Suzuki unveil updated GSX-R1000 for 2012
—Â By Trevor Hedge
Suzuki has released the first official details of their 2012 GSX-R1000.
Many expected Suzuki to step up with an all-new bike for 2012 but the Hamamatsu manufacturer has chosen subtle evolution rather than revolution.
The only differences to the bodywork are some fresh graphics but otherwise Suzuki’s sportsbike flagship looks much the same as it did in 2009.
Look a little closer though and you notice the change to Brembo Monobloc calipers and the switch to a single muffler, which no doubt is largely responsible for the modest 2kg weight reduction.
The rims are pinstriped and the forks are blow black (rather than the previous gold) to help highlight the bling factor of the gold coloured Brembo radial calipers.
Under the bodywork Suzuki have added the same engineering tweaks to the cylinder block introduced earlier this year on the updated GSX-R600 and GSX-R750. With different crankcase pressure vent porting between cylinders, revised pistons (11 per cent lighter) that help raise the compression ratio a decimal notch to 12.9:1.
A different exhaust cam is claimed to add more mid-range power, something the big GSX-R was already never short of compared to its contemporaries.
Suzuki has tweaked their selectable engine maps but in stark contrast to the competition continue to offer no traction control or ABS. Suzuki are claiming an 8 per cent improvement in fuel economy and smoother throttle response than before, already a trait the GSX-R1000 was famous for.
Showa big-piston forks continue to grace the front end of the GSX-R1000 but are now shorter in length (7mm), travel is reduced by 5mm and valving has been modified for smoother response. The rear shock is unchanged.
Thus this is no complete new model as some had come to expect but with a higher level of comfort and mid-range urge than the competition, the GSX-Rs 191hp is still sure to excite anyone lucky enough to throw a leg over the handsome Suzuki.
Australian stocks of the new machine are expected in the first half of 2012.
- Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2012)
- Engine – 999cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder
- Bore x Stroke – 74.5 x 57.3mm
- Compression Ratio – 12.9:1
- L x W x H – 2045 x 705 x 1130mm
- Wheelbase – 1405mm
- Rake / Trail – 23.5 degrees / 98mm
- Seat Height – 810mm
- Kerb Mass – 203kg
- Transmission – six-speed
- Fuel Capacity – 17.5 litres
- Tyres – 120/70-17 (F), 190/50-17 (R
- Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2012)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Engine – 999cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder
- Bore x Stroke – 74.5 x 57.3mm
- Compression Ratio – 12.9:1
- L x W x H – 2045 x 705 x 1130mm
- Wheelbase – 1405mm
- Rake / Trail – 23.5 degrees / 98mm
- Seat Height – 810mm
- Kerb Mass – 203kg
- Transmission – six-speed
- Fuel Capacity – 17.5 litres   Â
- Tyres – 120/70-17 (F), 190/50-17 (R)
- Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2012)Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
