In Milan Suzuki has taken the wraps off its new GSX-R1000 ‘concept model’ which is actually a preview of the superbike that will go on sale late next year.
The details include an all-new 1000cc four-cylinder engine which includes variable valve timing on the intake camshaft – a first in the four-cylinder superbike class. The intention is to give a wider spread of torque while still allowing the engine to be tuned for maximum peak power. The VVT operates on a finger-follower rocker arm valve train, and there are secondary injectors in the airbox to pump in more fuel at high revs. Each exhaust header balance tube contains a butterfly valve to alter back pressure depending on the revs and throttle opening.
The bike is also claimed to have an electronic throttle developed from the firm’s GSX-RR MotoGP machine.
Unsurprisingly, the frame and bodywork are also completely new, although they retain familiar GSX-R overtones when it comes to the styling, with a stacked headlight and slightly fussy treatment for the side panels. This time around, the headlight is an LED unit, as are the indicators and tail light.
The large, side-mounted exhaust looks rather retro, but given the need to meet Euro4 emissions rules by the time the bike is ready to go on sale in the second half of 2016, it’s something that many of its rivals are likely to be forced to adopt as well.
As you’d expect on a modern superbike, the new GSX-R1000 comes complete with a full suite of electronics, including a 10-level traction control system, a quickshifter for clutchless up- and down-changes. It will allow full-throttle upshifts and, going down through the box, the throttle is automatically blipped to rev-match the lower ratio.
There’s launch control, too, and three rider-selectable engine modes providing different power delivery.
On the chassis side we get Showa suspension front and rear, with the latest ‘Balance Free’ forks and shock, developed in racing and providing more consistent damping.
