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Suzuki recalls 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 motorcycles over fracturing frames

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Suzuki, Motorcycle

Suzuki, makers of the GSX line of sportbikes, has issued a recall on 26,082 GSX-R1000 motorcycles from 2005 and 2006. The trouble area is reportedly the bike's frame, specifically behind and below the steering neck near the front triple clamps. When ridden particularly aggressively - which we'll get to in a moment - this area is susceptible to cracking. If Suzuki finds any damage to any frame, it will be replaced with a newly reinforced unit. If no damage is found, a special brace will be added and covered by a new five-year warranty.

So, what constitutes aggressive riding? Let's be honest. A good portion of literbike riders enjoy lofting the front wheel from time to time, even on the street where such antics can get you into big trouble. The reality, though, is that these bikes were designed to perform at the highest level under a relatively narrow window of operation, specifically in rounding a race track as quickly as possible. Stunting and hard landings after long wheelies puts lots of stress on the bike that engineers weren't necessarily counting on dealing with. That said, we applaud Suzuki for recognizing a dangerous situation and rectifying it.

[Source: Clutch and Chrome]

Suzuki recalls 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 motorcycles over fracturing frames originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suzuki unveils 2009 GSX-R1000

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Suzuki, Motorcycle

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]

Suzuki unveils 2009 GSX-R1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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