Wednesday 20th August 2014

Suzuki GSX-R1000: PH Fleet

PH2's GSX-R1000 joins the Suzuki All-Star track day with new hoops and improved handling

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Last month I mentioned my frustrations at the rear end of the GSX-R1000 as it felt like it was sitting too low, dragging its bum in bends and as a result running a bit wide. After nattering to a mate who had a GSX-R, he told me the answer to my issues (well, the GSX-R handling issue, I have many more unresolved issues) was a 6mm spacer that needs to be placed under the top shock mount.

It's not an All-Star track day for no reason!

As I don't have an ABBA stand and didn't fancy hanging Suzuki's bike from a beam in my garage, I popped to a local bike shop to get the work done. Removing the tank and getting the shock out took about 10 minutes, the spacer fitted neatly over the mount's thread and 10 more minutes to reassemble and I was away.

Even at slow speed the difference was apparent. Although still a little sluggish, the GSX-R felt more on its nose and a lot better in the bends, not a bad return for a free spacer and £20 in cash to a mechanic mate. However, with the Suzuki All-Star track day on the horizon I decided to go the whole hog and replace the OE Bridgestone tyres which had done over 2,500 miles for a set of new Metzeler Sportec M7 RRs and by using a 190/55 rather than the standard GSX-R 190/50, raise the rear a little bit more. Another trip to the bike shop and even more smiles on the way home as the GSX-R1000 now felt far more agile, turning and holding a line where before it would run wide.

Track attack
Suzuki runs its All-Star track day every year, however this is the first one I have attended and to be honest I didn't quite know what to expect. At the risk of sounding like an old fart, I don't often do track days and the only time I really get out on track is on the launch of a new bike or a tyre test. Considering the bike I was riding was owned by Suzuki, and half of Suzuki UK was likely to be watching, I decided caution was the best approach and to take it a bit easy and not go banzai. Especially as it was spitting with rain for most of the day.

Jon prefers Metzelers to OE Bridgestones

Nonetheless, I did get a few fast laps in and I'm very impressed with the track performance of the M7 tyres. Despite conditions where I wasn't 100 per cent happy to push hard, the Metzelers provided more than enough grip and seemed to get up to temperature quickly. I'm not a huge fan of the Silverstone International circuit, but through the fast bends they were predictable and didn't get at all unstable on the fast straights. They are more of a road tyre than a track one, so I'm looking forward to putting a few road miles on them to see how they stack up.

All-stars and lots of smoke
Suzuki is going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment with a lack of new models, but I can't fault Suzuki UK for trying to get owners involved and passionate about the brand. The All-Star track day was a really good event and as well as a bunch of stars including Guy Martin, John Reynolds, Eugene Laverty, John Hopkins and William Dunlop to name just a few who attended, they also brought along some pretty cool machinery. Personally I never get tired of listening to a V4 two-stroke GP bike rev, and the look of joy on John Reynolds' face when he took it for a spin of Silverstone shows I'm not alone. If you want to hear Kevin Schwantz's 1993 RGV500 and Michael Dunlop's TT winning XR69 being warmed up, click on this link and put the speakers up to 11...

Just loitering at a Suzuki track day...

If you are into classic Suzuki models, you might be interested to know that there is a Classic Sunday event at the wonderfully named Super Sausage Cafe on the A5 in Potterspury near Towcester on Sunday September 7th. Suzuki will be bringing a range of classic race bikes including Sheene's XR14 and Schwantz's RGV.

What's next
With the GSX-R1000 handling as I want it, I'm wondering if I should start to explore unlocking its power. A while ago I was speaking to a company who reflash ECUs and I'm interested in that process as previously I've always used a Power Commander to alter fuelling. I'm not fussed about a loud exhaust, but if I can retain the stock exhaust and still gain a bit of power I'm all for it.

Oddly enough, considering it was a Suzuki day, I also spotted Carl Fogarty's new street tracker at Silverstone. It was built by Silverstone based IDP Moto and is based around a Honda Dominator. What do you reckon?

 

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FACT SHEET
Bike: Suzuki GSX-R1000
Run by: Jon Urry
On fleet since: April 2014
Mileage: 2,695
List price new: £10,999 (basic RRP)
Last month at a glance: Tyres, two-stroke and spacers

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Previous reports:
A two-wheeled addition to the PH Fleet!
Beer, ferries and speed in month two. Lots of speed.

[Broccers]

Interesting read.

My k7 with standard pipes wasnt all that sharp either - now they are gone the bikes a zillion times better. They weigh loads. Suggest on your mission for more power you may find this too.

[Renn Sport]

Jon, I would have thought you would have edged the Metzlers at silverstone.

Then again you said it was spitting.

[Reardy Mister]

There are lots of options for freer flowing exhausts that will also save weight and still be quiet enough for the road and track days. Has to worth a try. Though I would be interested to see a back-to-back dyno test with an ECU fiddle only, then do the exhaust after and see what difference each makes.

[smilo996]

Interesting read and great track day, with those characters.

Would not have a Suzuki if you paid me but can see the man is having fun with it.

Also nice to see a piece about motorcycles in PH. Good job.

[trickywoo]

smilo996 said:

Would not have a Suzuki if you paid me but can see the man is having fun with it.

Each to their own but IMO the GSXR range has proven itself to be the most niggle free sports bike range there is.

All the other big manufacturers seem to have an achilles heel (or a few) that could make ownership a PIA.

They are also great to home service unlike many Honda CBRs where you are there for hours removing fairings.

[Elnicko]

I was never originally a big GSXR fan but after having owned a K8 600 and an L4 750 i have xhange my views completely. Never had any mechanical niggles or finish issues

[trickywoo]

Elnicko said:

L4 750

How are you finding the big piston forks on the L4 - much improvement over the K8 600?

[Pothole]

I saw the Foggy bike at Brackley but didn't know what it was...Super Sausage closes at 2.45pm on Sundays.

[Broccers]

trickywoo said:

Each to their own but IMO the GSXR range has proven itself to be the most niggle free sports bike range there is.

Exactly. The mans daft.

Mines been great, still love it after 4 years.

I'm not so sure about the newer ones being any better than a k8 - they seem bigger and heavier to me ..... but then thats what k6 owners said years ago.

[Reardy Mister]

Broccers said:

trickywoo said:

Each to their own but IMO the GSXR range has proven itself to be the most niggle free sports bike range there is.

Exactly. The mans daft.

Mines been great, still love it after 4 years.

I'm not so sure about the newer ones being any better than a k8 - they seem bigger and heavier to me ..... but then thats what k6 owners said years ago.

I feel the same about Kawasakis. There probably isn't much wrong with them but I just don't in any way identify with the brand and I'd be indifferent about even the gift of one.

[Gixer_fan]

"With the GSX-R1000 handling as I want it, I'm wondering if I should start to explore unlocking its power..."

120-130bhp at the back wheel is plenty for me - can't imagine having 160+ and feeling the need for more!
I recall seeing an ad where you can get £1K discount off list. Quite tempting at less than £10K if you're after a new superbike..

[ccr32]

Gixer_fan said:

"With the GSX-R1000 handling as I want it, I'm wondering if I should start to explore unlocking its power..."

120-130bhp at the back wheel is plenty for me - can't imagine having 160+ and feeling the need for more!
I recall seeing an ad where you can get £1K discount off list. Quite tempting at less than £10K if you're after a new superbike..

It's offered by Suzuki UK:

https://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/motorcycles/about/prom...

[EvoBarry]

I got my K8 last year and even on standard settings I'm having a ball It's taken me to Southern France/Italy this summer, round Wales countless times, and round Oulton last week (and even on touring tyres it was still very confidence inspiring to ride). As for fit and finish, it feels every bit as solid as the other big four Japanese marques IMO.

[teabagger]

The £1k off deal does bring the bikes back to a more reasonable price compared to the competition.

Ive just had a scan through the "big 4" manufacturer's web sites. I cant help but think the current crop of supersports bikes are not exactly good looking machines.

I am sure they are great to ride but I don't hanker to own one.