MotoGP-inspired Suzuki GSX-R1000R heading our way

The Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Suzuki GSX-R1000R get a fresh MotoGP-inspired livery design to celebrate the firm's many anniversaries in 2020

Suzuki GSX-R1000R MotoGP

The flagship Suzuki GSX-R1000R sportsbike is getting a minor spruce up for 2021 in the face of newer competition with a fresh new look inspired by its MotoGP effort.

First revealed at the top of the year but now confirmed to be rolling out globally, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R will be offered in the same silver and blue livery as its MotoGP podium-winning GSX-RR.

While the familiar electric blue paint job remains in evidence, silver flash across the fairings was added to the GSX-RR for 2020 in homage to Suzuki’s first entries into Grand Prix racing back in the 1960s.

Superbike Shootout - Fireblade SP V ZX-10R SE V GSX-R1000R V R1M V S1000RR V RSV4 RF V Panigale V4S

The same retro livery will now be offered across the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R ranges outside of Japan.

As well as the MotoGP-inspired look, the GSX-R1000R features the same variable valve timing system to boost torque and peak power, plus a comprehensive suite of electronics, such as 10 traction control modes, quickshifter, launch control and lean angle-sensitive ABS.

Though conspicuous in its absence in WorldSBK, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R - despite being older than most of its sportsbike rivals - has continued too establish itself as a force on the racing stage, not least over the weekend when Kyle Ryde notched up a pair of wins in the British Superbike Championship at Silverstone.

Meanwhile, the Suzuki GSX-RR has been competitive in the hands of Alex Rins and Joan Mir, with the latter recording his maiden podium finish in Austria last month.

The new look comes as Suzuki toasts a significant year, being the 100th anniversary of the company itself and the 60th anniversary of its entry into grand prix racing, plus 35 years since the first GSX-R hit the road.