Suzuki sharpens GSX-R1000

By GARY MORELLO

While the new Suzuki Thou' generally heaped into the same litre-sized segment as the Honda Fireblade and Yamaha R1, anyone who's ever ridden a GSX-R1000 will know that in terms of power output and delivery, it's in a class all its own.

And while this is well and good, motorcycles need more than just straight-line speed and sure, being able to do fourth-gear stand-up wheelies down the freeway is cool, but not exactly practical.

The litre-sized Gixxer had monster power thanks to its killer powerplant, but it didn't quite offer the same usability as the Yammy and Honda steeds.

The new 2003 model aims to address this by significantly improving the handling and brakes, ultimately making it less of struggle to stay on during the twisties.

At the same time, other aspects haven't been neglected either, but more on that later...

The 2003-model Suzuki GSX-R1000 has finally arrived on local shores, carrying with it a fairly competitive price of $18,690, which matches up well with other '03 litre-class road bikes.

Voted the 2001-2002 International Bike of the Year, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 has also won countless racing championships worldwide, and looks set to continue with the launch of the 2003 model.

The new Suzuki GSX-R1000's 988cc four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine features several revised internal components complemented by an upgraded digital engine control module (ECM), increasing output to a stunning 164bhp, or roughly 122kW - about the same as a Honda Integra four-wheeler.

The ECM upgrades allow for the quicker and more precise calculation of fuel injection volume and ignition timing, which aids combustion efficiency and throttle reponse.

New lightweight double-barrel fuel injection throttle bodies incorporate the tasty Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system, while the Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) butterfly valve increases torque and throttle response - unless you chuck on an aftermarket can, that is, but the trade-off is negligible.

Reducing the GSX-R1000's overall weight is a new titanium exhaust system featuring an enlarged muffler with titanium core pipes and end plate, and an aluminium-alloy cover, which is lighter than an all-titanium equivalent.

Weighing in at just 166kg dry, the new GSX-R1000 has a power-to-weight ratio your average Lamborghini can only dream of.

Featuring an all-new black twin-spar aluminium-alloy frame (a whole two kilograms lighter than the previous model), the main frame spars on each side comprise of three internal reinforcing ribs.

To offset the GSX-R1000's additional power, the Suzuki included the über-trendy radial-mount, four-piston front brake calipers that produce stronger braking performance, and are similar to those used on the new GSV-R MotoGP bike.

This increased stopping performance allows the diameter and weight of the front brake discs to be reduced, adding to the turn-in capabilities of the 2003 GSX-R1000.

One of our favourite features, despite featuring on more and more bikes these days, is an engine rpm indicator light in the instrument console that can be programmed to a pre-set engine rpm. Choice.

The GSX-R1000's all-new 43mm inverted forks (with smooth-action Diamond-Like Carbon -or DLC- coated inner tubes) are fully adjustable for spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping, as is the single rear shock.

Styling-wise, the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 is distinguished by an aggressive new dual vertically-stacked headlight design that allows the ram-air intake ducts to be positioned closer to the centre of the fairing nose, which is the point of highest air pressure.

The increase in air pressure improves the charging efficiency of the machine and provides more torque at speed.

The new styling also helps improve aerodynamics, and potentially top speed too, and has a distinct Hayabusa look about it.

Adding to its unique styling, the new GSX-R1000 has a black-painted frame and swingarm, the latter of which is adjustable at the pivot using optional racing kit parts, and will no doubt be the envy of all your mates.

Suzuki has also incorporated practicality with the aggressive new look of the GSX-R1000: A narrower fuel tank adds knee room to make it easier for the rider to tuck in under the airflow, whilst maintaining a the standard 18-litre capacity tank.

The styling of the new GSX-R1000 additionally integrates an enclosed rear undertray - a la Blade and R1 - and LED-type tail light.

Perry Morison, the head honcho of motorcycles for Suzuki Australia had this to say: "The 2003 GSX-R1000 has more power and less weight than its predecessor and features an all-new frame and an aggressive aerodynamic look."

"To have significantly improved on what is already the world's best sports motorcycle is a remarkable achievement. We recently launched the new GSX-R1000 to the world's press at Phillip Island and received rave reviews, ones which I'm sure our customers will agree with."

Sure, whatever mate. Until the Wombat says its good, it very much a unknown quantity. Still, stand-up wheelies down the freeway in fourth gear does make for a tempting proposition...

In all seriousness, the new flagship GSX-R is a big step above its precursor, not so much in terms of outright acceleration, but things have improved a lot in the handling department, and thanks to the new radially-mounted brakes, stoppies will now be ridiculously easy.

It will be interesting to see how the new Gixxer king will shape up against the R1 and Fireblade, seeing as its weight is now down to a very respectable 166kg dry, and with the new orangey-copper paintjob as part of the line-up, the new range makes a very solid first impression.

Available in Pearl Blue/White, Metallic Silver and Candy Copper/Black, the 2003 GSX-R1000 costs $18,690 (suggested retail price) including GST plus on-road costs.

Suzuki GSX-R1000K3 Specifications:

Engine type: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-cylinder, 16-valve
Power / torque: 164bhp @ 10800rpm / 11.3kgm @ 8400rpm
Bore x stroke: 73.0 x 59.0mm
Displacement: 988cc
Compression ratio: 12.0:1
Carburetion: 42mm SDTV fuel injection
Oil capacity (overhaul): 3.6 litres
Ignition: Electronic ignition
Starter system: Electric
Lubrication system: Wet sump
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Primary drive ratio: 1.553 (73/47)
Final drive ratio: 2.470 (42/17)
Frame type: Twin-spar (aluminium alloy)
Rake/trail: 24 degrees / 96mm
Suspension
Front: 43mm Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable, DLC inner tube coating.
Rear: Link type, oil damped, coil spring, fully adjustable
Wheels
Front: 17M/C x MT3.50, cast aluminium alloy
Rear: 17M/C x MT6.00, cast aluminium alloy
Brakes
Front: Radial mount, 4-piston calipers, 300mm dual-disc
Rear: 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tyres
Front: 120/70ZR17, tubeless
Rear: 190/50ZR17, tubeless
Fuel tank: 18.0 litres
Overall length: 2,045mm
Overall width: 715mm
Overall height: 1,135mm
Wheelbase: 1,410mm
Grand clearance: 130mm
Seat height: 830mm
Dry weight: 168kg
Warranty: 2 year unlimited kilometre