Suzuki Motor Corporation has revealed details of its 2012 flagship Superbike
- the GSX-R1000, offering enhanced capability thanks to technical innovations
that provide heightened engine and chassis performance as well as weight-loss
for the new model.
Announced in unison across the world yesterday, the 2012 GSX-R1000 retains its
original styling but with a host of revisions all implemented to make this the
very best GSX-R1000 ever produced.
Shaving 4 lbs (two kilograms) from its kerb weight, the new GSX-R features a
plethora of updates, incorporating Brembo's highly acclaimed Monoblock calipers
for incredible braking and engine revisions that provide even more mid-range
power.
Looks that Highlight the GSX-R1000 Evolution
The GSX-R1000's styling is sharp, edgy, and clean. And thanks to extensive
wind-tunnel development, it contributes to outstanding performance. A wide upper
fairing cuts turbulence and drag while offering great wind protection. A narrow
lower fairing also cuts drag. Suzuki Ram Air-Direct (SRAD) intakes are close to
the centre line of the fairing nose, where air pressure is highest while the
bike is moving. Sharply creased fairing sides have a layered shape that enhances
the flow of cooling air through the radiator and away from the rider. The
fairing lowers extend rearward to smooth the flow of air over the muffler.
Newly evolved styling details evoke the bike's newly enhanced performance and
handling. The single muffler makes the bike look lighter and nimbler. The wheels
have red pinstripes punctuated by "R" logos that highlight the bike's identity.
The outer tubes of the front forks are black (rather than the previously used
gold) to complement the gold-and-red coloring of the Brembo monobloc calipers.
Black surfaces have an exquisite matte finish. The rear combination lamp has a
new LED layout for lower weight. And the bike's identity is emphasized by bigger
"GSX-R" graphics and more extensive use of Suzuki's signature blue color on the
bodywork.
Better Throttle Response and Acceleration
The 2012 GSX-R1000's 999cc engine combines advances in design, performance, and
fuel efficiency with the fundamental elements that helped to create the GSX-R
legend. Key benefits include better throttle response, more power and
acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and approximately 8% better fuel
economy.
The most visible advance is a switch from two mufflers to a single muffler. The
muffler body is, like those of the previous model, made of titanium for
lightness. The 4-2-1 exhaust pipe is made of stainless steel, and the material
is thinner for lightness. The catalyzer has more cells than that of the previous
model, so it gives uncompromised emission control together with compactness and
lightness. The overall exhaust system is considerably lighter than the previous
one. The single muffler and a revised exhaust-pipe length enhance output at low
and mid-range engine speeds, so acceleration is quicker. Plus, less weight at
the back of the bike means better dynamics. The bike is easier to throw from
side to side on chicanes, so it gives stronger performance on the racetrack.
Advances inside the engine begin with the pistons. Suzuki used
finite-element-analysis and fatigue-analysis techniques honed in development of
MotoGP racebike engines to make the pistons lighter without compromising their
strength and durability.
Each bore in the integrated aluminum-alloy cylinder-block/upper-crankcase
casting is plated with Suzuki's own race-proven
nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating, which reduces friction, improves heat
transfer, durability, and ring seal, and is known as Suzuki Composite
Electrochemical Material (SCEM).
Thinner material for the tappet skirts means a weight saving of 2.5 grams per
tappet. The reduced inertial mass gave Suzuki the freedom to optimize the valve
lift curve. Consequently, Suzuki used MotoGP technologies to revise the exhaust
cam profile for a slight reduction in valve overlap (the period when the intake
and exhaust valves are both open), thereby increasing the engine's racetrack
performance potential.
Suzuki adopted race-proven specifications and technologies elsewhere in the
engine. A bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm realize great performance
potential. Optimally shaped combustion chambers and an increased compression
ratio of 12.9:1 (up from 12.8:1) promote low-range and mid-range performance and
help to realize a broad torque curve. The valve sizes are 31mm on the intake
side and 25mm on the exhaust side. And a short intake camshaft combines with
location of the cam angle sensor in the centre of the exhaust camshaft to allow
a cylinder-head shape that saves weight.
Three Selectable Performance Settings
The unique Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) system allows the rider to select
from three fuel-injection and ignition-system maps, thereby adjusting power
delivery to suit personal preferences.
A button on the left handlebar control module lets the rider instantly switch
between the three maps, which are displayed as "A", "B", and "C" on the
instrument panel.
The "A" setting yields sharp throttle response throughout the throttle-opening
range to realize maximal power delivery. The "B" setting yields relatively soft
throttle response up to the middle of the throttle-opening range. The "C"
setting yields relatively soft throttle response throughout the throttle-opening
range by reducing engine power.
Greater Maneuverability
Along with the utilization of the Brembo Monoblock calipers, the 2012 GSX-R1000
features further chassis enhancements that offer greater maneuverability thanks
to a reduction in weight for the front tire and axle, offering superior unsprung
weight advantages. This weight saving is amplified with the return to a
lightweight 4-2-1 exhaust system, further enhanced with a new lightweight
titanium silencer also.
With the current GSX-R1000 a proven track performer, narrowly missing out in
this year's British Superbike Championship by just 0.006 seconds, and current
holder of the Brands Hatch Superbike lap record, the 2012 GSX-R1000, with its
detailed update looks set to continue Suzuki's front of the pack performance.