I bought a low km k6 off a 2nd owner who had it the last 13 years, Still had the tyres from 13 years ago with close to new tread. I checked the manufacturer date on it and all. As it turns out, the mrs wouldnt let him ride it and forced him to sell. For me the purchase was pure curiosity, after having a 2016 s1000rr and hearing that bmw based the bike off a k5/6 i just had to try it out. As with everything neevsey said, its so punchy, raw, simple and easy to ride yet so civil when you want it to be. The instant power delivery is something that the modern bikes just lack, the s1000 almost feels numb in comparison, its fast dont get me wrong but it doesnt feel the way the k6 does. Its strange that i find the k6 more fun to ride, its just so much more involving, no abs, no wheelie control, no traction control, not even a bi directional quickshifter and the exhaust note sounds so much more soulful with its gravelly snarl compared to the s1000s raspy tone. After owning one i can say i fully understand the status this bike has and why it has such a huge following, you just have to experience it to understand
I own a K6, have done for nearly a decade, but every now and again I wonder if my love for the simple purity of Suzuki's magnum opus is just a byproduct of my ownership bias? Which is why I appreciate these retrospectives, they provide some perspective. I'm glad you got around to doing this video, because I was provably going to be that person who'd ask "where's that K5/6 video you promised" every couple of months till you relented. So cheers for sparing me that indignity. Suzuki could re-release this bike with some rider aids and it'd be a spectacular success. They still make the motor and have the electronic rider aids necessary for compliance, if they keep it ultralight, maybe rework the styling a bit (not too much), make it affordable to the masses (just like the original) they'd have the perfect homage to the GSXR legacy. Imagine a "GSXR Legacy Edition" a homage to the legendary lineage of GSXR 750/1000/1100s that created the "racer replica" phenomena. You know people at Suzuki, people who'd listen to your learned opinion, right? 🤔
I agree, we need another GSXR, one designed to be the best real world riding experience possible, rather than needing to be competitive for racing. I'm sure Michael is already on the phone to Suzuki to let them know.
I bought my 2006 GSXR1000 in March of 2020. It is my first and only bike. It is impossible to articulate what an experience this bike is. I have put over 20000 miles on it, riding it daily. For a rider of my level, this bike has limitless potential, and that allows me to grow and explore my own potential every time I ride. I love this bike and I’m grateful to be in a position to enjoy it. If there is a downside, it’s that I have almost no interest in owning anything else. Thank you for your content Neevesy!
I used to own a k5 and a k6 from new back in the day great bikes, last year I managed to find a k5 with 3000 miles on it all standard blue and white it's mint!!! and at the moment it sits in my lounge, it's just great looking at it!! looks like a work of art to me
The fastest bikes in Pro Street drag racing are the K5s - K8s, pushing 5 second quarter mile times without a wheelie bar. That just goes to show how great the base of these bikes are. Bloody bomb proof.
Love mine. Full Akro exhaust system. Full Yoshi engine kit. Ohlins cartridge kit and Ohlins rear shock. Brembo calipers, discs and master cylinder. Gubelini electronics. Hope to do carbon wheels as the final piece. Stupid money spent, but it's my Gixxer and I'm keeping it forever.
Bought my GSXR-750 K5 new and it’s my pride and joy. So much fun to ride and even better post ride beer in hand just sitting and looking at it while it’s ticking away as it cools down. This is a keeper…Thanks for the great video. Cheers Marty from Melbourne 🇦🇺
I just bought myself a Tuono V4 after owning the k6 for 3 wonderful years now. I was slightly debating getting rid of the k6. This video just convinced me to keep it 😁
Did the same. Love my ‘23 Tuono V4F, but if push came to shove, it goes before my K6. Also re-geared my K6 to 16\44….not great for long highway stints but holy hell is it fun in the twisties.
I traded in my 24 701SM for the Tuono. Haven’t tried the other chassis setups with that motor, but that SM was a blast. Just not great at freeway speeds for distance . But I had a 17 701E for a while as well, love those big thumpers.
How would you compare the power delivery of your k6 to the tuono? I have a bazzaz/tuned k5 which is up a few teeth on the rear and could never imagine something being more torquey
I have owned my K5 for 15 years, now have over 40K miles on it, and no matter how many times I ride this bike I am always just in awe of how fast, manoeuvrable and fun it is.
K6 is on my bucket list. I had K7 for a couple of years and I loved it but K7 was always in the shadow of K6/K5. I really want to experience the legend.
The biggest factor is these bikes are better than 90% (probably higher) of people that ride them. These bikes own your ass. Newer bikes with more power and electronics is the same situation but at an enormous price point.
Hundred percent, I’ve ridden for 18 years and in honesty my k5 terrifies me, lucky it’s very enjoyable and stupidly fast under 8,000rpm because every time I take it over it reminds me who’s boss
Totally agree, brilliant bike for everyday use, had one for7years couldn’t find anything to match ,power is spot on. Currently got aL7 and that is also a great bike for everyday usage too as well as odd track day, still a talking point at bike meets with everyone on adventure bikes, unfortunately sport bikes are in the minority. Great machine at an affordable price . Your brother is one lucky man with his perfect example 🤩👍🏻
I've had both K7 and L0 GSX-Rs and loved them both - they could do everything and were surprisingly comfortable even for touring down across Europe. I know someone with a K5 that did well over 100,000 miles on the same engine with just routine maintenance.
Had a K6 a few years back , racked up 146,000km's /90,700 miles on it absolutely loved it ,never missed a beat just usual consumable wear . Traded it for a K9 while I could still get some money for it with that mileage.
I was out on my k5 on Sunday, it’s got mythical status and always draws a crowd, even the youngsters know all about the k5!!😀, 28 thousand on mine now and it rides superbly, I’ve got a yoshimura trc on it , baffle out of course 😊, it just such an engaging ride and get all my fun up to about 9000 rpm, after all we’re on public roads😊
My 02 K2 gsx-1000r is only 435 wet and it’s wheelbase is so tight it feels close to the flickabily of a 600. I absolutely love the bike! I’ll never sell it. It just ticked over 21k miles and I bought it practically stock from a 57 year old man. He bought it brand new from the dealer. I’ve braided my brake lines and upgraded the rear caliper to Brembo as well as installed a full M4 exhaust, tuned and flashed the ecu. It is an incredible machine for its age. I love the simplicity of the bike. I’m not a fan of all the rider assists but understand why they’ve become so popular with modern bikes. I know newer super sports boast more whp but to me it seems those power numbers aren’t utilized the way the older bikes are.
Looks like a lovely area you live in Micheal. Never had a K5/6 but have fond memories of a K4 I bought new. Something special about these bikes as you have highlighted. Much enjoyed the video. Cheers.
This is the one I've been waiting for. Thank you for an excellent and rewarding review. I too have an 07 plate K6 and I absolutely love it. I will take great pleasure in sharing this video with my friends. Thanks Neevesy!
I have TC on mine. Developed by the guy that now does the control electronics for MotoGP. Its quite basic compared to modern stuff and needs calibration but its a nice to have.
@@ga636r5 What tyres are you running? Last time at track I used Bridgestone R10s and they were rock solid, but crucial to watch tyre temperature and PSI. R11s I hear are much better in this regard.
A pure analog bike is quite enjoyable. Miss powersliding my zzr1200. It would either wheelie or spin back tire at lower speeds. Just get on and go. No settings…
Funny to call that bike analog when I long for the days of ripping around on RZ 350s then FZRs then YZFs. These days I ride a 2000 VFR800 and am perfectly happy with it.
Great video, thanks! Made me go cold that bit through Wingham bends with that glorious soundtrack from the engine! My mate had a mint one. Cheers again
What a wonderful episode. Such a beautiful bike even in today’s standards, it gorgeous 🤤. Thank you Mr.Neevesy I always really enjoy what you show us 🙏❤️🇨🇦
Have my K6GSXR for 2 years low mileage but much modded,, fitting marchesini wheels,, last thing on my list,, love it,, kept all the parts ❤️,, from northern Ireland ☘️☘️☘️ great video,,
I kept my K5 for 10 years, I changed the gearing/ 520 chain, braided hoses master cylinder, fork springs and a LeoVince exhaust. I had previously changed my bike every 2 years, but in those 10 years nothing came near the experience of ownership on road and track. Vanity of something newer in the end got the better of me, but I’m still not sure it was the best decision.❤❤❤❤
More of this! Please 😎 much as I love Q&As, I really enjoyed this video. But don't stop the Q&As cos it's the first thing I listen to on a Monday morning at work
I’ve got the 05 1k. Built in February of 05. An early bike. Yellow and black. I hate yellow. Hate it. But the k5/k6 was only made yellow in 05. Kind of rare. Many videos of it on my channel. It’s the only yellow thing on the planet I like. Awesome video man.
It was and is brilliant, raw and yet pretty civilised, super agile, yet stable, felt as light as a 600, but instant power everywhere......sold loads and rode loads of them, I shouldn't have sold my own K6 😮
Buying my first bike in 05, was 750 and 1000 in the dealer. I’d saw the 1000 and knew I wasn’t worthy so I got the 750. Two years later my body let me ride his 1000 k5. Wow was my feel on the power 😮 the excel of that motor still put mark on me ❤
Hey mate , hope your well, what a glorious example it is, and tastefully modded with the extras 👍🏽, still in 2024 I think it looks still awesome to look at and has a timeless look in my opinion. Always a joy on a Monday to watch your quality vlogs 👍🏽😎🏍🏁 Take it easy mate 👍🏽🙏🏽.
Great video. Luvly bike. Seeing the Wingham Bends reminds me of my yoof, returning home after watching the Lord of Lydden riding my FS1DXA back in the 70s. I thought I was King Kenny. Haha.
I own a K5 that I ride on a regular basis. It’s a phenomenal bike! The stroke: bore ratio on these engines is less over square as compared to today’s bikes, which produce a lot of punch in the high rev range at the expense of the midrange torque. This engine has all the torque in the mid range and it also has the good power in the high rev range. I suspect they’ve changed the design because horsepower figures sell bikes.
Class! Great honest road riding review on one of my faves!. (Thanks Ben too) May i recommend to anyone that buys an older bike to get that suspension fluid changed as it'll be shagged. Money well spent and a noticeable performance/safety feel achieved.
That engine is so good that it is still used today on the latest 1000's. The gear indicator wasn't a real novelty for Suzuki at least, infect it was introduced back in 1974 GT750 and consequently used on the GS series(550, 750, 850 and 1000) from '76 onwards all through the later 16 valve GSX series for I don't know 10 - 20 years or so. Then it was abandoned probably because no manufacturer followed and the press could care less, who would ever need such a thing ?, just to be reintroduced probably because others did and suddenly the press noticed and described it as a novelty 😂
I've owned a fair few bikes over the years, and my all time favourite apart from my VTR SP1, which I sold to get my first K5 thou in 2011 having owned 2 over the years, my first one was just an incredible bike, had the suspension set up professionally put some Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres on it, it handled beautifully, and what with that lighting quick throttle response, and that induction roar, what a joy to ride. I road it to the IOM in 2012 in torrential rain it didn't miss a beat, I loved that bike, sadly had to sell it in 2012/13 due to life getting in the way, that was a huge regret. Bought another K5 in 2016, it came with loads of goodies, proper Suzuki Yoshi can off the K6 limited edition, Brembo RCS front m/c bit of Carbon, and Metzeler M7RR's which I just didn't like the feel of, my previous K5 on the Pirellis gave more feedback at least to me.... but the previous owner had messed with the stock steering damper and obviously put heavier weight oil in over the stock 5wt, and it didn't want to change lines very easily, never got a chance to fix that, before it..... sadly got nicked one night in Italy were I was living at the time, but the K5/6 maybe almost 20 years old, but I'd have another over any of the new bred of Superbikes, any day... to my mind it was the best bike Suzuki ever produced. Thanks for the great review Neevesy 👍
Hey mate! Hope you’re all good! Love this, as you know, I had a K6 for a few years and only sold it to get the L7r …. Definitely felt a better bike but not by much! I still miss the K6 and its simplicity. I have recently moved to a 2018 RSV4 which I love, the V4 motor reminds me more of the instant grunt of the Suzuki! My question is…. If Suzuki reissued the K5-K6 today as an analog classic superbike… do you think it would sell!? Obviously it would need some little updates ( emissions etc) but looking at some of the bikes being released at the moment it seems the older designs get loads of interest. The Suzuki even now seems to be the perfect road bike, has tons of power and would give Suzuki a really tasty option when looking for a new bike…. I know I would be tempted! Absolutely love the videos mate, thanks for all you do. Jed
Like the different camera angles. Just dropped a tooth on the front sprocket of my 750 makes a huge difference in acceleration, just got to get a speed healer as I need to do 115 to be doing actual 100 km/hr, thanks for the advice.
Cheers Neevesy! Thanks for all the time you put in for this amazing content. Been struggling a lot lately with deciding if I’m going to another tall rounder or if I’m gonna go against the trend and get a supersport. Never had one and I feel it’s now or never. Some say nowadays supersports are irrelevant but if you want the best thrill and the best feeling around curves and b roads, isn’t a supersport the best option?
Very nice and love any Suzuki Gixxers they just have that winning formula in a “getting it right” sense. I love my L0 Suzuki GSXR-750 and very happy with it Thanks for the video 👍
Awesome video! Beautiful bike for sure. And that howl of the engine is amazing. Great content, I love this stuff. I was wondering what that light on the dash was, oh I've got to get fuel! You were getting on it pretty good! Best!
My first decent crash was on Wingham Bends. The tight S bend as you enter Stourmouth, or not in my case 😂 There's a lovely little bakery in Wingham, just beyond the Preston turning 👍
Never had the k5, test rode one though while I had the 2004 blade, oh that torque was addictive, got a gen 3 busa now, I think the grunt is as good, or am I dreaming ? Fantastic film thanks.
I have a 16’ GSX-S1000 and I love it! Tons of torque fast as hell! The K5 engine makes it! I know it’s not as fast as the R model but that’s fine it’s still to fast for 99% of the roads I use! I don’t really want to go any faster than 165mph anyways! I rather be comfortable which it is!
2018 gsxs1000 here, what a bike, words can't do it justice. Comfy, grunty, massive top end rush, growls through the airbox. Makes me emotional riding that thing on a lovely Summer's day. Have fun.
Great Video love the Older GSXR1000s the colour schemes seem to be nicer in the 2003 to 2006 models. Love the Blue they used. I have a low milage 1 owner 2003 K3 GSXr1000 and love it. Im yet to buy a really mint k6 like in the video. k5 k6 is still a head turner today . Thanks for the Video
Still have my 2005 from new, still enjoy it quite a lot. My R1M doesn’t work under 80 or 90 mph, and is very painful to ride. There are still a lot of ways to improve a K5 and 6, from suspension and brakes to IMU based traction control from Gripone, and TTS even make a supercharger that will make 230hp on an otherwise stock bike at only 6 pounds of boost… ….and much more with beefier internals. In the USA there are a handful of shops that can build a Leviathan of a motor as well. If I were younger and not more interested in street fighters, I’d lighten my GSXR up, shorten the gearing, buy suspension and go terrorize young guys wobbling around on Panigales on track days. It’s still great to ride on the street though and out of state club rides in the mountains. I don’t know that I would ever sell it as long as I’m riding but it would be the last bike in my collection to go.
I'd wager Suzuki would sell more k6's if they started making them again than the latest model. Think emissions regs would kill any chance of that though . We can but dream. One thing not mentioned was that the k6 engine is bullet proof.
I've had a fair few bikes and nothing comes close to the k5. It's ergos, 600 lightness, immense torque! raw sound and feel make the bike so engaging I'd have it over anything else, especially as they're bullet proof reliable and only going to increase in value now. Why pay an extra 10-15k to get something no faster on the road (and track if skilled rider) and will likely have electronic faults arise. I'm never selling mine, EVER! :)
Any video discussing the K5/6 in comparison to modern superbikes should have to refer to Ari Henning's lap time on "Dave", a 60k mile K5, being faster than a Panigale V4S on control tires. Factory SBK teams and their success means very little when talking about street bikes. In other words: is the K5 as fast on track as modern superbikes? Yeah. Probably.
More of these Videos Please. if you can Lay your Hands on Some. 80s & 90s Sports Motorbikes ZZRs Early Fire blades., Suzuki Slabsides Yamaha FZR Exups.. not Easy to Find I Suppose?
Great videos, I'm thinking about getting a K6/7 750 or a K5/6 1000. I've had a 954 blade, so it would be interesting to know how it compares to a GSXR750.
Hi Neevesy, thanks for all the great content 👍 I have a question about ‘knee down’. (I know you can’t condone this on the road, but if conditions are good, in a low risk environment it’s not necessarily dangerous and technically not illegal). I used to get my knee down all the time on my Kawasaki z750 back in the day. I had a 10 year break from riding (until I got rid of the ex missus lol) and have been back riding for 3 years. I ride a 2009 Fireblade (standard pegs & bars, if that’s relevant), but cannot get my knee down. My chicken strips are none existent so I’m using as much of the tyre as is safe, I’m leaning off with my backside up through my shoulders, my head is off near the mirror and I feel like it’s so uncomfortable and don’t feel in complete control. So if I’m leaning off plenty, and the bike lean angle is more than enough (proof in the tyres with no chicken strips), what else may I be doing wrong? I should add that my height is 5foot 7 if that matters (maybe my legs are too short for the peg height on the blade compared to my old Zed? Any help would be really appreciated.
I think I can call myself as being one of your all time real followers of most of your works / insights and passions for motorbikes, I can't help thinking I like the 750 works more even right back to the slabsides. I imagine on track or light touring it's just perfect right in the hands of an experienced rider, which I'm not I only ride 390-400's. As rule though do you think the 1000 is too much for the streets, r should we just appreciate it's easy fun for you because you are very experienced by far? I know the cliché will always guide us to " if you ride any bike, enjoy it, we are all bikers at the end of the day" But should we all be heading for that experience and and feel and excitement you mentioned, it's hard to gauge what the limit is when you mention the feel you get , or reward from the bigger bikes on the roads. It's like walking into a strippers bar when you already have the hottest GF in town,. do you ride or do you hide right haha. Thanks for sharing as always it's very helpful
Video idea: Track test against a modern bike. Revzilla did a really beaten up $3000 K5 with something like 40K miles on the clock and it kept up with a brand new Ducati.
Never had a GSXR but still have a 147PS ‘95 Daytona 1200 (a lump in comparison to this Suzuki) that provides as much fun as anything else modern I’ve ever ridden. Not the best at anything but still great fun for £2k type money.
It’s really hard to find mint and well kept k5/6 here in USA. I found 2 of them and they were gone in few hours. I luckily found 04 zx10r with low miles in mint condition. But the hunt continues for the k5/6!!
my k5 now have 92000km and run like new. do throttle body sync, vacuum. this engine need balanced tb. i like sound but hate intake sound at 3200rpm. great value for money and cheapest to maintenance.
I own a k5 from new and I use it every day. She has more than 135k km and doesn’t burn oil at all.
I've had my 1000k6 for 17yrs still going strong love it ....
I bought a low km k6 off a 2nd owner who had it the last 13 years, Still had the tyres from 13 years ago with close to new tread. I checked the manufacturer date on it and all. As it turns out, the mrs wouldnt let him ride it and forced him to sell. For me the purchase was pure curiosity, after having a 2016 s1000rr and hearing that bmw based the bike off a k5/6 i just had to try it out. As with everything neevsey said, its so punchy, raw, simple and easy to ride yet so civil when you want it to be. The instant power delivery is something that the modern bikes just lack, the s1000 almost feels numb in comparison, its fast dont get me wrong but it doesnt feel the way the k6 does. Its strange that i find the k6 more fun to ride, its just so much more involving, no abs, no wheelie control, no traction control, not even a bi directional quickshifter and the exhaust note sounds so much more soulful with its gravelly snarl compared to the s1000s raspy tone. After owning one i can say i fully understand the status this bike has and why it has such a huge following, you just have to experience it to understand
I own a K6, have done for nearly a decade, but every now and again I wonder if my love for the simple purity of Suzuki's magnum opus is just a byproduct of my ownership bias? Which is why I appreciate these retrospectives, they provide some perspective. I'm glad you got around to doing this video, because I was provably going to be that person who'd ask "where's that K5/6 video you promised" every couple of months till you relented. So cheers for sparing me that indignity.
Suzuki could re-release this bike with some rider aids and it'd be a spectacular success. They still make the motor and have the electronic rider aids necessary for compliance, if they keep it ultralight, maybe rework the styling a bit (not too much), make it affordable to the masses (just like the original) they'd have the perfect homage to the GSXR legacy. Imagine a "GSXR Legacy Edition" a homage to the legendary lineage of GSXR 750/1000/1100s that created the "racer replica" phenomena.
You know people at Suzuki, people who'd listen to your learned opinion, right? 🤔
I agree, we need another GSXR, one designed to be the best real world riding experience possible, rather than needing to be competitive for racing. I'm sure Michael is already on the phone to Suzuki to let them know.
I bought my 2006 GSXR1000 in March of 2020. It is my first and only bike. It is impossible to articulate what an experience this bike is. I have put over 20000 miles on it, riding it daily. For a rider of my level, this bike has limitless potential, and that allows me to grow and explore my own potential every time I ride. I love this bike and I’m grateful to be in a position to enjoy it. If there is a downside, it’s that I have almost no interest in owning anything else.
Thank you for your content Neevesy!
My buddy has 88k on his and still runs like day one. Not gentle miles either he rides like a maniac
I used to own a k5 and a k6 from new back in the day great bikes, last year I managed to find a k5 with 3000 miles on it all standard blue and white it's mint!!! and at the moment it sits in my lounge, it's just great looking at it!! looks like a work of art to me
How much did you pay for it brother ?
I just bought a K6 with 7300 miles just needs new fairings for 3500
@@Eazystyle999 wtffff, that's a gift brother 😂😂, here in Italy u have to pay 5000 for a 40000kms bike
@@ermes547bro it’s been a amazing bike I’m going to sell to flip it but man it always puts a smile on my face 🥲
The fastest bikes in Pro Street drag racing are the K5s - K8s, pushing 5 second quarter mile times without a wheelie bar. That just goes to show how great the base of these bikes are. Bloody bomb proof.
Had my k5 for 10 years, I've put over £7,000 of mods into it , 178 bhp at the wheel, love it.
Love mine. Full Akro exhaust system.
Full Yoshi engine kit. Ohlins cartridge kit and Ohlins rear shock. Brembo calipers, discs and master cylinder. Gubelini electronics. Hope to do carbon wheels as the final piece.
Stupid money spent, but it's my Gixxer and I'm keeping it forever.
Bought my GSXR-750 K5 new and it’s my pride and joy. So much fun to ride and even better post ride beer in hand just sitting and looking at it while it’s ticking away as it cools down. This is a keeper…Thanks for the great video. Cheers Marty from Melbourne 🇦🇺
My k6 phantom will never be sold,it's heavily modified and I love her,greatest bike I'll ever own I think
I just bought myself a Tuono V4 after owning the k6 for 3 wonderful years now. I was slightly debating getting rid of the k6. This video just convinced me to keep it 😁
Did the same. Love my ‘23 Tuono V4F, but if push came to shove, it goes before my K6.
Also re-geared my K6 to 16\44….not great for long highway stints but holy hell is it fun in the twisties.
@@apexslider1 Stock is 16/45?
@@alexbusteni If I remember correctly it’s 17/42.
I traded in my 24 701SM for the Tuono. Haven’t tried the other chassis setups with that motor, but that SM was a blast. Just not great at freeway speeds for distance . But I had a 17 701E for a while as well, love those big thumpers.
How would you compare the power delivery of your k6 to the tuono? I have a bazzaz/tuned k5 which is up a few teeth on the rear and could never imagine something being more torquey
Wonderful video- what an AMAZING bike!
I have owned my K5 for 15 years, now have over 40K miles on it, and no matter how many times I ride this bike I am always just in awe of how fast, manoeuvrable and fun it is.
K6 is on my bucket list. I had K7 for a couple of years and I loved it but K7 was always in the shadow of K6/K5. I really want to experience the legend.
The biggest factor is these bikes are better than 90% (probably higher) of people that ride them. These bikes own your ass. Newer bikes with more power and electronics is the same situation but at an enormous price point.
Hundred percent, I’ve ridden for 18 years and in honesty my k5 terrifies me, lucky it’s very enjoyable and stupidly fast under 8,000rpm because every time I take it over it reminds me who’s boss
Totally agree, brilliant bike for everyday use, had one for7years couldn’t find anything to match ,power is spot on. Currently got aL7 and that is also a great bike for everyday usage too as well as odd track day, still a talking point at bike meets with everyone on adventure bikes, unfortunately sport bikes are in the minority. Great machine at an affordable price . Your brother is one lucky man with his perfect example 🤩👍🏻
I've had both K7 and L0 GSX-Rs and loved them both - they could do everything and were surprisingly comfortable even for touring down across Europe. I know someone with a K5 that did well over 100,000 miles on the same engine with just routine maintenance.
Had a K6 a few years back , racked up 146,000km's /90,700 miles on it absolutely loved it ,never missed a beat just usual consumable wear . Traded it for a K9 while I could still get some money for it with that mileage.
Great video, you made me smile with your comments. Love my K5 it's just such raw superbike evocative emotion, they got it so right.
I was out on my k5 on Sunday, it’s got mythical status and always draws a crowd, even the youngsters know all about the k5!!😀, 28 thousand on mine now and it rides superbly, I’ve got a yoshimura trc on it , baffle out of course 😊, it just such an engaging ride and get all my fun up to about 9000 rpm, after all we’re on public roads😊
My 02 K2 gsx-1000r is only 435 wet and it’s wheelbase is so tight it feels close to the flickabily of a 600. I absolutely love the bike! I’ll never sell it. It just ticked over 21k miles and I bought it practically stock from a 57 year old man. He bought it brand new from the dealer.
I’ve braided my brake lines and upgraded the rear caliper to Brembo as well as installed a full M4 exhaust, tuned and flashed the ecu. It is an incredible machine for its age. I love the simplicity of the bike. I’m not a fan of all the rider assists but understand why they’ve become so popular with modern bikes.
I know newer super sports boast more whp but to me it seems those power numbers aren’t utilized the way the older bikes are.
Looks like a lovely area you live in Micheal. Never had a K5/6 but have fond memories of a K4 I bought new. Something special about these bikes as you have highlighted. Much enjoyed the video.
Cheers.
This is the one I've been waiting for. Thank you for an excellent and rewarding review. I too have an 07 plate K6 and I absolutely love it. I will take great pleasure in sharing this video with my friends. Thanks Neevesy!
Just woke up in my hotel room to this after 3 days riding mine round mugello. A respectable 175.4 mph. Do lust after TC now.
I have TC on mine. Developed by the guy that now does the control electronics for MotoGP. Its quite basic compared to modern stuff and needs calibration but its a nice to have.
@@afropovic I bet, it was getting a bit too sideways chasing my mates on tuonos. Satisfying passing them on the straight though.
@@ga636r5 What tyres are you running? Last time at track I used Bridgestone R10s and they were rock solid, but crucial to watch tyre temperature and PSI. R11s I hear are much better in this regard.
A pure analog bike is quite enjoyable. Miss powersliding my zzr1200. It would either wheelie or spin back tire at lower speeds. Just get on and go. No settings…
Love that 9,000/160kph run along the water-front in that opening scene.
Funny to call that bike analog when I long for the days of ripping around on RZ 350s then FZRs then YZFs.
These days I ride a 2000 VFR800 and am perfectly happy with it.
GSXR's are fantastic and if I was applying for a job with Suzuki as a salesman this would be a great interview video
Absolutely adore my K3 1000! Ive always wondered just how much sharper the K5/6 was compared to the K3/4. Would love to try them both back to back! ❤
Great video, thanks! Made me go cold that bit through Wingham bends with that glorious soundtrack from the engine! My mate had a mint one. Cheers again
I had the K6 when first released & absolutely loved it!!! very relaxed riding position made it very comfortable as well
What a wonderful episode. Such a beautiful bike even in today’s standards, it gorgeous 🤤. Thank you Mr.Neevesy I always really enjoy what you show us 🙏❤️🇨🇦
Have my K6GSXR for 2 years low mileage but much modded,, fitting marchesini wheels,, last thing on my list,, love it,, kept all the parts ❤️,, from northern Ireland ☘️☘️☘️ great video,,
I kept my K5 for 10 years, I changed the gearing/ 520 chain, braided hoses master cylinder, fork springs and a LeoVince exhaust. I had previously changed my bike every 2 years, but in those 10 years nothing came near the experience of ownership on road and track. Vanity of something newer in the end got the better of me, but I’m still not sure it was the best decision.❤❤❤❤
More of this! Please 😎 much as I love Q&As, I really enjoyed this video. But don't stop the Q&As cos it's the first thing I listen to on a Monday morning at work
Great vid as always Michael and many thanks Ben for lending your bike! I need to find another K5 in stealth black!
I’m off to France on my k6 on Wednesday
Great vid neevsey
I’ve got the 05 1k. Built in February of 05. An early bike. Yellow and black. I hate yellow. Hate it. But the k5/k6 was only made yellow in 05. Kind of rare. Many videos of it on my channel. It’s the only yellow thing on the planet I like. Awesome video man.
It was and is brilliant, raw and yet pretty civilised, super agile, yet stable, felt as light as a 600, but instant power everywhere......sold loads and rode loads of them, I shouldn't have sold my own K6 😮
I have so many regrets about selling my K6. Bought it new, cherished it. Worst mistake ever.
I got recently a K6 to have it in my garage with other bikes. Only wonderful feelings !!❤❤
Buying my first bike in 05, was 750 and 1000 in the dealer. I’d saw the 1000 and knew I wasn’t worthy so I got the 750. Two years later my body let me ride his 1000 k5. Wow was my feel on the power 😮 the excel of that motor still put mark on me ❤
Hey mate , hope your well, what a glorious example it is, and tastefully modded with the extras 👍🏽, still in 2024 I think it looks still awesome to look at and has a timeless look in my opinion. Always a joy on a Monday to watch your quality vlogs 👍🏽😎🏍🏁 Take it easy mate 👍🏽🙏🏽.
Great video. Luvly bike. Seeing the Wingham Bends reminds me of my yoof, returning home after watching the Lord of Lydden riding my FS1DXA back in the 70s. I thought I was King Kenny. Haha.
I own a K5 that I ride on a regular basis. It’s a phenomenal bike! The stroke: bore ratio on these engines is less over square as compared to today’s bikes, which produce a lot of punch in the high rev range at the expense of the midrange torque. This engine has all the torque in the mid range and it also has the good power in the high rev range. I suspect they’ve changed the design because horsepower figures sell bikes.
Love the gsxr. Greetings from Canada! Big fan of your work.
Great video.. I really enjoy listening to the wisdom and advice, and seeing
planet Thanet on screen.. 😂😂😂
Class! Great honest road riding review on one of my faves!. (Thanks Ben too)
May i recommend to anyone that buys an older bike to get that suspension fluid changed as it'll be shagged. Money well spent and a noticeable performance/safety feel achieved.
that sound is intoxicating Neevsy!
That engine is so good that it is still used today on the latest 1000's. The gear indicator wasn't a real novelty for Suzuki at least, infect it was introduced back in 1974 GT750 and consequently used on the GS series(550, 750, 850 and 1000) from '76 onwards all through the later 16 valve GSX series for I don't know 10 - 20 years or so. Then it was abandoned probably because no manufacturer followed and the press could care less, who would ever need such a thing ?, just to be reintroduced probably because others did and suddenly the press noticed and described it as a novelty 😂
I go back and forth on getting a new middleweight or something like a K5 600/750. Videos like this make that decision even tougher
I've owned a fair few bikes over the years, and my all time favourite apart from my VTR SP1, which I sold to get my first K5 thou in 2011 having owned 2 over the years, my first one was just an incredible bike, had the suspension set up professionally put some Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres on it, it handled beautifully, and what with that lighting quick throttle response, and that induction roar, what a joy to ride. I road it to the IOM in 2012 in torrential rain it didn't miss a beat, I loved that bike, sadly had to sell it in 2012/13 due to life getting in the way, that was a huge regret.
Bought another K5 in 2016, it came with loads of goodies, proper Suzuki Yoshi can off the K6 limited edition, Brembo RCS front m/c bit of Carbon, and Metzeler M7RR's which I just didn't like the feel of, my previous K5 on the Pirellis gave more feedback at least to me.... but the previous owner had messed with the stock steering damper and obviously put heavier weight oil in over the stock 5wt, and it didn't want to change lines very easily, never got a chance to fix that, before it..... sadly got nicked one night in Italy were I was living at the time, but the K5/6 maybe almost 20 years old, but I'd have another over any of the new bred of Superbikes, any day... to my mind it was the best bike Suzuki ever produced.
Thanks for the great review Neevesy 👍
Love it, thank you for the video 🙏
Hey mate! Hope you’re all good!
Love this, as you know, I had a K6 for a few years and only sold it to get the L7r …. Definitely felt a better bike but not by much! I still miss the K6 and its simplicity.
I have recently moved to a 2018 RSV4 which I love, the V4 motor reminds me more of the instant grunt of the Suzuki!
My question is….
If Suzuki reissued the K5-K6 today as an analog classic superbike… do you think it would sell!?
Obviously it would need some little updates ( emissions etc) but looking at some of the bikes being released at the moment it seems the older designs get loads of interest.
The Suzuki even now seems to be the perfect road bike, has tons of power and would give Suzuki a really tasty option when looking for a new bike….
I know I would be tempted!
Absolutely love the videos mate, thanks for all you do.
Jed
They are still using the engine so emissions should be easy to get through. I wish they did bring her back .
Like the different camera angles. Just dropped a tooth on the front sprocket of my 750 makes a huge difference in acceleration, just got to get a speed healer as I need to do 115 to be doing actual 100 km/hr, thanks for the advice.
Have one, never selling it it's a pure unfiltered experience
Cheers Neevesy! Thanks for all the time you put in for this amazing content. Been struggling a lot lately with deciding if I’m going to another tall rounder or if I’m gonna go against the trend and get a supersport. Never had one and I feel it’s now or never. Some say nowadays supersports are irrelevant but if you want the best thrill and the best feeling around curves and b roads, isn’t a supersport the best option?
Very nice and love any Suzuki Gixxers they just have that winning formula in a “getting it right” sense. I love my L0 Suzuki GSXR-750 and very happy with it
Thanks for the video 👍
Awesome video! Beautiful bike for sure. And that howl of the engine is amazing. Great content, I love this stuff. I was wondering what that light on the dash was, oh I've got to get fuel! You were getting on it pretty good! Best!
Absolutely beautiful bike!!!!
My first decent crash was on Wingham Bends. The tight S bend as you enter Stourmouth, or not in my case 😂 There's a lovely little bakery in Wingham, just beyond the Preston turning 👍
Never had the k5, test rode one though while I had the 2004 blade, oh that torque was addictive, got a gen 3 busa now, I think the grunt is as good, or am I dreaming ?
Fantastic film thanks.
What’s the yellow flashing light, please? Fuel?
It's the fuel warning light, yeah.
I have a 16’ GSX-S1000 and I love it! Tons of torque fast as hell! The K5 engine makes it! I know it’s not as fast as the R model but that’s fine it’s still to fast for 99% of the roads I use! I don’t really want to go any faster than 165mph anyways! I rather be comfortable which it is!
2018 gsxs1000 here, what a bike, words can't do it justice. Comfy, grunty, massive top end rush, growls through the airbox. Makes me emotional riding that thing on a lovely Summer's day. Have fun.
Great Video love the Older GSXR1000s the colour schemes seem to be nicer in the 2003 to 2006 models. Love the Blue they used. I have a low milage 1 owner 2003 K3 GSXr1000 and love it. Im yet to buy a really mint k6 like in the video. k5 k6 is still a head turner today . Thanks for the Video
Still have my 2005 from new, still enjoy it quite a lot. My R1M doesn’t work under 80 or 90 mph, and is very painful to ride. There are still a lot of ways to improve a K5 and 6, from suspension and brakes to IMU based traction control from Gripone, and TTS even make a supercharger that will make 230hp on an otherwise stock bike at only 6 pounds of boost… ….and much more with beefier internals. In the USA there are a handful of shops that can build a Leviathan of a motor as well.
If I were younger and not more interested in street fighters, I’d lighten my GSXR up, shorten the gearing, buy suspension and go terrorize young guys wobbling around on Panigales on track days. It’s still great to ride on the street though and out of state club rides in the mountains. I don’t know that I would ever sell it as long as I’m riding but it would be the last bike in my collection to go.
3:14 Did the bore & stroke change with the K7 or was it the K9 that saw the change?
I'm seeing conflicting info on this.
Great video. That's a mint bike with some well thought out mods.
neevesy, thanks for the overview!
could you articulate some of the key differences between the K5/K6 and the K7/K8 1000 models?
Mint 😁😎nearly got me wanting a one of these 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️😂😂😂
Never owned a Suzuki 😉🤔
Keep. These coming mate brilliant vlogs
Brembo bakes, as lovely as they are, weren't the OEM bakes when the K5/6 was new.
Correct!
Cool vid and yes we need more of them :p
Great video Michael on a lovely bike and honest opinion of what makes a great bike 👍ps your brother Ben must be very trusting 😁👍👍
Cracking video and nice riding, but, bloody hell that flashing fuel light, i'd be paranoid, i hate running a bike low on fuel.
I have a k6 phantom which I have had since new with less than 10.000 mls I love it
I owned one a few years back. It was a PTR tuned bike and was a rocket. I miss it.
Phil Tainton is a Suzuki guru.
@@CRFLAus yeah I bought it 10 years ago. It had some Cam Donald links. The thing pulled your arms off.
I'd wager Suzuki would sell more k6's if they started making them again than the latest model. Think emissions regs would kill any chance of that though . We can but dream. One thing not mentioned was that the k6 engine is bullet proof.
They still use the engine in some of there other bikes so emissions would be easy to get through. Fingers crossed suzuki are reading this
brembo calipers looks just right on that beautifull bike!
Beautiful bike. Won’t a quick shifter damage the gearbox?!
I've had a fair few bikes and nothing comes close to the k5. It's ergos, 600 lightness, immense torque! raw sound and feel make the bike so engaging I'd have it over anything else, especially as they're bullet proof reliable and only going to increase in value now. Why pay an extra 10-15k to get something no faster on the road (and track if skilled rider) and will likely have electronic faults arise. I'm never selling mine, EVER! :)
Any video discussing the K5/6 in comparison to modern superbikes should have to refer to Ari Henning's lap time on "Dave", a 60k mile K5, being faster than a Panigale V4S on control tires. Factory SBK teams and their success means very little when talking about street bikes. In other words: is the K5 as fast on track as modern superbikes? Yeah. Probably.
More of these Videos Please. if you can Lay your
Hands on Some. 80s & 90s Sports Motorbikes
ZZRs Early Fire blades., Suzuki Slabsides
Yamaha FZR Exups.. not Easy to Find I Suppose?
Great videos, I'm thinking about getting a K6/7 750 or a K5/6 1000.
I've had a 954 blade, so it would be interesting to know how it compares to a GSXR750.
Great bike and great clip 😊
11:35 - I saw that copper check Michael 🤣
You will do that a lot with this bike 🤣
Hi Neevesy, thanks for all the great content 👍 I have a question about ‘knee down’. (I know you can’t condone this on the road, but if conditions are good, in a low risk environment it’s not necessarily dangerous and technically not illegal). I used to get my knee down all the time on my Kawasaki z750 back in the day. I had a 10 year break from riding (until I got rid of the ex missus lol) and have been back riding for 3 years. I ride a 2009 Fireblade (standard pegs & bars, if that’s relevant), but cannot get my knee down. My chicken strips are none existent so I’m using as much of the tyre as is safe, I’m leaning off with my backside up through my shoulders, my head is off near the mirror and I feel like it’s so uncomfortable and don’t feel in complete control. So if I’m leaning off plenty, and the bike lean angle is more than enough (proof in the tyres with no chicken strips), what else may I be doing wrong? I should add that my height is 5foot 7 if that matters (maybe my legs are too short for the peg height on the blade compared to my old Zed? Any help would be really appreciated.
Still have mine 32k miles and also the 2018 gsxr1000r i wont sell awesome bike
Nice review ❤
I think I can call myself as being one of your all time real followers of most of your works / insights and passions for motorbikes, I can't help thinking I like the 750 works more even right back to the slabsides. I imagine on track or light touring it's just perfect right in the hands of an experienced rider, which I'm not I only ride 390-400's. As rule though do you think the 1000 is too much for the streets, r should we just appreciate it's easy fun for you because you are very experienced by far? I know the cliché will always guide us to " if you ride any bike, enjoy it, we are all bikers at the end of the day"
But should we all be heading for that experience and and feel and excitement you mentioned, it's hard to gauge what the limit is when you mention the feel you get , or reward from the bigger bikes on the roads. It's like walking into a strippers bar when you already have the hottest GF in town,. do you ride or do you hide right haha. Thanks for sharing as always it's very helpful
I like the gearbox and airbox sound brilliant bike although I preferred the 06-07 fireblade myself similar reasons but nicer finish
Neevesy, do you think the turquoise stripe could affect the handling? 😁
I just want to add fuel lamp issue have the same. Dunno what it is the float or the fuel pump thingy. All the best
Video idea: Track test against a modern bike. Revzilla did a really beaten up $3000 K5 with something like 40K miles on the clock and it kept up with a brand new Ducati.
Never had a GSXR but still have a 147PS ‘95 Daytona 1200 (a lump in comparison to this Suzuki) that provides as much fun as anything else modern I’ve ever ridden. Not the best at anything but still great fun for £2k type money.
I have owned the k6 for 5years and would never sell it .... still the fastest 0-60mph production bike made to date 🤪👍🏻
that room..... fucking amazing! i wish my wife would let me park my tuono in the living room...
Need a comparison against your 750!
I have the next benchmark zx10r 08 which carried on that torque n midrange power and handles like a scalpel cheers mike
Out of the 4 Japanese 1000cc (R1000, ZX10R, R1 & CBR1000RR) which one is considered the most comfortable and have mid range / bottom end power?
I'm on my 5th k5/K6 I just can't get away from this bike
It’s really hard to find mint and well kept k5/6 here in USA. I found 2 of them and they were gone in few hours. I luckily found 04 zx10r with low miles in mint condition. But the hunt continues for the k5/6!!
@@zafirov3772 I had both at the same time the suzuki is the better bike
my k5 now have 92000km and run like new. do throttle body sync, vacuum. this engine need balanced tb. i like sound but hate intake sound at 3200rpm. great value for money and cheapest to maintenance.