2006 Suzuki K5 GSXR-1000R
At first glance, the most intriguing aspect of this motorcycle looks like it would be the polished rims. The untrained eye may just keep on scrolling. The trained eye, however, knows that this is one of the most well-rounded superbikes of all time.
Engineering is all about compromises – how well do you want your machine to be at any one particular thing? The K5 is unique in this sense because it seems to have made the impression on it’s owners that there was very little compromise made when designing it! It did everything from commuting to touring to track days about as well as a super bike could do them. The inputs, ergonomics, motor, chassis, and aesthetics were all executed so well that there are still virtually no complaints about the K5 in any setting. No frills. Just excellence.
One of the key contributors to the success of the K5 is the motor. While the spec sheet didn’t break any records, the breadth of torque and power across the rev range made this a fun bike to ride everywhere. High-end hp is good for the track but the city roads and highways have a different set of demands that the well-rounded K5 motor was easily able to meet. This motor was so good that Suzuki saw it fit to be a starting point for their their modern heavyweight naked and sport tourer that are on showroom floors today. Some people were upset that Suzuki is still selling a 15 year old motor. I guess motors haven’t changed THAT much since then and those people are probably just salty they overpaid for the same thing elsewhere. Surprisingly, no one complains about the DRZ400 and DR650…
Another key contributor was the weight…or the lack thereof. The performance bike battle of the 90s and 00s can be defined in broad strokes by the pursuit of higher hp and lower weights. The K5 was the lightest liter bike Suzuki had ever released at 366 lbs dry. Every liter bike they released after was heavier.
From the seller:
“…6677 milesPower commanderNew tires this past September (maybe 200 miles on them)New GPR stabilizerNew pazzo leversNew mirror block offs with integrated signalsHID bulbsPlate mountFull Yoshimura exhaustDouble bubble wind screenAftermarket main seatPassenger seat and cowl cover3rd owner. Adult owned since purchased. Meticulously maintained. Stored in climate controlled building during off-seasons. No dings, dents, or scratches. Never been dropped or wrecked.Stock mirrors and levers included…”
I spent a few hours on one of these BITD when it was released, and I agree with the above synopsis, a truly great all-rounder. Those polished rims, on the other hand, are definitely a matter of taste…..