Celebrating 40 years of the GSX-R family, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R receive updates for 2026, including changes to the engine and special 40th-anniversary details. These two supersports also get new electronics, and the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 will be offered in 40th anniversary color options as well.
Since the release of the GSX-R1000 in 2001, the model has racked up 15 FIM Endurance World Championship titles. Suzuki claims the updates were aimed “to comply with the latest emissions and noise regulations … while maintaining the winning potential for which the GSX-R1000 is famed.”
The 1,000cc inline-Four includes several revisions. The primary fuel injectors now have eight holes instead of 10, the cylinder heads and intake and exhaust ports have been modified for better efficiency, the head gasket shape was revised, the piston heads were reshaped (increasing compression ratio from 13.2:1 to 13.8:1), the crankshaft features thicker journals, and the camshaft lubrication now uses an intermittent lubrication scheme. The exhaust system also includes a slimmer titanium muffler design. The bike carries over its existing SR-VVT variable valve timing system.
Other updates include styling, with classic race-inspired liveries and 40th anniversary badging on the fuel tank, side fairings, muffler, and ignition key, as well as a GSX-R logo on the back section of the seat and the muffler body. MotoGP-inspired winglets are optional. The bike also gets a new lightweight lithium-ion battery.
The electronics suite includes Smart TLR Control to integrate the Suzuki Traction Control System with Lift Limiter and Roll Torque Control. The bike also includes Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with three available settings, Motion Track Brake System to help braking through corners, Slope Dependent Control to optimize ABS, the Easy Start System, Low RPM Assist, and a bi-directional quickshifter.
The GSX-R1000 and R1000R carry over their twin-spar aluminum frame and braced aluminum swingarm. The cast-aluminum wheels are shod with Bridgestone Battlax Racing Street RS11 tires. Dual radial-mount Brembo monoblock front calipers slow things down.
The R1000R differs from the R1000 in a few details. The R gets steel braided brake lines, a Showa Balance Free Front Fork (in place of the R1000’s Show Big Piston Fork), a pair of distinctive LED position lights, and an adjustable swingarm pivot.
The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R1000 will be available in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Tech White or Pearl Ignite Yellow / Metallic Mat Stellar Blue. The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R1000R will be available in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Tech White or Candy Daring Red / Pearl Tech White. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Visit the Suzuki website for more information.
Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide
How much longer is the motorcycle world going to let the Depraved Europeans destroy motorcycling with their EVER more strict emission laws?