New Suzuki GSX-R1000 unwrapped
PH2 catches up with Shinichi Sahara, chief engineer for the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 models
And that brings up an interesting point. Last year Suzuki said the GSX-R didn't have electronics, but now it comes with the all-important IMU. Why the change of heart? "Last year the plan was for the IMU to only be on the R model, not the standard bike. However after the show we decided to put the IMU on both models as it was easier to develop the two versions together rather than have very different specifications." That's Sahara's official answer, though you wonder if everyone asking why it didn't have the all-important gyroscopic electronic systems as standard may also have been a motivating factor.
So, a year on and with not only an updated BMW S1000RR to contend with, but also a new Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Fireblade and Fireblade SP, what does the GSX-R1000 have in its locker? Previously to the GSX-R project, Shinichi Sahara was Project Leader and Technical Manager for the MotoGP team. With this kind of knowledge we can expect a pretty decent handling bike (Sahara admitted to taking a few MotoGP secrets with him to the GSX-R project) but why didn't he go radical with the engine? Suzuki has used a V4 on track and currently runs a (very good) uneven firing order in-line four after all.
Which leads us to the most important point. When PH2 spoke to Masatoshi Sato, the new Fireblade's Project Leader, he said meeting the headline-pleasing 200hp figure wasn't necessary. But Suzuki has merrily claimed 202hp for the GSX-R1000. Is this a figure to be believed?
"On the dyno we had the highest peak power when compared to our rivals," says Sahara. "But this is just one figure. The more important characteristic is the mid-range and the GSX-R has more torque and mid-range than its rivals, thanks to its variable valve timing system. GSX-R is known for its torque as well as its power, so we have not thrown away this history and characteristic." It all sounds very promising indeed for the many fans of the GSX-R1000, and there is also a fair chance that the price tag will also be pleasingly lower than the competition. We can't wait!
 |
 |
Back 'into bikes' after several years and things look like they have progressed somewhat! How do you keep this beast on the road?
Then you go to the pub and tell your mates you've tamed it
I took the "vuki" paintscheme anyway.
From my understanding of the other article on this bike, Zuki's is a basic VVT that is like a V-Tec-Yo.
Ever driven a car with VVT,? It is a noticable kick, so what will happen as you are mid corner, wind it up on the exit and the thing shunts a load more torque at you?
I sure it's been thought about, as you could just end up like the old 500cc world championship days and high side everywhere.
Would like to know more detail on the engine power and torque curves
Hopefully the delay in bringing the bike to market will mean all the computers speak to each other effectively.
My main concern is that it'll be uncomfortable to sit on for any length of time. We had been moving away from the racer tuck but it seems to have come back with the latest R1 and ZX10, although the S1000RR remains quite comfortable.
Tricky, you are probably sport on. The electronics will tame it a lot but look at the last MotoGP where they were dropping like flies, ie electronics are not infallible. It had also better be a seemless system, equivalent to my old clio 172 and not like a BMW Mini Cooper S that cut power for 10 minutes whilst it hoped the roads dried up before giving it all back at once.
Edit: well that sounds negative and I am liking the bike and technology and VVT, just keen to know more about the story of overcoming the disadvantages of such an introduction to the beast.
Also Tricky, I'm on a relatively comfy zx9 but even after an hour i need a break, so good to know about the modern comfy alternatives.
From my understanding of the other article on this bike, Zuki's is a basic VVT that is like a V-Tec-Yo.
Ever driven a car with VVT,? It is a noticable kick, so what will happen as you are mid corner, wind it up on the exit and the thing shunts a load more torque at you?
What look do yo think is in? Apart from Ducati every current super bike has a side mounted exhaust. Under seat was tried and abandoned partly due to heat and partly due to carrying weight in the wrong place.
What look do yo think is in? Apart from Ducati every current super bike has a side mounted exhaust. Under seat was tried and abandoned partly due to heat and partly due to carrying weight in the wrong place.
Even Suzuki aren't showing any head-on pics, shame the headlight looks like a Hoysung (or something like that), I'm thinking it will look better in the flesh.
I took the "vuki" paintscheme anyway.
BTW, lucky sod, this I think will be the surprise offering this year.
What look do yo think is in? Apart from Ducati every current super bike has a side mounted exhaust. Under seat was tried and abandoned partly due to heat and partly due to carrying weight in the wrong place.
Even Suzuki aren't showing any head-on pics, shame the headlight looks like a Hoysung (or something like that), I'm thinking it will look better in the flesh.
And lots of others, on the Suzuki website:
https://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/motorcycles/motorcycle...
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff