Suzuki Motorcycles India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL) launched the much awaited flagship Superbikes from their stable in India - the Suzuki GSX R1000 and GSX-R1000R. Both the bikes a monster of an engine, plethora of advanced electronic systems and equipment. Here is an overview of the bikes right from the aesthetics to mechanical equipment.
Design & Looks:Though the new 2017 GSXR has much design cues from its previous generations, the bike as a whole looks very neat and chiseled. The sixth generation of the bike is very compact when compared to the previous generations, but the large chunky exhaust is a bit of a let down (if we get a '17 GSXR, the first thing that goes off the bike is the exhaust). The aerodynamics of the bike is also reportedly improved offering a great stability. The signature headlights design in now gone, paving way to a much simple and slim unit housing the projector lamps. The dual air intake ducts are larger than the previous generation and is located on either sides of the headlamp. The fairing of the motorcycle also goes on diet with sharp lines on the body, in place of the smooth curves of the yesteryear bike. Both bikes have similar design and share almost all parts, except a few.
Engine & Performance:Both the GSX R1000 and GSX R1000R share the same 999.8cc liquid cooled inline four cylinder engine which churns out a mammoth 201.8 PS of power at 13,200 rpm and 118 Nm torque at 10,800 rpm. The motorcycle gets fuel injection with Ride by wire 49mm throttle body system. The new lightweight engine incorporates Suzuki Racing Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology derived for the MotoGP machine Suzuki GSX RR. The bike gets a standard 6 speed transmission. We expect the bike to go as fast as the 2017 Yamaha R1/R1M or the 2017 BMW S1000R, given the loads of technology the motorcycle comprises.
Electronic Package:Both the bike gets top of the line electronics package fulfilling the unsaid benchmark for a flagship liter class sportbike. The bikes get 10 level Motion Track Traction Control System (MT-TCS), six direction three axis Inertial measurement Unit (IMU), three mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), and ABS. The meaner Gixxer GSX R1000R gets additional Quick shifter, Launch control and Motion track Antilock braking system. With all these advanced electronic systems the GSX R siblings would be easy to ride, although there are 201 horses lying underneath.
Equipment:The motorcycles get Showa BFF USD forks with coil springs upfront while the rear gets a link type Showa BFF-Lite Shock oil damped suspension. Though both the bikes have similar front forks, the GSX R1000R has the oil reservoir tube separate. Both the bikes get massive stopping power in the form of dual Brembo 4 piston calipers at the front and a single piston Brembo caliper at the rear. The tyres provide tremendous grip as the bikes come up Bridgestone RS10 rubber on both sides. The motorcycles have a 16 litre fuel tank capacity, while measuring 200 kg and 203 kg in kerb weight respectively.
Final Impression:
With the launch of this GSX R siblings the choices for flagship litre class Superbikes are broad enough for riders to choose from. The homologation also makes it easier for the WSBK riders, as this advanced motorcycle is being tuned for the factory Suzuki team. Suzuki has also got the pricing right for a sensitive market like India, given the fact that it incorporates so much advanced technology. The GSX R1000 is priced at Rs. 19,00,000 (Ex showroom Delhi) and comes in Metallic Triton Blue and Matt Black colors while the GSX R1000R is available at Rs. 22,00,000 (Ex showroom Delhi) in Glass Sparkle Black and Metallic Triton Blue shades.
By: Aravind Rb
