- 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Review
Once again, the best keeps getting better. Introducing the new 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Suzuki engineers have thoroughly redesigned the engine, chassis, suspension, and bodywork to create a supersport bike that is more dominant than ever. With refinements ranging from a new titanium 4-2-1 exhaust system to completely redesigned pistons, the engine rewards you with quicker acceleration, crisper throttle response and improved fuel efficiency. The chassis, suspension and braking systems are also refined for enhanced performance and a reduction in weight of over four pounds.
Faster evolution is a hallmark of the GSX-R1000’s engine. And 2012 brings another quick step ahead. Reaffirming the legendary motorcycle’s claim to the top are improved throttle response, increased power and acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and better fuel economy.
For 2012, the GSX-R1000 lets everyone know at a glance that it's the latest generation of the championship-winning supersport bikes that have dominated racetracks around the world. It features new colors and a variety of new styling elements, including new sporty instruments, new black fork tubes and new red pinstripes on the wheels. Put it all together and the GSX-R1000 offers incredible engine performance from idle to redline, smoother suspension performance, even more responsive handling and superior braking performance - exactly what you need to Own The Racetrack.
Information from the Suzuki MotoGP team and the GSV-R, through to Superbike and Supersport teams around the world have improved Suzuki's road-going machine following its hands-on R&D testing at the top level of global competition, which also includes World Endurance racing with reigning and ten-times World Champions, Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.
Suzuki's latest generation of the Championship-winning GSX-R machines that have dominated racetracks around the world, features new colours and a variety of new styling elements, including new instrumentation, new black fork tubes and new red pinstripes on the wheels. The GSX-R1000 offers incredible engine performance from idle to red line, smoother suspension performance, even more responsive handling and superior braking performance - everything needed to Own The Racetrack.
Engine highlights include the adoption of MotoGP-derived finite-element-analysis and fatigue-analysis techniques, which allow for newly-developed pistons that are now 11% lighter and aid acceleration and overall performance. This combined with a finer material for engine tappets shaves a further 2.5 grams off per tappet, resulting in optimized valve lift with a revised exhaust cam profile for a slight reduction in valve overlap. Compression ratio is also increased from 12.8:1 to 12.9:1.
Along with Brembo Monoblock callipers, the 2012 GSX-R1000 features further chassis enhancements that offer greater maneuverability thanks to a reduction in weight for the front tire and axle, offering superior unsprung weight advantages.
Own The Racetrack
Since its launch more than a decade ago, the GSX-R1000 has been synonymous with the invitation to Own The Racetrack.
Shaving 2kg from its kerb weight, the new GSX-R features a multitude of updates such as Brembo’s highly acclaimed Monoblock calipers for incredible braking and engine revisions that provide even more mid-range power making this the very best GSX-R1000 we’ve ever produced: The Top Performer.
The latest advances in engine technology are remarkable in their ability to boost performance potential and fuel efficiency. Chassis enhancements deliver even better control. And styling refinements evoke the performance and handling advances.
Faster evolution is a hallmark of the GSX-R1000’s engine. And 2012 brings another quick step ahead. Reaffirming the legendary motorcycle’s claim to the top are improved throttle response, increased power and acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and better fuel economy.
The 2012 GSX-R1000’s engine combines advances in design, performance, and fuel efficiency with the fundamental elements that helped to create the GSX-R legend. Key benefits include better throttle response, more power and acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and approximately 8% better fuel economy*.
The most visible advance is a switch from two exhaustss to a single exhaust. The 4-2-1 exhaust pipe is made of stainless steel, and the material is thinner for lightness. The catalyzer has more cells than that of the previous model, so it gives uncompromised emission control together with compactness and lightness. The overall exhaust system is considerably lighter than the previous one. The single exhaust and a revised exhaust-pipe length enhance output at low and mid-range engine speeds, so acceleration is quicker. Plus, less weight at the back of the bike means better dynamics.
Advances inside the engine begin with the pistons. Suzuki used finite-element-analysis and fatigue-analysis techniques honed in development of MotoGPracebike engines to make the pistons lighter without compromising their strength and durability. The piston-pin bosses are narrower. The piston skirts are newly shape-optimized, with asymmetry between the intake and exhaust sides. The pistons are newly optimized in terms of overall rigidity balance and are consequently 11% lighter. And the pistons’ valve recesses are smoother for better combustion efficiency. The benefits are more torque and better acceleration at low and mid-range engine speeds, better throttle response, and lower fuel consumption. The performance advantages translate into quicker acceleration out of corners on the racetrack.
Each bore in the integrated aluminium-alloy cylinder-block/upper-crankcase casting is plated with Suzuki’s own race-proven nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide coating, which reduces friction, improves heat transfer, durability, and ring seal, and is known as Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material ( SCEM ).
The ventilation holes in the sides of each cylinder bore embody advances in that they’re pentagonal rather than rectangular. The greater opening area makes the crankcase lighter. It also means lower pumping losses and accordingly better combustion efficiency. Here too, the benefits are more torque and better acceleration at low and mid-range engine speeds, better throttle response, and lower fuel consumption.
Thinner material for the tappet skirts means a weight saving of 2.5 grams per tappet. The reduced inertial mass gave Suzuki the freedom to optimize the valve lift curve. Consequently, Suzuki used MotoGP technologies to revise the exhaust cam profile for a slight reduction in valve overlap (the period when the intake and exhaust valves are both open), thereby increasing the engine’s racetrack performance potential.
Suzuki adopted race-proven specifications and technologies elsewhere in the engine. A bore of 74.5mm and a stroke of 57.3mm realize great performance potential. Optimally shaped combustion chambers and an increased compression ratio of 12.9:1 (up from 12.8:1) promote low-range and mid-range performance and help to realize a broad torque curve. The valve sizes are 31mm on the intake side and 25mm on the exhaust side. And a short intake camshaft combines with location of the cam angle sensor in the centre of the exhaust camshaft to allow a cylinder-head shape that saves weight.
The close-ratio six-speed transmission’s input and output shafts are triangulated with the crankshaft. The crankshaft is positioned optimally forward in the case relative to the cylinder centre line; the transmission input shaft is in an optimally high position; and the transmission output shaft is in an optimally forward position. The shaft positions allow the engine to be optimally short from front and rear. Plus, the crankshaft assembly is simple (consisting of just two bolted-together sections) and accordingly light.
The single vibration-reducing counterbalance shaft in front of the crankshaft has an optimally small bearing diameter of 20mm for low mechanical losses.
The race-proven ramp-and-cam design of the back-torque-limiting clutch reduces pressure on the plates during deceleration, producing smoother downshifting and corner entry and allowing the track rider to concentrate on braking and cornering.
A large radiator with an efficient trapezoidal shape developed for factory team racebikes helps to keep the engine temperature consistent; it helps to ensure efficient combustion and consistent power delivery while allowing the use of narrow bodywork for low drag. The engine oil cooler also has a trapezoidal shape instead of a more conventional rectangular shape, so it allows the lower fairing to be narrow for low drag.
An engine control module ( ECM ) provides state-of-the-art engine management and has newly optimized settings to suit the engine refinements and single muffler.
A key technology under the ECM’s control is the latest version of the downdraft double-barrel Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve ( SDTV ) throttle bodies introduced on the first GSX-R1000 .
The SDTV system has two butterfly valves (primary and secondary) in each throttle-body barrel. The primary valve is controlled by the rider via the twist grip, and the secondary valve is controlled by the ECM . As the rider opens and closes the primary valve, the ECM reads the throttle position, engine speed, and gear position and incrementally adjusts the secondary valve to maximize the intake-charge velocity. The ECM thereby enhances combustion efficiency, makes throttle response more linear, and improves low-end and mid-range torque.
Each throttle body feeds one cylinder, and each throttle-body barrel carries two ultra-fine-atomization, 12-hole injectors. Each cylinder’s primary injector is aimed at a steep, 30-degree angle down the intake port to optimize fuel atomization and operates under all conditions. The secondary injector is aimed at the secondary throttle valve and operates to add fuel for high-engine-speed, high-load conditions. The amount of fuel delivered by each primary injector is calculated by the ECM in accordance with the engine speed, intake pressure, and throttle position. The amount of fuel delivered by each secondary injector is calculated by the ECM in accordance with the engine speed and throttle position.
The ECM also has an Idle Speed Control ( ISC ) function. It enhances cold starting, reduces cold-start emissions, and stabilizes engine idling under diverse conditions by automatically regulating the volume of fresh air fed into the throttle-body idle circuits in accordance with the coolant temperature.
The ECM also controls the ignition timing and spark advance based on advanced 3D mapping. The ignition timing reflects new enhancements in precision. Spark plugs with iridium-alloy electrodes produce strong sparks for optimal combustion.
A Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) servo-controlled butterfly valve in the exhaust pipe helps to maximize torque throughout the rev range in diverse running conditions by optimizing the exhaust-system back-pressure in accordance with the engine speed, throttle position, and gear position. The exhaust pipe also incorporates an oxygen sensor. The ECM uses data from the oxygen sensor to adjust the fuel injection for cleaner combustion. The catalyzer in the exhaust system further suppresses emissions of hydrocarbons ( HCs ), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides ( NOx ).
An ECM-controlled Suzuki Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system injects fresh air from the airbox into the exhaust ports in accordance with the engine speed and throttle position, thereby further reducing emissions by promoting the ignition of unburned HCs .
The unique Suzuki Drive Mode Selector ( S-DMS ) system allows the rider to select from three fuel-injection and ignition-system maps, thereby adjusting power delivery to suit personal preferences.
A button on the left handlebar control module lets the rider instantly switch between the three maps, which are displayed as “A”, “B”, and “C” on the instrument panel.
The “A” setting yields sharp throttle response throughout the throttle-opening range to realize maximal power delivery. The “B” setting yields relatively soft throttle response up to the middle of the throttle-opening range. The “C” setting yields relatively soft throttle response throughout the throttle-opening range by reducing engine power.
Using the system, the rider can use one map for one part of a racetrack and another map for another part of the racetrack. Or the rider can choose one map for a high-speed racetrack and another map for a tighter racetrack. Or the rider can choose the optimal maps for rainy, mixed, and wet conditions.
On the street, the rider can select maps to suit personal preferences in diverse riding situations. For example, the rider can choose one map for tight, twisty roads and another for high-speed cruising.
Much more than an all-powerful engine separates the GSX-R1000 from the pack. The key is total integration of every element of the bike, which brings forth an intuitive connection between rider and machine. With superior balance and precise control, the GSX-R1000 rider can take maximum advantage of the winning performance.
The 2012 GSX-R1000’s chassis represents an evolution in terms of cornering and stopping performance—an evolution that gives the rider even greater control and allows the rider to take better advantage of the engine performance.
The chassis retains the basic elements that have contributed to the GSX-R1000 legend: A twin-spar frame that’s welded together using just five cast aluminium-alloy sections. An aluminium-alloyswingarm that’s welded together using just three castings and is arched to allow the muffler to be tucked in tightly. A short wheelbase for nimble handling on the racetrack. And a long swingarm that enhances traction and acceleration out of racetrack corners while resisting rear suspension squat.
Evolutionary advances can be seen in the front brakes, front forks, front and rear tyres , and front axle. Together, they take the GSX-R1000 to even higher levels of controllability and performance.
The front disc brakes are newly equipped with top-of-the-line radial-mount Brembomonobloc calipers.
The monobloc calipers are lighter and more rigid than conventional bolt-together calipers and give better feedback to the rider. Increased piston diameters mean better braking performance. Also, Suzuki reduced the disc thickness from 5.5mm to 5.0mm for lightness and adopted a more durable material to ensure undiminished heat resistance. The calipers and discs are 130 grams lighter overall.
Superior braking performance combines with hard-braking stability yielded by enhanced front forks to realize great capability on the racetrack. To highlight the superior braking performance, the new calipers have gold colouring with red lettering.
The 2012 GSX-R1000 carries forward the Big Piston Frontfork ( BPF ) design, which eliminates the need for a cartridge assembly in each fork leg and instead has a single, 39.6mm upper piston riding against the inside wall of each inner fork tube.
Advantages of the BPF design include highly effective valving , with well-controlled compression giving great feedback to the rider. Low stiction and minimal changes in internal fork pressure mean good response to small bumps. The fork springs are fully submerged in oil, so oil foaming is minimized and damping is accordingly consistent. Rebound and compression valving adjustment screws are indented into the fork caps. Spring preload is adjusted at the bottom of the fork leg assembly. Also, the BPF design simplifies fork maintenance because the entire damping assembly can be quickly pulled out of the top of each fork leg and replaced without complete disassembly of the forks.
New enhancements include a reduction of 7mm in overall length, a reduction of 5mm in stroke, and softer suspension settings that accommodate the bike’s lower weight and the shift in centre of gravity that resulted from the switch from two mufflers to one. The softer settings improve shock absorption early in the stroke, thereby improving grip. When the rider leans on a curve or switches direction on a tight S-bend, the bike feels better controlled and more predictable. The bike is more stable even under hard braking on the racetrack. More grip also allows the rider to open the throttle wider. The softer suspension settings also yield great roadholding while the rider is using less throttle on public roads.
The new GSX-R1000 also retains the rear suspension system that was so effective on its predecessor. A Showa rear shock works through an aluminium-alloy linkage mounted on the swingarm , with extruded aluminium-alloy link rods connected to the frame. The layout reduces the lever ratio as the rear wheel moves upward, making the suspension more progressive and responsive, thereby increasing traction over pavement ripples while ensuring smooth response over bigger bumps. The shock has adjustable rebound damping, spring preload , and high-speed and low-speed compression damping.
An electronically controlled steering damper uses the ECM to monitor the bike’s speed and adjusts itself for lighter steering at lower speeds and for more damping force at racetrack and highway speeds.
The new GSX-R1000’s front tyre is lighter than that of the previous model, and its front axle is lighter since it has an outer thread and a nut rather than the previously used hollow bolt and inner thread. The bike’s unsprung weight (the weight of the components between the suspension and the ground) is accordingly lower. The unsprung weight has a huge effect on the tyres’ability to stay in contact with the racetrack surface. More contact means more traction, which is especially important when the rider accelerates out of a corner or trail-brakes into the apex of a corner. Newly improved tread patterns on the front and rear tyres also contribute to sharper handling.
The front and passenger seats are covered with new high-grip leather, so the rider enjoys greater stability while accelerating on the racetrack.
The wiring harnesses that run throughout the chassis are lighter than those of the previous model thanks to a new waterproofing method.
Thanks to Suzuki’s uncompromising efforts to shave excess weight, the 2012 GSX-R1000 is 2kg lighter than its predecessor. The lower weight and precise weight balance allow higher speeds on straightaways and corners, so they translate into faster laps.
As well as delivering world-beating performance and handling, the GSX-R1000 never backs down from the challenge of giving its riders the winning look. Sharp, clean, edgy styling and a new interpretation of Suzuki’s famous racing colours highlight The Top Performer’s unmistakable identity and its ongoing evolution.
The GSX-R1000’s styling is sharp, edgy, and clean. And thanks to extensive wind-tunnel development, it contributes to outstanding performance. A wide upper fairing cuts turbulence and drag while offering great wind protection. A narrow lower fairing also cuts drag. Suzuki Ram Air-Direct ( SRAD ) intakes are close to the centre line of the fairing nose, where air pressure is highest while the bike is moving. Sharply creased fairing sides have a layered shape that enhances the flow of cooling air through the radiator and away from the rider. The fairing lowers extend rearward to smooth the flow of air over the muffler.
Newly evolved styling details evoke the bike’s newly enhanced performance and handling. The single muffler makes the bike look lighter and nimbler. The wheels have red pinstripes punctuated by “R” logos that highlight the bike’s identity. The outer tubes of the front forks are black (rather than the previously used gold) to complement the gold-and-red colouring of the Brembomonobloc calipers. Black surfaces have an exquisite matte finish. The rear combination lamp has a new LED layout for lower weight. And the bike’s identity is emphasized by bigger “GSX-R”graphics and more extensive use of Suzuki’s signature blue colour on the bodywork.
The seat is designed to be comfortable and to complement the overall styling. The relative positioning of the seat, handlebars, and footpegs also contributes to riding comfort. The footpegs can be adjusted to any of three positions in a 14mm horizontal and vertical range. The rear brake pedal and master cylinder move with the right footpeg assembly, and the shift-lever linkage can be adjusted to accommodate changes in the position of the left footpeg .
The instruments have a sportier new GSX-R look thanks to a black dial for the analogue tachometer.
The proven instrument-cluster design includes LCD indications for the speedometer, an odometer, dual trip meters, a reserve trip meter, a clock, the coolant temperature, the oil-pressure, a gear-position indicator, a laptimer /stopwatch, an S-DMS indicator, and a bar graph showing the brightness of the instrument illumination. There are four LEDs for a programmable engine speed indication system. There are also LEDs for fuel injection, low fuel, neutral, high beam, coolant temperature/oil pressure, and turn signals. An LED that shows immobilizer activation is also included where relevant.
The right handlebar control module incorporates a speedometer display mode switch that can be used to trigger the laptimer /stopwatch.
Building a winning motorcycle is not simply a matter of maximizing power or minimizing weight. Victory is not something you can simply bolt on. Separating yourself from the pack requires a total package: state-of-the-art motorcycling technologies in precise balance. You feel it the instant you click the 2012 GSX-R1000 into gear. Off the line, smooth-revving performance born from lighter pistons and other refinements that significantly reduce friction losses gives you an edge. As you shift up, the flow of powerful acceleration is seamless. Heading into the first corner, you have the confidence to start braking a fraction of a second later thanks to the Big Piston Frontfork design, new tyres , and Brembo front brake calipers. Leaning in, you grin at the simplicity of adjusting your line and maintaining your speed thanks to the bike’s lower weight and precise weight balance. It feels like an invitation to extend your lead.
Welcome to the next chapter in the greatest motorcycling legend of modern times. Take yourself to the new edge. Own The Racetrack.
*Fuel economy was measured by Suzuki in the Worldwide Motorcycle Test Cycle ( WMTC ).
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Key Features
New Features:
* Thanks to Suzuki's uncompromising efforts to shave excess weight, the 2012 GSX-R1000 is 2kg lighter than its predecessor.
* The 4-2-1 exhaust system, carrying a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) valve maximizing torque and improving throttle response, particularly in the low-to-mid rpm range. Less weight at the back of the bike means better mass-centralization, which turns into better handling performance.
* Lighter, more durable forged pistons designed with the same Finite Element Method (FEM) and fatigue analysis technology used for MotoGP racing engines, and consequently the pistons are 11% lighter.
* New pentagonal shaped ventilation holes (instead of rectangular shape in previous model) in the sides of each cylinder bore reduce pumping losses due to internal crankcase air-pressure resistance to downward piston movement.
* Optimised camshaft profiles for great racing potential, developed using proven MotoGP racing engine technology.
* Optimally-shaped combustion chambers and an increased compression ratio of 12.9:1 (up from 12.8:1) promote low-range and mid-range performance and help to realise a broad torque curve.
* Thinner material for the tappet skirts means a weight saving of 2.5 grams per tappet. The reduced inertial mass gave Suzuki the freedom to optimise the valve lift curve.
* An engine control module (ECM) provides state-of-the-art engine management and has optimised settings to suit the single muffler which results in better fuel economy and linear throttle response.
* The front disk brakes are equipped with the top-of-the-line radial-mount Brembo Monoblock callipers and lighter Sunstar Engineering front discs.
* Big Piston Front forks (BPF) with an endurance-race-proven design deliver superior feedback and responsive, stable operation and are lightweight. For 2012, suspension settings are refined for the bike's lower weight and the shift in centre of gravity.
* The lightweight and high-grip front and rear tyres reduce unsprung weight for sharp handling.
* Attention to rider comfort includes a carefully-shaped seat with new high-grip leather for better holding feel.
* The wheels have red pin stripes punctuated by "R" logos that highlight the bike's identity.
The bike's identity is emphasised by bigger "GSX-R" graphics and more extensive use of Suzuki's signature blue colour on the bodywork.
* 999cm3 4-cylinder engine with Bore x Stroke of 74.5mm x 57.3mm brings enhanced throttle response across the entire rpm range and high potential for racetrack performance.
The compact engine enabled short wheelbase and 32mm long swingarm at the same time to improve racetrack performance.
* Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)-plated cylinders integrated into the upper crankcase, reduce friction and improving heat transfer, durability and ring seal.
* 12-hole fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for more complete combustion, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
* Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) offers push-button selection of three performance settings to suit riding conditions and personal tastes. The switch is located on the left handlebar control module.
* Iridium spark plugs produce a strong spark for efficient combustion.
Large, efficient radiator with a trapezoidal shape developed on Suzuki's factory team race bikes and a trapezoidal engine oil cooler both help reduce drag.
* Race-proven back-torque-limiting clutch contributes to smoother downshifting and corner entry.
* A lightweight and compact twin-spar frame made of five cast sections, mated with an arched swingarm made of three castings and one-piece die-cast rear sub frame.
* The rear brake system with single-piston calliper contributes to a reduction of unsprung weight.
* Rear shock absorber features adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and both high-speed and low-speed compression damping.
* Electronically controlled steering damper provides lighter steering at slower speeds and more damping force at racetrack and highway speeds.
* Three-way adjustable footpegs, adjustable shift lever and short fuel tank give a more-comfortable and personally-suited riding position.
* The edgy and clean GSX-R1000 styling incorporates fairing and bodywork details aimed at reducing turbulence and drag.
* Distinctive multi-reflector headlight with vertically stacked high and low-beam halogen bulbs centred between position lights on each side.
* On European models, the position lights each has layered lenses with blue colouring on the inside lens for an even sportier look.
* Front and rear turn signals feature clear lenses over amber bulbs.
* Instruments include a silver-ringed analogue tachometer with LCD speedometer. LCD readouts include odometer, dual trip meters, reserve trip meter, clock, coolant temperature/ oil pressure warning indicator, gear position indicator, lap timer/stopwatch, S-DMS setting indicator and bar-graph indicating the instrument lighting level, or brightness.
* Optional single seat cowl can replace the tandem seat for an even more aggressive looks, solo rides or track days.
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Features and Benefits
Engine Features
New 999cc four-cyclinder powerplant is modified to deliver extraordinary acceleration matched by maximum top-end performance of world-class racetrack performance.
Race-proven designs include high-quality titanium valves, forged pistons, shot-peened conrods and large intake and exhaust valves.
New 4-2-1 exhaust system is significantly lighter, contributing to improved agility and handling. It is also tuned to increase mid-range engine power output.
New pistons have been modified using Finite-Element-Method (FEM) and fatigue-analysis techniques honed in development of MotoGP racebike engines. The result is lighter pistons with the same reliability and durability, and increased torque and low- and mid-range rpm levels.
Crankcase is refined with larger pentagonal cut-outs in the sides of each cylinder bore. The shape of the ventilation holes reduces pumping losses due to internal crankcase air-pressure resistance to downward piston movement.
Camshaft profile is optimized to maintain maximum high-rpm performance.
Thinner material for the valves' tappet skirts saves 2.5 grams per tappet, which reduces inertial mass and allows optimization of the valve lift curve.
An Engine Control Module (ECM) provides state-of-the-art engine management and has newly optimized settings to maximize the benefits of the 4-2-1 exhaust system and other engine refinements.
Suzuki Ram Air-Direct (SRAD) air intakes are positioned close to the centerline of the fairing to provide optimum intake efficiency.
Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system uses two butterfly valves in each throttle body barrel, the primary valve controlled by the rider via the twist grip and the secondary valve controlled by the ECM.
A unique Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) system allows the rider to select one of three fuel injection and ignition system maps, adjusting power delivery to suit personal preference.
Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) plated cylinders integrated into the upper crankcase helps reduce friction, improve heat transfer, increase durability and provide better ring seal.
Better throttle response, acceleration, and fuel efficiency
Utilising MotoGP design techniques the 2012 GSX-R1000’s 999cm3 engine combines advances in performance, and fuel efficiency with the fundamental elements that helped to create the GSX-R legend. Key benefits include better throttle response, more power and acceleration at mid-range engine speeds, and approximately 8% better fuel economy*.
Transmission Features
The back torque-limiting clutch incorporates the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) for light clutch pull and optimum clutch performance.
Chassis Features
Twin-spar frame features an exceptionally short wheelbase and uses just five cast aluminum-alloy sections and an aluminum-alloy swingarm with just three castings.
The compact engine allows a longer swingarm and shorter overall wheelbase for improved racetrack performance.
Lightweight 43mm Showa Big Piston Front forks (BPF) are refined to match the GSX-R1000's reduced weight. Their design offers more effective valving, with more controlled compression to deliver better feedback to the rider.
The Showa rear shock works through an aluminum alloy lingage mounted on the swingarm and an extruded aluminum alloy link rod connected to the frame. The rear shock offers adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and both high-speed and low-speed compression damping.
Electronically controlled steering damper uses the ECM to monitor motorcycle speed and adjust damping force as needed.
Front disc brakes feature new top -of-the-line radial-mount Brembo monobloc callipers.
The rear brake works with a single piston caliper mounted above the swingarm.
New front and rear tires have improved tread patterns and the front tire is 200 grams liter, contributing to lower unsprung weight and sharper handling.
New high-grip leather seat features outstanding holding properties, providing the rider with a great sense of stability when accelerating.
Impressively lower weight
Thanks to Suzuki’s uncompromising efforts to shave excess weight, the 2012 GSX-R1000 is 2kg lighter than its predecessor. The lower weight and precise weight balance allow higher speeds on straightaways and corners, so they translate into faster laps.
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $13,799 USD
Chassis
Color Metallic Mat Black No.2/Glass Sparkle Black, Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Splash White
Brakes Front Disc brake, twin
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Curb Weight 203kg (448 lbs.)
Final Drive Chain, DID50VAZ, 114 links
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 L (4.6 US gal)
Ground Clearance 130mm (5.1 in.)
Ground Clearance 5.1
Overall Length 2045 mm (80.5 in.)
Overall Width 705 mm (27.8 in.)
Overall Width 27.8
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in.)
Suspension Front Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Tires Front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W), tubeless
Tires Rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Wheelbase 1405mm (55.3 in.)
Engine
Engine 999cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4-cylinder, DOHC
Bore Stroke 74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Compression Ratio 12.9 : 1
Fuel System Suzuki Fuel Injection
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication Wet sump
Starter Electric
Warranty
Warranty 12 Month Limited Warranty
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Suzuki Dealer for pricing.
TBA
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australian MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.
TBA
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - UK Specifications/Technical Details
RRP Price: £TBA GBP
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length: 2045mm (80.5in)
Overall width: 705mm (27.8in)
Overall height: 1130mm (44.5in)
Wheelbase: 1405mm (55.3in)
Seat height: 810mm (31.9in)
Kerb Mass: 203kg (447.5lbs)
Fuel capacity: 17.5litres (3.8 UK gallons)
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Engine capacity: 999cc
Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore: 74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Compression ratio: 12.9 : 1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Electronic ignition ( Transistorized)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Drive: Chain
CHASSIS SPECIFICATION
Front suspension: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Front brakes: Disc,twin
Rear brakes: Disc
Front tyres: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Rear tyres: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Price, Specifications and photos may change without notice.
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - Press Release
SUZUKI ANNOUNCE 2012 GSX-R1000 DETAILS
24th October 2011
Suzuki Motor Corporation has today revealed details of its 2012 flagship Superbike– the GSX-R1000 , offering enhanced capability thanks to technical innovations that provide heightened engine and chassis performance as well as weight-loss for the new model.
Announced in unison across the world today, the 2012 GSX-R1000 retains its original styling but with a host of revisions all implemented to make this the very best GSX-R1000 ever produced.
Shaving two kilograms from its kerb weight, the new GSX-R features a plethora of updates, incorporating Brembo’s highly acclaimed Monoblock calipers for incredible braking and engine revisions that provide even more mid-range power.
Engine technical highlights include the adoption of MotoGP derived finite-element-analysis and fatigue-analysis techniques, which allow for newly developed pistons that are now 11% lighter and aid acceleration and overall performance. This combined with a finer material for engine tappets shaves a further 2.5 grams off per tappet, resulting in optimized valve lift with a revised exhaust cam profile for a slight reduction in valve overlap. Compression ratio also increases from 12.8:1 to 12.9:1.
Along with the utilisation of the BremboMonoblock calipers, the 2012 GSX-R1000 features further chassis enhancements that offer greater manoeuvrability thanks to a reduction in weight for the front tyre and axle, offering superior unsprung weight advantages. This weight saving is amplified with the return to a lightweight 4-2-1 exhaust system, further enhanced with a new lightweight titanium silencer also.
With the current GSX-R1000 a proven track performer, narrowly missing out in this year’s British Superbike Championship by just 0.006 seconds, and current holder of the Brands Hatch Superbike lap record, the 2012 GSX-R1000 , with its detailed update looks set to continue Suzuki's front of the pack performance.
