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Suzuki have moved to new radial-mount 4-piston front calipers like those used in World SuperBike and MotoGP.  The previous machine used 320mm discs and 6-piston calipers while the 2003 GSX-R 1000 uses 300mm discs and 4-piston calipers.  This has resulted in a weight saving of 600 grams, all up Suzuki claim the new GSX-R is nearly 2-kilograms lighter than the previous model.

A radial mount caliper attaches to the front forks with bolts positional radially, or aligned with the caliper centreline, instead of using transverse mounting bolts.  Radial-mount calipers are more rigid, with less flex in the mounts and the caliper body itself.  The calipers are each 60 grams lighter.  The stronger performance of the radial mount system was what allowed Suzuki to reduce disc rotor size.

At the rear the GSX-R 1000 employs a 220mm disc and 2-piston caliper.

Race proven 43mm inverted forks with DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coated inner tubes and internal cartridge damping are fully adjustable for spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping.  The single rear shock uses a piggyback reservoir and also offers the full range of adjustment.

A new instrument cluster integrates LED turn signal, high beam, neutral and low fuel indicator lights in to the face of the analogue tachometer, the tacho itself is controlled by an ECU controlled step motor. 

An LCD display next to the tachometer displays speed, the odometer and tripmeters, clock and water temperature.  A shift-light also makes an appearance for 2003.

The GSX-R also scores a new LED tail-light and redesigned indicators.

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