2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 review from United Kingdom

Finish not the best - needs regular cleaning to avoid furred fasteners. Really pronounced after a Honda.

Fabulous bike (K3 model). Savage power, sharp looks, very sharp handling, good brakes and good reliability.

Engine is grin inducing. There's useable power all through the rev range, but with that famous Gixer wallop up top. The result is brutal acceleration, and a delivery that is relentless and addictive. I always back off before the engine has had enough. Like most litre sportsbikes, it has substantially more power than you can use on the road unless you are prepared to lose your licence (or worse), but this does give effortless "any gear" grunt that is really worth having.

Handling is super sharp, but can occasionally feel a little nervous, particularly over less than perfectly surfaced roads (i.e. almost all of them here in the UK) when "on it". With a power to weight ratio of as close to a bhp per kilo as makes no difference however, I suppose it's always going to get a bit lively when provoked.

Surprisingly comfy for a race rep. Quite roomy, and not too much weight on the wrists. Crap mirrors and pillion accommodation, but this is par for the superbike course. Brakes work well, but will need some attention soon as they're definitely not as sharp as they were. Best gearbox of any bike I've ever owned or ridden. Ultra short throw, super slick, and no false neutrals! Just lift your toe in your boot and the next gear clicks sweetly home.

Downsides? Finish is a bit cheap here and there, the fairing decals mark easily, and if you lose a race to anybody, you can't blame the bike. And people always seem to want to race you.

Fuel consumption good - 38-44 mpg so far. Insurance horrendous, reliability very good.