Suzuki’s sustainable Suzuka focus

In a bid to accelerate development of sustainable-related technologies for its future range of production motorcycles, Suzuki Motor Corporation is fielding an entry in this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours that has a focus on using both environmentally friendly parts and producing fewer emissions.

The project is being lead by Shinichi Sahara, the former Team Director of Suzuki’s successful MotoGP effort, and has gained a berth in the iconic Japanese endurance event’s Experimental Class.

Dubbed the ‘Team Suzuki CN Challenge’, the GSX-R1000R will run on an FIM-certified Elf sustainable petrol made up of 40 per cent of bio-sourced fuel, while the racing-spec engine oil – made by Motul – is produced using a bio-sourced base oil.

As well as the fluids, the catalyst-equipped exhaust will be made by Yoshimura, while the Bridgestone race slicks are produced using a higher-than-normal ratio of both recycled and recyclable materials.

In terms of bodywork, the JHI fairings are made from recycled carbon that has been impregnated with polymer resins, while the fenders are produced using a natural flax-fibre composite material.

The front braking system comprises non-heat treated steel discs gripped by special low-dust pads while ELIIY Power is providing the battery.

Toshihiro Suzuki, the Japanese firm’s Director and President, said Suzuki has “been making efforts in reallocating resources toward promoting development of sustainability-related technologies … which will be linked to making even better projects in the future.”

The Executive General Manager of Motorcycle Operations, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, confirmed that the Team Suzuki CN Challenge entry won’t be a one-off.

“Endurance racing, which simultaneously requests running performance and endurance, is the optimal place for testing and development of not only fuel but also various sustainable items, and it is an activity that would revitalise the future of motorcycle industry,” he said.

“We will not make it a one-time initiative but make firm efforts so that we can continue the initiative by aiming for higher goals in the years to come.”

The Suzuki 8 Hours kicks off on July 19, as part of the the 2024 FIM Endurance World Championship. The three-rider team has yet to be announced.