Suzuki GSX-R1000 K1: The First Gixer 1000
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2321.jpg)
Words: Jeff Ware
In 2000 Honda uprated the CBR to 954cc, Yamaha had the YZF-R1 and Kawasaki, less impressively, continued with the ZX-9R. But Suzuki were still in 750 land. And despite winning races on track, the 750 was falling behind the 1000s in sales. Something had to happen.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2322.jpg)
The result was the mighty GSX-R1000. From the start, the GSX-R dominated – with 142RWHP to the R1’s 130. It was also light and extremely compact for its day. I still remember seeing one for the first time when I was a journalist at Two Wheels. Man, did it look trick.
It looked just like the current GSX-R600 and 750 but had 1000 on side of it. Amazing.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2323.jpg)
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2324.jpg)
The K1 1000 frame is essentially a 750 – as is the fairing aside from the bellypan. The rear tyre was a whopping 190-section on a big 6in rim and the gold coloured fork tubes looked so, so sexy. Not to mention the massive six-pot calipers.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2327.jpg)
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2326.jpg)
And just as the horsepower wars were taking off with most 1000s punching out between 125 and 130 rear wheel horsepower, the GSX-R stomped out a massive 140-plus at the rear Bridgestone. It pretty much ended the war!
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2328.jpg)
It was an amazing figure for what was basically an under tuned bored (1mm) and stroked (59mm was longest in class) GSX-R750 engine. Tuners would soon be getting well over 160hp at the wheel. Life for us sportsbike riders was changed forever…
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2325.jpg)
The 73mm pistons were lighter than the 750s 72mm items and the 1000 had a trick dual butterfly throttle-bodies. It also had an oil cooler and a crankshaft counter-rotating balance shaft.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep2329.jpg)
To say that the GSX-R1000K1 changed the face of sportsbikes forever is an understatement. It was smooth, torquey, rideable yet with huge top end and it dominated on the streets and on the racetracks.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep23210.jpg)
As soon as it was released, Honda built the 954 Blade, Yamaha stepped up the R1 and Kawasaki gave up on the ZX-9R.
With a weight of only 170kg and a top speed of 288km/h the Gixer 1000 truly was King.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep23211.jpg)
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/GQ6DF85ANY58TOWH/WareShannonsGSXR1000K1Sep23212.jpg)
COST
NEW: $18,990 + ORC
USED: $3,500 (rough) – $11,000 (mint)
HIGHLIGHTS
-170kg, 160hp = 288km/h
-10.1s ¼-mile, 0 – 100km/h in 3.0s
-GSX-R750 frame with 6% stiffer alloy mix .5mm thicker and 1% stiffer swingarm
-6in rear wheel with 190-section tyre
-GSX-R750 fairings aside from modified bellypan
- https://bikereview.com.au/gear-review-arai-quantic-helmet/Stroked and bored 750 engine with modified cases, oil cooler and balance shaft
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: DOHC 988cc liquid-cooled fuel injected four-stroke inline four, TSCC, 16-valve
COLOURS: Blue/White, Black/Yellow, Red/Black, Silver/Black
CLAIMED POWER: 160hp@10,800rpm
WEIGHT: 170kg
TOP SPEED: 288km/h
CHASSIS: Twin spar alloy
SUSPENSION: Kayaba 43mm inverted forks, Kayaba rear shock, alloy swingarm
BRAKES: Tokico six-piston calipers, 320mm stainless-steel rotors.
![](http://club.shannons.com.au/library/images/news/M21A7B2CDE28U4S5/BikeReview.jpg)
Protect your motorbike. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.