INTERVIEW
SUZUKI GSX-R1000 PROJECT LEADER SHINICHI SAHARA
P72
its torque as well as its power,
so we have not thrown away this
history and characteristic. The
new exhaust system also helps
boost midrange performance.
Why develop an R version?
The GSX-R1000 has two dif-
ferent target users. One wants
high performance with an afford-
able price, the other wants the
ultimate GSX-R.
Will we ever see a MotoGP
replica for the road from
Suzuki?
That's my dream. There is no
reason to say no. CN
has been made up by journal-
ists. I am not aware of it existing!
During development you
will have tested your engine
verses current rivals such
as the Kawasaki ZX-10R and
BMW S 1000 RR. How did it
compare?
On the dyno we had the high-
est peak power, but this is just
one figure. The more important
characteristic is the midrange
and the GSX-R has more torque
and midrange than its rivals
thanks to its variable valve timing
system. The GSX-R is known for
The GSX-R has the slogan
"Own the race track," will we
see it in WorldSBK?
I wish and I hope so but this is
still in discussion.
You quote 199 bhp, is there
still a 200 bhp "gentleman's
agreement" between the
Japanese manufacturers?
I think this is something that
For the first time in many, many
years (and first in the 1000cc
history), the GSX-R will come in
two formats—the GSX-R1000
and GSX-R1000R.
