I had a revelatory experience while testing the 2009 suzuki gsx-r1000: during a simple freeway merge i achieved a ludicrous, arrest-me-now speed within a ridiculously short distance
In the case of the ultra-victorious Suzuki GSX-R1000, nothing less than a ground-up overhaul was in order. The 2009 Gixxer liter machine underwent such comprehensive redesign (though it looks remarkably similar to ‘08) that Suzuki refers to the update as “a full model change.”
2009 suzuki gsx-r1000 unveiled with all-new compact engine, shorter wheelbase and new styling
The phrase “total balance” is bandied about routinely in press materials for the new bike. Much of the engine’s re-make conforms to the mandate set forth by Suzuki that “close-to-ideal” chassis dimensions are the driving force behind the heavily re-vamped liter bike.
A New Engine for a New Gixxer Thou
In addition to fostering chassis development goals, the more compact engine design was also influenced by “increased performance potentials as a base engine for racing competitions.” Gee, wonder if Suzuki wants to keep winning championships?
To that end, Suzuki has crafted a new twin-spar aluminum frame. The objective behind the new swingarm is twofold: retain stability via reduced rear suspension squat, and increase rear tire traction. Rake and trail have increased barely perceptible amounts.
Attention given the new engine and new frame might’ve gone unrivaled if it weren’t for the use of Showa Corporation’s big newsmaker, the Big Piston Fork, or more commonly, BPF. The BPF was developed from top-level road racing events over the past few years, and a race-application iteration was used to great success by Suzuki in recent Suzuka 8-Hour events.
The result is less dive under braking, reduced high-speed compression harshness and overall better feel. Also, eliminating fork internals means weight loss; 720 grams less compared to the ’08 GSX-R1000 front end.
The electronically controlled steering damper received revisions in the form of increased damping force at higher speeds, reduced damping at low speeds, and lost some weight with the now-hollow damper rod.
Spinning at both ends are new, lighter wheels carrying grippy and consistent-wearing Bridgestone BT-016 tires tailored specifically for the new liter-capacity Suzuki. Hauling in the flagship GSX-R from speed is the duty of all-new mono-block radial-mount Tokico calipers pinching new 310mm rotors; the new binder package saves hundreds of grams, naturally.
Published figures have the 2008 GSX-R1000 scaling in between 473-475 lbs wet.
The new shift light system incorporates three yellow bulbs that light sequentially leading to a larger final white light. Adjustable rpm settings for the lights can be made in 250, 500 and 1,000 rpm increments.
While we’re near the subject of S-DMS, the selectable mapping system’s switch has been relocated, from the right clip-on switch gear to a new location on the left switch gear, for less-complicated operation while riding. Proof in the GSX-R pudding
The new Gixxer Thou’s tremendous torque and wicked acceleration is wonderfully tractable, likely due to chassis updates as well as numerous engine updates aimed at linear power.
From turn-in to turn completion, the bike is compliant and ever-obedient, as it rolls easily from left to right. The new mono-block brake calipers provide heaps of easily modulated power, making for a perfect fit in the overall GSX-R1000 package