2017 SUZUKI GSX-R1000
FIRST TEST
P104
The Suzuki VVT system splits
the camshaft sprocket into two
halves, with one half carrying the
sprocket itself, the other attach-
ing to the camshaft, allowing for
four degrees of rotation between
the two pieces. On the inside
of both faces are radial grooves
that house 12 steel balls and as
the revs rise, centrifugal force
pushes the balls outwards, up
the grooves and varies the cam
timing.
To achieve this, the two halves
are phased slightly apart and
the edge of the radial grooves
are shallower, meaning the balls
must force their way through
the grooves, separating the two
halves and changing the timing.
This also ensures the VVT system
won't activate until high up in
the rev range with the required
centrifugal force acting on it. The
camshaft part of the VVT system
is on a spline, so it can move in
and out while still allowing the
camshaft itself to turn. To close
the system, Suzuki uses a good
old fashioned spring.
