2005 GSX R-1000 is one fast motorcycle

[totalmotorcycle]

2005 GSX R-1000 is one fast motorcycle
Never went over third gear in town
Corrie Miller The Province Friday, April 29, 2005






If you get a chance to take the 2005 Suzuki GSX R-1000 for a spin, bring your daredevil hat. The "Gixer"1000 is fast with a capital F -- this bike just wanted to go.

In fact, some of the guys I talked to found the super-sport bike to be a bit too powerful for the street, though I wasn't complaining.

But to be honest, the only place you'll be able to really see what this bike can do is on the track. I didn't get it out of third gear even once in the city.

I was expecting the GSX R-1000 to be heavy and cumbersome -- 'twas not the case. It's actually lightweight, with a dry weight of only 166 kilograms.

It's powered by a larger displacement, 998.6-cc liquid-cooled engine and improved electronic fuel injection.

The redesigned chassis, with narrower and lower seat height (by 20 mm) and shorter reach between seat and handlebars, made for an extremely comfortable ride and extremely agile handling.

I was impressed and so were others. I stopped to help a fellow rider who had broken down and found his sentiments echoed repeatedly over the next three days I had the bike: "Whoa, I'm jealous!"

The 2005 GSX R-1000 and most of the current Suzuki range will be available for testing out at "Demo Daze" tomorrow at Orca Bay Suzuki in Port Coquitlam.

You can pre-register for test rides by calling Orca Bay Suzuki at 604-464-3330 and be sure to visit www.orcabaysuzuki.com for more info. "Demo Daze" is the dealership's way of kicking off Motorcycle Awareness Month, traditionally May, by bringing the motorcycle community together -- clubs, racers and the who's who of the motorcycle world about town.

Look for friendly faces from the Fraser Valley Dirt Riders Association, the Westwood Motorcycle Race Club, D &B Custom painting, and Power Sports News to name just a few.

There will be booths for you to check out, club organizers to chat with, and a hot dog or two to consume for those who bring their appetites and their kids.

Desi Evans, general manager of the dealership, will launch the proceedings.

In this past year, the dealership's first, he and owner Anwar Anwan, a 14-year veteran Suzuki dealer in Burnaby, have made it the fastest growing dealership in Western Canada and largest exclusive Suzuki Superstore in Canada.

You can listen to her on weekday mornings on the Bro Jake Morning Show, Classic Rock 101.

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HOT WHEELS CALENDAR

April 30 - Road-Racing Season Kick-Off Party at Au Bar Nightclub at 9 pm. Meet racers, new riders and have a fun night out. Tickets are $10 and include a free drink. Proceeds to the Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club.

May 1 - Spring Thaw 2005 motorcycle show 'n' shine for Children's Wish Foundation. Registration -- 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fox and Fiddle, 19530 Langley Bypass. Four dealers, BBQ, bike wash and Dyno shootout!

May 1 - "Rally in the Valley" for Autism -- 11a.m. to 4 p.m. in Townsend Park, Chilliwack. Prizes, show 'n' shine, live music and entertainment. Visit www.bcstarriders5103.com or call Dave at 604-808-2178.

May 20 - Classic Rock101's Bro Jake Ride for Autism. Heading to Wetaskiwin, Alta., for the long weekend. Contact Corrie Miller at cmiller@rock101.com for details.