The new generation of Suzuki's class-defining GSX-R1000 superbike will touch down in Australia in the coming months, taking the flagship model to another level.

Continuing the legend of the GSX-R, the 2009 model has received significant improvements, including an all-new engine and chassis, along with major suspension, brake and bodywork developments.

More powerful and lighter with a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, the new model is set to keep the GSX-R1000 at the front of production-based racing grids around the world, after a successful 2008.

Australian rider Cameron Donald was crowned Isle of Man Superbike TT Champion and Suzuki dominated the competitive AMA Superbike Championship, with Ben Spies and Mat Mladin scoring a 1-2 championship finish for the GSX-R1000.

Locally, it has been a regular race winner in the Australian Superbike Championship, while Brayden Carr took out the Formula Xtreme Cup support category, in which seven of the Top 10 riders in the championship were GSX-R1000-mounted.

"Suzuki engineers have outdone themselves again with the new generation GSX-R1000," said Perry Morison, General Manager Motorcycles, Suzuki Australia.

"Every aspect of the GSX-R1000 has been improved, with the end result including more power from a new engine, better handling from an all-new chassis and suspension system and a stunning new look.

"The 2009 GSX-R1000 represents an unsurpassed superbike package, it's ready to own the racetrack and provide an exhilarating ride on the road."

At the heart of the new GSX-R1000 is an all-new 999cc, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, with the majority of parts redesigned from the existing model.

Lighter and shorter, the new powerplant delivers more power and torque, with improved throttle response throughout the entire rpm range, while also reducing emissions.

The Suzuki's advanced Engine Control Module (ECM) works with a range of race-bred systems to manage the impressive power of the GSX-R1000.

The latest version of the downdraft double-barrel Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel-injection system's throttle bodies have 12-hole injectors, reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Idle Speed Control (ISC) regulates the quantity of fresh air fed into the throttle body circuits based on coolant temperature, improving cold starts whilst reducing emissions and stabilising engine idle.

Suzuki's original Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS), now conveniently located on the left handlebar control module, has been further refined and lets riders choose from three different engine maps to suit riding conditions and their style.

A new, more over-square, bore and stroke of 74.5mm x 57.3mm gives the GSX-R1000 even more tuning potential and high-end performance, while the new compression ratio of 12.8:1 enhances low-range and mid-range torque.

Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)-plated cylinders are integrated into the upper crankcase casting, reducing friction and improving heat transfer and durability, along with enlarged titanium valves, forged pistons and shot-peened conrods.

With a shorter intake camshaft and relocated cam angle sensor, cylinder heads have been reshaped and weigh less.

A redesigned and lighter Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) airbox works with the ECM-controlled Suzuki PAIR (Pulsed-AIR) system to inject fresh air into the exhaust ports based on engine rpm and throttle position.

The reshaped combustion chamber, with Iridium spark plugs producing a stronger spark, and new cam profiles also contribute to the 2009 GSX-R1000's power increase.

Leading into two large-volume, MotoGP-inspired titanium mufflers, the latest version of the unique Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) utilises staggered length titanium header pipes and a stainless-steel under-engine chamber.

Built into the mid-pipe, a Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) servo-controlled butterfly valve optimises exhaust system back pressure to ensure maximum torque throughout the rpm range in a variety of conditions.

A large and efficient trapezoidal-shaped radiator was developed on the racetrack for the 2009 GSX-R1000, maintaining stable engine temperatures and reducing drag with the new trapezoidal engine oil cooler.

In a new layout, the six-speed transmission's input and output shafts are triangulated with the crankshaft, with ratios carefully selected for optimum performance on the racetrack.

Offering improved lever feel and feedback and reducing weight, the Suzuki's back-torque-limiting clutch is now directly operated by a cable rather than a hydraulic system, with a further weight reduction coming through a new, combined cover for the clutch and starter motor.

Thanks to its more compact engine and shortened mainframe, the all-new chassis of the GSX-R1000 features a 10mm-shorter wheelbase and 33mm-longer swingarm, improving handling and acceleration on the racetrack.

The new twin-spar cradle frame is made from just five cast aluminium-alloy sections, connecting to the arched swingarm made of three castings and the lighter, one-piece, diecast rear subframe.

The 2009 GSX-R1000 sports a stunning new look.

Bodywork was developed through extensive wind tunnel development, resulting in a sharp, clean and edgy look with enhanced aerodynamics and additional rider protection.

While the upper fairing is wider, turbulence and drag have been reduced, combining with a narrower lower fairing, redesigned air intakes, new louvers and creased fairing sides.

Co-developed by Suzuki and Showa engineers, the GSX-R1000 features a revolutionary Big Piston Frontfork (BPF) front suspension system.

Eliminating the internal cartridge assembly inserted into each fork leg, BPF uses a single, 39.6mm upper piston riding against the inside wall of the inner fork tube and relocates fork springs to the bottom of each fork leg.

Proven in the gruelling Suzuka 8 Hour production sportsbike endurance race, the new BPF system is lighter and provides more feedback to riders, while being quicker and easier to replace in a competition environment.

The Showa rear shock absorber offers adjustable rebound damping, spring preload, and high and low-speed compression damping, with the GSX-R1000 also fitted with an electronically-controlled automatic steering damper.

New race-proven monoblock forged-aluminium-alloy front brake calipers bulk up the stopping power of the new GSX-R1000, combining with twin, fully-floating 310mm drilled discs.

Reducing weight and offering improved rider feel, the new front brake package includes reshaped disc carriers, while the 220mm rear disc brake works with a single-piston caliper.

High-performance radial 120/70ZR17M/C front and 190/50ZR17M/C rear tyres are fitted to lighter, cast aluminium-alloy wheels.

Among the Suzuki's refinements through attention to detail, the sculpted fuel tank is lighter yet retains its 17.5-litre capacity, while the carefully shaped seat, adjustable footpegs and overall riding ergonomics enhance rider comfort.

Part of the 2009 GSX-R1000's aggressive styling, a new-look multi-reflector headlight features vertically-stacked high and low-beam halogen bulbs centred between position lights on each side.

Front turn signals are built on the rear-view mirror mounts, rear turn signals into the outside edges of the seat cowl and the LED tail and brake light into the rear of the tail section.

Based around an analogue tachometer, the Suzuki's stylish and practical instrument cluster also includes a digital LCD speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, warning indicators, a gear indicator, laptimer/stopwatch and S-DMS setting indicator.

Riders can program an rpm indicator system with four LEDs, while the speedometer display mode switch is now located on the right handlebar control module and can be used to trigger the laptimer/stopwatch.

Pricing and colour information will be announced closer to the all-new, 2009 model Suzuki GSX-R1000's expected arrival in the first quarter of next year.

SUZUKI GSX-R1000K9

Specifications

ENGINE TYPE
4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC

BORE X STROKE
74.5 mm x 57.3 mm

DISPLACEMENT
999cc

COMPRESSION RATIO
12.8:1

FUEL SYSTEM
SDTV fuel injection

IGNITION
Electronic ignition (transistorised)

STARTER SYSTEM
Electric

LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Wet sump

TRANSMISSION
6-speed constant mesh

PRIMARY DRIVE RATIO
76/47 (1.617)

FINAL DRIVE RATIO
42/17 (2.471)

RAKE / TRAIL
23.8 degrees / 98.3 mm

SUSPENSION
FRONT

Inverted telescopic forks, coil spring, oil damped, fully adjustable compression, rebound and spring preload
REAR
Swingarm, link type, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable spring preload

WHEELS
FRONT

17M/C x MT3.50
REAR
17M/C x MT6.00

BRAKES
FRONT

Radial mount, four-piston callipers 310mm dual disc
REAR
220mm disc

TYRES
FRONT

120/70ZR17M/C, tubeless
REAR
190/50ZR17M/C, tubeless

FUEL TANK
17.5 litre

OVERALL LENGTH
2,045 mm

OVERALL WIDTH
710mm

OVERALL HEIGHT
1,130mm

WHEELBASE
1,405mm

SEAT HEIGHT
810mm

WARRANTY
Two-year unlimited km

COLOUR
TBA

PRICE
TBA

\*RRP includes GST, excludes dealer delivery and government charges.

For further information contact:

Garry Nash or Mitchell Adam
Media Relations - Suzuki Motorcycles
Media & Communication Services
03) 9596 9011
Email: garry@mediacomservices.com.au / mitchell@mediacomservices.com.au
Website: www.mediacomservices.com.au