2026 SUZUKI GSXR1000R

Suzuki has announced that the GSX-R1000R will return to the UK.

Designed to perform, built to thrill, the GSXR1000R gets an updated engine to meet Euro5+ regulations whilst maintaining high levels of performance output, which includes a new crankshaft, crankcases, pistons, connecting rods, and a higher compression ratio.

There’s also a new exhaust, an updated suite of electronics, and race spec carbon fibre winglets that increase downforce at higher speeds.

The announcement comes just ahead of the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race in Japan, the third round of the 2025 FIM Endurance World Championship and a championship the GSX-R1000 has won 15 times since 2001.

It also comes as part of this year’s 40th anniversary celebrations of the GSX-R range, with the GSXR750F changing the world of sports bikes forever in 1985.

As a result, the GSX-R1000R will come in a trio of colour schemes inspired by classic GSX-R liveries of the past, and each adorned with a 40th anniversary logo on the fairing, fuel tank, and silencer.

Engine Peak power is 195PS at 13,200rpm, with peak torque 110.0Nm at 11,000rpm.

The 1000cc, inline-four cylinder engine uses Suzuki’s race-developed variable valve timing system.

The mechanical system is built into the intake cam sprocket and an adjacent guide plate, boosting high-rpm power without sacrificing midrange and lower-rpm output.

It retains an F1 style finger follower valve train, updated and optimised to match the new cam profile.

In addition, the exhaust valve diameter is increased to 25mm, plus there are new camshafts and a wider cam chain.

Maximum valve lift remains the same, with reduced overlap to help meet emissions targets.

There’s a new fuel pump to increase fuel pressure, and changes to the fuel injectors tocontribute to cleaner emissions.

To help maintain power output, new throttle bodies boast a larger bore at 48mm, while air delivered to the throttle bodies travels through newly designed singlestage funnels, further boosting peak power.

New, forged aluminium pistons have short skirts, cutaway sides and a short, DLC-coated wrist pin toreduce friction.

The piston heads are reshaped toincrease the compression ratio to 13.8:1 and accommodate the size of the increased exhaust valve diameter.

The crankshaft adopts a new design with thicker journals, increased to 37mm, designed to accommodate higher loads and withstand higher levels of tune in racing environments, plus new crankcases.

As well as being highly attractive and etched with a GSX-R logo, the new exhaust silencer body is more compact, reducing its capacity to 5.5 litres.

A larger capacity elliptical catalytic converter in the collector is positioned closer to the engine to facilitate quicker warming, which helps improve its performance.

An updated suite of electronics further enhances performance potential and allows riders to tailor its character to suit their preferences or riding conditions.

Armed with six direction IMU, the GSX-R1000R gets an updated traction control system that incorporates Suzuki’s new Roll Torque Control system and antiwheelie, with 10 modes to choose from plus the ability to disengage entirely.

Suzuki’s Roll Torque Control uses data from the IMU and wheel speed sensors to predetermine what level of power output is optimal.

It works in conjunction with traction control to help deliver a sense of stability through the corner.

Its benefit is that it works to prevent wheel spin, rather than activate when slip is detected, making for more seamless acceleration and reduced cutting of power and ‘pumping’.

There’s a ride-by-wire throttle, bi-directional quickshifter, lean angle-sensitive ABS and slope-dependent control and launch control.

A new Lithium-ion HY battEliiy P-series starter battery is more compact and lightweight, and is designed with a focus on exceptional reliability, durability, enhanced startability, and an extended lifespan.

Headlights, positioning lights, and taillights are full LED.

Chassis Comprised of a lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame, subframe, and braced aluminium swingarm.

Suspension comes courtesy of Showa, its race developed balance free front forks at the front, and a balance free rear shock at the rear, and there’s an electronically controlled steering damper.

At the front, brakes are radial Brembo monoblock calipers, biting 320mm discs.

At the rear sits a single and 220m disc.

Lightweight cast aluminium wheels wear Bridgestone RS11 tyres: 120/70 at the front, 190/55 at the rear.

Developed in conjunction with the Suzuki CN Challenge race team, which contested the 2024 Suzuka 8-Hour with an experimental GSX-R1000R, new winglets provide increased downforce at higher speeds, aiding stability and reducing front wheel lift.

Produced in Japan, they are made of dry carbon with a hollow structure, and the size and shape of the winglets was developed through a long process of experimental builds and thorough test runs to achieve the optimum lift effect without making handlin....