2017 GSX-R1000R and MT-09 in launch mode

There were a number of new and updated motorcycles launched at the 2016 motorcycle shows in Cologne and Milan.

Two of the headline acts were undoubtedly the Suzuki GSX-R1000R and Yamaha MT-09, and both will be ridden at press launches in Australia this week – with Bikesales attending both.

Suzuki released two new six-generation Gixxers at Intermot: the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R. The latter is a more sophisticated race-ready version, and that's the one which will be ridden in the international launch at Phillip Island.

A number of international journalists have already sampled the GSX-R1000R, and it's certainly not lacking for power – and it's broad too, which should be ideal for sling-shotting out of corners.

The GSX-R1000s have an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) which constantly monitors vehicle movement in six directions along three axes: pitch, roll and yaw.

The in-line four-cylinder engine has titanium valves and a more oversquare bore and stroke (76mm x 55.1mm) compared to the old model, as well as higher redline (now 14,5000rpm) and a higher compression ratio. The gearbox has also been completely redesigned, although Suzuki gearboxes have always been silky smooth.

There's also MotoGP-developed variable valve timing to allow higher peak power without sacrificing low or mid-range oomph – and one in which Suzuki says is far less complicated than setups from other manufacturers.

The IMU in both the GSX-R1000s is from Continental, while the engine also has 10 levels of traction control, as well as Suzuki's low rpm assist and easy start technologies.

Suzuki claims 199.27hp and 117.6Nm.

The GSX-R1000 uses Showa Big Piston Front forks, while the GSX-R1000R goes a step further with the latest race-developed Showa Balance free Front forks and Balance Free Rear Cushion lite shock. The GSX-R1000R also adds a two-way quickshifter, launch control and cornering ABS.

The new twin-spar aluminium perimeter frame is 20mm narrower at the widest point between the spars, and weighs 10 per cent less. It’s constructed of four sections, welded together.

The frame is 60mm wider and stronger at the rear engine mounts, which claims to reduce vibration. The upper rear shock mount is moved back by 48mm and down by 20mm, making room for teams to install a modified fuel tank for longer-distance events.

The new bolt-on rear subframe is now made of aluminium tubing, reducing weight by 38 per cent. A new aluminium swingarm is braced on both sides instead of on one, to improve weight and rigidity balance. It’s also 25mm longer from the pivot shaft to the rear-most axle position.

The riding position – defined by the relative positioning of the footpegs, the seat and the handlebars – is unchanged. But Suzuki says it's now easier for the rider to tuck in because the top of the fuel tank is 21mm lower.

Claimed kerb weight for the GSX-R1000R is 203kg.

Suzuki Australia is yet to announce price or availability for the GSX-R1000R.

We'll have a comprehensive review on the GSX-R1000R on Bikesales next week, as we also will for the MT-09. This launch will be a little mellower than the GSX-R1000R – although there is a race rack component at a small circuit near Albury (NSW).

We'll then hit the got for a strop through the beautiful twists and turns of north-east Victoria – in what is being forecast as searing heat.

So what's new on the MT-09? For a start, there's a heavy styling update which sees it bearing a closer family resemblance to the MT-10.

The twin-eye LED headlight design and now 30mm shorter tail section gives the middleweight nakedbike a far more aggressive stance over the model it will replace.

In terms of internal updates, there’s now a slip-and-assist clutch, a new 41mm conventional fork which adds compression damping adjustability (in the left leg) and rebound adjustment (in the right leg), and it also gains the same one-way quickshifter system of the MT-10 – so only operates going up through the cogs.

We said when the MT-09 launch that it nearly akin to fixing something that didn't need fixing, but we'll k now whether that statement was on the money in just a few days.

The 2017 MT-09 is already on sale in Australia for $12,299 plus on-road costs.