2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Preview

Introduction

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Starting with the mechanics, the engine is now 60mm shorter from front to rear. It features a bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm, resulting in 12.8:1 compression ratio (previously 12.5:1). Also, the retuned engine now features larger titanium valves and forget pistons for greater durability. Fitted with a Drive Mode selector which was relocated on the left handlebar, the Gixxer offers three power delivery maps.

Check out the new exhaust system! The titanium cans have nice curves and apparently blend perfectly in with the bike’s 2009 design, but you shouldn’t be surprised when reading the critic’s opinion. At least they stand for a potent engine.

In what concerns the chassis, it is a must mentioning the Showa Big Piston Front Forks, which are a Kawasaki first and further accrue the handling capabilities of any super sports bike on which they are being introduced. To keep the pace with the advanced forks, the rear shock features rebound damping, a collar preload adjuster and high-speed, low-speed compression damping adjustment.

Although it doesn’t radically stand apart from the 2008 model year, the new Suzuki GSX-R 1000 features now an even more aerodynamic shape of the fairing.

Suzuki GSX-R 1000 History

Competition

2009 Honda CBR1000RR ABS

Honda got a small head start with the presentation of the 2009 CBR1000RR models, the standard and the ABS version, but that has nothing to do with the few changes that these two bikes feature for next year. As its name mentions, the Honda CBR1000RR ABS features the unique Combined Anti-Lock Braking system which makes it a better option than the Suzuki, especially due to the close price (the ABS-equipped Honda has a Base MSRP of $12,999). Although the standard model can only brag about some new color options as 2009 additions, the performance of the dual stage fuel-injected 999cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder is definitely a thing to put your money on, just like 2008 proved. MSRP for the ABS-free CBR1000RR is $11,999.

2009 Yamaha YZF-R1

For 2009, Yamaha was all about implementing MotoGp technologies on the road-legal YZF-R1 in an attempt to dominate the liter class (and with much chance to do so if you ask me). With a reputation of being the most aggressive 1000cc super sport motorcycle that money can buy, the 2009 R1 now smoothly delivers the power of the fuel injected 998cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke DOHC 16 valves engine. This is the amazing effect of the crossplane crankshaft, a MotoGp technology that now finds its way to the streets. Read more about the 2009 Yamaha R1 here.

2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki could keep on turning their super sport models uglier and uglier, but they could at least fit the ZX-10R with BPF forks if any other performance upgrade wasn’t considered necessary. Still, they offer a Special edition model painted in a two-tone color scheme. MSRP is $11,799 for the normal and 11,999 for the Special Edition.

Exterior

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Not dramatically restyled, but enough to make a difference, this bike’s new body has evolved into a sleeker, more aerodynamic form which, until now, represents it at the adequate level.

Designed around the rider, it features a narrow seat and tank while overall, the side fairing and four-into-two exhaust system make it look massive. Now, that’s just an impression as the redesigned nose features a smaller headlight finding its place between two aggressively styled air scoops which slim down the bike’s look.

While the gas tank, seat and rear end won’t make a difference, on the sides, the fairing gets new lines and different color arrangement even though, as you read about the Blue/White color scheme, it might seem just like on the 2008. Well, it isn’t. The difference is that where you would expect to see the white you’ll find the blue and the other way around. On the Black/Matte Black and Red/Black color schemes things evolve in a whole new way for Suzuki. In an attempt to amplify the effect of those nicely curved silencers, the Gixxer receives metal-like ornaments as new distinctive touches.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

Suzuki shows knowing how to play with the bike just like a tuner would do, modifying it in such a discrete manner that it leaves people wondering what’s new about it as they don’t spot the differences from the first time.

Price

Announced to be marketed for a base MSRP of $12,199, the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 is one hell of a competitor for all models in the liter class, especially the Honda (ABS-equipped one) and Yamaha, which require a few hundred bucks more. Suzuki also shows an effective marketing strategy as the significant upgrades didn’t add more than the expected on the price.

Conclusion

Suzuki’s most advanced liter model year situates on that thin line between engine performance and chassis refinement while not neglecting the looks a bit. In fact, what it does neglect is the price which positions it among the cheapest in its class. If it only wasn’t for that Kawi… there’s no wonder Suzuki aimed for track efficiency as that’s what also ends up being effective on legal roads, only that in a fairly smaller percentage.

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