INTERVIEW
SUZUKI GSX-R1000 PROJECT LEADER SHINICHI SAHARA
P70
VOL. 53 ISSUE 47 NOVEMBER 29, 2016 P70
Both a V4 and inline-four have their own
advantages and disadvantages and my
experience with a V4 told me that for a
production bike, an inline-four is a better
option. Honestly speaking, it is also good
for the MotoGP and street bike to have a
similar engine. We simulated many engine
configurations, including an uneven firing
order inline-four, but the conventional
firing order was the best solution. An
uneven firing order needs a heavy bal-
ancer shaft and stronger engine cases
where the conventional engine is lighter
and makes better power characteristics
throughout its entire rev range.
How much MotoGP influence is
there in the GSX-R1000?
When I was MotoGP project leader I
had many secrets from the project in my
head. When I was asked to develop the
GSX-R1000 road bike I no longer needed
to keep them secret.
The bike's come in for a
severe diet, too, and is
noticeably slimmer around
the waistline.
Sahara-san
back in his
MotoGP
days. The
Suzuki team's
withdrawal
for three
years wasn't a
happy time.
