SUZUKI GSX-R1000 $12,199
Engine
L-C 16V 999 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.6 GAL
Wheelbase
55.3 IN.
The GSX-R1000's reign of terror at Sport Rider ended last year as the newer literbikes passed the venerable Suzuki by. The company's answer is the all-new '09 GSX-R1000, which is more powerful and lighter than its predecessor, with a more compact, more oversquare engine in a more compact chassis. Will it be enough?
SUZUKI GSX-R750 $10,999
Engine
L-C 16V 750 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
55.3 IN.
Many consider the GSX-R750 to be the ultimate sportbike: More powerful than a middleweight, but not as intimidating as a literbike, the 750 strikes that perfect balance. The middle GSX-R returns unchanged for '09 after its makeover last year, in which Suzuki engineers refined an already great package into sportbiking nirvana for the masses.
SUZUKI GSX-R600 $9799
Engine
L-C 16V 599 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
31.9 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
55.1 IN.
Like the GSX-R750, the smallest GSX-R benefited from a makeover last year and is unchanged for '09. The Suzuki's almost telepathic chassis and linear powerband are staff favorites, and the GSX-R600 came within a couple of points of snagging our middleweight comparison test trophy last year. Four color combinations are offered this year.
SUZUKI V-STROM 1000 $9199
Engine
L-C 8V 996 V-TWIN
Seat Height
33.1 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.8 GAL
Wheelbase
60.4 IN.
If you crave the power and torque of Suzuki's liter-sized workhorse V-twin, the big V-Strom is the sole remaining model in the company's lineup so equipped. The V-Strom's unique combination of power and comfort makes it perfect for anything from cross-town to cross-country or just the adventure of checking out that gnarly goat path you normally pass by.
SUZUKI BANDIT 1250 /ABS $8699/$9199
Engine
L-C 16V 1255 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
30.9 - 31.7 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
58.5 IN.
Packing a whole lot of performance into a modest price, El Bandito Rapido features a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine designed specifically for the semi-naked standard. Since its redesign in '07, the 1250S has been an all-around favorite thanks to its long-distance comfort (and great optional luggage) and stump-pulling torque.
SUZUKI GSX650F $7299
Engine
L-C 16V 656 INLINE-FOUR
Seat Height
30.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.0 GAL
Wheelbase
57.9 IN.
Another Suzuki model that offers a ton of performance at a budget price, the GSX650F-all-new last year-also features a unique engine not shared with any other model. The GSX-F's 656cc mill is torque-heavy and housed in a feisty steel-tube chassis, all clad in bodywork that will fool your neighbors into thinking you just picked up a new GSX-R.
SUZUKI V-STROM 650 /ABS $6999/$7499
Engine
L-C 8V 645 V-TWIN
Seat Height
32.3 IN.
Fuel Capacity
5.8 GAL
Wheelbase
61.2 IN.
Somewhere along the 1000cc V-Strom production line the bikes got waylaid over to the SV650 line and the smaller engines slipped in unnoticed. The Wee-Strom, as it's affectionately known, is still capable of practically anything you'd like to do and performance down a twisty road surprised even our most jaded, grizzled tester. Right, Kent?
SUZUKI SV650SF /ABS $6999/$7499
Engine
L-C 8V 645 V-TWIN
Seat Height
31.5 IN.
Fuel Capacity
4.5 GAL
Wheelbase
57.9 IN.
Although it hasn't changed significantly since its 2003 makeover, the second-generation SV650S has sprouted more fairing and optional ABS, making it even more sporting and even more amenable to new riders. Every time we ride one we fall in love all over again, and the little SV-S is as much fun for a 20-year veteran as it is for someone just starting.