At Suzuki's 2009 model launch held in Paris yesterday, Suzuki Europe unveiled its all-new GSX-R1000 K9.*
Boasting an all-new compact engine, shorter wheelbase and new styling, the new GSX-R1000 raises the bar once more in the hotly-contested liter bike class.
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.
And it's not just the engine that's seen the significant changes either, as the all-new chassis makes the GSX-R1000 more agile than ever before. With the new shorter, twin-spar cast cradle frame, mated to a new longer, arched swing-arm made of three castings, the new bike boasts increased racetrack performance with a wheelbase shortened by 10mm.
Equipped with Showa's new Big Piston Forks (BPF) with endurance race proven design, these, combined with a new rear shock absorber that features high and low-speed compression damping, offer superb feedback and response with reduced weight too. The new lightweight, race-proven mono-block forged radial calipers, mated to fully-floating 310mm discs offer superb stopping power.
With a unique engine and chassis package, the aggressive aesthetics and rider controls top-off the flagship GSX-R. WIth the unique Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System, featuring low-slung MotoGP inspired titanium exhausts, a lighter, sculptured fuel tank, on-board lap timer and revised Suzuki Drive Mode Selector controls, the new bike offers the complete sports package.
*The US intro isn't until next week so there will likely be paint scheme changes as well as minor differences.