There’s reason why the Suzuki GSX-R1000R is considered as the “King of Sportbikes” by all gearheads. The recent Suzuki GSX-R Invitational Test Ride proves its worth on the racetrack especially with two of the country’s most esteemed Philippine superbike champions—Miguel Bichara and Anthony Roman.

Thanks to Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation, and Suzuki Philippines Inc for organizing the invitational test ride event held at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Fresh from testing with Team Suzuki Ecstar, the two GSX-R1000R units were flown from Australia for its debut appearance in the Philippines at the 11th IR Bike Fest and Trade Show. With great pride, the Philippines has become the first ASEAN nation to test ride the unit.

FILIPINO SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONS

Miguel Bichara, who won the Philippine Superbikes Championship title for Masters Class category with his GSX-R1000, is considered as an elite superbike rider who races in the country and abroad. He is also a certified motorcycle instructor.

Meanwhile, Anthony Roman, also known as the Roman Emperor by his colleagues, is a well-known underbone racer in the country before shifting to Superbikes. He is a pioneer in the MotoIR category of the Inside Racing Grand Prix. In 2012, Roman won the Philippine Superbike Championships title for the Novice category. He was raced alongside the late legend Maico Buncio.

ON THE TRACK

Both the two riders gave overwhelmingly positive comments, Bichara expressed his feeling riding the GSX-R1000R. “Suzuki Engineers got it right the first time. They did a really good job in making the bike very light which is the perfect formula for superbike racing. It is the most refined Suzuki GSX-R ever made with electronics that is the same with top European bikes. Power is very linear. The top end power of the bike is very good already what if we modify it? It is a bang for the buck. The brakes are very good as well. Size is shin; it actually feels smaller than the 600cc. It is the lightest GSX-R and is agile,” said Bichara.

Roman, also shared his thoughts about his riding experience: “My expectations were positively surpassed. The GSX-R1000R is very competitive. It can perform well against other brands. Top things that I like about it are the power delivery, braking system, handling and the smooth shifting system. The traction control is a great help. It is the best in its class among its co-Japanese contenders and can be compared to top European sportbikes with its electronics,” said Roman, who is a first timer in the GSX-R.

EXECS IN THE EVENT

The event ran on individual testing and had it in two parts for the riders—the calibrating lap and the race lap which were all supervised by Team Suzuki Philippines and Wheeltek’s Service Group. Present at the event were Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation VP for Sales and Marketing, Roscoe Odulio; General Manager for Big Bikes, Bobby Orbe; Big Bikes Regional Sales Manager for North Luzon, Philip Garcia; Suzuki Philippines Motorcycle Sales and Marketing General Manager, Jun Bulot; and Regional Sales Manager for North Luzon, Erick Fernandez. The event was also witnessed by Suzuki Big Bikers (SBB) Club.