Three Bikes from Suzuki

Before the bike show (previous post) we met up at RideNow in Concord, NC as a meeting point. Only Phil made it to the store (ride turned out great as the skies cleared and not a drop fell) but did before he got there check out some new bikes. The first is this blue Hayabusa. One of the great sportbikes of the current day; it is (along with the Kawasaki ZX-14) one of the fastest and quickest bikes out there. That motor also powers the Suzuki B-King. One can get amazing power out of the Hayabusa's inline four; truly a monster at the drag strip, or on the open road.


Not at all the power house of the Hayabusa, but also with a great engine is this Orange Suzuki V-Strom. The version seen here is a 650cc engine. I like the bike, being tall it fits me well as it sits high. Said to have good wind protection from the fairing, and not only does it get great fuel mileage, but also has a very reliable engine. The bike also comes in a 1000cc version for those who want more power. I am told this bike has been a strong seller for a number of years.






Final bike is the blue and white Suzuki Gladius. It is the upgraded version of the SV-650, which was one of the "The" bikes to own according to the vast majority of the motorcycle press. Inexpensive, powerful it appealed to new riders and also experienced bikers as well. Was a great deal of fun on a twisty road too. Suzuki took a page from Ducati and put a trellis frame on the bike, and upgraded the styling, but kept the amazing 650cc V-twin engine. Tough bike with that motor, and though I am 6'2" found the bike fit me well (did not feel cramped on it).

Suzuki has always been a maker of very interesting motorcycles, and has been on the cutting edge for years. They made the first water cooled mass production bikes, once made one with a rotary engine, and is among the world leaders in racing. Did I ever have one? Oh yeah, had a GS-400 back in the 1970's while in the Navy. A very reliable motorcycle, took me on many great rides on the island of Hawaii, and back in Indiana (had it shipped back when I got out of the Navy after my four year hitch). Was the perfect motorcycle back then; got it right after the Arab Oil Embargo, and the run up in gas prices. Fuel in Hawaii was (gasp!) over one dollar a gallon there, had ridden in high school, and getting a motorcycle was a no brainer. Glad I did, great bike, fantastic riding, and a fun machine to see that amazing place on!