Alstare Suzuki's Max Neukirchner and the factory's new Team Alstare Suzuki K9 World Superbike and is ready for the 2009 World Superbike Championship

The new Suzuki GSXR1000 in PR photos on the track. A potent sportbike as always, but not very attractive with overly stylized bodywork and paint. The hideous underside catalytic converter box with huge dual mufflers has to be the first thing we'd replace with a 20-pound lighter Arrow Racing Exhaust System like on the works bikes.

Suzuki Introduces all new Generation K9 Series GSXR's for 2009
Feb. 15th, 2009 - The official press launch of the all new K9 generation Suzuki GSXR1000 / 750 and 600 Superbikes took place at Phillip Island, Australia, as a prelude to the kick off off the first 2009 SBK World superbike race there on March 1st. So there are now official features of the new bikes available as of yet, but FastDates.com does have access to the official Suzuki press photos and specifications for the new machines.

A look over the photos and specification charts seems to reveal all 3 models, GSX91000/750/600 share the same new K9 generation chassis and engine, with of course, different bore and stroke measurements for their respective engines. With fluids full the 448 lb. curb weight of the GSXR1000 is 11 pounds more than the GSX750, because of the 1000's larger twin mufflers, larger 190 rear tire, and bigger 0.5 gallon fuel tank.

The GSXR1000 also gets its own unique bodywork, foot peg assembly, and headlight assembly, with a larger ram air intake at the front of the fair. Whereas the GSXR750/600 share the same, but different from the (GSXR1000, bodywork and chassis components.

The new GSXR1000 Engine
• All-New 999cc GSX-R1000 is a clean sheet design built to maximize combustion efficiency with more torque and power across the rpm range and enhanced throttle response and reduced exhaust emissions.
• As a result the distance between the crankshaft and the transmission output shaft has been reduced by 59.6mm making the engine shorter front to rear.
• A new integrated clutch and starter motor cover is about 200 grams lighter than the two individual covers previously used.
•A new more efficient oil cooler also has a trapezoidal shape instead of the more conventional rectangular shape, allowing the lower fairing to be narrower for improved aerodynamics.
• A powerful microprocessor in the ECM runs the advanced engine management system, starting with the latest versions of the latest versions of the SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) downdraft double-barrel fuel injection system first introduced on the GSX-R1000.
• A Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) servo controlled butterfly valve built into the mid pipe helps maximize torque throughout the RPM range.
• Each throttle body feeds two cylinders and each throttle body barrel carries two ultra-fine-atomization, 12 hole injectors. Each cylinders primary injector is aimed at a steep 30 degree angle down the intake port to improve fuel atomization and operates under all conditions.
• New more oversquare bore and stroke of 74.5mm x 57.3mm (from 73.4mm x 59.0mm) gives the engine better overall tuning potential, specifically increased performance at high rpm
• Repositioning the transmission shafts also allowed the crankcase assembly to be simplified , now using two bolted-together (upper and lower) sections instead of three, eliminating 16 screws and helping to further reduce weight by about 670 grams.
• Reshaped combustion chamber and new cam profiles increases the compression ratio to 12.8:1
• Spark plugs with finer, Iridium-alloy electrodes produce a stronger spark for better combustion
• SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) airbox is also new and lighter.
• Suzuki engineers were also able to increase low-range and mid-range performance and broaden the torque curve by reshaping the combustion chamber, increasing the compression ratio to 12.8:1 (from 12.5:1) and developing new cam profiles.
• The back torque limiting clutch incorporates the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) for light clutch pull and optimum clutch performance.
• The close ratio six speed transmission's input and output shafts are now triangulated with the crankshaft. The crankshaft is positioned more forward in the cases relative to the cylinder centerline, the transmission input shaft has been moved upwards and the transmission output shaft has been moved forward
• The clutch is now directly operated by a cable instead of a hydraulic system, improving feel and feedback to the rider as well as reducing weight
• The computer controlled Suzuki PAIR system injects fresh air from the airbox into the exhaust ports further reducing emissions by igniting unburned hydrocarbons.
• The engine managements Idle Speed Control (ISC) improves cold starting, reduces cold start emissions and stabilizes engine idle under various conditions by automatically regulating the volume of fresh air fed into the throttle body circuits, based on coolant temperature.
• The latest version of the Suzuki Advanced Exhaust System (SAES) incorporates staggered length titanium head pipes, a collector, a short mid pipe and a stainless steel under engine chamber that leads to two Moto GP inspired titanium mufflers.
• The new engine is shorter front to rear allowing engineers to use a shorter wheelbase AND a longer swingarm for improved racetrack performance
• The new intake camshaft is shorter and lighter and the cam angle sensor has been relocated from the left end of the intake cam to the center of the exhaust cam, allowing the cylinder head to be reshaped for reduced weight
•  The radiator and new oil cooler also allow for the use of narrower bodywork for reduced drag.
• The revised combustion chamber shape also accommodates new larger intake and exhaust valves. Intake valve size is increase from 30mm to 31mm and exhaust valve size is increased from 24mm to 25mm.
• The SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) system uses two butterfly valves in each throttle body barrel, the primary valve controlled by the rider via the twist grip and the secondary valve controlled by the ECM.
• The single counter balancer shaft is now smaller measuring 20mm in bearing diameter instead of 23mm for reduced mechanical losses
• The steel alloy used to produce the single valve spring for each valve has been revised along with camshaft profiles.
• The under engine chamber carries a catalyzer to help reduce hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
• To help maintain intake efficiency and power output at high rpm the downdraft intake manifolds are now 10mm shorter (138mm from 148mm).
• Unique Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) system allow the rider to select one of three fuel injection and ignition system maps, adjusting power delivery to suit personal preference. Using a button now located on the left handlebar control module, the rider can instantaneously switch between the three available maps, which are designated A, B and C as displayed on the instrument panel.
• Ventilation holes positioned underneath the bottom of the piston stroke in each cylinder bore allow air trapped underneath each descending piston to quickly escape to adjacent cylinders.

New GSXR K9 Chassis
• All new more compact twin spar frame welded together using five cast aluminum alloy sections including a steering head section, two main-spar/swingarm pivot plate sections and cross braces above and below the swingarm.
• The new more compact 09 GSX-R1000 engine allowed the design team to shorten up the mainframe reducing the distance between the steering head and the swingarm pivot while also reshaping the main spars to precisely fit the contours of the new engine.
• A new one piece die cast aluminum alloy rear subframe and tailsection support is now lighter and seat height is unchanged at 810mm (31.9 in)
• A new programmable engine RPM indicator system incorporates four LED?s.
• A new speedometer display mode switch is now mounted on the right handlebar control module and can be used to trigger the lap time counter.
• Each BPF (Big Piston Front) fork leg is also 720 grams lighter than the conventional fork tube it replaces.
• Electronically controlled steering damper uses the ECM to monitor motorcycle speed and adjust damping force as needed.
• New dimensions allow the use of a swingarm that is now 33mm longer, measuring 577mm from the center of the pivot shaft to the center of the rear axle in the standard position while still reducing the wheelbase by 10mm to 1405mm.
• New front brake calipers are more rigid despite each being 205 grams lighter than conventional bolt together calipers, reducing flex and improving feedback.
• New Showa BPF (Big Piston Front) 43mm fork design eliminates the internal cartridge assembly inserted into each fork leg and instead uses a single 39.6mm upper piston riding against the inside wall of the inner fork tube.
• Newly designed cast aluminum alloy wheels feature a more aggressive design and are also lighter.
• Re-designed SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) intakes are larger and positioned closer to the centerline of the fairing nose, where air pressure is the highest.
• The all new instrument cluster is centered around an analog tachometer framed by an elegant silver ring with an adjacent digital LCD speedometer.
• The BPF (Big Piston Front) design relocates the fork springs to the bottom of each fork leg, where they are completely submerged in oil, reducing fork oil foaming and contributing to more stable damping.
• The larger piston and shims used in the BPF (Big Piston Front) forks produce more effective valving, with more controlled compression delivering better feedback to the rider.
• The LED combination taillight and brake light is built into the rear of the tailsection, featuring a red, mirror lens, covering LED's.
• The multi-reflector headlight incorporates a new look with vertically stacked high and low beam halogen bulbs centered between position lights on each side.
• The new aluminum alloy swingarm is constructed using just three castings and is arched to make room for the dual titanium mufflers to be tucked in tightly on each side.
• The new GSX-R1000 front brake system matches fully floating 310mm drilled discs with radial mount race proven mono-block forged aluminum alloy front brake calipers
• The new sculpted fuel tank is lighter while retaining 17.5 liters (4.6 US gal) of capacity.
• The new wind tunnel tested upper fairing is wider, providing better wind protection while also reducing turbulence and drag.
• The radial pump front brake master cylinder now measures 17mm (from 19mm) for improved rider feedback and feel.
• The rear disc brake works with a single piston caliper mounted above the swingarm.
• The rear turn signals feature clear lenses over amber bulbs and the lenses are integrated into and wrap around the outside edges of the seat cowl.
• The rebound and compression valving adjustment screws are indented into the fork caps. Spring preload is adjusted at the bottom of the fork leg assembly.
• The sharply creased fairing sides feature a layered look that improves the flow of cooling air through the radiator and away from the rider.
• The Showa rear shock works through an aluminum alloy linkage mounted on the swingarm, with an extruded aluminum alloy link rods connected to the frame. The rear shock absorber is adjustable for rebound, high and low speed compression and spring preload.

Specifications GSX-R1000 K9
Suggested Retail $12,899
Engine 999 cc, 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore & Stroke 74.5 mm x 57.3 mm
Compression Ratio 12.8 : 1
Fuel System Fuel Injection
Lubrication Wet sump
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter Electric
Transmission 6-speed, constant mesh
Final Drive N/A
Overall Length 2045 mm (80.5 in.)
Overall Width 710 mm (28.0 in.)
Overall Height 1130 mm (44.5 in.)
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in.)
Ground Clearance N/A
Wheelbase 1405mm (55.3 in.)
Curb Weight 203kg (448 lbs.)
Suspension Front Inverted telescopic, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
Suspension Rear Link type, oil damped, coil spring, spring preload fully adjustable, rebound and compression damping force fully adjustable
Brakes Front Radial mount, 4-piston calipers, 310 mm disc, twin
Brakes Rear 1-piston caliper, 220 mm disc
Tires Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Tires Rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.5 L (4.6 US gal)
Color Black/Matte Black, Blue/White, Red/Black

Specifications GSX-R750 K9
Suggested Retail $11,699
SEP (48 mon.) $484
Engine 750 cc (45.8 cu. In), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore & Stroke 70.0 mm (2.756 in) x 48.7 mm (1.917 in)
Compression Ratio 12.5 : 1
Fuel System Fuel Injection
Lubrication Wet sump
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter Electric
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive RK525ROZ5Y, 116 links
Overall Length 2040 mm (80.3 in)
Overall Width 715 mm (28.1 in)
Overall Height 1125 mm (44.3 in)
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in)
Ground Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in)
Wheelbase 1405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb Weight 198 kg (437 lbs)
Suspension Front Inverted, telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake, twin
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Tires Rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.0 L (4.5/3.7 US/Imp gal)
Color Black/Matte Black, Blue/White, White/Silver

Specifications GSX-R600 K9
Suggested Retail $10,399
Engine 599 cc (36.5 cu. In), 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore & Stroke 67.0 mm (2.638 in) x 42.5 mm (1.673 in)
Compression Ratio 12.8 : 1
Fuel System Fuel injection
Lubrication Wet sump
Ignition Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Starter Electric
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive RK525SMOZ8, 114 links
Overall Length 2040 mm (80.3 in)
Overall Width 715 mm (28.1 in)
Overall Height 1125 mm (44.3 in)
Seat Height 810 mm (31.9 in)
Ground Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in)
Wheelbase 1400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb Weight 196 kg (432 lbs)
Suspension Front Inverted, telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front Disc brake, twin
Brakes Rear Disc brake
Tires Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Tires Rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.0 L (4.5/3.7 US/Imp gal)
Color Black, Blue/White, Orange/Black, White

Alstare Suzuki's Max Neukirchner has already tested the factory's new K9 World Superbike and is ready for the 2009 Championship to begin at Phillip Island on March 1st! Team Alstare has already invited FastDates.com to photograph the new bikes for the next Fast Dates Calendar and to provide our beautiful Fast Dates Calendar Kittens as the official Alstare Suzuki grid girls at the Miller Motorsports USA round in May.

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