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...