2015 Suzuki Model LaunchSuzuki unveiled its 2015 motorcycle lineup Tuesday during its annual dealer meeting held in Las Vegas. Interestingly, a few bikes are technically 2016 models, and will be sold as such, although they will appear in dealer showrooms nine months or so early.
Here’s what’s new:Following its exciting – but not entirely surprising – announcement that Suzuki was returning to MotoGP prototype racing in 2015 (also with a wild card ride at the final 2014 round at Valencia), Suzuki has smartly leveraged the project into its street machines.Rumors of a new GSX-R 1000 abound, and sources tell us that the MotoGP engineers are spearheading the new design. Until then, however, the largest GSX-R arrives as a carry-over model. Although the motorcycle is unchanged technically, the new livery mimicking the MotoGP racebike is absolutely appealing.Detail touches such as the tiny “R: logo on the pinstriped wheels show that Suzuki are serious about their Gixxer faithful and anyone turning up at Bike Night on this baby will gather a crowd for sure. The same livery is carried through the 750 and 600 models as well.In the upright/naked streetfighter genre, Suzuki has only offered the SFV650 V-twin. But this changes with the all new GSX-S 1000. A new chassis and aggressive styling are complemented by the engine from the K7/K8 (circa 2007/20088) models.This generation had slightly larger throttle bodies and longer stroke that produced a powerful mid-range as well as breathtaking top end power.The model also arrives with a three-stage Traction Control (an improvement over last year’s V-Strom two-Stage TC) and ABS. Radial brakes, KYB forks, Renthal aluminum Fatbar handlebars, and other touches show that Suzuki is serious about this bike – it is an uncompromising powerhouse, undiluted from its superbike sibling. The GSX-S 1000 will be an early-release 2016 model. A price has yet to be determined on the new GSX-S 1000.Suzuki is also offering a mid-weight version – the GSX-S 750, which will be a 2015 model. This streetfighter arrives with the potent 749cc inline-four transplanted from the GSX-R 750 lineup. The best part of the GSX-S750? It has an MSRP of $7,999, or $8,149 for one with special graphics.Always a player in the Adventure-Touring market with its V-Strom motorcycles, Suzuki releases an all-new model for 2015 – the V-Strom 650XT ABS.Suzuki made its “Wee Strom” more adventure-ready with unique reverse-spoke rims, a wider range of accessories and updated styling; the 2015 V-Strom 650XT ABS now arrives with the new beak found on the updated V-Storm 1000. The 650XT ABS runs $8,549, and the 650XT ABS Adventure just over $10,000.Suzuki’s entry level GW250 returns in 2015, and is now offered in an attractive full-fairing version – the GW250F. These bikes are powered by the 248cc liquid-cooled twin that delivers user-friendly power. The engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. Suzuki also keeps the price point low on these models; the GW250 is $4,099, and the GW250F $4,499.Suzuki didn’t forget about the youngsters. Returning to its lineup for 2015 is the DR-Z70. The 67cc four-stroke features a three-speed automatic-clutch transmission, and a keyed ignition with electric start. The DR-Z70 also arrives with a kickstarter. The price? A pocket-friendly $1,799.Nothing has changed across the Boulevard lineup except for color choices. the 2015 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S continues to dominate the Boulevard family with its 54-degree V-twin and huge 240mm rear tire.For 2015, the B.O.S.S. is available in two color combos: Pearl Bracing White / Glass Sparkle Black; and Candy Daring Red / Glass Sparkle Black. Suggested retail price for the 2015 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. is $14,999.In the dual-sport department, the 2015 DR-Z 400S and DR650S return as carryovers. But Suzuki has revamped the DR200S for additional versatility. Suzuki restyled the DR200S, and added a newly-shaped 3.4-gallon fuel tank to the bike which delivers an estimated 105 mpg and costs $4,499.Stay clicked to Ultimate MotorCycling for First Looks at each new model in Suzuki’s 2015/2016 lineup.Report by Arthur Coldwells and Ron Lieback
Hello everyone and welcome to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly Podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
This week’s Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha motorcycles. Filling the gap between the entry-level R3, and the flagship superbike R1, Yamaha’s YZF-R7 is a brilliant supersport machine that provides real performance—perfectly balanced with rider comfort. Check it out at YamahaMotorsports.com, or of course you can see it for yourself at your local Yamaha dealer.
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This week, Senior Editor Nic de Sena gives us his impression of the outrageously cool-looking new Indian Scout Rogue. The Rogue features a larger front wheel among several other changes, and the bobbed-looks and excellent 100 horsepower motor make the Scout Rogue an interesting—and very real—competitor to the offerings from Milwaukee.
In the second segment Neale Bayly brings us the third and final segment from Brian Slark—the man who helped bring Norton motorcycles to America. Having spent 27 years and counting at the Barber Museum in Birmingham Alabama, Brian talks us through the final part of his career, that of course includes how the museum got started and where it’s going.
From all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
