-- Ignition, Exhaust and Fuelling --

The same fully transistorised ignition from the K4 is retained for duties in 2005, while the exhaust and fuel injection systems have been revised. The exhaust system is titanium from front to back, and that new muffler that has everyone talking is what Suzuki have dubbed SAES or Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System. The muffler not only offers good cornering clearance, it also reduces drag and sounds bloody great for a stock system. Suzuki’s SET exhaust valve system is incorporated into the exhaust and is controlled by the ECM with input from engine rpm/throttle position/gear position.

The single-injector per cylinder system from the K4 has been replaced with twin-injectors per cylinder combined with the same SDTV, or Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve, set up. Throttle bodies are increased 2mm in diameter to 44mm, and intake diameters increased from 50mm to 52mm.

The new multi-hole injectors produce a finer fuel spray and better fuel atomisation, resulting in more efficient combustion and a quicker, smoother throttle response. The twin injector system comprises of a primary and a secondary injector per cylinder. The primary injector is positioned in the intake port, the secondary injector in the airbox side of the inlet tract. The primary injector operates under all conditions, while the secondary injector sprays fuel directly onto the secondary throttle butterfly at high rpm, under heavy load or wide-open-throttle. The 2005 GSX-R1000 runs the same PAIR emissions-reduction system as the K3/4.

-- Chassis and Styling --

The 2005 GSX-R1000 is much more compact in every dimension than previous models. The K5 is 40mm shorter front to rear, 15mm shorter from top to bottom and 5mm narrower. The seat is 20mm lower and the ‘bar reach is a staggering 40mm shorter. The distance between the footpegs is 17mm narrower and the pegs are lower. Rake is increased from 23.5mm to 23.8mm with 5mm more trail at 96mm.

The new frame layout concentrated vehicle mass towards the front of the bike to increase agility. The distance from the headstock to the crank is reduced by 3mm while the distance from the swingarm pivot to the crank is also reduced by 3mm – in other words the horizontal distance is reduced by a combined 6mm. The headstock, main spars and upper engine mounts are formed by a single cast for 2005, linked by two extruded, tapered spars to a cast swingarm pivot. The sub-frame is made of two cast sections, replacing the conventional extruded alloy box-section sub-frame of the previous model.

The K5 swingarm is all-new and features a single-cast-section pivot tube, front deck, cross brace and forward arm section. Another casting forms the inner arm and wall and axle carrier plates and the outer walls are stamped aluminium. Rigidity has been calculated to give optimum feel and performance. Race kit adjustable pivot spacers are available as part of the race kit.

The Kayaba inverted front forks remain fundamentally the same as last year although the DLC, or Diamond Like Coating, treatment has been improved and valving revised. The Kayaba rear shock has been re-designed with a new stroke of 335mm and new valving. The linkages are also revised.

All new wheels grace the new Gixer. The sizes remain 3.50 x 17in (f) and 6.00 x 17in (r) but thinner spokes and a new shape have reduced unsprung weight significantly. Pulling the K5 up are the same Tokico radial-mount calipers as before, though this time biting on 310mm rotors (f) via an all-new radial master-cylinder. The rear brake is unchanged.

Overall styling is completely revised. The Gixer now sports a combination of round surface, flat surfaces and sharp edges, offering a much more aggressive look than before.

The vertically stacked headlights look great and also allow for a better charging efficiency through intake design as the SRAD ram-air system can be located closer to the highest point of pressure. Both headlights are multi-reflector type and the top light is low-beam/bottom light high beam. LED rear taillights and a reshaped rear end have given the new Gixer a more modern look from behind, while the new, compact instrument cluster now features a gear position indicator. The fairings and graphics are all new.

-- Weight Reduction Breakdown (grams) --

• Frame - 1200g

• Wheels - 500g

• Fuel Tank - 350g

• Pegs - 100g

• ECM - 30g

• Battery -500g

• Generator - 400g

• Valves - 94g

• Pistons - 32g

• Cylinder head bolts - 57g

• Cam cover bolts - 28g

Now for the riding... 

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