Staff Bikes: BJ's GSX-R1000, Issue 223

Staff Bikes: BJ's GSX-R1000, Issue 223
I couldn’t have asked for anything better than this black and silver K9 Suzuki.



It’s gorgeous in black, which hides the lack of change to style perfectly. I wanted it from the first moment I swung my leg over one on the launch in Spain. This is the only litre bike I’d want for the road, and I’ve got it. Yes!

Being used to the bedded in launch bikes, and only at 500 running-in miles, it still feels minty fresh and not quite settled yet. The engine is still tight, but I’ll give it its first dyno run when the first service is out of the way after 600 miles.

It got its first proper ride when Saunders and I rode over to Brands Hatch to watch Fatty race Superbikes. What a terrific bike for motorway riding too, so much so that me and some of the lads are thinking about a trip abroad this summer, to really get the best out of our new bikes.

Even running limited revolutions, and still being tighter than a Haddock’s bathing costume, the engine is grunty enough to give thrills which meant me and Andy had a great ride across the country. Just a quick word to the 1098R owner we came across before jumping on the M3: fair play mate, you brightened our day up no end!

So what to do with this beast is the question? Well, one of the first things I’m going to do is replace the standard tyres. The OE Bridgestone 016s are more than good enough, but I’ve ridden on them a lot before. I also want to try the aftermarket 016 three-compound tyres, and a set of the 003s we used on SBOTY.

First however, some of Michelin’s new Power One Road & Track hoops. The prototype really impressed me last year, and they could supplant the 2CT as my favourite tyre. I’ll try and test a bunch of different tyres for the Gixer, over the course of the loan.

Power-wise, I really don’t think I need any more, because the thing’s a missile already. But those exhausts have to go, so some Akrapovic and Laser cans will be making their way on.

Not however, until we’ve fiddled with the fuelling first to see what we can get with the standard system. We're still waiting on word from companies like Power Commander as to when anything will be available. Hopefully, soon.

Apart from that, a taller screen and some Yoshimura bling is all I really want to do to it, although I’ll definitely be playing with the suspension, too.

Lots more next month.