Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9
The GSX-R's lighter chassis and improved suspension gave excellent cornering performance, although the Suzuki lacked the sophistication of some rivals. Its rider could choose from alternative engine maps hut there was no ride-by-wire throttle, ABS or traction control.
After the original GSX-RIOOO had taken the large capacity super-sports division by storm in 2001. Suzuki's engineers did a fine job to improve the big 'Gixxer' still further four years later. But the 2007 update that created the GSX-R1000 K7 was a step backwards, robbing the 16-valve four of some of its punch and poise. The GSX-R returned to form two years later with the K9 model, which featured a more tractable engine and lighter, better equipped chassis.
Although it looked deceptively similar to the previous model, with the exception of a twin-sided exhaust system, the K9 was completely new. Its 999cc engine was shorter, lighter and had more over-square bore and stroke dimensions. The chassis was shorter, lighter and narrower. Suspension was new, notably at the front which featured Showa’s new-generation BPF ‘big piston fork’.
Another Japanese specialist, Tokico, supplied more rigid six- piston front brake calipers.
Each of these modifications was relatively small, but together they produced a significantly improved GSX-R1000. The I82bhp maximum output was unchanged, but the new motor's extra low-rev punch combined with an l lib (5kg) weight saving to boost acceleration.
The improved suspension, uprated brakes and electronically controlled steering damper gave sharper, more controlled cornering. Styling was bland despite new bodywork, and the bike lacked the electronic sophistication of some rival superbikes. But the GSX-R1000 K9 put Suzuki right back in contention.
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The GSX-R's lighter chassis and improved suspension gave excellent cornering performance, although the Suzuki lacked the sophistication of some rivals. Its rider could choose from alternative engine maps hut there was no ride-by-wire throttle, ABS or traction control.
The familiar GSX-R look was barely changed from the right side, although the K9’s exhaust system added a second silencer on the left. Subtle changes included a slightly wider upper fairing, for added wind protection, and a narrower lower section to improve aerodynamics. As with most GSX-Rs since the 1985 original, blue-and - white was the most popular colour scheme.
Specification Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 (2009)
- Engine Liquid-cooled dohc 16-valve four
- Capacity 999cc (74.5 x 57.3mm)
- Maximum power 182bhp @ 12,000rPM
- Transmission Six-Speed, chain final drive
- Frame Aluminium twin spar
- Suspension Telescopic front; single shock rear
- Brakes Twin discs front; disc rear
- Weight 447lb (203kg) dry
- Top speed 186mpH (299km/h)
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