Suzuki Switzerland’s new model initiative
By Ben Purvis
Has written for dozens of magazines and websites, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.
14.03.2019
Suzuki hasn’t had a lot to shout about when it comes to new bikes over the last couple of years. Apart from the Katana – itself a reworked GSX-S1000 – there’s little new for 2019. But the firm’s Swiss importer has solved the problem by coming up with a host of its own creations.
The most notable of its 2019 offerings is the Virus, a homebrewed naked GSX-R1000 based on the latest 202hp superbike. It’s actually the second-generation Virus, a similar machine based on the previous-generation GSX-R1000 was offered back in 2012. Fitted with wide, flat bars, an Akrapovic exhaust and its own unique nose, side panels and bellypan, the 2019 Virus is CHF21,995 (£16,495).
Other Swiss-only 2019 models are less ambitious, but still help pad out the firm’s range. They include the GSX-S1000 ‘SuperWhite’ (CHF14,995/£11,245), with a screen and special decals, the SV650X Flat Bar (quite simply an SV650X with wide, flat bars) at CHF7995/£6000 and the GSX-S750 ‘Rizoma’ and ‘Suzuka 8-Hour’ models, each with their own unique graphics and some bolt-on extras.
The firm has also created the GSX-S1000-based ‘X-King’ in tribute to the old B-King. Featuring a retro, round headlight and the Katana’s bellypan, just 30 have been slated to be made.
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