2012 Suzuki Motorcycle

After much on-track R&D from MotoGP through AMA Superbike teams, Suzuki has revamped its championship-winning GSX-R 1000 for 2012, the first major revision since 2009.

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R 1000's engine has been improved for additional acceleration, fuel efficiency and throttle response. But Suzuki didn't stop there; the Japanese motorcycle marquee also enhanced the chassis, suspension and braking system, and reduced the overall weight of the 2012 Gixxer by 4.4 lbs.

The GSX-R's engine was revamped based on research from the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team. This MotoGP technology was used to develop the GSXR 1000's pistons, which are 11-percent lighter, enhancing acceleration.

Suzuki says "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."

Regarding chassis, the 2012 Suzuki uses a "twin-spar frame welded together using five cast aluminum-alloy sections, and an aluminum-alloy swingarm that's welded together using just three castings and is arched to allow the muffler to be tucked in tightly."

Sticking to it's race-ready design, Suzuki also updated the 2012 GSX-R 1000 with new Brembo Monoblock Brake calipers and Sunstar Engineering front discs, and a Big Piston Front fork (BPF) with tuned settings.

There are also some new styling updates, including black fork tubes, red pinstrips on the wheels, new instrumentation and new color schemes.

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 - more acceleration, more responsive handling, and superior braking - everything needed to "Own the Racetrack."

Above is just a brief intro into the new features of the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R 1000. Following is a complete list of new features, specs, color options and MSRP for the new Gixxer.

2012 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 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.
• Optimized 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 realize 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 optimize the valve lift curve.
• An engine control module (ECM) provides state-of-the-art engine management and has optimized 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 tires 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 emphasized by bigger "GSX-R" graphics and more extensive use of Suzuki's signature blue color 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 caliper 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 centered 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-R 1000 Specs:

• 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
• Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
• Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
• Lubrication : Wet sump
• Starter: Electric
• 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.)
• Wheelbase: 1405mm (55.3 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

2012 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 Color Options/MSRP:

• Metallic Mat Black No.2/Glass Sparkle Black / $13,799
• Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Splash White / $13,799