Suzuki has just revealed details on its new flagship model - the GSX-R1000. According to Suzuki the model features a plethora of updates, but the big question is will they be enough to keep it in the game when it comes to the litre bike class?
Despite looking very similar to the current model, the 2012 bike is 2kg lighter and features new Brembo monoblock front brake calipers and a number of revisions to the engine in an attempt to boost mid-range power.
The 999cc inline four engine now has a single stainless steel exhaust pipe (the old model had twin pipes) and lighter pistons using something called ‘finite-element-analysis’ as well as fatigue analysis that has, apparently, been developed through Suzuki’s MotoGP team. Basically the pistons are 11% lighter than before. As usual the motor has also had its cams re-profiled, compression upped and various bits and bobs lightened and the fuel maps updated.
On the chassis front not much is new. The frame is essentially the same twin-spar unit as before and the aluminium alloy swingarm is also pretty much unchanged. At the front end the brakes are new and the forks updated internally and shortened by 7mm with a 5mm reduction in stroke. At this point Suzuki start talking about a new front tyre, which kind of makes you think they are clutching at straws somewhat.
There was a lot of talk about the GSX-R getting traction control in this update, but it seems as though Suzuki has done the absolute bare minimum and in all honesty it’s going to struggle like hell against the likes of the BMW S1000RR. On the plus side it is certain to be cheaper than the competition…
like the looks, like the brembo’s which address’ suzuki’s achilies heel. There is always people wanting the latest and greatest (electric this,adjustable that) but when it comes down to average joe riding around on a thousand I’m sure the zuki is just fine without traction control and if it is a fair whack cheaper it will sell
I’ve just bought a 1 owner 58 reg K7 with just 614 miles on it, full tax/test/service with a load of extras including full 4-2-1 exhaust for £5500. Once I add PC5, rolling road, brembos and quickshift it’ll be well over 190bhp and I’ll still have more than enough left over for swanky magnesium wheels compared to purchase price of a 2012 bike. It won’t have the techy traction control/anti wheelie of the BMW, but I’m happy enough with the adjustability of my right wrist.
My panzer is recording 175bhp at the wheel and thats with a full Arrow system. With a PC5 and a remap it might see 182.
It will also depend which dyno centre you take it to as they do vary. Mine was done at PDQ.
The Suzuki has fantastic mid range power, something the BMW doesn’t have. However from a standing start and a nice long road the BMW will pull lengths on the Suzuki. I know i have done it
In my eye’s the K5 GSXR1000 was and still is the best they ever made and if with this new 2012 version they can bring back that performance and sheer power they will def have a bike worth owning.
Mind you i would still have to put a quick shifter on it, they are just mega:w00t:
I think from 2005, the gixer has been one of the ugliest models around and purely for looks, it’s why I have never bought one and even the 2012 model looks bad.
I hope it keeps up with the RSV4, rapid is not the word(on track anyway).
