Suzuki Switzerland’s new model initiative

Suzuki hasn’t had a lot to shout about when it comes to new bikes over the last couple of years. Apart from the Katana – itself a reworked GSX-S1000 – there’s little new for 2019. But the firm’s Swiss importer has solved the problem by coming up with a host of its own creations.

The most notable of its 2019 offerings is the Virus, a homebrewed naked GSX-R1000 based on the latest 202hp superbike. It’s actually the second-generation Virus, a similar machine based on the previous-generation GSX-R1000 was offered back in 2012. Fitted with wide, flat bars, an Akrapovic exhaust and its own unique nose, side panels and bellypan, the 2019 Virus is CHF21,995 (£16,495).

Other Swiss-only 2019 models are less ambitious, but still help pad out the firm’s range. They include the GSX-S1000 ‘SuperWhite’ (CHF14,995/£11,245), with a screen and special decals, the SV650X Flat Bar (quite simply an SV650X with wide, flat bars) at CHF7995/£6000 and the GSX-S750 ‘Rizoma’ and ‘Suzuka 8-Hour’ models, each with their own unique graphics and some bolt-on extras.

The firm has also created the GSX-S1000-based ‘X-King’ in tribute to the old B-King. Featuring a retro, round headlight and the Katana’s bellypan, just 30 have been slated to be made.