But it isn’t all about the track – as 99 per cent of these K5s will live on the streets. With no road ride incorporated into the launch I could only look at the wider picture but from early indications I think it would be safe to say that, with such easy power deliver, stability and compliancy I think the GSX-R1000 K5 is going to be a brilliant road bike, too.

Stability on the brakes is outstanding and, again, the slipper-clutch is the trick. It makes backing it in a little harder, though, but we’re not here to show off today. We’re here to reassure Suzuki that they’ve moved in the right direction with their now-without-doubt class-leading superbike. And I certainly have no doubts. The new GSX-R is lighter, more powerful, more refined and more stylish than ever before and there’s no better way to compliment Suzuki on the 20^th anniversary of the GSX-R range than to give the nod to the K5. It is a truly inspiring machine and this could be the first of a whole new generation of sportsbikes…

The machine has also hit the racetrack and sprinted straight to the top of the timesheets with the most recent World Superbike pre season official test session seeing the only two Suzuki's in the field finish 1-2 on the timesheets, Yukio Kagayama and Troy Corser at the helm.  If the machine is showing that sort of speed already how fast could it prove after more track development...?

SPECS - 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000

• Suzuki GSX-R1000

• Engine: 999cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-cylinder

• Claimed Power: 178ps

• Claimed Torque: 118Nm

• Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 59mm

• Induction: EFI with 4 x 44mm throttle bodies

• Starter: Electric

• Transmission: Six speed

• Final Drive: Chain

• Wheelbase: 1405mm

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 2030 x 710 x 1130mm

• Seat Height: 810mm

• Dry Weight: 166kg

• Fuel Capacity: 18 litres
  Tyres: Front _ 120/70ZR17; Rear _ 190/50ZR17

• Suspension: Front _ Fully adjustable inverted telescopic forks; Rear _ Fully adjustable single shock

• Brakes: Front _ 310mm discs, radial mounted four-piston calipers; Rear _ 220mm single disc

• Price: TBC

• Warranty: Two years, unlimited kilometres

• Available: April/May 2005 (Approx.)