Phillip Island on the new GSX-R1000R; life doesn’t get much sweeter than that. Neither element disappointed in the slightest, with the fast and ballsy circuit proving the perfect sparring partner for Suzuki’s ballistic new Gixer. Damn, that bike’s a weapon and it’s been exciting to get back and see the hype that’s already building around it. I’ve always been a fan of the GSX-R but, much the same as the Fireblade last month, the flagship litre bike was well overdue a good and proper rethink. That’s exactly what it’s had and to stop myself from getting carried away and babbling on relentlessly about its utter brilliance, its best I just point you to the model’s launch review on page 18. Enjoy! And for you guys looking for a more affordable option, make sure to read the GSX-R timeline which immediately follows it. That being said, if new bikes are your thing, this issue is crammed with them. The whole team’s been flat-out this month, clocking up the air miles to sample some of the sweetest new metal 2017 has to offer. There’s a bit of everything to feast on, including Ducati’s new SuperSport, which Beej won’t stop banging on about, as well as Kawasaki’s new Ninja 650 and Z900 naked. Oh, and Pretty Boy Carl drew the lucky straw to test Triumph’s new Street Triple at Catalunya. If he’d of had his way, he’d still be out there now, thrashing the nuts off its Moto2 destined 765cc motor. But then who would we have to empty the bins? That kid can be so selfish at times!
In other news, Carl hooked up with James Ellison this month to train like a pro-racer on a dirt bike. Surely, it’s got to beat going to the gym? And I got put through a proper workout by the Champions Flattrack School. What a laugh that turned out to be, as well as massively beneficial for my riding. If you’re planning on booking some kind of riding activity this season, that’s one that deserves to be right up at the top of your list.