The key to making a GSX-R1000R cream off a quicker lap time is staring you in the face...
2017 SUZUKI GSX-R1000R CHRIS NEWBIGGING
WHEN ANYONE POKES around my GSX-R-R, the 15mm of fork protrusion above the top yoke always invokes a comment. ‘Bloody hell, pulled those through, haven’t you,’ is the general assumption made. Understandable: most bikes have no more than 5mm above the top yoke. In comparison, the GSX-R looks like it’s been dumped on its nose in a ’90s-style effort to improve steering.
But it hasn’t. The premium-spec R model comes like this. Actual ride height is the same as the base model, but with the scope to raise the front as well as lower it. Raising the front might sound daft, but it’s very much the thinking of the moment when it comes to making a bike faster over a whole lap.
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Performance Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2017 edition of Performance Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory
THE BASIC architecture of the second generation Tuono V4 is the same as the previous. But the entire front brake set-up has been replaced, from the master cylinder to the ABS system, and everything between. The forks also get new internals (lighter springs), the engine another 500rpm and there’s the must-have item for 2017, a shitting big exhaust.
The Grand Finale
Ducati’s last V-twin superbike is a £35k dream bike, using the some of the best bits from various models. We introduced it to PB’s Ducati-loving, road-racing track tester Michael Rutter and his favourite-ever Bolognese superbike: the still-fabulous 888
Back To The Heart Of It
Fairings off? Fluids drained? It’s getting serious for the Fireblade (again...)
The Quest For Power
Chris’s brother is a picky sod: he wanted 150bhp, modern handling and great looks for less than £4k. But he found it, and now we’re adopting his new mini-project
Don't Mess With The Best
New exhausts and hoses to keep Chris’s MV as Tamburini intended
Aaron Slight
The fastest rider who never won a WSB title explains what world championship racing feels like, and how to adapt to normal life afterwards.
Not For Show
Clive Padgett and Bruce Anstey have campaigned HRC’s MotoGP-rep road bike in the unforgiving world of road racing. It’s given Bruce new motivation, and won the Ulster GP. Clive showed PB how he turned a collector’s item into a winner.
Flying Start, Tragic End
Success of SMT-Batham’s super-light Macau bike overshadowed by road racing’s cruel side.
Clawing Back The Advantage
Johnny’s Blade is now on a par with the rest of 2017’s litre bikes. It only took six months...
I Do All My Own Stunts
Rick English is a Hollwood stunt man, getting paid to do skids, wheelies (and big highsides) in pursuit of box office success. He ushered PB behind the curtain for a look into a world where riding elbow-to-elbow with Tom Cruise is part of the day job.