Suzuki has unveiled its plans for MotoGP at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany today, where its 2015 model line-up was revealed to the world’s press.
Specification
Overall length x width x height: 2,096mm x 720mm x 1,140mm.
Wheelbase: 1,457mm.
Body weight: 160kg (based on FIM regulation).
Engine type: Water-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder, DOHC four-valve.
Displacement: 1,000cm3.
Maximum output: Over 169kw (230PS).
Frame type: Twin-spar aluminum.
Tyres (front/rear): 16.5in/16.5in.
Front suspension: Ohlins, inverted fork.
Rear suspension: Ohlins.
Brakes (front/rear): Carbon disk/steel disk, Brembo.
The Japanese firm has been absent from the Blue Riband race series since 2012, but is back with an all-new bike, a new Team Manager in Davide Brivio and two new riders: Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.
We spoke to David Brivio at Cologne and asked him about his involvement with the new project.
How long have you been working with the Suzuki MotoGP team?
“Since the beginning, in April 2013 I joined Suzuki and carried on the preparation.”
Can you tell us if the new bike uses any parts from the old GSV-R MotoGP bike?
“No, the GSX-RR is completely new. It’s a total redesign from a blank sheet of paper.”
Why has Suzuki moved to an inline-four design?
“Well, to be also closer to our production bikes. One of the aims of participation in MotoGP is to develop technology to transfer to production bikes. So using the same engine layout there means stronger links to our production. That’s the target; the aim.”
What areas are you working on now?
“Now we are working a lot on the electronics, because the electronics are very sophisticated in MotoGP and we have been out for a few years, so we need to recover. And also we are working on engine performance – not so much the top speed of the engine – but more the drivability of the engine and the power. And we have to enter and see where we are; how much work we have to do!”
New Suzuki models introduced at the Cologne show include the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 ABS, which will be available in the MotoGP machine colour scheme in some countries, the naked GSX-S1000/ABS, the faired version GSX-S1000F/ABS, the Address 110 scooter, the V-Strom 650XT ABS, the Bandit 1250S ABS and the fully faired version of the Inazuma 250F.
