Suzuki GSX-R 1000 2012 test: in small steps
Reigning world champion in Endurance, the GSX-R 1000 does not have to be ashamed of its hyper sporting potential. However, the changes made by Suzuki to its Gex 1000 L2 will allow it to remain at the top in 2012 ? Circuit test.
GSX-R L2: the same but (a little) better !
Very close to its predecessor on paper, the 2012 GSX-R is however subtly different from it once installed behind its straps: if the general ergonomics are extremely close to the previous model, the inclination of the bust is however a little more pronounced..
This phenomenon, due to the shortening of the travel of the fork (from 125 to 120 mm for more maneuverability), does not really affect the rather surprising comfort offered by the GSX-R, which shows the passage of new suspension settings..
The Showa inverted fork Big Piston Fork (BPF) is thus slightly firmed in preload (one and a half more turns) and softened in hydraulics (a quarter turn less). Likewise, the spring preload of the rear mono-shock has been lowered to promote traction..
The saddle – the grip of which has been improved with a new coating – is still as welcoming for an SBK, while the flexion required at the level of the knees is not drastic. And since the position of the footrests is adjustable, improving (or worsening) the fate of the lower limbs only requires a simple wrench of 10. Convenient to go from the road to the track, and vice versa. !
Although largely indented at the crotch, the 17.5-liter tank still significantly spreads the legs – more in any case than on certain "thin blades" like the CBR1000RR, the RSV4 and the ZX-10R. In return, the Suzuki scores points in terms of protection thanks to its screen and its pronounced curved fairings..
Likewise, its on-board console, taken from the previous model, clearly and visibly displays its multiple information (analog tachometer, speed, odometer, two trips + reserve trip, stopwatch, engine temperature, gear and mapping engaged, time, shift light): a KTM or a Kawasaki cannot say the same.
A boost on the starter and the air-fuel mixture blown by the eight injectors ignited in the bowels of the big "4-in-line". Displaying exactly the same dimensions (74.5 mm x 57.3 mm) and the same values of power (185 hp) and torque (11.67 mkg) as before, the engine of the GSX-R 2012 nevertheless received a significant number of developments.
By adjusting the shape and thickness of the piston crown (lighter by 11%) and reducing the mechanical clearances, the Japanese engineers first of all succeeded in increasing the compression ratio: by 12.8: 1 from 2009 to 2011, it goes to 12.9: 1 in 2012. Not enough to put the spleen in court bouillon, but Suzuki ensures that this gain directly promotes acceleration at high speed.
Likewise, the presence of new camshafts allows more aggressive valve lift. Thanks to this modification resulting from the experience acquired on the fire of the MotoGP GSV-R and the return of the single exhaust outlet (like the Gex 2005), the torque would be greater at mid-range.
Finally, to improve reliability, the clutch has been reinforced and the flow rate of the oil pump increased. Let it be said: it is not in 2012 that the reputation of indestructibility of the GSX-R 1000 is likely to be undermined !
A key asset for its future owners, but also for the boss of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT)! In the same way, Dominique Meliand sees very favorably the announced reduction of 8% in gasoline consumption (see our). Because a drop in consumption means less refueling in endurance races, and therefore a new advantage over the competition … CQFD !
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