SUZUKI GSX-R1000 (2005 - 2006) Review

Version: K5 BSB RIZLA

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £100

Having the bike painted by Dream machine race paints in BSB Rizla colours. Really stands out from the crowd. If you new to biking this isn't the bike for you. It's so analogue. No rider aids. It's just your right wrist controlling near 180 bhp.

Buying experience: Bought privately in 2015 for £4300. I Have spend a lot of money trying to get it yo the same standard as my previous K5.

Year: 2005

I would recommend this bike to anyone, from my experience, the beast

Version: K6

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £150

It's 2022. look at the plethora of super bike exotica that's currently available out there. I'm buying a K6! I think that says it all about the credentials of this bike. Bottomless power, low, mid and top end trust me, unless you are fast group track day hero this thing will hang with ANYTHING out there on the road, anything more is really is overkill! Even now in the days of 210hp this bike will not disgrace itself on the track either. Forget it's age it's just THE perfect blend of what makes sports bikes so addictive.

Buying experience: Sold one of these about a decade ago and regretted it ever since. I'm putting that right this weekend for what amounts to peanuts in a private sale.

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £150

Sure I would recommend it

Year: 2005

Without doubt the best bike I have ever owned there is a reason everyone regrets selling these. And personally I would prefer not to have all the modern electronics

Buying experience: Not as common as they used to be

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £50

Motor is fantastic. Power everywhere. Quite comfortable, light, handling rewards your effort but can also be easy when your not on it.

Buying experience: Dealer, bought new. Experience was painless, bought from where the best deal was.

Version: K5

Year: 2005

Much has been said about the GSXR K5 in reviews and comments but I would add my praise to Suzuki for the production of a wonderful piece of engineering brilliance. Finish, handling and instruments cannot be faulted but it’s the engine that makes this bike so special.

Buying experience: Bought privately it was advertised at £4500 and I paid £4000 with 18k verified miles on the clock, bargain.

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £400

This bike will spoil you for all but the highest performance bikes. Makes riding a Harley feel like driving a big truck.

Buying experience: Privately. Bought my first for $5400USD in 2009 and recently bought it back for $4750USD at the end of 2015. I sold it in 2010 for a '07 Harley Davidson Fatboy, and immediately regretted the decision. The GSXR1000 is three times the Harley at 1/3 the price, none of the incessant chrome shining, and 1/5th the maintenance. For the life of me, I just don't understand the attraction to Harley's. To each his own..

Year: 2006

I commute every day-rain hail or snow (12-15k a year) and I was looking for something with a bit more kick and comfort than my previous 929 Blade and boy did I get it! For the price I paid for my K6 1000 I couldn't be happier. Excellent power and torque throughout the rev range-easy going when you want and straight out crazy when you want too! If you want to do any long trips, it'll munch the miles no problem however be aware that your back/wrists and bum wont speak to you for a while after...

Buying experience: From a dealer-no issues

Year: 2005

This is an amazing sportbike with absolutely no weaknesses. I bought my K5 with about 9k miles on it. The mechanical built quality is flawless, and after 6,000 miles (including 6 trackdays and numerous canyon carving rides) during my first year with this bike, there has not been even a hint of reliability issue. Handling is superb with slight modification to front end height, and with Dunlop Q3 tires. The engine is feathery smooth, linear in power delivery and power is massive upon command without any drop off unless you take it pass redline. The plastics are only less cosmetically pleasing when compared to certain Ducati sportbikes. This is not a negative unless you consider bike "posing" to be a performance measure, which I don't. This bike is a complete package, but if you want extreme performance and wallet size is not an issue, go for Ohlins and Galfers equipment. Several moto magazine journalists have made reference to this bike year and model as a standard to judge the GSXR 1000 of subsequent model years. The title "Legendary" has been mentioned as well.

Buying experience: At this time, the bike can only be bought as used. Whether buying from private party or from a dealer, try for a well maintained bike regardless of odometer reading. Suzuki has this bike on a recall in the U.S. for upper frame add on strengthening bracket and front brake master cylinder replacement. I suspect the first is preemptive measure, and likely in response to feedback from the field in regards to the bikes being put through abusive stunt riding. Check with Suzuki dealership to ensure that these 2 items have been taken care of if you are not able to see the modification.

Year: 2006

None

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £1

superb handling, graph of H.P. is a straight line. Massive mid range.

Buying experience: Bought new at 2/3 the uk price when I lived in the USA.

Bought new in 05. Spent 10k on upgrades since. Top end brutal. Mid range outguns anything. Quick steering. brilliant handling, good brakes. Never misses a beat. Bought another recently for winter near bog standard but still brilliant. Nothing else I have ridden comes close.

well i paid £3600 for my k5 20000 on the clock ,ran it at the 2012 bulldog bash totaly stock no mods running a old road tire and she ran a 9.93@144 with my 12,2 lump now thats a rapid bike well happy ? she even did a 10.6 @137 going through the timing lights on the back wheel messing about ..

A true great, the best road/track bike available for under 12K. Buy a well cared for example and wheely your way to happiness.

I own a k7 (my review can be found on this site marked wtf!) and previously a k4 I have just had a day out on a k9 which handles very similar to the k5/k6 with maybe just a bit more feedback from the front... that said I jumped straight onto my mates k6 phantom and was instantly rewarded with how a real sportsbike engine should accelerate... god how I hate the eu3 regulations and how they have sanitized, sterilized and stifled all the fun out of new bikes. That feeling was blown apart within 50 yards... power starts from tickover (wheelies from 20 mph) and fear and excitement comes with huge equal measurements af adrenaline. power after 80 mph on the road is of limited use and this thing has it from 0 mph all the way through... ok it fades a little at top speeds but how often do we go past 150 mph ? honestly! I was a little disturbed by the dunlop tyres on it but it didn't stop me having the best days riding in my life. The current fireblade has the best current engine (almost scary how it takes off after 6500 rpm) and the previous model fireblade (preferably in repsol colours) was probably the best looking bike (since the 916) in my humble opinion. BUT as a fun filled every ride every day bike this is still number 1 the daddy!!!

Bought new in 2006. Since then I have covered 16000 miles visited 16 countries done approx 25 track days including Nurburgring and 500 miles on the Isle of Man TT course. It has never used a drop of oil and let me down only once after an 1800 mile ride undertaken on 3 consecutive days in torrential rain when water got into the ECU (fine once dried out). I am 6'3" and find it perfectly comfortable for touring and during a 4000 mile ride in Europe never once wished I was on any other bike. On the track it corners with the 600's and stays with the latest 1000's on the straights (new Blade can pull out a few meters though). Its ability to adjust its line mid corner is excellent and the chassis is beautifully neutral. Currently running on Diablo Corsa iii's which suit it on the road and track although rear is completely worn on RHS after only 1000 miles (but 5 trackdays). BT014s were fine on road but would move around on track but very preditably when pushed hard. Can't honestly think what I would replace this bike with but if I had to I am sure I would find something...there are a lot of very good bikes out there and this is one of the very best. Not really too worried about frame cracking mine has been tested and brace fitted and has a 5 year warranty.

but it was simply too small for me. Why do they insist on making these things smaller and smaller. :(

Honestly, I don't see the point of traiding it for any other new bike. It's perfect!

I have had a few modern jap bikes in the last few years. They were all reliable and had good and bad points, as would be expected. This gixxer is the most complete package I have ever ridden! It have a slick quality feel with every input and control movement. It actually pulls well in 6th showing just a couple of thousand revs, I've tried it! Its devastatingly fast, too fast in fact. I always thought you can't have too much power, but power corrupts, and this bike can make you do some silly things. But then that just demonstrates its quality I guess, although its a super litre bike, I feel happier chucking it about, than my old 04 zx6rr. The riding position (I'm 6'1"), clocks, engine, brakes (only ever need one finger!) and the incredible sound it makes with the standard exhaust is nothing short of amazing. It may be a surprize then to read I am selling it... It's just too good, I have cornered quicker on this than on anything else I have ridden, and have gone faster, WAY faster, just because the bike makes it possible. I need to slow down! I would recommend this bike to those who have self control, there is no upgrade from one of these!

This is what real men ride. Had it for about three weeks and would not say a bad thing about it. It cornes so stable yet so fast. Really easy to turn in and feels really planted out of the corners. I ride in the lake district and all of the bumps in the roads are like take off ramps for my little gixxer. Love it!!! Any of you R1 rider want a race to sort it all out just get in touch.

Simply the fastest, sharpest, and sexiest bike on the market. No other bike makes you feel like this one does. Why buy anything else? Stacka

i have been riding this since november 2006.. totally cool to ride.. amazing power delivery.. power band starts from the moment you open the throttle.. sharp handling and no flexing when pushed are its best qualities.. Just love the way it goes.. sure will give tough competition for all 2007 bikes.. is either ways the KING in 2006..

Had my K6 for two weeks and done 1200 miles, even with this crap weather! Power and speed are addictive, as is the sound from a Racefit Mega can.Buy one or miss out on an amazing experience.

Tootling around town, Storming the autobahn, or Ripping through the N260 in Spain this bike is superb. Faster and better handling than the latest version and all the other 07 litre bikes, this bike will be an icon.

what a bike love it to bits. needs to be taken on a track to get the full effect.

had my k6 thou since december,i was lucky to get one fitted with a yoshi when they was doing the offer. so with a piper cross filter in as well it has a bit more grunt not that it needs it. i had a k5 750 before and although i would say the 750 made me smile more (im too busy scaring myself at the moment) this thou just seems to handle quicker and is bloody easy to drop into bends. i had 600rr and a zx6r try on some twisties and i just pulled away whilst going in banked over i think the rule of 600's being quicker on the twisties has been thrown in the bin at suzuki. amazing bike and i think the k6 will be the last of the real gsxr's.i wont be in a rush to get rid of this bike, i normally buy a new one every year and half but i cant see me wanting to get rid of this.does need looking after but lets face it thats why we love our bikes its the ownership and nothing wd40 and autoglym cant fix. i hear NASA want the engine as starter motor for the next shuttle.

mindblowingly awesome! after 3 and a bit years paying my dues on a suzuki gsxf750 (which i'm sad to see go- looks aside, it was an alright bike!) i wanted my second bike to be special and, just today, i picked up one of the last k6 phantoms in the uk. blimey! the grin is gonna have to be surgically removed from my face! speed, acceleration- in any gear, brakes, ride, handling, sound, everyone should have a go on one of these. have i mentioned the noise from the yoshi pipe? it is sooo rude! forget the swollen baseball-bats for pipes k7 1000, go out now- right now- and snap up any remaining k6 versions. you will have the best bike on the road today.

Once mounted you have a perminent grin under your helmet. Try one.

In an age where sports bikes keep getting smaller, and on the surface this bike is the same. yet I am 6'6" and I can still ride this bike comfortably, all be it with a little wrist pressure. it handles well, and the power, oh the power :) It is a great bike and very fun to ride.

I have the Gixxer Thou Phantom K6. The Ltd Edition Phantom comes in a very classy grey and black colour scheme and a dedicated Suzuki, Yoshi exhaust that sounds and looks quite simply awesome. I had the 06 ZX10R previously and this thing quite simply blows it away. Lighter, more tourqe throughout the rev range and more stable but just as exciting. Corners like its on rails and seems to find itself doing 130mph all on its own (honestly officer). A magnificent piece of kit thats a credit to Suzuki and having seen next years Gixxer thou with its twin trumpet exhausts and "i cant ride a litre bike in the wet" switch the K6 is destined to become a must have classic. Buy one NOW before the Eurocrats legislate these things away. Strengths: It aint the 2007 model, seriously all you Suzuki fans who mocked the 06 ZX10's "Wheelbarrow" exhausts I suggest you have a good look at the 2007 model and go and find a K6 as quick as you can. Weaknesses: With a bike this fast it would be nice to see if the Police are behind you as opposed to seeing my arms!!

Discovered the first batch of K5's had a clutch judder problem. Suzuki have an upgrade fitted under warranty. Now it blasts off the line as well as doing everything else superbly. Strengths: Bags of torque makes effortless performance, can pull from 18 mph - 180+ mph in top gear. ( and I,m a heavy git) Or over 100 mph in first gear, amazing, Sweet handling. Finish still good after 10 months, better than previous Suzukis. Weaknesses: Dont listen to the mags.. that seat hurts after a couple of hours, 2 up less than 1 hour. Watch the wheelspin on cold tyres

This bike is truly fantastic. Theres not much more to be said about the speed than has already been said. You just have to think about going fast and the bike engages warp speed. The brakes are very good, and they need to be! Not at all grabby, but sometimes you do have to pull quite hard on them. I`m always being told that a good rider on a decent 750 would kick the ass of an average 1000 rider, `cos its makes you lazy. Well in a way thats true in my experience. My last bike was a K2 750 and for a flat out blat round windy A and B roads, I think I was maybe a tiny bit quicker on the 750. Nothing to do with the handling, just that I`m a lot more cautious with the throttle on the 1000. However, day to day riding, like to work and back, I`m loads quicker on the 1000 just `cos of the shere flexibility of the engine. I `spose it does make you a bit lazy, but for consistent "fastness" its unbeatable. Strengths: Easy to ride. Great confidence with OE tyres. Rocketship fast Sounds fantastic. Weaknesses: Seats a bit hard Walking speed manouverability isn`t great Very bad for the health of your driving licence.

Just part chopped rr5 blade in for gsxr k6. Compared to the blade the gixer is streets ahead, better sound even with the standard can on for now. And even running the thing in gives me more confidence going into corners than the blade ever did. A stunning machine. Strengths: Handling, weight, fuel injection spot on and the sound even from the standard can. Weaknesses: Nothing.

I moved on to one of these from a K4 GSXR1000, I can't believe how much its improved! the K4 was an awesome bike but this is really something else... Strengths: Everything! The engine, the brakes, the handling, the noise, its addictive. Weaknesses: None really, my only gripe would be the tiny screen, needs a double bubble.

Tried the blade - boring, tried the R1 too big didn't like the handling. Hate the look of the ZX10R. Got onto the the GSXR straight after the R1 right bike no question. Does slow does fast does everything. Strengths: Can't fault it to ride or to look at. Weaknesses: It would be good to have a clock visible at the same time as the trip - the blade does that. Underseat storage not as good as K3.

This bike is soooo quick. Power anywhere in the rev range, instant zap, incredible. The riding position is comfortable. I don't think about brakes or suspension at all when riding it, which means they must be good eh? Very very fast, but easy and controllable too, amazing, no wonder it's been rated top dog for past 3 years. Wish I'd have got one sooner. Strengths: Power, suspension, brakes, riding position, looks, just about the whole thing. Weaknesses: They're not free.