Premiere: Suzuki GSX-R 1000

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Premiere: Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Suzuki

Premiere, Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Suzuki GSX-R 1000 already driven

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Suzuki briefly accelerates. Before the big model change, the Japanese revised the GSX-R 1000 in some details. Strike now or wait and see?

“We can’t say anything about that.” At the presentation of the 2012 model, Suzuki Germany managing director Akira Kyuji answered the question about the next GSX-R 1000 generation in a friendly manner, but with Japanese restraint and a skillful poker face: When will the superbike with ABS and Traction control? The sparrows have long been whistling from the rooftops: 2013. It is true that the chirping has not yet revealed which features the Japanese will be equipping the superbike with. But in order not to completely lose touch with the competition, Hamamatsu should definitely take the driver assistance systems mentioned on board.

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Premiere: Suzuki GSX-R 1000

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Suzuki GSX-R 1000 already driven


Suzuki

As with the smaller sisters GSX-R 600/750, Brembos now also bite into the Thousand.

Not only because of these missing systems, the sales figures have tumbled in recent years. One of the reasons for the sluggish demand is the controversial exhaust system that has been on the Suzi since 2009. In any case, the Japanese changed these for 2012. Instead of the monstrous double exhaust, a single silencer now adorns the superbike. The viewer only recognizes the other modifications on closer inspection: new brake calipers (Brembo instead of Tokico), slightly changed paintwork, red decorative stripes on the outer ring of the rim, better-grip seat covers front and rear. 

On the other hand, some changes to the engine are hidden from view (see box below). According to Suzuki, the measures increase the punch in lower and medium speeds with the same top-end power of 185 hp. Without a direct comparison with the predecessor, this statement is of course difficult to prove or disprove. But that much is certain: The Kilo-Gixxer shoots off with plenty of flavor even on lower tours and marches up to five-digit speeds without noticeable sagging – amazing! Only performance junkies miss the last ponies on the race upstairs, such as those on a BMW S 1000 RR. But that is whining at the highest level. The bottom line is that the Suzuki propellant is what it has always been: a real masterpiece.


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Most noticeable and most important visual change on the GSX-R 1000 vintage 2012: single instead. Double exhaust.

The PS testers have not yet received such hymns of praise for the chassis. Especially the stucco response of the fork left something to be desired. A slightly modified setup and new fork oil work wonders. The fork now responds extremely sensitively and still has enough reserves for gripping braking maneuvers – a dream! Despite the five millimeters shortened spring travel, the fork doesn’t go on block. Shortened suspension travel? Probably to lower the front to facilitate handling, Suzuki shortened the fork by a whopping seven millimeters and thus of course the suspension travel. 

The GSX-R shows its potential especially with the extremely handy and almost nervous racing tires “R10” from Bridgestone, which were fitted on a trial basis. It greedily hunts into the corners and holds the line exactly when tilted. It looks a little different on the moderate series “S20” with special specifications from the same manufacturer. In a direct comparison, the load needs a little more power everywhere: when turning, in an inclined position and also when exiting a curve. 

Undoubtedly a highlight of the 2012 Gixxer is the brake – finally! The stoppers bite like hell, are easy to dose, convey a transparent feeling and do not bend your knees even with violent braking attacks. The price of the 2012 GSX-R is definitely tempting: 14,790 euros. Suzuki would like to sell a modest 100 copies in Germany. Despite strong competition, a lack of electronic helpers, the successor in the starting blocks and a large number of new predecessor models at even cheaper prices, this amount seems realistic.

Conclusion
Hit or wait? A matter of weighing up. Suzuki will hardly offer the successor to the GSX-R 1000 at this very affordable price. Especially not when the Japanese equip it with the ABS and traction control driver assistance systems. Those who can do without these helpers can confidently access them. Although Suzuki only modified the Kilo-Gixxer in a few details, the changes are fully effective. 



Suzuki

The Suzuki GSX-R 1000.

Changes
Engine: Single instead of double exhaust; changed camshaft timing; Compression increased by 0.1 to 12.9: 1; lighter cup tappets; lighter pistons; larger crankcase bores between the cylinders (less pumping losses); adapted programming of the engine electronics (mapping).
Landing gear: Brembo instead of Tokico calipers; Brake discs 0.5 millimeters thinner (5.0 instead of 5.5 mm); modified fork setup with suspension travel reduced by 5 mm; 7 mm shorter fork; new series tires (Bridgestone S20); new front axle 40 grams lighter; Bike a total of two kilograms lighter. 
Miscellaneous: Painting; Decorative stripes on the rim; better grip seat cover.

Technical specifications
Drive: Four-cylinder in-line engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 136 kW (185 PS) at 11,500 / min *, 117 Nm at 10,000 / min *, 999 cm3, bore / stroke: 74.5 / 57.3 mm, compression: 12 , 9: 1, ignition / injection system, 44 mm throttle valves, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath anti-hopping clutch, six-speed gearbox, chain.Landing gear: Light alloy bridge frame, steering head angle: 66.5 degrees, caster: 98 mm, wheelbase: 1405 mm, inner fork tube diameter: 43 mm, spring travel from / h .: 120/130 mmWheels and brakes: Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 / 6.00 x 17, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/50 ZR 17, 310 mm double disc brake with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 220 mm single disc with single-piston floating caliper at the rear.
Weight (full tank): 203 kg *.
Tank capacity: 17.5 liter super basic price 14,790 euros (plus ancillary costs).

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