mode setup. Ride-by-wire throttle integration affords throttle control adjustment that’s neatly integrated into each power mode. Full-power mode A was our favorite.
Ten-way-adjustable IMU-powered traction control is also present, however its programming feels more rudimentary compared to other contemporary setups from Japan and Europe. The 1000R also adds launch control to its arsenal, but we didn’t test it this time. Wheelie and engine-brake control are absent from its electronics suite, as is cruise control. Heated grips would be a nice upgrade too considering how roadworthy this Gixxer is.
The slick-shifting up-and-down electronic quickshifter, on the other hand, performs splendidly allowing you to row through the six-speed gearbox instantly.
In terms of agility, the 445-pound GSX-R1000R impresses with its maneuverability. It steers more sharply than its predecessor while still offering a high degree of stability. Equally impressive is the lofty level of rear grip that the chassis affords. The upgraded Balance Free suspension components follow the road more accurately than the older hardware on the basic GSX-R. Still, the front end isn’t as magical feeling as Team Green’s offering (employs similar front suspension).
The R model’s stainless steel front brake lines are a much-needed improvement and help mitigate brake fade-a feature that has plagued Suzuki GSX-Rs. We also appreciate the rear brake’s strong, responsive feel. Full-time ABS with cornering functionality mitigates instability during braking.
A bright LED headlamp throws a deep spread of light during night rides. The R’s LED positioning lights are also a nice touch. However, because it employs an IMU, we wish Suzuki added a cornering light function to boost visibility during fast-paced night rides through curvy stretches of road. Keeping tabs on vehicle settings is a 5.5-inch backlit LCD. Despite being only one color, the display is functional and easy to read day and night. However, the display could be larger.
Despite not employing a truly modern electronics package, the GSX-R1000R continues to be one of our favorites due to its versatility and ease of use. We’re big fans of its punchy powertrain and capable chassis that’s as adept on track as it is off of it. Considering its competitive price tag and fine craftsmanship, there’s no doubt Suzuki drives a hard bargain with its GSX-R1000R.
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Video/edit: ‪@AdamWaheed‬
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[@beavistown3231]

This dude speaks in 12 point times new Roman font

[@rusipathan]

Gixxer, the original squid missile, the ultimate cop get away bike, just drop a gear and disappear 🤣

[@ClassierAunt]

That stock muffler is bigger than my future.

[@FinityXD]

I thought I was watching the video at 1.5 speed until I realised it was actually just Adam Waheed talking at normal speed in the beginning

[@mike216ism]

I love this bike. Had the legendary K5 for many years. Leaving the dealership this thing felt like a plush cadillac. I was so use to a really stiff suspension. I drove roughly 2 miles before hitting the freeway. The first time I hammered the throttle it just made me laugh so hard. Kind of a strange reaction. It pulled so hard I just couldn't stop smiling. Been a life long Suzuki fan boy. I wouldn't even think about selling this bike for anything else. I love it

[@JCarl-qq8kj]

Not everyone out there wants electronics up the @$$ to ruin the purity of their motorcycle. I personally am looking for a sport bike with the least amount of electronics. Are we eventually going to electronize motorcycles to remove any possibility of rider error? Do we actually want un-crash-able bikes? Why not just have Google design a self driving sport bike and then we don’t have to do anything except let the computer drive the bike for us? The more that a rider relies on electronic assist features, the more that rider handicaps him/herself into never growing and developing. My favorite rider assist mode on any motorcycle has and always will be “OFF”.

[@motorcycleartist]

That exhaust looks like Popeyes arm after he eats his spinach.

[@rynev3392]

Suzuki needs to redesign the 600/750 more like this bike, it’s long overdue

[@jpolhamus71]

Correction Suzuki's been making the GSXR 1000 since 2001

[@GPz84]

My god that exhaust can is massive!

[@jordanjoestar8839]

First time I rode a Suzuki its road manners blew me away. I do motorcycle photography as my full time job, so I have hundreds of machine to compare them too. Yet, its always the same. I have friends that ride many more powerful expensive bikes, but after riding the Suzuki you always hear "HOLY SHIT that is COMFORTABLE! It's smooth and has awesome midrange". Yeah its not the lightest, nor the fastest. Regardless, most of them hit the nail on the head. The road isnt a racetrack, and even the most sporty riders spend 5% of their time on a bike actually on a track.

[@elmoomle4565]

Iconic Suzuki...does sooo much with so much less than the others.

[@dankeglock]

Kawasaki ZX-14R: “Let’s put the ugliest exhaust on a motorcycle.”

[@HatchiSan58]

Waheed is still the best, most comprehensive, least bullshit, and this bike is right up his street.

[@scotttheodore9732]

That was by far the most thorough and comprehensive review of any vehicle car or motorcycle that I ever watched or read on the internet.

[@r6parker]

So refreshing to see a no bs video. No fluff, just straight to the facts and everything I wanted to know 👍🏻

[@leeaman88]

I love it when u talk / review bikes seamlessly while riding

[@Cruz474]

That exhaust is GIGANTIC

[@FenderFan1964]

Adam, as always, thank you for a great review! Partly because of your enthusiasm for the motorcycles you ride on the MC commute, I was inspired to buy my first road bike in many years just last year. I bought a 2016 BMW F00GS with just over 7,000 miles on the odometer, and love it to death. With the full set of saddlebags and top case, my wife and I go for rides and weekend adventures all throughout New England. I always look forward to watching your videos when I ride my commuter train into Boston in the mornings. Keep up the awesome work and God bless! Rob

[@bradymac7516]

Adam is the Best Motorcycle reviewer ! I'm gonna upgrade my GSX-R 750 to this bike next summer.