Suzuki released a full media kit for the 2005 GSX-R1000 today, and the changes to the company’s flagship superbike are extensive. After dominating its class until 2003, the big Gixxer was surpassed in 2004 by new 1000s from the other Japanese manufacturers, particularly the 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10R. Suzuki has changed just about every component on the bike for 2005, and it should be back in the fight for top honors in the ultra-competitive 1000cc market.
The 2005 GSX-R1000 is a much more compact bike than the 04 – the bike is 40mm (1.57 inches) shorter from front to back, 45mm (1.77 inches) shorter from the top of the windscreen to the ground, and 5mm (0.19 inches) narrower from side to side. The seat is 20mm (.78 inches) lower, and the reach to the handlebars is 40mm (1.57 inches) shorter. The footpegs are also 17mm (.67 inches) closer together.
The all new frame is lighter than last years and 6mm (.24 inches) shorter from steering head to swingarm pivot. The frame, along with the new (also lighter) swingarm, was designed for different amounts of vertical, horizontal, and torsional rigidity to improve feedback and feel during hard cornering.
Despite the smaller dimensions of the new bike, the wheelbase is unchanged from 2004 at 1405mm (55.315 inches). Rake and trail have been increased to 23.75 degrees and 96mm (3.78 inches) respectively.
New cast-aluminum wheels with thinner spokes reduce unsprung weight by 300 grams (0.66 pounds) per wheel.
The engine receives a host of changes as well. Starting from the top, an all-new cylinder head features larger intake and exhaust ports, filled by larger 30mm titanium intake valves and 24mm titanium exhaust valves. The new titanium exhaust valves save a total of 99.2 grams (0.22 pounds) over the steel valves found in the 2004 model, which allows the new motor to rev 1000 rpm higher.
The flat-faced titanium valves combine with a more compact combustion chamber design to increase compression to 12.5:1 (from 12:1 last year).
The cylinders feature a small (.4mm) increase in bore, which bumps the displacement from 988cc up to 998.6cc. The forged pistons are redesigned and are lighter than those of last year’s model. The bottom end has been strengthened to deal with the higher redline, with sturdier rods and a reinforced crankshaft.
In the intake tract, 2mm (0.079 inches) larger throttle bodies feed each cylinder, and each throttle body now features dual injectors. The secondary injector activates under high-rpm/high-load situations, providing better fuel atomization for more power.
Downstream, the new all-titanium muffler is shaped to decrease aerodynamic drag and provide increased cornering clearance.
And finally, the transmission features closer ratio gears and a back-torque limiting (“slipper”) clutch.
The 2005 GSX-R1000 looks to be significantly improved. We can’t wait to ride it!
