VOL. 52 ISSUE 47 NOVEMBER 24, 2015 P27
engine, electronics, everything…
Can you be more specific?
We needed to give the GSX-R a better
front-end feeling, so we have moved the
weight bias more forward, shortened the
front end and extended the swingarm. This
is the same route almost all current sports-
bikes have followed.
Was the design focus on track or road
riding?
We feel it is very good at both disciplines,
but the test riders always want more track-
orientated focus! I had to tell them "not too
much." It is a hard balance.
The engine is all new and has fingers
followers instead of a bucket and shim
valve train, why is this?
This system allows us to increase the rev
limit and therefore gain more power, as it is
lighter than a traditional valve train. The cur-
rent GSX-R has 185 bhp (at the crank) but
our competitors have nearer to 200 bhp, so
we need to grow at least 15 bhp and that has
to be done by increasing the rev limit as well
altering the combustion chamber's shape
and increasing the compression ratio.
The GSX-R has traditionally had a lon-
ger stroke/smaller bore engine than its
rivals, which is good for midrange power.
Is this still the case?
The bore is larger on the new GSX-R,
which is why we introduced the variable
valve timing system. Big bore engines
can have a dip in their torque curve in the
midrange, by using the VVT system we have
managed to retain the GSX-R's traditional
low and midrange performance while adding
to its peak power. The exhaust balance pipe
also helps the midrange.
Is the valve timing system continually
variable like Ducati's system or more of
an on/off system?
It is a mechanical system and operates
very quickly; it is not continually variable and
not electronically controlled so can't be op-
erated as precisely as some other systems.
Speaking of electronics, does the 2017
GSX-R1000 have gyroscopic sensors?
No, there are no gyroscopes. We don't
want to rely on electronic controls too much
at this stage. The basic component is more
important and we have focused on getting
the mechanical capabilities and perfor-
mance of the GSX-R correct without relying
on electronics. In the future electronics can
enhance the bike's performance even fur-
ther once the fundamentals are correct.
Has there been much input from the
MotoGP team during the GSX-R's devel-
opment?
Yes, members of staff have worked on
both projects. The teams have been giving
feedback to one another.
The MotoGP bike has an uneven firing
order, does the new GSX-R1000 also?
No, it is a conventional inline four, even
firing order like the previous model.
Why are there two models?
Some riders want something a little bit
more special, so we are studying the possi-
bility of giving it to them with a GSX-R1000R.
Finally, there is a "gentleman's agree-
ment" between the Japanese manufac-
turers not to claim over 200 bhp. Is this
still in place?
Kawasaki announced 200 bhp without
ram air on their ZX-10R, 208 bhp with ram
air, so I think possibly not. I don't know for
sure…
Jon Urry
