SUZUKI’S BARGAIN STILL PACKS A PUNCH

THIS IS MORE OF A TWEAK THAN A COMPLETE OVERHAUL and, remember, the roots of this engine date back to the GSX-R1000 K5 from 2005. Capacity, bore and stroke, and compression are the same as before, with new camshafts, camchain, and valve springs, along with a new slipper clutch among the most significant changes. There is also a completely new exhaust (to meet Euro 5 norms) along with smaller and lighter electronically controlled throttle bodies. The 40-millimetre throttle bodies (down from 44 mm) have been designed to give a smoother feeling upon opening.

The end result is an increase from 150 hp at 10,000 rpm to 152 hp at 11,000 — not a huge step. However, the increase in rpm is interesting. Peak torque is down from 108 Nm at 9,500 rpm to 106 Nm at 9,250 rpm, but the all-important torque curve is now smoother, with a noticeable increase in the mid-to-high rpm range.

The Suzuki sounds a little old school and makes a charismatic