Motorcycle specifications Suzuki1000 VIRUS 2012 The Suzuki Virus Suisse is dynamite!

"I'm warning you, under normal circumstances, it already goes like a plane, but right now, it's in runway configuration, so watch out! "

Thomas adds: " There's only one in the press park, and I'd like to get you both back in one piece

the Suzuki Virus Suisse is dynamite!

after 7 seasons of testing ultra-powerful or unreasonably expensive bikes, this is the first time that a press officer has warned me about a bike...

and yet, it looks very wise in its uncluttered white livery. The average rider could almost mistake it for a GSR 750.
Until you turn on the ignition!
I'm not a big fan of noisy motorcycles, but you've got to admit that this double carbon exhaust not only looks like death, it also sounds like the grave!

i let the GSX-R 1000's boiler warm up as I tour the owner.
The mini left-hand rear-view mirror doesn't augur well for rear-view vision, the millimetre-long seat leaves no doubt as to comfort, and the little windscreen doesn't promise much protection on the freeway...

after 3 weeks on a Harley and a few days on my FJR, I've developed some bad habits when it comes to standing up a motorcycle.
When I used my knuckles to lift the Virus, I nearly ended up on the ground... but on the other side, because I'd put so much strength into it...
And yes, the Virus weighs less than 180 kg! Coupled with a claimed power output of over 185 hp, this promises to be a good week.

off we go.

i'm in first gear, and the driving position is quite unusual. Between the upright chest of a roadster and the bent legs of a sports car, the Swiss lady's heart sways.

and why Switzerland?

for those who don't know, the Virus was originally a body kit offered by Garage Virus as a replacement after a crash, or to transform their GSX-Rs into roadsters.
Following its success, it was decided to export the concept to other countries.

well, back on the bike.

the start is rather cautious after all these warnings, yet the bike is extremely maneuverable and docile.
After less than a kilometer, my itinerary takes off on the freeway.
I take advantage of the long slip road to test the angle, I lean, I lean and I don't know if it's the reminiscence of my day in Mettet, but I find myself rubbing my knee on the ground. Problem: I'm not wearing leather, but my Gore Tex pants, and it's catching. When the bike is at full angle (well, at the rider's maximum!) and the knee tries to go under the bike, it's called: first scare!

despite this, I'm really impressed by how easy it is to handle.
in 3rd and 4th gear, the engine is full of resources (with 117 Nm of torque at 10,000 rpm) and allows me to roll along in 6th gear at 130 km/h.

the traffic gets heavier as we approach Brussels, and I start to use the throttle to squeeze a little space between the cars. I confess that it's only so that the cars can hear me coming that I can rev the engine...

i leave the traffic jams of our beloved capital (and it's about time, as the engine was starting to heat up unpleasantly). The road clears and I finally get a chance to put the power to good use. A motorist reluctant to clear the way "forces" me to drop two gears.

i'm in 4th gear (for those at the back who can't keep up) at half throttle, give it a polish to get it up to wheeling, which is completely useless given the power, and then I crank up the watts!

i pass the fifth and 2/10 (it takes more 255 in fifth, theoretically when equipped with a concrete stroke)

and then 6 to get back up to cruising speed, but just cutting the throttle sends me into a tailspin from beyond the grave... Hot and bothered ;-)

the week goes on between my daily commute, which isn't always quiet, and long surprise rides.
During these trips, I made a quick stop at the Mettet paddocks. And there, no worries about recognition, the riders present identified the full sound of the GSX-R 1000 in free version (well, I admit that once again, I was giving it a lot of throttle).

given the very mild weather during my test week, I didn't need to test the three engine mappings, one for rain. I did try several times to ride in the least powerful mode, but the temptation to switch back to Full was too great!

So, what do you think?

the Suzuki Virus is a fabulous second bike.

its playful behavior, inordinate power and, above all, the lack of equipment to make everyday life easier make this bike devilishly exhilarating! And yet, day after day, I see bikers who, because of their passion, suffer the inconveniences and lack of comfort of their motorcycles. So I imagine that the Virus might appeal to true enthusiasts. But at 17,870 euros a piece, it hurts, even if you "get" the original GSX-R parts.
Personally, but don't tell anyone, I'm dying to have one in the garage!

A+

Oli the Belgian
Photo credits: D.R.

Suzuki 1000 Virus Facebook page: https: //www.facebook.com/SuzukiVirus