Filed under: Suzuki, Motorcycles
Suzuki unveils 2009 GSX-R1000
Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000
The Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been around since 2001, replacing the venerable 1100 sportbike that couldn't quite match the performance of the sensational Yamaha R1 that was introduced in 1998. Ever since, the big Gixxer has been battling it out with the other Japanese literbikes for the outright performance crown. For 2009, the model gets evolutionary changes that are meant to eke that extra bit of speed out of the platform, which has shed a few pounds off the slightly porky model of the past few years. One instantly recognizable update is the new dual exhaust cans, now made from titanium in a very swoopy shape. There's a slight bump in the engine's compression, which now has larger titanium valves for better breathing potential. The front forks also come from Showa and feature the firm's new Big Piston technology. All in all, it may not be as flashy as the ABS-equipped CBR from Honda or the new crossplane crank from Yamana, but Suzuki's definitely been in-the-hunt these last few years. We'll see how things play out on the track and on the sales floor soon enough. (NOTE: pics are of European model, we're still waiting for Suzuki to release images of U.S.-spec version.)
Gallery: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Europe
[Source: Suzuki]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luke 7:40PM (9/29/2008)
It looks like an insect (in a really cool way).
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bilbo baggins 7:49PM (9/29/2008)
the 2008 model also has dual exhausts.
anyway...all this moto news and you guys could'nt mention rossi winning the 2008 MOTOGP World Championship...his 6th.?! What...thats not worth a mention or something?!
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Lou 9:51PM (9/29/2008)
Actually, this is Rossi's 8th title. He won in the old 500cc two strokes which were the World Championship machines before the 4 stroke Moto GP.
synapse46 10:13PM (9/29/2008)
Dual exhaust sounds sweet, but the down side to me (besides weight) is if you lay the bike you're guranteed to bang up atleast one can, aftermarket cans around $300. Its been a few years since I have been to the track, but GSXRs were always the bike to have in the liter class.
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2007RC46SP2 10:45PM (9/29/2008)
thats what insurance is for.
Reader 11:34PM (9/29/2008)
You'd waste a claim on 300 bucks? My premium is too high to even cover that, but pretending there wasn't a premium at all it still wouldn't be worth it. Increase in month to month cost and a crash on the record sucks.
jason 10:22PM (9/29/2008)
I'm surprised to see ABS on a sport bike, this maybe the wrong place to ask, but is it really a "performance" feature?
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RLQ 5:09AM (9/30/2008)
Whats up w/ Japanese companies redesigning their 1 liter bike every 2 years?
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Lou 8:37AM (9/30/2008)
They have such a short cycle due to these bikes being used in competition. Superbikes are truly modified stock machines...so if you want to win, you have to have redesigns every couple years. Personally, this turns me off somewhat knowing if I buy a sport bike, it will be obsolete in 2 years...kind of like the laptop I am typing this email on!
RLQ 4:06AM (10/01/2008)
Got yeah
ron 11:09AM (9/30/2008)
A bike is only as obsolete as the rider. I've seen people at the track in brand new 1000cc bikes get SMOKED by people ridin a 5 year old 600cc bike. It's all rider. 95% percent of all 1000cc riders can't ride the bike to a 10% of the bikes potential, me included.
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Dan 6:24PM (10/14/2008)
That may be true Ron, but doesn't change the fact a liter bike is a lot funner with a lot more power over a 600. Yeah a better racer on an old 500 bike could beat a newbie on the track on a gsxr1000 - So what? WHats the point? Still doesn't change the fact the gsxr1000 is a helluva lot funner faster ride than most bikes out there (Only the new zx-10 comes close, but i'll stay with the gsxr1000 tyvm). I like the looks of the new 1000. Told everyone what I want this year for Christmas. I really like the burgandy color scheme as well.
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AIL 1:09PM (1/15/2009)
Trying to shed pounds.
Dual exhausts.
Wow, it is almost like some kind of mystery, why Suzi has been playing catch-up to Yamaha and the big H.
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rob 10:17PM (9/29/2008)
In your dreams pal. The GSX-R 1000cc is the King. Suzuki always let's the other manufacturers do their best to dethrone their King by waiting to release their redesigned bike till ALL the others have tries. The year following the other manufacturers' redesign, Suzuki releases their new 1000cc and sets the new standard for the rest to catch up to. If you don't agree, you don't know what you are talking about.
With that being said, the C-ABS brakes on the Honda 1000RR has me very interested and I hope Suzuki offers this option on their 1000cc soon.