At Suzuki's 2009 model launch held in Paris today, Suzuki unveiled an all-new GSX-R1000 K9 model, alongside the new Gladius 650. The new GSX-R1000 has an all-new compact engine, shorter wheelbase and updated styling.
With significant changes in the engine department, the new GSX-R boasts a more over-square bore and stroke (74.5mm x 57.3mm), larger, titanium valves, a higher compression ratio (now 12.8:1 as opposed to the K8's 12.5:1), and 12-hole fuel injectors, to deliver a finer fuel mist for more complete combustion. All this with a power-plant that is 59mm shorter from front to rear
Engine: 60mm shorter from front to rear. Over-square with a bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm. Compression ratio increased from 12.5 to 12.8:1. Suzuki claims increased tuning potential.Valves are larger and titanium, the pistons are forged and the conrods are shot-peened. The Drive Mode selector is now located on the left handlebar and offers three power delivery maps. A slipper clutch keeps everything in line while slowing down.
Exhaust: Swoopy titanium cans replace the chunky old ones. We like these very much.
Suspension: 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R-style Show Big Piston Front (BPF) forks. They're supposed to be lighter, stronger and give better feedback. The rear shock has rebound damping, a collar preload adjuster and high- and low-speed compression damping adjustment.
Brakes: 310mm front discs with monoblock calipers.
Rider comfort: The fairing has been designed to reduce turbulence, while the footpegs are adjustable.
Overall: A little faster, a little lighter, a little more powerful and a little smaller than before. But these are evolutionary, not revolutionary changes. The 2009 Yamaha R1 has its crossplane crankshaft. The 2009 Honda CBR1000RR has ABS. Like GSX-R1000s before it, we're sure this new one is a masterpiece of engineering, but will it compete in showrooms with flashier bikes.
With significant changes in the engine department, the new GSX-R boasts a more over-square bore and stroke (74.5mm x 57.3mm), larger, titanium valves, a higher compression ratio (now 12.8:1 as opposed to the K8's 12.5:1), and 12-hole fuel injectors, to deliver a finer fuel mist for more complete combustion. All this with a power-plant that is 59mm shorter from front to rear
Engine: 60mm shorter from front to rear. Over-square with a bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm. Compression ratio increased from 12.5 to 12.8:1. Suzuki claims increased tuning potential.Valves are larger and titanium, the pistons are forged and the conrods are shot-peened. The Drive Mode selector is now located on the left handlebar and offers three power delivery maps. A slipper clutch keeps everything in line while slowing down.
Exhaust: Swoopy titanium cans replace the chunky old ones. We like these very much.
Suspension: 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R-style Show Big Piston Front (BPF) forks. They're supposed to be lighter, stronger and give better feedback. The rear shock has rebound damping, a collar preload adjuster and high- and low-speed compression damping adjustment.
Brakes: 310mm front discs with monoblock calipers.
Rider comfort: The fairing has been designed to reduce turbulence, while the footpegs are adjustable.
Overall: A little faster, a little lighter, a little more powerful and a little smaller than before. But these are evolutionary, not revolutionary changes. The 2009 Yamaha R1 has its crossplane crankshaft. The 2009 Honda CBR1000RR has ABS. Like GSX-R1000s before it, we're sure this new one is a masterpiece of engineering, but will it compete in showrooms with flashier bikes.
