We’re waiting to get a ride on the new 2017 GSX-R1000, but in the run up to the official launch, Suzuki GB has announced the prices for the new machines. And it backs up what SGB staff told BSN last year - the base bike is priced lower than the competition, with the GSX-R1000R being priced a little above the ‘normal’ litre superbikes, but less than the fancy premium versions.

So, the base GSX-R1000 will cost £13,250, a healthy chunk less than the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. And the GSX-R1000R will cost £16,099, a grand more than the base Blade, but nearly £4k less than the all-singing CBR1000RR SP. The base bike will arrive in March, with the R appearing in May.

The spec of the Suzukis does offer a third way - you get plenty of electronic aids and decent suspension, but you’re getting less top-end kit like the titanium fuel tank and electronic Ohlins of the Honda. On the other hand, the Showa gas fork on the GSX-R1000R is extremely saucy - and if the novel passive variable valve timing system on the new GSX-Rs works the way we’d hope, then the GSX-R could be a very potent competitor for the Fireblade.

Of course, they’ve both got very tough competition in the shape of the current inline-four litre bikes - Yamaha’s R1 and R1M, Kawasaki’s ZX-10R and BMW’s S1000RR. Not to mention the Aprilia RSV4, or Ducati’s Panigale (the pricing of the Japanese stuff is creeping ever closer to primo European levels…)

We’ll be riding the new GSX-R1000 in the UK ASAP. Check back for more then…