Product Review for the 2009 Suzuki GSX-R Series

 

The 2009 Suzuki GSX-R Series line-up includes three models, mostly varied by engine size (1000cc, 750cc, and 600cc) along with a few other minor differences, but all promising to deliver high-performance and stylish machines that will “Own the Racetrack.”  These bikes are meant to be ridden on the track as well as on the road - pillion rider optional. The following review covers the entire GSX-R series for the model year 2009:

 

Full Specs

 

2009 GSX-R Series Specifications (at a glance)
Spec	GSX-R 1000	GSX-R 750	GSX-R 600
Engine Type	4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC	4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC	4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Displacement	999 cm3 (cc)	749 cm3 (cc)	599 cm3 (cc)
Compression Ratio	12.8 : 1	12.5 : 1	12.8 : 1
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh	6-speed constant mesh	6-speed constant mesh
Length/Width/Height	80.5” / 28” / 44.5”	80.3” / 28.1” / 44.3”	80.3” / 28.1” / 44.3”
Wheelbase & Grnd. Clearance	55.3” / 5.1”	55.3” / 5.1”	55.1” / 5.1
Curb Mass	448 lbs.	437 lbs.	432 lbs.
Suspension	Telescopic and front inverted, with oil damped coil spring / Rear Link type, with oil damped coil spring – all fully adjustable	Telescopic and front inverted, with oil damped coil spring / Rear Link type, with oil damped coil spring	Telescopic and front inverted, with oil damped coil spring / Rear Link type, with oil damped coil spring
Brakes	Radial mount, 4-piston Disk, twin / Rear Disc	Front Disc, twin / Rear Disc	Front Disc, twin / Rear Disc
Ignition Type	Electronic ignition (Transistorized)	Electronic ignition (Transistorized)	Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Fuel Tank Capacity	4.6 US gal.	4.5 US gallon	4.5 US gallon
Details
All GSX-Series bikes have the following details: Shaped seat with adjustable foot pegs.  Tail section cover, Fairing & bodywork that are streamlined to reduce turbulence and drag, Multi reflector headlight with vertically stacked high and low beam halogen bulbs.	Comes in 4 colours: 1.     Metallic Blue / White 2.     Black / Metallic Mat Black 3.     White / Metallic Silver 4.     Dark Cherry Red / Black	Comes in 3 colours: 1.     Solid Black 2.     Pearl White/ Metallic Silver 3.     Black/Metallic Gold	Comes in 3 colours: 1.     Black/Candy Orange 2.     Solid Black 3.     Pearl White

 

Outstanding Features

 

* GSX-R series engines use forged pistons that have enlarged titanium valves, as well as shot-peened conrods.  Suzuki’s Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)-plated cylinders inside the crankcase that promise to 1) reduce friction 2) improve heat transfer, and 3) extend durability of the ring seal.

 

* The GSX-R series incorporates Suzuki’s Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) that features push button cycling through three performance settings, allowing a rider to adjust to three different riding conditions and personal riding styles. Note: the S-DMS is now relocated to the left handlebar’s control module.

 

* The GSX-R series also uses Suzuki’s Big Piston Frontforks (BPF) systems that is a design already proven on the racetrack for great feedback and responsiveness, stability, and reduction in overall weight for front forks in this class.

 

* Also installed on this series is the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system that boasts to improve cylinder charging providing for a more liner throttle response and increased torque.  The fuel systems also have Idle Speed Control (ISC) systems that automatically improve cold starts and stabilize the engine idle.

 

* The instrument clusters on the GSX-R series have attractive analogue tachometers with an LCD speedometer.  The LCD readout includes:

• Dual trip meters (with reserve trip meter)
• Odometer
• Clock (with Lap timer with stopwatch
• Oil pressure warning indicator
• Coolant temperature indicator
• Gear position indicator
• S-DMS setting indicator
• Bar-graph (displays the instrument lighting levels)

 

* The aerodynamic design of the series includes long velocity stacks (or intake funnels) on each throttle body barrel that help improve midrange acceleration, while the trapezoidal & curved radiator delivers a large cooling capacity without adversely effecting aerodynamics.

 

* Suzuki’s Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) incorporates a below engine exhaust chamber and low, large volume titanium mufflers inspired by MotoGP racing professionals.

 

Review

 

The GSX-R series was first put into production in 1985 with the GSX-R 750 (F) oil-cooled engine, and the series has come a mighty long way since then, adding larger (and one smaller) water-cooled engines, improved ignition and carburetion, as well as eye-catching good looks to the exterior design and colour choices.  This review is for the GSX-R 750, which should ride somewhere between the GSX-R 1000 and GSX-R 600, as far as performance and handling goes.

 

From the moment the GSX-R 750 is started up, one gets the feeling one is atop a high performance race bike.  Ignition is flawless even in cold weather, thanks to the direct-digital system now being used. And now that the older 39mm carburettors have been replaced by larger ones (46mm), this machine just roars on the track as well as the expressway. The 6-speed constant mesh transmission is smooth and precise, preventing those accidental kicks into neutral found on other bikes in this class.  

 

Acceleration lives up this model’s legendary track performance (winner of the 1996 Coupe de France – in every round!).  Steering is suitable for both off-track riding as well as on-track racing, as the electronically controlled steering damper provides less damping force at lower speeds and more damping force at racetrack speeds - when you really need it.  Overall, this is a masterpiece in performance design, although not a bike you would ever ride for comfort, as even though the seat has been improved in the past few years, it’s still not as comfortable as one would like, especially for the pillion rider if you choose to take one.

 

MSRP

 

The manufactures suggested retail pricing for the 2009 GSX-R series is as follows: 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 600 ($10,399.00), 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 750 ($11,699.00) and 2009 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 ($12,899.00).  Note: destination charges may apply.

 

Changes From Previous Year

 

Little has changed between the model year 2008 and 2009 for the GSX-R series besides the obligatory colour changes from 2008’s colour scheme of Black on Black, Blue & White, Silver & Yellow, and White & Silver, and slightly higher base MSRPs for the