2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000 SE Limited

LAUNCHED at the US MotoGP in Indianapolis this 2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000 SE is intended to celebrate 50 years of Suzuki’s presence in America.

OK, so the timing isn’t great, since it comes shortly after the firm ended its efforts to sell Suzuki cars in the States. And it’s a little mystifying that a bike made for such a specific celebration should be offered worldwide. But of the 100 GSX-R1000 SEs, only 50 are going to America, with the rest being spread around Suzuki’s other markets.

The tweaks are purely cosmetic, and there’s obviously something of a blue-and-white theme going on. The blue wheels with chrome rims are a bit 90s-streetfighter-bling, but even they are put in the shade by the blue clutch and generator covers. OK, so there’s no technical reason these parts need to be the usual black or silver, but there are the aesthetic ones of modesty and taste. Although the blue chain, blue instrument surround, blue seat, anodised blue fork legs and blue rear spring all suggest there’s been a temporary taste bypass when the SE was being developed.

Fortunately, with only 50 being sold outside America, there’s a good chance you’ll never have to suffer the discomfort of actually seeing on in the metal, or trying to lie to its owner about how much you like his bike.