No, that extra R in GSX-R1000R isn’t a typo – Suzuki is releasing two versions of its superbike at INTERMOT today, the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R being the higher spec model for track enthusiasts.
Available later in mid-2017, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R takes the already robust package that is the Suzuki GSX-R1000, and adds to it an up-and-down quickshifter, launch control, and cornering ABS feature set.
The suspension has also been upgraded, with the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R getting the very noticeable Showa Balance Free forks (note the gas cartridge on the fork bottom), and the Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion rear shock, which is an interesting piece of kit, since Showa says the design does away with the need for separate high-speed and low-speed compression adjustment.
The last item of difference, besides the price of course, is that the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R includes a lighter triple tree top clamp.
While both the GSX-R1000 and GSXR-1000R benefit from Suzuki’s all-new inline-four engine with variable valve timing, it is interesting to note that they do not share the same electronics package.
The Suzuki GSX-R1000R having launch control and a quickshifter makes sense to us, since its purpose is more for the race track, but Suzuki’s other choices on the differing electronic rider aids are a bit more confusing.
This is because while both bikes feature an intertial measurement unit (IMU), only the Suzuki GSX-R1000R uses its IMU for a cornering ABS function. This is strange because the new GSX-R1000 still uses the IMU in conjunction with the front brakes for rear-wheel lift mitigation, i.e. stoppie control.
It’s not clear to us if perhaps Suzuki is using two different IMU units in the GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R, or simply electing to run different software packages on the two machines in order to make some separation in the marketplace for them.
Either way, it’s clear that Suzuki’s intent was for riders to gravitate towards the more feature-rich GSX-R1000R model – and it does have quite the pull.
The real test for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R, besides on the race track, will be in price. If the Japanese OEM can keep the Suzuki GSX-R1000R on par, or below, its counterparts, the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R could once again be the King of the Superbikes.
Source: Suzuki
As always, Asphalt & Rubber will covering all the new bikes debuting at the INTERMOT and EICMA shows this year. Be sure to follow our coverage for the most recent news and photos.
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