Suzuki strives to "own the racetrack" in 2003

Las Vegas Dealer's Show, Suzuki unveils four new models

by Bill Andrews

The SV gets a makeover, and a larger sibling.

Sept. 27 – Suzuki dealers from across the nation converged in Las Vegas this last Monday to get a glimpse at the new hardware that'll be coming to their showrooms in 2003. Models that had most dealers abuzz with anticipation were the redesigned SV650, a 996cc version of the SV and an updated GSX-R1000 that has Suzuki declaring "total world domination" in the liter class.

GSX-R1000

Updated: GSX-R1000
Though the old 1000 Gixxer was certainly a potent piece of Suzuki artillery, good is never good enough if your goal is "owning the race track," as Suzuki claims. To that endeavor, Suzuki engineers went to work on the three things that make a fast bike faster—less weight, more power, better handling.

Just one of the many changes to Suzuki's potent liter speeder is the newly designed lighter, twin-spar, aluminum-alloy frame. The geometry remains the same, but the main frame spars on each side are now extruded and reinforced with three internal ribs each. With this new design, and utilizing data from Suzuki's racing program, engineers were able to "precisely adjust overall frame rigidity."

Also, the Gixxer now sports radial-mounted four-piston calipers up front. The new calipers weigh 30 grams less and grip smaller 300mm discs that knock off another 300 grams. Though smaller, Suzuki says the new brakes provide better stopping and turn-in performance.

The 988cc four-cylinder engine received a few upgrades too. New ventilation holes have been added between adjoining cylinders to equalize crankcase pressure beneath the pistons.

Comparing noses: The GSX-R1000 nose (top) now resembles the Hayabusa nose shown here.

Torque was increased by moving the ram-air intake ducts 20mm closer to the centerline of the redesigned fairing, which has the effect of giving the GSX-R a family resemblance to the Hayabusa. Styling changes also include a new compact instrument cluster.

Suzuki claims to have also achieved more torque, and better throttle response, through a new 32-bit CPU engine management system. While monitoring and controlling innumerable engine functions, and input from the rider, it also controls Suzuki's unique exhaust tuning valve. Suzuki says the system matches the exhaust back pressure to engine speed, throttle position and gear selection for increased torque, lower emissions and less noise.

For '03, the 1000 also gets a new titanium exhaust system, further reducing the weight by 600 grams, and bringing the Gixxer's overall weight loss to about 2 kgs., or 4.4 pounds.

The price tag on the GSX-R1000 increases by $100 to $10,499.

Mel Harris, vice president of Suzuki's motorcycle/ATV division, chats with TV star Matt LeBlanc about the new SV1000S.

Updated:
SV650/SV650S
New Model:
SV1000/SV1000S
Other big news at the dealer show included an updated SV650 and the introduction of an SV big brother, the SV1000.

The original SV was a boon for Suzuki by providing a lightweight bike that could outperform bigger displacement bikes at a price that was, arguably, the best bargain in motorcycling.

For '03, the SV gets a style redesign and a tweak in performance.

The cost? Just a "C" note over last year's SV650, starting at $5,899.

Suzuki says the SVs have an all-new aluminum alloy truss-style frame and a construction process that provides improved production quality, higher consistency, reduced weight and more accurately controlled rigidity.

To increase low- to mid-range torque, the SV650s get a new digital fuel-injection system that utilizes a secondary butterfly valve in its 39mm throttle bodies to control intake velocity.

The new SV1000 shares much of the same engine management systems as its smaller sibling, and even utilizes a similar aluminum alloy truss-style frame that visually appears to be almost identical. But the 90-degree V-twin engine on the 1000 shares its heritage with Suzuki's "L" series.

MSRP for the new 1000 starts at $7,999.

All SVs come with a more angular styling treatment, new instrument clusters and twin rows of LED taillights. In both the 650 and 1000 you have a choice of either half-faired models (with the "S" designation in the name), or going naked.

Burgman 400

Burgman 650

New Models: Burgman 400/650
Suzuki also rolled out two new scooters to their lineup—the Burgman 400 and 650. Suzuki reps say the name "Burgman" came from a combination of the German word for city or town, "burg," and man. The name, therefore, is supposed to evoke feelings of some kind of urbanite transporter.

The 400 is powered by a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 385cc engine with electronic fuel injection. The 650 gets a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 638cc twin cylinder powerplant.

The transmission on both the 400 and 650 is of the constant velocity, dual pulley type, but the 650 comes with sensors that let a computer determine the optimum ratio for the pulleys. There are two settings for the automatic transmission, one for economy, the other for power. Or you can go to a manual shift mode in which you can toggle up or down through five different ratios.

Suzuki says there's 55 liters of storage space in the 400, with a liter more in the 650. A handy little under-the-seat light helps illuminate the rather cavernous trunk space, which has enough room for two full-face helmets.

The seats on both scooters are of the dual-stepped variety with the 400 getting a passenger backrest.

Prices for the Burgman 400 and 650 are $5,599 and $7,699, respectively.

To learn more about these new products, and Suzuki's entire 2003 line-up, visit the Suzuki website at: www.suzukicycles.com

Will they come to the U.S.?

Motorcycles already being sold in Japan. 
Suzuki is asking dealers here what they think.

VL250 Engine type: Air-cooled, 65 degree V-twin, SOHC Carburetion: Mikuni BDS28 Transmission: 5-speed Wheelbase: 59.8 inches Fuel tank: 3.2 gallons Seat height: 27.0 inches Dry weight: 315 lbs.	GSX1400 Engine type: Air-cooled, in-line 4, DOHC Carburetion: Fuel injection 34mm Transmission: 6-speed Wheelbase: 59.8 inches Fuel tank: 5.8 gallons Seat height: 31.1 inches Dry weight: 502 lbs.	Van Van 200 Engine type: Air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC Carburetion: Mikuni BS26 Transmission: 5-speed Wheelbase: 54.2 inches Fuel tank: 2.0 gallons Seat height: 30.3 inches Dry weight: 260.2 lbs.

© 2002, American Motorcyclist Association