Tag Archives: Suzuki Motorcycles

2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT Preview 

2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT
2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT in Pearl Matte Shadow Green

The 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT are two new retro-inspired naked bikes that combine classic style with modern technology and features. These two bikes are expected to arrive in dealerships later this summer. 

2026 Suzuki GSX-8T
2026 Suzuki GSX-8T in Candy Burnt Gold

The only difference between the 8T and the 8TT is that the 8TT includes a factory-designed headlight cowl, an undercowl, and a different seat to invoke a vintage roadracer appearance. All other features are shared between the 8T and 8TT. Using the theme of “retro spirit, next generation performance,” the bikes include a mono round LED headlight inspired by Suzuki models of the 1960s and ’70s, bar-end mirrors (a first for Suzuki), and a uniquely shaped 4.3-gallon fuel tank. 

2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT
These two bikes are equipped with bar-end mirrors.

They’re powered by the 776cc parallel-Twin also found in the GSX-8R and GSX-8S. They include a 270-degree crankshaft, the Suzuki Cross Balancer, a 6-speed transmission, and the Suzuki Clutch Assist System. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System includes Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, Suzuki Traction Control System (three settings plus Off), Bi-Directional Quick Shift System, ABS, Suzuki Easy Start System, and Low RPM Assist. These bikes are also Suzuki’s first U.S. models to be equipped with a lithium-ion battery, as they include a compact HY battEliiy P-Series starter battery. 

2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT
Both the 8T and 8TT feature a stainless steel muffler cover.

The 8T and 8TT feature a steel frame and a unique aluminum swingarm. KYB suspension includes a nonadjustable inverted fork and a preload-adjustable link-type rear shock. Cast-aluminum wheels are wrapped in Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires, and dual radial-mount front brake calipers pinch 310mm discs. The tapered aluminum handlebar contributes to an upright riding position. The 8T gets a retro-inspired tuck-and-roll seat, and the 8TT’s seat adds stitched upholstery. Instrumentation includes a 5-inch full-color TFT display, and a USB-C socket is included to charge your devices. 

2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT
2026 Suzuki GSX-8TT in Glass Sparkle Black

The 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T will be available in Candy Burnt Gold or Metallic Matte Black, and the Suzuki GSX-8TT will be available in Glass Sparkle Black or Pearl Matte Shadow Green. Pricing has not yet been announced. Visit the Suzuki website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2026 Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Review

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
The Suzuki DR-Z4S has gotten a long overdue update, which includes fuel injection (at last!), new tech, fresh styling, and more. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

The new, slimmer 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S goes straight to the heart of dual-sport riding. No stranger to this Suzuki model, I turned a 2003 DR-Z400S into a lightweight adventure bike with a few key updates. That bike has stayed with me, proving its off-road capabilities on the Idaho BDR and other adventures. People say, “You can’t kill those things,” and I’ve found that to be true.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
The DR-Z4S shows off its new inverted fork, aluminum rear swingarm, and sleek new looks.

I traveled to Portland, Oregon, to ride the updated Suzuki DR-Z4S over mountains and through canyons at the global press launch.

Related: Take It to the Streets Event: Ride the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Dual-Sport

A host of changes to the 398cc DOHC Single, from titanium intake valves to dual spark plugs and a new cylinder head, increase power output enough to offset losses in meeting the Euro 5+ emissions standard. That effort also included tackling pumping and mechanical losses, a new airbox for increased efficiency, and fitting two catalysts to the exhaust system. Overall, it’s a very effective update, as we discovered during the ride.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
That bulge in the header pipe is one of two catalysts in the exhaust system. The other resides in the exhaust cannister.

After a 25-year run with minimal changes, and with more stringent air-quality requirements closing in, the carbureted DR-Z was ripe for revision. The 2025 DR-Z4S is the result of a complete makeover that created a new but familiar motorcycle. At the press briefing prior to our ride, Suzuki turned the mic over to the Japanese engineers who designed the new parts and systems. Each gave a slideshow talk that impressed us with the number of updates, the careful consideration that went into them, and the reasons why they were necessary.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
G mode helps to keep the tire gripping on a loose surface instead of spinning wildly as the rider asks for more power.

As a DR-Z400S rider, my favorite improvement is fuel injection: no more fiddling with a carburetor, plus smoother fueling, easier starting, and improved mileage. Where the test bike averaged close to 60 mpg with aggressive use, my 2003 model nudges 55 if ridden with a light throttle hand. The engine is still a dry-sump design with oil carried in the frame.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
Suzuki’s new easy-to-read nerve center is a compact LCD unit displaying the status of the motorcycle and its various modes and settings.

A new compact display takes centerstage in the cockpit. Though still an LCD unit and lacking a tachometer, it now features a fuel gauge, status and controls for new electronic aids, plus a mileage readout and tripmeters. LED lighting rules on this machine, with a bright mono-eye headlight and small but eye-catching turnsignals that I could easily see in daylight on motorcycles several riders ahead of me.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
The new LED mono-eye headlight is small but packs a lot of light. It’s designed to better illuminate the side of the road when leaning into a turn. The blinkers flash a brilliant orange.

The Suzuki Intelligent Rider System, an effective and easy-to-master suite of electronic rider aids that’s been offered in various forms on Suzuki’s streetbikes and adventure bikes, is now standard equipment on the DR-Z4S. S.I.R.S. comprises drive modes, traction control, and ABS. The three drive modes make a significant difference in acceleration while arriving at the same full-throttle power output. The modes are labeled as A, B, and C, and I got to know them as honk-on, normal, and chill (C is perfect for new riders).

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
They’ll see you coming when the mono-eye hits their retinas. The DR-Z4S loves this kind of travel.

Traction control allows the appropriate amount of rear-wheel spin for off-road use at any throttle setting, and it has four options: Off, 1, 2, and G (gravel) mode. Everyone I spoke to agreed that G mode gives amazing control, while levels 1 and 2 seemed middling by comparison. They might come into their own on other slippery surfaces like wet pavement. Drive mode B with TC mode G made for easily manageable single-track riding, with A being preferable for strafing apexes on the tarmac or power-sliding on forest roads.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
More traction, more action – the DR-Z4S has plenty of power for a full day of grins, no matter the surface.

GEAR UP 

The “All Off” ABS setting is a first for a Suzuki production machine and a welcome addition. The other two modes are On (both ends) and Rear Off. The All-Off feature was especially useful for finessing the steep, rocky downhills we encountered. The 8-second button push to disable ABS on startup is annoying, but once set, this step can be bypassed by using the kill switch to stop the motor rather than turning off the ignition.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
Lean it, gas it, and go. The new DR-Z flicks easily into turns, and the IRC 50/50 tires hold tight to the tarmac, showing just what “dual-sport” really means.

One thing that’s always bothered me about my DR-Z is the 5-speed transmission. It’s just too buzzy at freeway speeds, and the bike has enough power to handle an overdrive. Surely the new bike would have a 6th gear, right? Uh, no. When asked why, the engineer said that adding another gear would raise the cost and widen the cases, which are currently quite narrow, and that five speeds are enough for the bike’s purpose. The tranny shifts with a touch of the toe, with or without the help of the light-pull, cable-actuated Suzuki Clutch Assist System.

KYB front and rear suspension bolts to a stiffer steel frame and new aluminum swingarm, improving the Z’s handling on every surface. The inverted 46mm, 11.0-inch travel fork (no more fork boots!) absorbed everything Oregon’s Tillamook State Forest dished out, as did the Pro-Linked shock with its 11.6 inches of travel. Both are fully adjustable. Ground clearance remains the same at 11.8 inches.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
Ready, set, stop! The front end features a larger 270mm front brake, ABS, and a preload/rebound adjustable KYB fork.

Larger rotors adorn both brakes, the single front disc going from 250mm to 270 and the rear from 220mm to 240. Both brakes pack plenty of stopping power, but the rear binder is especially strong. The new brakes have more to stop: claimed curb weight is 333 lb against the previous model’s 317.

The Z4S’s blacked-out aluminum rims carry IRC GP410 rubber made especially for this bike. I’d rate them as 50/50 tires – they certainly look the part – but found traction hard to obtain on some of the steeper, rockier pitches. Deflating them a bit would no doubt help. The GP410’s stuck to pavement as well or better than any 50/50 I’ve used, easily handling the tight twisties through the forest.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
Comfort counts, and the new seat is comfortable enough for an all-day ride and narrow enough for easy maneuvering through the forest trails.

Small changes to the Z4S’s ergonomics make it both more comfortable and more accessible to smaller riders. The footpegs are wider and slightly rear-set, with rubber inserts over grippy steel, and the new handlebar is higher by just over an inch. The seat is 0.6 inch lower (36.2 inches) and 0.7 inch wider with comfortable chamfered sides. My 31-inch inseam is just tall enough to swing a leg over without scraping a boot on the seat, put the balls of both feet on the ground, and settle into one of the most comfortable stock seats I’ve tested. Vibration is not an issue for off-road riding, but it is noticeable on the street in the seat, handlebar, and pegs. Things get downright buzzy over 60 mph.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
The DR-Z4S shows off its on-road abilities on the twisty pavement in Tillamook State Forest, a good way to experiment with the instant power of drive mode A.

A 2.3-gallon fuel cell and a claimed 155-mile range are adequate for dual-sport duty, which is right where Suzuki places the Z4S. But just like my 2003 model, this machine is only a few simple mods away from becoming a lightweight ADV machine. With a better skid pan (Suzuki offers a full aluminum skid plate), more fuel capacity, and luggage, it’s ready for a BDR.

Related: Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Review

Suzuki’s styling goals were to create a bike as sleek and svelte as possible while keeping the DR-Z look we’re all familiar with. Mission accomplished, and they even tamed the previous machine’s bulge over the exhaust cannister. And of course, the Z4S comes in Suzuki’s factory two-tone Champion Yellow No. 2 / Solid Special White No. 2 colors, with Solid Iron Gray as an optional choice.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
Color options include Champion Yellow No. 2 / Solid Special White No. 2 or Solid Iron Gray. Note Suzuki’s full-coverage accessory skid plate, hand guards, and rack on the gray bike.

Kudos to Suzuki for taking a bike that every dual-sporter knows and updating it to be one they will want to own. The DR-Z4S felt like it was always working with me to stay on the dicey downhills, gnarly uphills, and twisted tarmac we experienced. Like a well-trained dog, it did what I asked without complaint and was eager to do more.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S review
No matter the angle, the DR-Z4S reveals its roots while sporting a more modern look.

For a motorcycle that gained everything but horsepower, the DR-Z4S promises to be another dual-purpose success for Suzuki.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Specs

  • Base Price: $8,999
  • Website: SuzukiCycles.com
  • Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
  • Displacement: 398cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 90.0 x 62.6mm
  • Horsepower: 38 hp @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 27.3 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 58.6 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 27.5 degrees/4.3 in.
  • Seat Height: 36.2 in.
  • Wet Weight: 333 lb (factory claim)
  • Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gal.

Arden Kysely Contributor Headshot

Arden Kysely has contributed to Rider for 30 years, testing bikes, writing travel stories, and evaluating riding gear. He started adventuring before it was popular, exploring the red rocks of Utah on a 1987 Kawasaki KLR650. Today he rides a 2003 Suzuki DR-Z400S and a 2021 Yamaha Ténéré 700.

The post 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Take It to the Streets Event: Ride the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Dual-Sport

Suzuki DR-Z Take It to the Streets Demo Event

Experience the new 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S through the Take It to the Streets demo event series. This event is visiting select dealers across the U.S. to give riders a hands-on experience of the new dual-sport.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Champion Yellow
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S in Champion Yellow

The Take It to the Streets event will be going on over the next few months, so be sure to check in with your local dealer to find out when it’s coming to your area. You can also check the Suzuki website to find a list of locations and dates.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
Both the DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM feature a new seat design to improve comfort.

Participants in the event will have the opportunity to test ride the Suzuki DR-Z4S and experience its updates firsthand. Suzuki staff will be on the scene to help answer questions and walk participants through the bike’s new features and benefits.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
A new LCD display shows speed, odometer, gear indicator, fuel level, clock, ride mode, and traction control mode.

For model year 2025, the Suzuki DR-Z4S dual-sport and DR-Z4SM supermoto receive the platform’s first significant update since its introduction in 2000. The two models gained fuel-injection and throttle-by-wire, in addition to a host of other engine revisions. Also included is a new steel frame and aluminum subframe, new fully adjustable KYB suspension, a new aluminum swingarm, Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (three ride modes, four traction control modes, and Suzuki Easy Start System), Bosch ABS, and new lighting and instrumentation. Ergonomics and styling are also updated. Read more about the new 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM here.

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Solid Iron Gray
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S in Solid Iron Gray

The Suzuki events calendar currently lists seven locations to host Take It to the Streets events in April, including locations in Pennsylvania, Oregon, West Virginia, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Texas. Check back on the Suzuki Events page as it’s updated with additional locations, dates/times, and requirements.

See all of Rider’s Suzuki news and reviews here

The post Take It to the Streets Event: Ride the 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Dual-Sport appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles: Final Wave 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Mystic Silver & Pearl Vigor Blue

The final wave of 2025 Suzuki motorcycles has been announced, including sport, crossover, sport-touring, and adventure models. Other 2025 Suzukis that have already been announced can be found on the Suzuki section of our website. All models in this announcement return unchanged except for the Hayabusa, which gets new colors and an update to S.I.R.S., and the GSX-S1000, which gets a new 5-inch TFT display. 


2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Metallic Matte Steel Green & Metallic Matte Titanium Silver

The Hayabusa, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, is an iconic open-class sportbike now in its third generation. It’s powered by a 1,340cc inline-Four in a twin-spar aluminum frame and features fully adjustable KYB suspension and Brembo Stylema front brake calipers. For 2025, The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System now includes an updated launch control system and new Smart Cruise Control system, which will not cancel if the rider changes gears using the quickshifter. 

2025 Suzuki Hayabusa 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki Hayabusa in Glass Sparkle Black

The 2025 Suzuki Hayabusa will be available in Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Mystic Silver & Pearl Vigor Blue, or Metallic Matte Steel Green & Metallic Matte Titanium Silver. MSRP starts at $19,399. 

Related: Suzuki Hayabusa, 1999-2024: Your Majesty for 25 Years 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in Metallic Matte Sword Silver

This street-focused sportbike is powered by a 999cc GSX-R-based inline-Four and includes a twin-spar aluminum frame, adjustable KYB suspension, and Brembo brakes. For 2025, the GSX-S1000 gets a new 5-inch TFT display screen with a scratch-resistant surface and anti-reflective coating. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 in Glass Sparkle Black

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000 will be available in Glass Sparkle Black or Metallic Matte Sword Silver with MSRP starting at $11,909. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000 Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-8S in Glass Sparkle Black / Pearl Cosmic Blue

The GSX-8S naked bike, first introduced in 2023, is powered by a 776cc parallel-Twin and features KYB suspension, Nissin brakes, an upright riding position, ride modes, a 5-inch TFT screen, a quickshifter, and other features. The fully faired 8R version, introduced in 2024, was included in an earlier announcement with new color options. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8S 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-8S in Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-8S will be available in Glass Sparkle Black / Pearl Cosmic Blue or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $9,209. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-8S Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-250R 

2025 Suzuki GSX-250R 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-250R in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black

This beginner-friendly sportbike is powered by a 248cc parallel-Twin and includes ABS, a slim 4-gallon fuel tank for easy stand-over, KYB suspension, Nissin petal-style brakes, and an LCD instrument panel. It also offers a claimed fuel economy of 73.6 mpg. 

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-250R will be available in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black with an MSRP of $5,149. 

Related: Small Bikes Rule! Honda CRF250L Rally, Suzuki GSX250R and Yamaha TW200 Reviews 


2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS 

2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS in Pearl Matte Shadow Green / Metallic Matte Black No. 2

This naked bike is powered by a 645cc V-Twin and includes Low RPM Assist to prevent stalling, a tubular steel-trellis frame, Tokico brakes, ABS, Suzuki’s Easy Start System, and an LCD info screen. It has a seat height of 30.9 inches, a claimed curb weight of 430 lb, and a fuel capacity of 3.8 gallons. 

The 2025 Suzuki SV650 ABS will be available in Pearl Matte Shadow Green / Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $8,049. 

Read our Suzuki SV650 Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ in Metallic Triton Blue

A finalist for Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year award, the GSX-S1000GX+ crossover is based on the GSX-S1000GT+ but is taller and offers a more upright riding position, blending characteristics of a sport-tourer and adventure bike. It features Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system, as well as throttle-by-wire and a 6-axis IMU to inform a full suite of rider aids in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System.  

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ will be available in Metallic Triton Blue with an MSRP of $18,599. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ Review 


2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ in Pearl Vigor Blue

This sport-tourer won Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year award, offering impressive touring comfort matched with exciting performance. It’s powered by a 999cc inline-Four adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5 that produces 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of toque at 9,3000 rpm. It’s equipped with Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, traction control, cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, 25.7-liter side cases, and a 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3

For 2025, this model receives Smart Cruise Control, which continues to operate when the rider uses the quickshifter. 

The 2025 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ will be available in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3 or Pearl Vigor Blue with an MSRP of $14,299. 

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Review 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 in Candy Daring Red

The V-Strom 800 is the street-focused version of the V-Strom 800DE. Like the DE and GSX-8S, the V-Strom 800 is powered by a 776cc parallel-Twin with a 270-degree crankshaft and includes throttle-by-wire, an up/down quickshifter, and Suzuki Clutch Assist System. It has a steel backbone-style frame, a Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, a gas-charged Showa shock, dual Nissin front brakes, ABS, ride modes, traction control, Easy Start, and Low RPM Assist. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800 will be available in Candy Daring Red with an MSRP of $10,109. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 800 Preview 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE / V-Strom 800DE Adventure 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE in Champion Yellow No. 2

These two models are the most dirt-capable V-Stroms in Suzuki’s lineup and share the engine and frame of the V-Strom 800 described above. They include a 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims, and the longest suspension travel and most ground clearance of any V-Strom model, with 8.7 inches of front and rear travel and 8.75 inches of ground clearance. Also included is a trail-oriented Gravel traction control mode and rider-adjustable ABS. The Adventure version adds quick-release 37-liter aluminum sidecases, accessory bars, and an aluminum skidplate. 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure in Pearl Tech White

The 2025 Suzuki V-Stom 800DE will be available in Champion Yellow No. 2 or Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $11,709. The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 8000DE Adventure will be available in Pearl Tech White with an MSRP of $13,159. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Review 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 in Metallic Oort Gray No. 3

This adventure bike, as well as the DE version below, is powered by a 1,037cc V-Twin in a twin-spar aluminum frame. Suspension is fully adjustable, and the 19- and 17-inch wheels are cast-aluminum. Also included are cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, lean-sensitive ABS, traction control, ride modes, a 5-inch TFT instrument panel, and a USB port. The standard windscreen is hand-adjustable, the fuel tank holds 5.3 gallons, and the curb weight is 534 lb. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will be available in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 or Metallic Oort Gray No. 3 with an MSRP of $15,409. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Preview 


2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE in Glass Sparkle Black / Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The V-Strom 1050DE includes the engine, frame, and features of the V-Strom 1050 but adds off-road capability. The DE gets 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels wrapped in Dunlop TrailMax MixTour Adventure tires, and it gets a Gravel traction control mode. ABS can also be switched off on the rear. Other additions include an accessory bar, an aluminum skid plate, a smaller windscreen, a wider tapered aluminum handlebar, and a taller ground clearance of 7.5 inches. 

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE will be available in Glass Sparkle Black / Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $16,299. 

Read our Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Preview 


Visit the Suzuki website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles: Final Wave  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM Preview 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S Champion Yellow
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S in Champion Yellow

For the first time since the introduction of the Suzuki DR-Z400S in 2000, the platform gets a significant update for 2025 in both the Suzuki DR-Z4S dual-sport and DR-Z4SM supermoto models. Changes include a revised engine, a new frame, new chassis components, new tech and rider aids, and new styling. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
Both bikes feature a new seat design to improve comfort.

Starting with the engine, the Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM are powered by a 398cc Single with DOHC and four valves. It’s now fuel-injected and includes throttle-by-wire with a 42mm electronically controlled throttle body. Also new are a higher-lift cam profile, a new piston design, titanium intake valves, hollow sodium-filled exhaust valves, and Suzuki’s Dual Spark Technology with two iridium spark plugs. The air-cleaner box and inlet tube are also new. The redesigned engine makes a claimed 37.5 hp at 8,000 rpm and 27.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Returning from the previous models is the 5-speed transmission. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM
The tank is now slimmer on both models.

Both bikes also get a new steel frame and aluminum subframe. New fully adjustable KYB suspension includes an inverted fork and a rear shock connected to a new aluminum swingarm with progressive linkage system. On the DR-Z4S, suspension travel is 11.0 inches front and 11.6 inches rear, while the DR-Z4SM supermoto gets 10.2 inches front and 10.9 inches rear. 

Related: Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles 

Both bikes include the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, including three ride modes, four traction control modes (including Gravel mode), and Suzuki Easy Start System. The Bosch ABS system can be switched off front and rear on the DR-Z4S, while only rear ABS can be switched off on the DR-Z4SM. They also get a new LCD instrument panel and new LED lighting with a bifunction headlight design. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
New lighting includes a bifunctional LED headlight.

Wheels and tires differ between the two DR-Z4s. The DR-Z4S includes spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in IRC GP-410 tube-type tires. The DR-Z4SM comes with spoked 17-inch front and rear wheels fitted with Dunlop SportMax Q5A tube-type tires. Both bikes feature a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, but their front brakes are different. The DR-Z4S gets a 270mm front disc with 2-piston caliper, while the DR-Z4SM gets a larger 310mm front disc, also with a 2-piston caliper. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S
A new LCD display shows speed, odometer, gear indicator, fuel level, clock, ride mode, and traction control mode.

Ergonomics are also updated, starting with a new slim fuel tank with a 2.3-gallon capacity. The footpegs are wider, the seat is updated to improve comfort, and the tapered handlebar further enhances the rider triangle. The DR-Z4S has a 36.2-inch seat height and a claimed curb weight of 333 lb, while the DR-Z4SM has a 35.0-inch seat height and weight of 340 lb. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM Sky Gray
2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM in Sky Gray

The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S will be available in Champion Yellow, Solid Special White, or Solid Iron Gray. The 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4SM will come in Sky Gray or Solid Special White. Pricing has not yet been announced. 

Visit the Suzuki website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Suzuki DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Motorcycle of the Year

2024 Motorcycle of the Year

In Rider Rewind, a special section in 2024 issues that celebrates moments in Rider’s 50-year history, we showcased Motorcycles of the Year for 1990-2006 in the October issue and for 2007-2023 in the November issue.

Motorcycle of the Year May 1990 Touring Top Ten
Our May 1990 issue included our Touring’s Top Ten Awards, the precursor of the Motorcycle of the Year award.

For the past 35 years, Rider’s editors have reviewed the annual batch of new and significantly updated motorcycles and narrowed them down to a handful of finalists. The Motorcycle of the Year is the bike we believe best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.

May 1990 Touring Top 10
Our May 1990 issue states “Among the eight motorcycle and two miscellaneous categories, there will be no ties, no honorable mentions. Just Touring’s Top Ten as determined by the Rider staff.”

In the early days, we published the Touring Top Ten, which included the best seven motorcycles in various categories, two general categories (such as Top Innovation), and a Motorcycle of the Year. We limited motorcycles to those in the current model year, and production timing used to be so early that we published the Touring Top Ten in the May issue.

As the magazine’s mission expanded, our annual awards evolved. In 1999 – our 25th anniversary – they became Rider’s Top Ten. In 2003, we adopted our current format of selecting a top tier of finalists and one winner. Production timing has changed such that the MOTY selection was pushed later into the year, and we began to include current and upcoming model years because they now often overlap.

May 1990 Touring's Top 10 BMW K1
The 1990 Bike of the Year was the BMW K1: “And even if the K1’s sizzling paint and aerodynamic bodywork fails to impress, with its unique Motronic ignition/fuel injection, Paralever rear suspension/swingarm that eliminates shaft-drive jacking and innovative approach to various rider conveniences – not to mention ABS – the K1 is truly a technological achievement for BMW, if not the motorcycle industry.”

For the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year, there were nearly 100 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one winner. 

Related: 2023 Motorcycle of the Year

Without further ado…


2024 Motorcycle of the Year Finalists

1. Can-Am Origin and Pulse

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Can-Am Origin
Can-Am Origin

Re-entering the motorcycle market after a decades-long hiatus, Can-Am has embraced the electric future with the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster, which are propelled by a 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. The bikes have innovative features like active regeneration and an enclosed drive chain in an oil bath with an automatic tensioning system.

Read our Can-Am Origin and Pulse Review


2. CFMOTO Ibex 450

2024 Motorcycle of the Year CFMOTO Ibex 450
CFMOTO Ibex 450

CFMOTO has been selling motorcycles in the U.S. for only a few years, and it continues to expand its lineup. Its new Ibex 450 is a highly capable rally-style adventure bike powered by a 449cc parallel-Twin that makes 44 hp and 32.5 lb-ft of torque. Priced at just $6,499, it’s equipped with tubeless spoked wheels, switchable ABS and TC, adjustable suspension and seat height, and more.

Read our CFMOTO Ibex 450 First Ride Review


3. Honda CB650R and CBR650R

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Honda CBR650 R
Honda CBR650R with E-Clutch

Honda’s CB650R naked bike and CBR650R sportbike received expected updates like new styling, a TFT display, and revised switchgear. Unexpected was the new E-Clutch, which enables riders to start, stop, and change gears without using the clutch lever. Riders can switch between automatic and manual clutch operation, giving newbies a helping hand and veterans more flexibility.

Read our Honda CB650R and CBR650R with E-Clutch Review


4. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801

In the evolution of the Husqvarna Svartpilen from 701 to 801, its 673cc Single was replaced with the 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in KTM’s 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. Compared to the 701, the 801 has more horsepower (105), more torque (64.2 lb-ft), and a higher power-to-weight ratio. The “Black Arrow” is brimming with useful tech, is a full-tilt backroad bomber, and won’t break the bank at $10,899.

Read our Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 First Ride Review


5. Indian Scout Lineup

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Indian Scout 101
Indian Scout 101

A decade after its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout platform got a full makeover. The cast-aluminum frame was replaced with a tubular-steel unit, and the entire lineup is now powered by the SpeedPlus 1250 V-Twin, which produces 105 hp (110 on the 101 Scout) and 82 lb-ft of torque. Five models – Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout – are available in three trim levels.

Read our Indian Scout First Ride Review


6. KTM 890 SMT

2024 Motorcycle of the Year KTM 890 SMT
KTM 890 SMT

SMT stands for “Supermoto Touring,” two words not normally used together to describe one motorcycle. The original 2010-2013 KTM 990 SMT was a touring variant of a big-bore Supermoto platform, while the new 890 SMT is a sport-touring variant of the 890 Adventure R mixed with some 890 Duke bits. With 17-inch wheels shod with sticky tires, it’s a hooligan’s dream with enough comfort for weekend getaways.

Read our KTM 890 SMT Review


7. Royal Enfield Himalayan

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Royal Enfield Himalayan
Royal Enfield Himalayan

When Royal Enfield’s Himalayan adventure bike debuted in 2016, it was a solid but low-power, low-tech machine. It got a major overhaul this year, with a new liquid-cooled 452cc Single that makes more power (39.5 hp, up from 24) and torque (29.5 lb-ft, up from 24), a new chassis, and more modern features and styling. We were impressed with its capabilities when we tested it in the Himalayas.

Read our Royal Enfield Himalayan First Ride Review


8. Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 MOTY, delivered “all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable [price].” The new GX+ version is taller with a more upright riding position, blending sport-touring with attributes of an ADV to be the “supreme sport crossover.” It also has a 6-axis IMU and Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system.

Read our Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ First Ride Review


9. Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Triumph Speed 400
Triumph Speed 400

Known for its 675cc-and-up sportbikes, ADVs, roadsters, and neo-classics, Triumph expanded its lineup with the Speed 400 roadster and Scrambler 400 X, both powered by a 398cc Single. They’re fun, stylish bikes that are beginner- and budget-friendly – just $4,995 for the Speed 400 and $5,595 for the Scrambler 400 X. If we’re going to attract the next generation, we need more bikes like these.

Read our Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X First Ride Review


10. Yamaha MT-09/SP

2024 Motorcycle of the Year Yamaha MT-09 SP
Yamaha MT-09 SP

The MT-09 is a hugely popular bike for Yamaha, so much so that it is now in its fourth generation since being introduced in 2014. We’ve always been big fans of its rowdy inline-Triple. Updated for 2024, the bike is a riot to ride yet offers a high level of refinement and sophistication for $10,599. The SP version, which gets up-spec suspension and brakes, is even better.

Read our Yamaha MT-09 First Ride Review

Read our Yamaha MT-09 SP Review


And the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year winner is…

BMW R 1300 GS

2024 Motorcycle of the Year BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1300 GS

Thousands of street-legal motorcycles have been released over the past 50 years, and we’ve ridden and evaluated as many of them as we could get our hands on. Most have been good, some have been great, but only a few have achieved icon status.

Two such motorcycles – Honda’s Gold Wing and BMW’s R-series GS – certainly qualify as icons, and both have won Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award twice. The Gold Wing won in 2001 and 2018, and the BMW R-GS won in 1995 and 2005.

With the introduction of the R 1300 GS for 2024, BMW’s R-series GS can add a third Rider MOTY title to its long list of awards and accolades.

2024 Motorcycle of the Year BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1300 GS

Over the past two decades, the adventure-bike segment has exploded, and nearly every manufacturer offers multiple adventure models, ranging in size from less than 400cc to well over 1,200cc. The genesis of this trend – one of the few bright spots in the motorcycle industry since the Great Recession of 2008 – can be traced back to 1980, when BMW launched the R 80 G/S. It was the first motorcycle that delivered on-road comfort and performance and genuine off-road capability in equal measure.

The R-series GS evolved steadily over time, with engine displacement increasing, new features and technology being added, and market share growing. The R-series GS is BMW’s bestselling model, and the one-millionth boxer-powered GS was built in mid-2023. Last September, on the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s first production motorcycle, the new R 1300 GS was unveiled.

2024 Motorcycle of the Year BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1300 GS

Development of the R 1300 GS started seven years ago – two years before the R 1250 GS was introduced. Having squeezed as much as possible out of the existing platform, which started with the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, BMW knew that taking the R-series GS into the future and maintaining its position in the market required a clean-sheet design. Only the butterfly valves and a few bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS.

The design objectives were to make the R 1300 GS lighter, more compact, more powerful, and more capable than its predecessor. The new GS weighs 26 lb less than the R 1250 GS. Displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, peak horsepower was boosted from 136 to 145, and peak torque increased from 105 to 110 lb-ft.

2024 Motorcycle of the Year BMW R 1300 GS
BMW R 1300 GS

The R 1300 GS has new electronic rider aids, a completely new frame, and upgraded EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever suspension with optional adaptive vehicle height control. The GS’s new styling has been somewhat controversial, particularly its more aerodynamic bodywork and X-shaped matrix headlight, but BMW designers wanted to set the R 1300 GS apart from its predecessors.

After test riding the R 1300 GS on- and off-road at its global launch, we had this to say: “Hands down, the R 1300 GS is the best GS yet. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are known for – engine character, balance, comfort, and versatility – are better than ever. It looks and feels much slimmer than before, and the increased power and torque are impressive.”

Congratulations to BMW for the R 1300 GS, Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year!

To find a BMW dealer near you, visit the BMW Motorrad website.

The post 2024 Motorcycle of the Year appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Suzuki Hayabusa, 1999-2024: Your Majesty for 25 Years

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
The Hayabusa has been burning up roadways for a quarter century and has become a sportbike icon. Speed comes easy for the Busa, so whether your destination is the end of a dragstrip or another state, it can get there quicker than almost anything else on wheels. (Photos by Kevin Wing and courtesy Suzuki.)

There are countless excellent motorcycles in the world, but there are just a few veritable icons. Of all the Japanese bikes launched in the last 25 years, the Suzuki Hayabusa is perhaps most worthy of icon status. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Gen 3 2022
The Hayabusa is globally renowned for major-league power, seen here in its third generation.

The sportbike paradigm shifted in 1999 when Suzuki introduced the GSX1300R Hayabusa. It had the most powerful engine in a production motorcycle and aerodynamic bodywork that looked like nothing else on the road. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
The Suzuki Hayabusa celebrates 25 years with a special-edition 25th Anniversary Edition model.

For a quarter century, the Hayabusa has defined what an ultra-fast motorcycle should be. More than 200,000 Busas have found their way into the hands of speed-addled enthusiasts, from lightning-quick dragracers to sport-touring mavens who strap on luggage and blaze highways at blurring speeds. 

Fast Design | Suzuki Hayabusa

There’s always been a need for speed, and velocities ramped up in 1990 with the introduction of Kawasaki’s ZX-11, which could exceed 170 mph. Honda retaliated in 1996 with its CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, which could hit 174 mph. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Original Sketch
An early design sketch shows more conventional styling than the bulbous bodywork and stacked headlights that became Suzuki Hayabusa hallmarks.

Suzuki wanted in on this high-speed action and began developing a monumental motorcycle, with the goal of being “the most powerful production bike in the world, but at the same time have usable, rider-friendly performance.” We weren’t quite prepared for the groundbreaking machine that emerged from Suzuki’s drawing boards.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
Over three model generations, wind-tunnel testing has ensured the Busa is as slippery as possible.

Big speed requires keen attention to aerodynamics, so Suzuki’s new flagship would need to slip cleanly through the air to become the king of speed. The fastest animal in the world is the peregrine falcon, a bird renowned for its ability to hit 200 mph during a steep dive. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
Suzuki drew inspiration for the Hayabusa’s design from the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth.

The Japanese word for the falcon is “hayabusa,” and the kanji character for the word was emblazoned on the bike. Peregrine falcons sometimes eat blackbirds for lunch, and so would the motorcycle that shares its Japanese name.

At the bike’s launch in 1999, Suzuki proclaimed class-leading aero. The Busa’s bullet-shaped nose featured a stacked headlight arrangement to narrow the bike’s frontal area. The front turnsignals were integrated into the nose to help funnel air to the pressurized airbox to boost power at high speeds. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
With sculpted bodywork, integrated front turnsignals, and stacked headlights, the Hayabusa’s styling broke new ground.

The Busa’s chassis was more conventional: a twin-spar aluminum frame with an inverted fork and a monoshock, both fully adjustable. Offsetting the bike’s 550-lb curb weight was a 24.2-degree rake (the steepest in the category) and a mere 3.9 inches of trail. A 58.5-inch wheelbase and a steering damper helped provide high-speed stability. The front brakes featured 6-piston Tokico calipers biting on 320mm discs.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition kanji
The kanji character on the bodywork is the Busa’s calling card.

Fast and Furious | Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki used lessons learned in developing its GSX-R motors, using 81mm forged-aluminum pistons reciprocating over a 63mm stroke to yield 1,299cc. The Busa also featured fuel injection, a novelty in that era, and an air injection system minimized emissions without hurting performance. A 4-2-1-2 exhaust included a catalytic converter to keep it EPA-legal. A gear-driven counterbalancer reduced vibration.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition 40th anniversary of American Suzuki
In 2003, a limited-edition Suzuki Hayabusa with metallic orange paint and special badging celebrated the 40th anniversary of American Suzuki.

Suzuki blew us away with an unprecedented 173 crankshaft horsepower. That number dwarfed the GSX-R1100W’s output by 20 horses and easily outgunned Honda’s Blackbird. Put it all together, and the Busa was able to reach an astounding 194 mph when tested by Cycle World

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Engine
The Hayabusa’s engine architecture has stayed essentially the same for 25 years. Displacement increased from 1,299cc to 1,340cc in its second generation.

I got my first crack at the Busa in 1999 and was thrust into hyperspace. “It’s mind-bendingly fast,” I wrote, “and the explosions inside the engine feel like little sticks of dynamite are being fed through the intake valves, igniting the mixture with greater force than what had been considered possible from a production streetbike.” 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Gen 1 Gen 2 Gen 3
The three model generations – Gen 1 on the left, Gen 2 on the right, and Gen 3 in the middle – show the evolution of styling yet all are unmistakably Hayabusas.

During dyno testing, the motor piled on at least 20 hp every 1,000 rpm from 2,500 to 7,500 rpm! Additionally, it generated 73 lb-ft at just 2,500 rpm, the same torque as Yamaha’s 1999 YZF-R1 made at its peak. Describing the Busa as “fast” is like calling the Sistine Chapel “pretty.” 

Also impressive was the bike’s finish quality, which exceeded most other Suzukis of the era. Its 10-disc back-torque limiting slipper clutch was stout, and its 6-speed gearbox shifted precisely. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Gen 1 Gen 2 Gen 3
The three model generations – Gen 1 on the left, Gen 2 on the right, and Gen 3 in the middle – show the evolution of styling yet all are unmistakably Hayabusas.

Fast Limit | Suzuki Hayabusa

Kawasaki didn’t like Suzuki stealing the top-speed throne and retaliated in 2000 with the 178-hp ZX-12R. Surprisingly, it could only reach a top speed of 186 mph. That’s when we learned that manufacturers had voluntarily agreed to an arbitrary speed limit of 300 kph (186 mph) to avoid potential regulations on sportbikes. The top-speed wars ended by unofficial decree. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Rider March 2008 Cover
The Hayabusa graced the cover of Rider’s March 2008 issue when we compared it to Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-14.
Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Rider September 2021 Cover
The Hayabusa again graced our cover in September 2021 with the launch of the third generation.

Meanwhile, the Hayabusa kept on rolling as the poster child for motorcycle excess. Wild custom paint jobs covered the Busa’s distinctive bodywork, turbos and nitrous kits were added, and extended swingarms with fat tires became all the rage. 

But it wasn’t just sportbike jockeys who appreciated the Hayabusa’s effortless speed. Travelers who needed to get to faraway places in a hurry often chose Busas as sport-touring rigs, creating the hypersport-touring niche. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
Outfitted with a tankbag and a tailbag, the Hayabusa becomes a hypersport-tourer.

The Busa’s rivals were vastly overshadowed by its massive impact on this market – more than 115,000 Gen 1s were sold. The Blackbird’s run ended in 2002. Kawasaki revamped its 1,198cc ZX-12R in 2002, but it wasn’t able to elbow its way into the Busa’s dominance among speed freaks. 

Fast Reignition: Gen 2 | Suzuki Hayabusa

Kawasaki killed off the 12R and replaced it in 2006 with the ZX-14. It was a worthy challenger but lacked the Busa’s rowdiness and street cred. The slugfest escalated in 2008 when Kawasaki introduced the ZX-14R and Suzuki gave the Busa its first significant makeover. 

Related: 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa vs. Kawasaki ZX-14 – Comparison Review

The engine’s displacement was bumped to 1,340cc by increasing its stroke 2mm. Lighter and stronger forged pistons bumped compression up to 12.5:1, and a forged crank spun chromoly rods shot-peened for extra strength. Up top were 16 titanium valves, and new camshafts offered greater lift and revised timing. Cam-chain tension was switched over to a hydraulic system.

Suzuki claimed a 12% improvement in horsepower, stretching to 194 hp at the crankshaft, a 21-horse boost. Torque was bumped 8.5% to 114 lb-ft. Harnessing the bigger power was a revised clutch that offered better feedback and employed the Suzuki Clutch Assist System. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
The ultimate speedy commuter.

Modest chassis tweaks included fork sliders with a DLC coating to minimize stiction, a stiffer swingarm, and upgraded Brembo 4-piston radial calipers. Refreshed bodywork featured smoother body panel joints with hidden fasteners and a tailsection with integrated turnsignals that were said to evoke a jet-engine exhaust.

The bike looked sharper and more modern without losing its distinctive appearance, but it was saddled with a pair of ungainly triangular mufflers – a product of new emissions standards. Curb weight went up by 7 lb, and so did sales of aftermarket exhaust systems.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

Ergonomic tweaks consisted of a lower fuel tank so riders could better tuck behind the taller windscreen and a lowered rear subframe with a plusher rear seat. The tailsection included attachment points for securing luggage, and the area under the solo-seat hump offered additional storage.

The revised Busa was faster, handled better, and stopped with more authority, and it offered steering that was more neutral and direct than the formidable ZX-14R. As usual, the Busa impressed with its effortless power output. In Rider’s 2008 comparison test, Bill Stermer quipped: “Being in a dither about whether they make more power is like wondering if Jennifer Lopez would be more attractive if she parted her hair differently.”

Fast Money | Suzuki Hayabusa

Motorcycle sales had been on an unprecedented upward surge during the 2000s. Hayabusas were soaring off showroom floors, and aftermarket support was robust. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Aerodynamics
The Hayabusa’s fluid curves and shapes not only enhance aerodynamics but also convey a sense of speed.

But then the Great Recession hit, and motorcycle sales dropped by more than half almost overnight. The battles for hyperbike supremacy took a hiatus until 2012 when Kawi unveiled a new ZX-14R, which packed 1,441cc of heat that trumped the Busa on the dyno by 17 hp. But the Suzuki was 11 lb lighter and was able to give its rival a run for the money. I logged a blistering 9.8-second E.T. on the Busa at the dragstrip, just a tenth behind the Kawi. 

As recessionary forces continued to depress the moto market, the colorful hyperbike scene faded. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

Fast Gen 3 | Suzuki Hayabusa

The Busa’s third generation was introduced in May 2021 and labeled “The Refined Beast.” Billed as a 2022 model, it received a styling update yet was unmistakably a Hayabusa. Suzuki slathered its new hyperbike with the latest technology and priced it at $18,599.

Related: 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa | Road Test Review

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
The Hayabusa entered its third generation with the 2022 model.

Never before could you get a Busa with TFT instrumentation, cruise control, a bi-directional quickshifter, or traction control, but those all became standard equipment. Brakes got an upgrade with the addition of Brembo’s vaunted Stylema calipers paired with 320mm discs and cornering ABS. The Busa’s IMU-based electronics package includes six riding modes and adjustable traction control, engine braking, and wheelie control, along with launch control and hill-hold control. 

In homage to the original, the new Busa’s instrument panel includes analog gauges that, as in 1999, use stepper motors to ratchet up the needles to their max values when the ignition is switched on. A small TFT display sits in the center.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Instrumentation
Analog gauges are augmented by a central TFT panel.

The engine architecture and displacement carried over into Gen 3, but most internal components were lightened, strengthened, or refined for less friction. Cam profiles were revised to reduce valve lift overlap and help achieve Euro 5 emissions standards. A new exhaust system shaved 4.5 lb, bringing the bike’s curb weight to 582 lb.

Suzuki rates the 1,340cc inline-Four at 188 hp, down 6 ponies from previous but with additional low- and midrange power. When we tested the Busa on Jett Tuning’s dyno, it generated a vigorous 173 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque at its rear tire. 

Fast 25 | Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition

It’s exceedingly rare when a motorcycle model endures for a quarter century, so Suzuki celebrated the milestone with a special 25th Anniversary Edition Hayabusa in 2024. It features a special Glass Blaze Orange / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme, a 25th-anniversary emblem atop the fuel tank, and anniversary logos etched on each muffler. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition third generation
The Hayabusa’s third generation debuted in 2021 as “The Refined Beast,” updated with IMU-based electronics, a TFT instrument display, and cruise control.

I had the honor of putting some miles on one and revisiting the majesty of the venerable Busa. As usual, the engine is so omnipotent that it makes the numbers on the speedo seem like they’re in kilometers per hour rather than mph. Traveling at 100 mph is absolutely effortless, so riders need to keep a watchful eye on the speedo or risk running afoul of speed limits. First gear alone will take you to 85 mph. 

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
The 25th Anniversary Edition’s color scheme harkens back to a Gen 2 favorite.

The bike exhibits confident and stable handling, and the stiff chassis responds immediately without any flex. The KYB suspension is well-dialed, and the 31.5-inch seat retains the cushiness of previous Busas, but there’s not much room between the saddle and the high footpegs. The reach for the bars is relatively long, but the fairing offers excellent wind protection for a sportbike. Its 5.3-gallon tank offers a touring-worthy 200 miles of range.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition Mufflers
The mufflers are etched with the anniversary logo.

Fast Legacy  | Suzuki Hayabusa

The Hayabusa’s 25-year run proves that nothing exceeds like excess. The Busa’s legendary lump of an engine continues to thrill riders today, and it has proven to be almost unkillable – some owners have racked up six-figure mileage on the odometer. 

But the Busa is more than just one of the fastest earth-bound missiles ever created. Its bulbous and smooth styling, which previously looked almost cartoonish, has become a staple of sportbike design and continues to impress passersby. While the Hayabusa is overkill for tight twisty roads, its cocktail of speed and style makes for high levels of excitement on wide-open asphalt from coast to coast. 

We are wary of using the term “icon” to describe a motorcycle, but the word certainly fits when it comes to Suzuki’s incredible Hayabusa. The king still reigns.

Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition kanji on side fairings
The kanji character on the side fairings is set off with a red graphic.

The post Suzuki Hayabusa, 1999-2024: Your Majesty for 25 Years appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2025 Suzuki GSX-8R and V-Strom 650 Preview 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Metallic Triton Blue
2025 Suzuki GSX-8R in Metallic Triton Blue

Suzuki announced the first wave of returning 2025 models in June, including the GSX-R family, Boulevard cruisers, the Burgman scooter, RM-Z motocross bikes, and youth dirtbikes. The second wave of returning Suzuki motorcycles includes the GSX-8R sportbike and the V-Strom 650, 650XT, and 650XT Adventure. This announcement includes new colors available for these returning models, as well as pricing. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8R 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Pearl Ignite Yellow
2025 Suzuki GSX-8R in Pearl Ignite Yellow

The Suzuki GSX-8R sportbike, which was introduced for 2024, makes its return for 2025 with a new color option. The GSX-8R is a sportier version of the naked GSX-8S introduced in 2023 and remains powered by a liquid-cooled 776cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 82 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm. 

Related: 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Review | First Ride 

2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Metallic Matte Black No. 2
2025 Suzuki GSX-8R in Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The GSX-8R is fitted with Showa suspension (including a SFF-BP fork), Nissin brakes (including dual radial-mount 4-piston front calipers with 310mm discs), standard ABS, and Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires. The 8R features Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which includes rider aids such as three ride modes, four-mode traction control, and the Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.  

In addition to the returning Metallic Triton Blue and Pearl Ignite Yellow colors, the 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R will also be available in Metallic Matte Black No. 2, which replaces Metallic Matte Sword Silver for 2025. MSRP is $9,669. 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Models 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Glass Sparkle Black
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650 in Glass Sparkle Black

The three V-Strom 650 models (V-Strom 650, V-Strom 650 XT, and V-Strom 650 XT Adventure) return for 2025, also with new paint colors. These adventure bikes are powered by a liquid-cooled 645cc V-Twin with a 90-degree crankshaft. The 6-speed transmission has narrow 1st-5th gear ratios and a tall top gear. The V-Strom 650’s aluminum twin-spar frame and subframe include integrated mounting points for Suzuki’s accessory luggage. 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Brilliant White
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Brilliant White

The V-Strom 650 models have an adjustable windscreen, a ground clearance of 6.7 inches, a seat height of 32.9 inches, and a claimed curb weight of 470 lb. Electronics include traction control, the Easy Start System, the Low RPM Assist system, and ABS. 

Related: Suzuki V-Strom 650XT vs V-Strom 1000XT | Comparison Review  

The 2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650 will be available in Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $9,299. 

The V-Strom 650XT features blue-anodized aluminum rims on spoked wheels with tubeless radial dual-sport tires, handguards, and a protective engine cowl. It will be available in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Brilliant White with an MSRP of $9,799. 

2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure Glass Sparkle Black
2025 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Adventure in Glass Sparkle Black

The V-Strom 650XT Adventure has gold-anodized aluminum rims with tubeless spoked wheels, and it comes with aluminum side cases, a handlebar cross-brace, and mirror extensions. It will be available in Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $10,999. 

Visit Suzuki’s website for more information about all Suzuki motorcycles. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Suzuki GSX-8R and V-Strom 650 Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000RZ
2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000RZ in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Triton Blue

The first wave of 2025 Suzuki motorcycles has been announced and includes sportbikes in the GSX-R family, Boulevard cruisers, the Burgman scooter, RM-Z motocross bikes, and youth dirtbikes. Although there are no significant upgrades in this first announcement for 2025, many of these returning Suzuki models get new colors and graphic options. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Metallic Matte Sword Silver
2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Metallic Matte Sword Silver

The GSX-R1000R and GSX-R1000 are powered by a 999cc inline-Four with variable valve timing fitted into a race-proven aluminum-framed chassis. The two models include the Suzuki Clutch Assist System, a quickshifter, TFT instrument panel, and stacked LED headlights. 

The GSX-R1000R includes high-spec Showa BFF and BFRC-Life suspension components, stainless-steel brake lines, and radially mounted Brembo monoblock calipers paired with 320mm Brembo T-drive floating rotors. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Candy Daring Red
2025 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Candy Daring Red

The Suzuki GSX-R1000R is available in Candy Daring Red / Glass Black or Metallic Matte Sword Silver with an MSRP of $18,649. The GSX-R1000RZ is available in race-inspired Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Triton Blue with an MSRP of $18,649. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is available in Candy Daring Red or Glass Matte Sword Silver with an MSRP of $16,499. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R750 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R600Z
2025 Suzuki GSX-R600Z in Pearl Brilliant White / Metallic Triton Blue

Powered by a 750cc four-cylinder engine, the GSX-R750 has been one of the most popular sportbikes on the market since its introduction in 1986. It has a lightweight, twin-spar aluminum frame, a Showa BPF, a remote reservoir rear shock absorber, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, a track-ready instrument cluster with built-in lap timer, and lightweight bodywork. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R750 Pearl Brilliant White
2025 Suzuki GSX-R750 in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue

The Suzuki GSX-R750 is available in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue or Solid Iron Gray and Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $13,149. The GSX-R750Z retails for the same price and is available in Pearl Brilliant White / Metallic Triton Blue. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R600 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R600 Solid Gray
2025 Suzuki GSX-R600 in Solid Gray and Glass Sparkle Black

The GSX-R600 is powered by a 599cc four-cylinder engine and shares many features with the GSX-R750 in a slightly smaller package. It has a twin-spar aluminum frame, radially mounted Brembo monoblock front brakes, a Showa BPF, a remote reservoir rear shock absorber, Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, a track-ready instrument cluster, and lightweight bodywork. 

2025 Suzuki GSX-R600Z
2025 Suzuki GSX-R600Z in Pearl Brilliant White / Metallic Triton Blue

The Suzuki GSX-R600 is available in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue or Solid Iron Gray and Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $11,999. The GSX-R600Z is available in Pearl Brilliant White / Metallic Triton Blue with an MSRP of $11,999. 

2025 Suzuki DR650S 

2025 Suzuki DR650S Solid Black and Iron Gray
2025 Suzuki DR650S in Solid Black and Iron Gray

Th DR650S dual-sport returns for 2025, powered by a dependable 644cc Single mounted in a semi-double-cradle steel frame. It features electric starting and the ability to lower the seat height via the suspension. The Suzuki DR650S is available in Solid Black and Iron Gray or Solid Special White #2 with an MSRP of $7,199. 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard M109R 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard M109R
2025 Suzuki Boulevard M109R in Glass Sparkle Black

This Suzuki performance cruiser features a 1,783cc, 54-degree V-Twin, large-diameter mufflers, shaft drive, a drag-style handlebar, a 5.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank, and dual front disc brakes with radially mounted caiipers. The Suzuki Boulevard M109R is available in Glass Sparkle Black with an MSRP of $15,799. 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Special 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Special
2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Special in Pearl Brilliant White

The Boulevard C50T Special features traditional styling and is ready for cruising around town or long-distance touring. It’s powered by an 805cc, 45-degree V-Twin and comes with a Fast Idle System, a plush studded seat, a windshield, forward-mounted footboards, a classically-style 4.1-gallon tank, spoked wheels, and a hidden linkage-type shock. Studded saddlebags that match the seat are available as accessories. 

The Boulevard C50T Special is available in Pearl Brilliant White with an MSRP of $9,799. 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50 

2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50
2025 Suzuki Boulevard C50 in Solid Iron Gray

The Boulevard C50 is a more modern take on the C50T Special with a kicked-out fork, understated tank graphics, the Auto Fast Idle System, a wide handlebar, and forward-mounted footboards. The Suzuki Boulevard C50 is available in Solid Iron Gray with an MSRP of $9,299. 

2025 Suzuki Burgman 400 

2025 Suzuki Burgman 400
2025 Suzuki Burgman 400 in Metallic Matte Black No. 2

The Burgman 400 scooter is powered by a 400cc Single with a CVT automatic transmission and features Easy Start, Traction Control, LED lighting, a 15-inch front wheel, under-seat storage, two front storage compartments with a DC power outlet, and ABS. The Suzuki Burman 400 is available in Metallic Matte Black No. 2 with an MSRP of $8,799. 

2025 Suzuki RM-Z450 

2025 Suzuki RM-Z450
2025 Suzuki RM-Z450 in Champion Yellow No. 2

The RM-Z450 motocross bike is powered by a 449cc 4-stroke Single nestled in an aluminum frame with a beam-style swingarm. It also features a fully adjustable Showa Balance Free fork and shock, Suzuki’s MX-Tuner 2.0 system to adjust fuel injection and ignition settings through a smartphone app, and Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control. 

The RM-Z450 is eligible for the RM Army Edition program for 2025, which includes components to upgrade the bike like the Pro Circuit RM Army Edition T-6 exhaust ($1,100), Throttle Syndicate RM Army Edition Graphics kit ($149.99), and a QR code to purchase discounted matching number-plate graphics that can be customized with the rider’s name and number. 

The RM-Z450 is available in Champion Yellow No. 2 with an MSRP of $9,299. 

2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 

2025 Suzuki RM-Z250
2025 Suzuki RM-Z250 i Champion Yellow No. 2

The RM-Z250 is powered by a 249cc 4-stroke Single in an aluminum frame with an aluminum swingarm. KYB adjustable suspension with a coil spring fork and a rear shock with four-way damping adjustment is included, along with Suzuki’s smartphone-based MX-Tuner 2.0 for quick tuning and Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control. 

The RM-Z250 is eligible for the RM Army Edition program for 2025, which includes components to upgrade the bike like the Pro Circuit RM Army Edition T-6 exhaust ($1,100), Throttle Syndicate RM Army Edition Graphics kit ($149.99), and a QR code to purchase discounted matching number plate graphics that can be customized with the rider’s name and number. 

The RM-Z250 is available in Champion Yellow No. 2 with an MSRP of $8,199. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z125L  

2025 Suzuki DR-Z125L Championship Yellow
Suzuki DR-Z125L in Championship Yellow

Designed for young and smaller riders, this dirtbike is powered by a compact air-cooled 124cc Single with a Mikuni VM20SS carburetor and features a 5-speed transmission, 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels, a steel-tube frame with rear beam-style swingarm, spoked wheels with aluminum rims, and a 32-inch seat height. 

The Suzuki DR-Z125L is available in Championship Yellow with an MSRP of $3,619. 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z50 

2025 Suzuki DR-Z50 Championship Yellow
Suzuki DR-Z50 in Championship Yellow

Ideal for young or new riders, the DR-Z50 is powered by a 49cc engine, and peak power can be adjusted via a throttle limiter to allow adults to control engine output to suit younger riders. It also features an automatic clutch, a 3-speed transmission, a steel frame and swingarm, 3.8 inches of front wheel travel, an electric starter, and a low 22-inch seat height. 

The Suzuki DR-Z50 is available in Championship Yellow with an MSRP of $2,599. 

For more information, visit the Suzuki website

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post Returning 2025 Suzuki Motorcycles  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Suzuki National Demo Tour Schedule Announced

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R in Metallic Triton Blue
The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is just one of many Suzuki models that you can test ride during the Suzuki National Demo Tour.

It’s hard to know if a motorcycle is right for you until you’ve ridden it, but many dealers don’t offer test rides. At Rider, we try to provide an in-depth look and honest riding impressions through our motorcycle reviews to give you everything you need to know about a model before visiting your local dealership, but words, photos, and even video don’t quite compare to the experience of a first ride on a new motorcycle.

2024 Suzuki Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Model
Now is your chance to try out the Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition.

If you’ve been reading our Suzuki motorcycle reviews and have wanted to get a taste of riding one of these models yourself, you’re in luck! Beginning the week of March 1-9 at Daytona Bike Week, the Suzuki National Demo Tour invites riders to schedule a demo from an extensive list of Suzuki models.

2024 Suzuki Motorcycles V-Strom 800DE Champion Yellow #2
The Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is another option during the Suzuki National Demo Tour.

If you’re at Daytona Bike Week and want to try out a new Suzuki, bring your license and your riding gear to the Suzuki display at Daytona International Speedway. Demo rides will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Schedule a ride on a GSX-8R, GSX-8S, V-Strom 800 or 1050, Hayabusa, or any other Suzuki from the list of available models.

In addition to demo rides, you’ll also find a display of fully accessorized models, custom bikes, Suzuki racing bikes, and Genuine Suzuki Accessories.

2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Glass Sparkle Black
2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

If you miss your chance in Daytona, take a look at the Suzuki National Demo Tour schedule at the end of this article. The tour will travel to key MotoAmerica races, the U.S. round of MotoGP, some NHRA drag races, key rallies, and more.

Below is a list of Suzuki models featured during the Suzuki National Demo Tour Schedule. Click on any model to link to a Rider review of that motorcycle.

Available Suzuki Models for Demo

Suzuki National Demo Tour Schedule

  • March 1-9 – Daytona Beach, FL; Daytona International Speedway during Daytona Bike Week
  • March 15-16 – Savannah, GA; Savannah Motorsports
  • March 15-16 – Orange City, FL; Deland Motorsports
  • April 3-7 – Scottsdale, AZ; Arizona Bike Week
  • April 5-6 – Winston-Salem, NC; Kevin Powell Motorsports
  • April 19-May 20 – Plano, TX; Plano Suzuki
  • April 19-21 – Braselton, GA; Road Atlanta
  • May 3-4 – Janesville, WI; Hankster’s Motorsports
  • May 3-4 – Belleville, NJ; The Motorcycle Mall
  • May 31-2 – Plymouth, WI; Road America

Visit the Suzuki website for more information and to stay up to date on schedule additions and changes.

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide  

The post Suzuki National Demo Tour Schedule Announced appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com