Suzuki unveils Gladius, GSX-R 1000

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The GSX-R 1000 is designed to be at its best on the racetrack.

Two new Suzukis were unwrapped this week in time for spring: an urban-friendly, stylish 650 called the Gladius, and the latest iteration of the warp-speed GSX-R 1000 crotch rocket.

PHOTOS: Suzuki Gladius and GSX-R 10000

The Gladius, named after the "compact, well-balanced" small sword used by Roman gladiators, uses the V-twin engine from the popular SV650, with additional low-r.p.m./mid-range torque for tackling city streets.

With a list price of $9,199, it's intended to combine smooth handling with a comfortable ride.

The big GSX-R is even lighter than the already featherweight model it replaces, with a curb mass of 205 kg.

The all-new and more compact engine is designed to complement the new, 10-mm-shorter chassis and 32-mm-longer swingarm to provide "total balance" that will only be possible to explore properly on a racetrack.

The Gixxer's list price is $16,199.

–Mark Richardson

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