2015 Suzuki Model Launch
Suzuki 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
