Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128176
Intermot 2002, Part I tern's ECU has been massively enhanced, with a 32-bit processor (up from 16 bits) and a 256k memory replacing the old 96k one. For non-computer nerds, this delivers far more sophisticated, more refined engine mapping and thus enhanced performance all through the revband - a vital feature in Superstock racing and its Endurance derivative, in which the GSX-R 1000 is presently unchallenged. Suzuki, too, has here adopted cast-alloy frame spars, as well as a titanium exhaust now incorporating a catalyst, which even with the more robust swing arm which now has an adjustable pivot for the first time, together drop the overall weight to 370 pounds - ever more the class benchmark. Worth noting, too, that the new GSX-R1000 also adopts radial brakes for the first time, whose extra bite has allowed the R&D team to reduce the size of the twin frontbrake discs to just 300mm, thus not only reducing unsprung weight for improved compliance from the upside-down forks, but also enhanced handling thanks to the quicker steering obtained by the reduced gyroscopic effect. Phew! The chips are down for Superbike '04: Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki - follow that! And they will - but only a year from now, possibly leaving the Suzuki even more the undisputed king of the ultrasports class in the meantime. Suzuki's new-model blitz didn't end there, for amongst the broadest range of novelties of any Japanese company at Intermot, the firm introduced a bigger-capacity version of its SV650 sports roadster as a direct replacement for the controversial TLIOOOS. The SV1000 employs the same fuel-injected eight-valve 998cc 90-degree V-twin engine as the TL, but jettisons the old bike's flawed rotary-damper rear suspension in favor of a conventional fully adjustable shock and progressive-rate linkage. Together with an all-new cast-aluminium trellis frame incorporating much more conservative geometry (wider rake, longer wheelbase and a lot more trail), this promises to deliver more neutral handling with greater stability and no nasty surprises of the n __ s kind which earnt the TLl OOOS its flawed reputation. Available in both naked and half-fa ired versions, the SV1000(S) is matched by revised versions of the bike which gave birth to it, the SV650/SV650S which now also feature fuel injection, rather than the previous carbs. Sharper styling delivers a 5mm lower seat height and a slightly bigger fuel tank, but otherwise the design that is one of Suzuki's several current success stories remains essentially unchanged, for good reason - and ditto the company's still strong-selling Burgman 250 and 400cc maxi-scooters, which have received fresh styling with an even taller screen, as well as detail mechanical updates for 2003, without yet treading the multi-cylinder path followed by Yamaha and Honda. And the famed Kawasaki-badged Burgman that was supposed to be launching Big K along the scooter trail at Intermot? No sign ... Also benefiting from fuel injection is Honda's tarmac trailie, the XLI OOOV Varadero now fitted with PGM-Fl for 2003, as well as a new six-speed gearbox with overdrive top, instead of the previous five-speeder. With a three-way adjustable screen and more aggressive styling via a redesigned fairing offering greater weather protection, the revamped Varadero's touring credentials are further enhanced. Debuting alongside it in Munich was an uprated version of the 600cc twin-cylinder Silver Wing maxi-scooter which now features optional ABS, while extensive improvements across the board are featured on the company's CR offroad range - engine, chassis, suspension and brake departments are all uprated. But the biggest - literally new Honda on display was the VTX 1300S V -twin custom, a laidback kid sister cruiser of the US-market VTX1800, with slash-cut exhausts and wide rubber aboard the spoked wheels, to create an affordable stretch-bike with style. Kawasaki matched Honda on the cruiser as well as Supersport front, too, with the intro of the VN 1600 Classic, with its V-twin motor stretched to 1552cc from the previ-