Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5

The world launch was conducted at Eastern Creek raceway recently and, by all reports, the new toy is a significant change from its predecessor.

In the flesh, the first thing that hits you is how small it looks - something that's confirmed by the specs. However Motorcycle Trader's Rob Smith, who attended the launch, says that, while it's more compact, the ergonomics still seem to work, adding that the factory has pulled off a fair sleight of hand in this direction.

And what about the all-important performance? Suzuki says the machine makes another 13 horses over its predecessor, plus a very healthy torque figure of around 12kg-m. It redlines at a heady 13,750rpm. Smith reckons the machine is nevertheless a grunter with very flexible performance delivery.

Of course the chassis has also come in for some serious work, and is topped off by a new generation of Bridgestones, dubbed 014s.

As a package, Smith rated the bike very highly, suggesting it was surprisingly user-friendly and was probably more than a match for Yamaha's much fancied R1.

The Australian price has yet to be set, but you can expect it to be in the R1/CBR/ZX ballpark. Deliveries should start by late March

We'll bring you a more comprehensive review in the near future. In the meantime, here's Suzuki's summary of what's been done to the machine.

ENGINE:
Larger displacement 998.6cc 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine for increased power, torque and acceleration - includes several features to reduce friction and reciprocating mass

Improved electronic fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System (SDTV) - maintains optimum air velocity in the intake tract for smooth low-to-mid rpm throttle response and high torque output - includes Auto Fast Idle System (AFIS)

Compact double-barrel throttle body design with larger 52mm bores for improved power, plus narrower pitch between outer and inner bores - allows use of narrower airbox, fuel tank and bodywork to provide more room for rider's knees/elbows

Twin injectors per throttle body for improved throttle response and acceleration - primary injector operates under all conditions while secondary injector operates under high rpm/heavy load conditions to further increase engine output

New cylinder head features larger 30mm intake and 24mm exhaust ports, plus smaller combustion chamber and higher 12.5 :1 compression ratio for high power output

New Titanium intake and exhaust valves with larger 4.5mm stems for increased strength - valves are lighter overall permitting a 1000 rpm higher engine redline

Lighter weight forged pistons featuring chrome-nitride coated upper compression and oil control rings to reduce friction and improve sealing

New reinforced crankshaft and chrome-moly connecting rods, plus recalibrated balancer shaft for dependable high rpm operation

Back-torque limiting clutch allows smoother downshifts, plus new rack and pinion operating system provides more positive clutch feel

Closer transmission gear ratios for improved acceleration, plus redesigned shift forks for smoother shifting

Larger trapezoidal-shaped radiator improves cooling capacity 17% without increasing frontal area, plus new compact cooling fan design further improves efficiency - system includes high-capacity radiator-type oil cooler

New Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) - all titanium system designed and positioned to keep mass low and close to the centerline of the machine, plus decrease drag and increase cornering bank angle

Suzuki Exhaust Tuning System (SET) regulates exhaust pressure waves to suit running conditions and maintain optimum engine torque

ECM-controlled PAIR (Pulsed-AIR) system - operation based on throttle position and engine rpm to reduce HC, CO and NOx emissions

New-design generator is more compact and supplies power to a lighter and shorter maintenance-free battery - ECM is also narrower and shorter for weight reduction.

CHASSIS:
More compact overall chassis dimensions including shorter reach from seat to handlebars, lower footpegs, shorter/narrower fuel tank, 20mm lower seat height - all designed for improved rider comfort and mobility

New wind-tunnel-developed bodywork with reshaped vertical headlights, repositioned ram-air ducts, plus turn signals integrated with mirrors and tail-section - reduces frontal area by 4% and drag by 5%

Bright 55/65W headlight and reshaped taillight with new clear external lens

Redesigned instrument cluster features an analog tach with rpm indicator, digital speedometer and new gear indicator - also includes LCD odometer-tripmeters, coolant temp., clock and EFI diagnostics

All-new lightweight aluminum frame with combination cast and extruded spar construction for precisely calculated rigidity - frame design concentrates engine mass more toward the center of the machine for improved handling

Braced aluminum swingarm is lighter weight with improved rigidity - right side arm is shaped to tuck in the exhaust for improved cornering clearance

Fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork features Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coated stanchion tubes to reduce friction and improve response - includes cross-mounted steering damper

Fully adjustable piggy-back shock absorber with more linear rate linkage system for improved suspension response and feedback

Radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers with larger 310mm rotors and new radial-mount master cylinder for improved lever feel and feedback

Bridgestone radial tires mounted on new cast aluminium wheels featuring redesigned, thinner spokes with optimised wall thickness to reduce unsprung weight

SPECIFICATIONS:
Overall Length: 2,030 mm (79.9 in)
Overall Width: 710 mm (28.0 in)
Overall Height: 1,130 mm (44.5 in)
Wheelbase: 1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Seat Height: 810 mm (31.9 in)
Dry Mass: 166kg (366 lbs)
Fuel Capacity: 18 litres

ENGINE:
Engine Type: 4-stroke, liquid cooled, DOHC, 4-cylinder
Bore x Stroke: 73.4 mm x 59 mm
Piston Displacement: 999 cc
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Carburettor: Fuel injection 44 mm
Lubrication: Wet sump

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Ignition Type: Electronic ignition (transistorised)
Starter System: Electric

TRANSMISSION:
Clutch:
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Drive System: Chain

CHASSIS:
Front Suspension: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, spring pre-load fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
Rear Suspension: Link type, oil damped, coil spring, spring pre-load fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
Rake/Trail: 23.8 degrees/96 mm (3.8 in)
Front Brake: Radial mount, 4-piston calipers, 310 mm dual-disc brake
Rear Brake: 2-piston caliper, 220 mm disc brake
Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tyre: 190/50 ZR17M/C (73W)