Motorcycles

New GSX-R1000 aims at superbike dominance with variable-valve timing

New GSX-R1000 aims at superbike dominance with variable-valve timing
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R launches into the superbike wars all guns blazing
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R launches into the superbike wars all guns blazing
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The new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R retains the familiar MotoGP blue paint job with the huge logo running along the fairings' sides
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The new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R retains the familiar MotoGP blue paint job with the huge logo running along the fairings' sides
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R features a new LED headlight
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R features a new LED headlight
Gone are the round clocks in the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R, as now almost all superbikes rely on big digital screens to accommodate the loads of information that come with the multiple electronic systems
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Gone are the round clocks in the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R, as now almost all superbikes rely on big digital screens to accommodate the loads of information that come with the multiple electronic systems
The Showa balance-free rear cushion of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The Showa balance-free rear cushion of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The tail of the Suzuki GSX-R1000/R mimics the design of the GSX-RR MotoGP racer
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The tail of the Suzuki GSX-R1000/R mimics the design of the GSX-RR MotoGP racer
LED turn signals come as standard on the Suzuki GSX-R1000/R - unless you live in North America
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LED turn signals come as standard on the Suzuki GSX-R1000/R - unless you live in North America
LED lights as well at the rear of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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LED lights as well at the rear of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The new Showa Balance Free Fork was first introduced with the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, and now finds its second application on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The new Showa Balance Free Fork was first introduced with the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, and now finds its second application on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R launches into the superbike wars all guns blazing
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R launches into the superbike wars all guns blazing
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in action
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the right, and the GSX-R1000R on the left. The only visible giveaway from this angle is the different forks
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the right, and the GSX-R1000R on the left. The only visible giveaway from this angle is the different forks
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R aims at superbike domination
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R aims at superbike domination
The new ABS unit sits right under the seat of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The new ABS unit sits right under the seat of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R sports a lower fuel tank, creating more space for the rider to tuck in behind the screen
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R sports a lower fuel tank, creating more space for the rider to tuck in behind the screen
Redesigned camshafts for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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Redesigned camshafts for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The cockpit view aboard the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The cockpit view aboard the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
A 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R blown to bits
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A 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R blown to bits
This is the Electronic Control Module of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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This is the Electronic Control Module of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The ride-by-wire throttle valves of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R connect only electronically to the rider's right hand
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The ride-by-wire throttle valves of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R connect only electronically to the rider's right hand
This is a finger follower arm in replacement of bucket tappets in the valvetrain of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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This is a finger follower arm in replacement of bucket tappets in the valvetrain of the new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
New 320 mm Brembo disks for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R, in place of the 310 mm Sunstar disks of the current model
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New 320 mm Brembo disks for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R, in place of the 310 mm Sunstar disks of the current model
Small headlight, huge air scoops for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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Small headlight, huge air scoops for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The six-axis continental inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The six-axis continental inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The left handlebar switch module controls almost all the functions of the electronics on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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The left handlebar switch module controls almost all the functions of the electronics on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
Brand new titanium exhaust system for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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Brand new titanium exhaust system for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R sports new, lighter and more compact frame, subframe and swingarm, all made from aluminium
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R sports new, lighter and more compact frame, subframe and swingarm, all made from aluminium
Considerably more power required a redesigned gear box for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
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Considerably more power required a redesigned gear box for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The variable valve timing system of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R employs a simple centrifugal design
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The variable valve timing system of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R employs a simple centrifugal design
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Metallic Mat Black color
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Metallic Mat Black color
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Metallic Triton Blue color
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Metallic Triton Blue  color
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Pearl Mira Red color
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 in Pearl Mira Red color
The Showa Balance Free Forks in gold color, as will be available with the blue Suzuki GSX-R1000R
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The Showa Balance Free Forks in gold color, as will be available with the blue Suzuki GSX-R1000R
The Showa Balance Free Forks in blue will only grace the black Suzuki GSX-R1000R
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The Showa Balance Free Forks in blue will only grace the black Suzuki GSX-R1000R
The screen module of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R gets rid of the round clocks, in tune with the latest superbike trends
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The screen module of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R gets rid of the round clocks, in tune with the latest superbike trends
Adjusting the electronics of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R is done with the help of a handlebar switch and this busy screen
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Adjusting the electronics of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R is done with the help of a handlebar switch and this busy screen
The Showa balance-free rear cushion in the color used on the blue 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
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The Showa balance-free rear cushion in the color used on the blue 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
Buying the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in black comes with accordingly painted suspensions
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Buying the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R in black comes with accordingly painted suspensions
The new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R borrows its styling cues from the GSX-RR MotoGP racer
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The new Suzuki GSX-R1000/R borrows its styling cues from the GSX-RR MotoGP racer
The Metallic Triton Blue colors of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R look very familiar, but hide a completely new bike underneath
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The Metallic Triton Blue colors of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R look very familiar, but hide a completely new bike underneath
The shape of the frontal area of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R retains the looks of recent models, replacing the big light surfaces with enournous air intakes
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The shape of the frontal area of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R retains the looks of recent models, replacing the big light surfaces with enournous air intakes
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Metallic Triton Blue color
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Metallic Triton Blue color
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R offers more compact dimensions, specifically tailored for race track use
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R offers more compact dimensions, specifically tailored for race track use
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Glass Sparkle Black color
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The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Glass Sparkle Black color
The exhaust tubes of the new GSX-R1000/R include two balance tubes, each controlled by a Suzuki exhaust tuning butterfly valve, in the hunt for optimal torque throughout the rpm range
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The exhaust tubes of the new GSX-R1000/R include two balance tubes, each controlled by a Suzuki exhaust tuning butterfly valve, in the hunt for optimal torque throughout the rpm range
The Suzuki Variable Valve Timing system of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R. In low rpm the balls sit near the center of the intake camshaft
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The Suzuki Variable Valve Timing system of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R. In low rpm the balls sit near the center of the intake camshaft
The Suzuki Variable Valve Timing system of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R in high rpm. The balls move towards the outer part of the cam sprocket, where they align with a metal plate next to it and cause a small rotation of the camshaft, thus altering its timing
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The Suzuki Variable Valve Timing system of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R in high rpm. The balls move towards the outer part of the cam sprocket, where they align with a metal plate next to it and cause a small rotation of the camshaft, thus altering its timing
High in the airbox of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R, the top-feed injector (in blue) comes into play only at high rpm spraying finely atomized fuel into the combustion chamber
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High in the airbox of the 2017 GSX-R1000/R, the top-feed injector (in blue) comes into play only at high rpm spraying finely atomized fuel into the combustion chamber
Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R engine is 6.6 mm narrower, 22.2 mm shorter and sits in the frame at a steeper 26-degree angle (32 for the previous model)
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Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R engine is 6.6 mm narrower, 22.2 mm shorter and sits in the frame at a steeper 26-degree angle (32 for the previous model)
The finger followers that are employed by Suzuki to actuate the valves of the new GSX-R1000/R are linked to stationary rods, so each one's actual moving mass on only 3 g
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The finger followers that are employed by Suzuki to actuate the valves of the new GSX-R1000/R are linked to stationary rods, so each one's actual moving mass on only 3 g
View gallery - 52 images

Suzuki unveiled at Intermot its latest sportbike bearing the iconic GSX-R logo. The new GSX-R1000 brings variable valve timing to the game, in a brand-new package that incorporates all the essential features of the highly competitive superbike class, escorted by an even higher-spec R version.

The GSX-R family was first introduced in 1984, with the 750 that is today considered a timeless classic. In a world of road bikes converted to racers, the GSX-R was effectively the first racing superbike that could be ridden in the streets, proceeding to win countless titles around the world and setting the stage for a series of legendary motorcycles – both from Suzuki and its competitors.

After several successful years in the market in 750 and 1100 cc versions, Suzuki responded to Honda's Fireblade and Yamaha's R1 with a new GSX-R1000 in 2001. A new cycle was initiated, leading to the 2005 K5 that is regarded as one of the best GSX-R models of all times, with its torquey monster of an engine still in use today in the GSX-S1000 street fighter.

The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the right, and the GSX-R1000R on the left. The only visible giveaway from this angle is the different forks
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the right, and the GSX-R1000R on the left. The only visible giveaway from this angle is the different forks

The brand new sixth-generation GSX-R1000 that Suzuki announced last year and unveiled at Intermot runs on a completely new 999.8 cc in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 202 hp (150.6 kW) of power and 117.6 Nm (86.7 lb-ft) of torque. It is smaller in size, its cylinders have even more oversquare dimensions (76.0 x 55.1 mm, compared to 74.5 x 57.3 mm of the 2015 model) and work at a higher 13.2:1 compression ratio, raising the redline ceiling to 14,500 rpm – a thousand higher than the current version.

The new powerplant stands out from its competition thanks to a variable valve timing (VVT) system that Suzuki developed for its new MotoGP racer, the GSX-RR. It is an ingenious design, specifically targeted at achieving high-rpm performance without emptying the lower end.

It consists of twelve metal balls sitting in slanted grooves curved into the inner side of the intake camshaft sprocket. As the gear rotates, the balls move outwards centrifugally along the grooves, forcing a straight-grooved side plate next to the cam to align by rotating slightly. This alters the angular position of the sprocket on the intake cam and instigates a delay in its timing. By calculating precisely the mass of the balls and the geometry of the grooves, Suzuki claims to have a come up with a solution that allows for more power in high rotation rates, without any loss in low and mid-range.

The variable valve timing system of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R employs a simple centrifugal design
The variable valve timing system of the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R employs a simple centrifugal design

The best thing about the Suzuki Racing VVT system is that it is very simple, integrated into existing parts and taking up no extra space in the cylinder head. Nor does it suck up significant power. It also seemingly requires minimal maintenance and adds very little extra weight to the engine.

The valve actuation system is also new, replacing the bucket tappets with a finger follower setup that has also been developed on Suzuki's MotoGP machine. The main gain from this is in weight, with considerably lighter moving parts offering better high-rpm accuracy thanks to their lower inertia.

The motor is suspended from a new twin-spar aluminium frame, which is visually smaller, 10 percent lighter and claimed by Suzuki to be stiffer than its predecessor.

Suspension is once again provided by Showa, with the race-proven Big Piston Fork that was successfully used in the previous GSX-R – and most of its Japanese competitors as well.

The new Showa Balance Free Fork was first introduced with the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, and now finds its second application on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R
The new Showa Balance Free Fork was first introduced with the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, and now finds its second application on the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000/R

Along with the standard GSX-R1000 though, Suzuki introduced an R version, which distinguishes itself with Showa's latest suspension system, the Balance Free Fork and Balance Free Rear Cushion. These debuted a few months ago on the 2016 Kawasaki ZX-10R, and are now finding their way to the new 2017 GSX-R1000R as well.

As expected, the new GSX-R is laden with electronics. Starting with the essential ride-by-wire throttle, a new six-axis Continental inertial measurement unit (IMU) orchestrates a series of support systems that include drive-mode selector with three maps to choose from; 10-level motion-track traction control; and Suzuki's new cornering ABS system that they've dubbed the "motion track brake system." The standard equipment also includes an electronic steering stabilizer and an easy start system.

The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Glass Sparkle Black color
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R in Glass Sparkle Black color

On top of these, the GSX-R1000R model adds to the tally a bi-directional (upshift and downshift) quick shifter and a launch-control system, along with a lightweight upper triple clamp, LED position lights (curiously not available in North America) and a lightweight battery.

The new GSX-R1000 weighs in at 200 kg (441 lb) for the non-ABS version, adding another 2 kg (5 lb) for the braking safety system. As for the GSX-R1000R, this will only be available with ABS and tips the scales at 203 kg (447 lb).

Prices and availability have not been communicated yet, but the arrival of Suzuki's new superbike - presented below in Suzuki's official promo video - is eagerly expected to join the latest generation of exciting liter-class sportbikes that have rolled out in 2015 and 2016 - including the all-new Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP.

Source: Suzuki

View gallery - 52 images
2 comments
2 comments
Gizmowiz
It won't touch an LS-218.
Captain Danger
@VincentWolf Depends on how long the race is.