GSX-R1000R marked out by BFF forks
Suzuki might be unveiling the GSX-R1000R for a second time after showing it as a ‘concept’ last year but now it’s finally on the verge of hitting showrooms.
And it turns out that there will be two models, with a cheaper b ase version as well as the GSX-R1000R that was shown 12 months ago. Suzuki has also revealed more technical details of both versions of the bike.
Let’s start with the key figure: power. Suzuki says that both models make 202PS (199bhp, 151kW) at 13,200rpm. That’s right on a par with its most powerful rivals.
Unlike any of the opposition, the Suzuki uses a radical, mechanical variable valve timing system (SR-VVT) that’s already been in use on the firm’s GP bike. It’s said to add a meaty amount of low and mid-range grunt without disadvantaging the bike’s top-end performance.
This is the cheaper model
The purely mechanical system skirts racing regulations that ban hydraulic or electronic VVT set-ups, and uses centrifugal force to alter the valve timing as revs rise.
The new engine’s technology doesn’t stop there, as there’s also a new finger-follower valve train that reduces weight and allows more revs and power. The valves themselves are titanium.
The whole engine sits six degrees more vertically than the current GSX-R’s, making the package shorter by 22.2mm and improving front end feel and stability.
GSX-R1000R – also in black…
As is becoming the norm, there’s a six-way IMU helping out the traction control, which itself has a bewildering 10 modes. That’s above and beyond the bikes’ three rider modes.
The differences between the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R are in the electronics and suspension. The ‘R’ model gains an up and down-shift quickshifter and a launch control system. Both bikes get anti-stoppie ABS, but the R also has cornering ABS.
Where the stock GSX-R1000 uses Showa’s impressive Big Piston Front forks, the R gets the even higher-spec Balance Free Front forks and a matching rear shock.
Sales for both machines are due to start in spring.
