suzuki Archives

New Suzuki GSX-R1000 Patents Revealed

A patent filing for the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 was leaked online.
The chassis looks similar, but the bodywork sees some changes.
The real change should be the engine where it features a new VVT system.

It’s not surprise that a new Suzuki GSX-R1000 is on the way, given that the Euro 5 regulations are coming into effect in 2020.

But just what will be new in the new Suzook? The patent filed in Japan has been revealed.

The patents show a new outline for the new Gixxer. The fuel tank seems a little longer, the seat a bit thinner, there’s a new vent on the main fairing, the tailsection is slimmer and the nose is sharper plus lower. The frame and swingarm look identical to the current bike.

But the biggest change ought to be in the engine.

There was another Suzuki patent filing months ago, particularly for a new variable valve timing (VVT) system.

In the current GSX-R1000, Suzuki uses the centrifugal forces of the inlet camshaft to drive the advancer. To sum it up, the faster the camshaft spins, the longer the inlet valves stay open. Suzuki did this to circumnavigate MotoGP’s ban of electronic and hydraulic VVT systems.

The system seems to work better in MotoGP, since the riders usually utilize the upper RPM ranges. It’s a different story on the streets.

In that patent we mentioned earlier, the manufacturer may switch to a hydraulic system with actuates both inlet and outlet cams. The hydraulics are computer-controlled, in turn. This should cater for the wide range of RPM utilization on the streets which usually hovers in the low and mid RPM ranges.

We should be able to see the new bike at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, if bike is slated for 2020.

Suzuki Patents a Novel Single-Cylinder Engine

Suzuki patents a special kind of single-cylinder engine.
It has two conrods but only one piston.
The objective is to reduce vibrations.

Suzuki has just submitted the patents for a “special” kind of single-cylinder engine.

Single-cylinder engines may not get the cred for all-out horsepower, but they are quick-revving hence punchy. Besides that, having just one piston means fewer reciprocating parts resulting in a lighter engine which promotes agility. That’s the reason why dirt-bikes and lightweights such as the KTM 390 Duke are equipped with singles.

But the downside is lots of vibration especially at higher revs. It not only robs comfort but will also eventually loosen everything else on the bike.

That’s why single-cylinder engines feature counterbalancer shafts. The shaft normally sits low, in front of crankshaft.

Suzuki’s patent shows a different kind of layout.

Instead of using a balancer shaft, there is a second conrod without a piston. Doing so not only balances against the crankshaft, but also the piston, resulting in a much smoother engine.

Having a second conrod isn’t new by all accounts. Ducati did so with the Supermono. However, the Italian manufacturer employed a standard 90^oV-Twin engine with one cylinder without a sparkplug, hence turning it into an airpump.

2019 Suzuki Katana has Arrived in Malaysia!

Suzuki Malaysia posted in their Facebook that the new 2019 Suzuki Katana has arrived!
However, there is no official pricing or further details.
A search in Mudah.my found posts from last month asking for RM 85,000.

Suzuki Malaysia posted in their Facebook page that the new 2019 Suzuki Katana has arrived on our shores!

Unfortunately, they did not include the price, nor did they announce of any media unveiling of the price. We contacted Suzuki Malaysia but they company if off for the weekend. We hope to receive a reply on Monda.

However, we did a quick search in Mudah.my and found a couple of postings from early April and late March 2019. Both listed the price as from RM 85,000. On the other hand, Suzuki UK listed its price at £11,399 (RM 61,741.80).

We are not certain if that is going to be the exact price, as it means the Katana will cost more than the GSX-1000S that it is based on.

Not having any details to go on is definitely annoying. There have been many complaints about Suzuki Malaysia not engaging the media to spread news about the products in the last two years. Not that we are expecting advertising (although we definitely welcome it!) or test rides, but there has not been one single press release, even.

Consequently, most enthusiasts in Malaysia could only count on IF the media ever produces any news about Suzuki’s motorcycles. We only keep pushing news to our readers because of our love for all bikes, otherwise everyone will be in the dark.

So, if you’re reading this Suzuki Malaysia, please send some details to us in the media.

Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha Working Together on Batteries

The four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers namely Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha will work together to develop motorcycle batteries.
They should be working on battery swapping technology to overcome long charging times.
Yamaha is already working with Gogoro in Taiwan for battery swapping.

The four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers namely Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha will work together to develop motorcycle batteries.

The joint effort is to combat the bane of current electric motorcycles: Charging times. Make that long charging times. As such, they should be coming up with a solution to swap low-power or depleted batteries with fully charged ones.

Their solution should be similar to Gogoro’s, which is currently in operation in Taiwan. Electric bike riders visit a charging station, pull out the depleted battery in their motorcycles, insert it into the charging station and swap it for a fully-charged one.

Yamaha is already working with Gogoro on this solution in the island state.

Gogoro first entered the Taiwanese market in 2015. Since then, 750 GoStations have been installed, catering to some 17 million battery swaps. The company is targeting 3,000 stations, ultimately.

Honda and Yamaha are the strongest players in the electric motorcycle sector among the four manufacturers. But with the dateline for electric vehicles looming on the horizon, Kawasaki and Suzuki need to hustle in producing their own electric bikes. Most European countries will revert to new electric vehicles only in a decade or so, while phasing out fossil fuel vehicles.

Malaysia, without a doubt is still lagging far behind. Currently, only luxury cars are hybrid or electric. Consequently, the infrastructure is built by these manufacturers to cater for their own cars.

Motorcycle charging or battery swapping stations? Forget about it. The Malaysian government ought to step this up quickly.

Price of 2019 Suzuki Katana Revealed in UK

The price for the 2019 Suzuki Katana was revealed in the UK.
The original Katana revolutionized motorcycle styling.
When will it come to Malaysia?

While Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia announced that they will bring the 2019 Suzuki Katana to our shores, there is yet any date of its release and price.

The Katana name is among the legends from the Hamamatsu-based manufacturer, alongside the GSX-R and RGV (during the heydays of the two-strokes). Suzuki knows that most of their bikes have gone under enthusiasts’ radars for the past number of years. Hence rolling out the Katana ought to bring them back to the fore again.

The Hans Muth-designed first Suzuki Katana stunned many when it was unveiled. Some called it too big of a departure from contemporary motorcycle styling. But a bigger group who fell in love with it made a bigger noise, hence it came a legend.

However, the styling didn’t only bode well with enthusiasts, as it did so with other motorcycle designers, too. If this was a different dimension where the Katana never existed, current motorcycles would look a whole lot different.

So, this is what the manufacturer is banking on. Bring the heritage of the bike named after the Samurai sword back to (hopefully) those who are nostalgic for it and/or a newer generation.

Okay, okay, we’re sold. How much?

£11,399 (RM 61,741.80). We wish it’ll be that cheap when it arrives!

Source: MCN

Future Suzuki Models May Be More Visible to Radar

Suzuki may fit more radar reflectors on their future models.
It makes the bike more visible to radars on autonomous vehicles.
Ducati and KTM are working on fitting radar to their bikes.

Do you know that autonomous cars are already in the market now? That’s why Suzuki wants their future motorcycles to be more visible to radar, reports Australian Motorcycle News.

An “autonomous car” means it “self-drives.” It drives without the driver touching the steering wheel and brake pedal. As in the case of a Volvo XC70 we rode in, the car identifies the road and other vehicles. It automatically steered through long corners and slowed down or brake when there is another vehicle in front.

However, motorcycles provide the biggest challenge. Bikes have much smaller cross sections and are much nimbler than your average family car. Consequently, the radars fitted to autonomous cars may find motorcycles harder to pick up.

This is why Suzuki wants to fit more radar reflectors on their bikes. It’s the opposite of stealth fighter jets that work on the principle of deflecting and/or absorbing radar waves. (Doesn’t sound good for speeders, though.)

These deflectors are something like “stick on” solutions, instead of being powered.

Suzuki isn’t the only manufacturer working on radar solutions. Ducati promised a radar-equipped model in 2020, while KTM is also working on one. Vehicle electronics component maker Bosch is reportedly working on an “off-the-shelve” solution for front and rear radar system.

Source: Australian Motorcycle News

New Suzuki GSX-R1000 To Use New Variable Valve Timing

Suzuki looks poised to install a new variable valve timing system in the new GSX-1000.
The current system uses centrifugal forces.
The new system follows the trend of using hydraulically-activated VVT.

The current Suzuki GSX-R1000 is already employing variable valve timing (VVT), but the new generation will feature a newer VVT.

As of now, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 VVT technology is derived directly from the Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP bike. MotoGP regulations forbid hydraulic, electric and electronic variable valve timing and variable valve lift systems. Hence, Suzuki worked around this restriction by designing and employing a mechanical solution since 2015. The system works by using centrifugal force generated by the camshaft as it spins.

However, Suzuki has submitted the patents for a “traditional” hydraulically-activated system for the road bike. According to the documents, it is an oil pressure-activated, cam-shifting system.

Like the VVT patents of Honda, Suzuki’s VVT will activate both intake and exhausts cams. The current Gixxer is great to ride, but there are limitations of the current VVT due to the weight of the springs and gyroscopic forces in the mechanism.

It is also different from the BMW S 1000 RR’s ShiftCam system.

We foresee more motorcycles will be fitted with VVT systems of sorts in the years to come. As we mentioned before, VVT is one of the best ways to combat exhaust emissions and fuel consumption while still providing loads of power.

Sayonara Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R600

The Suzuki GSX-750 set the template for the modern superbike.
But Euro4 regulation has stopped it and the GSX-R600 from being sold in Japan and Europe.
There is no foreseeable replacement for both models.

The first “superbike” might have been the 1969 Honda CB750, but the real superbike in the true modern sense was the 1985 Suzuki GSX-R750.

There have been a number of iconic models along the model’s 33-year history. Suzuki contested in the World Superbike Championship and other race series around the world.

The 1985 “Slabside” laid down the foundation of what is to be the quintessential modern superbike: twin-spar aluminium frame, four-cyliner engine, fully-faired bodywork, and race replica graphics.

Three years later, Suzuki upgraded the GSX-R. It included the Mikuni BST36S carburetors which used vacuum operated slides. These slides resembled slingshots, hence the GSX-R750 “Slingshot” was born.

In 1992, the bike started to be water-cooled and became the WN (“W” for water). This was also the year when the sleeved-down GSX-R600 was launched.

The GSX-R750 SRAD (Suzuki Ram Air Direct) was introduced in 1996. It had an aluminium frame derived from the RGV500 GP bike. Suzuki put it on a diet resulting in a weight of only 179kg, which meant it was lighter than the GSX-R600.

2001 saw the K1, the first of the K-series.

While the bike did not find as much success in racing as the other brands, there was a steady stream of customers who knew that the 750 was the best compromise between the 1000cc and 600cc models.

Then, in 2003, the World Superbike Championship declared that all four-cylinder machines of up to 1000cc can compete in the series. The 750 started to fall by the wayside, but there were still customers driving its sales.

Other manufacturers kept building 750s for a few more years before abandoning them completely, yet Suzuki carried on stoically. It was probably that they wanted to maintain the heritage as the first manufacturer to begin the modern superbike revolution.

But no more. The 2018 GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 will not pass the Euro4 emissions standard. As with the Hayabusa, they are no longer available in Japan and Europe. They are being sold in USA until the end of 2019.

Unlike the Hayabusa, however, Suzuki has no plans for the replacement 750 and 600.

Sayonara, Suzuki GSX-R750 (and GSX-R600).

Reports of Suzuki Hayabusa Death Greatly Exaggerated?

The internet went crazy when with the news of the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa.
The manufacturer is only stopping production of the Euro4-compliant ‘Busa.
It did not mean there is no more of the model in the future.

The internet went crazy last week with the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa. We decided to sit out the storm and see what actually happened.

Well, Suzuki Motor of America has issued a press release in the matter. “The news of my death has been greatly exaggerated,” said Mark Twain.

This was what they said:

“Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) has confirmed that U.S. market production of the Hayabusa sport motorcycle continues uninterrupted,”

“Production of the European-specification Hayabusa ceases due to Euro4 emission regulations. This situation, and resulting media reports, may have caused confusion and misunderstand among U.S. consumers, media, and dealers.”

It all started when Suzuki Japan’s website announced that they will cease production of the bike. Certain publications jumped on it, by assuming the worse. The “obituary” had circulated the globe about a kabizillion times before considering the backdrop.

The manufacturer is merely stopping production of the Euro4-compliant Hayabusa meant for the European market.

It’s not bad news at all, since they will definitely debut a Euro5-complaint ‘Busa for 2020. Some say it will feature turbocharging, 1440cc engine, IMU, active suspension, etc. and more rumours.

2019 Suzuki Katana Unveiled at Intermot

Suzuki has finally unveiled the 2019 Suzuki Katana at the Intermot show.
The new bike blends classic elements of the original with fresh ideas.
The engine is based on the GSX-S1000F and produces 147bhp.

We don’t know about you guys and gals, but we were getting a little exasperated after being teased on and on the new 2019 Suzuki Katana.

We found ourselves yelling, “Oh c’mon! Show us the bike already!” at the screen everytime a new teaser video came on and ending with the Intermot message. We could hardly wait.

Well, the Intermot show now on and Suzuki has made good on their promises to unveil the bike.

The new bike certainly blends some of the most iconic aspects of the Katana with a fresh outlook. For example, the fuel tank’s lines blend in with the seat’s, as well as the knee cutout panels below the tank, the cut beneath the tank, the slope angle and colour of the mini windshield, two-toned seat, the silver paint emblazoned with bold red “SUZUKI” lettering and of course, the Katana logo.

On the mechanical side, the engine is based on the GSX-S1000F naked sportbike’s. That engine itself, on the other hand, was based on the 2005 GSX-R1000. Why choose an engine derived from “older” specs? Because the 2005 engine was long-stroked and had lots more low-down and midrange grunt.

Still, the new Katana’s 999cc inline-Four engine produces 147bhp.

As for electronics, it shares the same suite with the GSX-S1000F’s, meaning it has ride-by-wire throttle, power modes, 3-level traction control, ABS, slipper clutch and so forth.

The lighting system has gone all modern, too, utilizing LEDs all around. The instrument cluster has been taken over by a large single TFT LCD screen.

Now for some reality check. Will Suzuki Assemblers Malaysia bring the Katana to our shores? And how much will it cost? Let’s hope they do!

Suzuki Katana Final Teaser Video: The Sword is Unsheathed

The new Suzuki Katana is finally revealed in the fourth and final teaser video.
It appears Suzuki have learned their lesson with the later Katanas and have now returned to the bike’s ancestor.
The bike will be officially launched at the Intermot show which starts on 2^nd October.

The sword has been unsheathed: The Suzuki Katana finally appears in the final teaser video.

It is apparent from the video that Suzuki is going back to the original 1980 GSX1100 Katana’s design. That’s certainly wonderful news as the later Katanas were so ugly they earned the “Kan-O’-Tuna” pejorative.

Ten Most Unusual Motorcycles (Part 4)

Besides, if Kawasaki can go modern retro with their Z900RS, surely Suzuki can too since it was the classic Katana which revolutionized motorcycle design, anyway.

The original GSX1100 was the work of BMW’s ex-Design Chief, Hans Muth. He gave not only the BMW R90S and BMW R100S the distinction of being the first faired production bikes.

It was said that he approached BMW with a concept called “79 Target Design” but was turned down as being too funky. So, Muth brought the design to Suzuki instead and it became one of history’s most iconic motorcycle.

The 1980 Katana’s design changed the convention of motorcycle styling. Apart from the angular bodywork, the “tank/body interface” where the downward sloping line of the rear part of the fuel tank join the forward portion of the seat.

So, heritage is all good and dandy, but where do we go from here?

The new bike’s design still retains some of sharp panels but a little more rounded to feel more contemporary. The silver-coloured bodywork is then mated to a blacked-out frame, engine and swingarm. The seat looks to be a stepped one-piece design, although the more observant among us would probably question the lack of a dual-tone seat.

The exhaust has also gone single-sided instead of exiting on both sides.

The handlebar appears to be high and wide. The rider’s knees seem to be pushed wide apart at the fuel tank. These points may allude to a seating position that’s halfway between a all-out sporty crouch and a totem pole-like upright.

Well, there’s just four days to got to the Intermot show when this went to print. We are just as curious as you about the technical specs of the bike.

Suzuki Releases GSX-1000 Katana Teaser

Suzuki had revealed the new Katana concept at EICMA 2017.
Now the manufacturer has released a teaser video.
The new Suzuki Katana is set to be introduced at Intermot on 2^nd October.

It was nothing short of a revolution when the Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was introduced in 1980.

Suzuki had revealed the new GSX-R1000 powered Katana concept at the EICMA show in Milan last year but nothing else had come from them since, although we did report earlier about Suzuki filing the patents. Until now. Check out the video below.

It shows parts of the processes of forging a katana before ending with the “Coming soon. Intermot 2^nd October” message. That’s just 25 days to go at the time this article went online!

However, we are of the opinion that the concept looks like it’s made by Tupperware (as in too plasticky) and we hope Suzuki would’ve done away with it when the production bike’s revealed.

The 1980 Suzuki GSX1100S Katana was a motorcycle which featured a groundbreaking design concept, which blended the rear line of the fuel tank with the front portion of the seat. The seat itself had two different colours which lent the solo racing seat look. The fairing was given a sharp leading edge – “Katana” means samurai sword, by the way (watch “Kill Bill Vol. 1.” Or “The Last Samurai” if you’re a hopeless romantic).

Ten Most Unusual Motorcycles (Part 4)

The design concept, especially that seat/tank interface has since been widely adopted by other motorcycle manufacturers. This is why the first-generation model still looks great after 38 years and is highly sought-after.

Then in 1984, Suzuki released the GSX750E Katana with the pop-up headlight. It was the first and only motorcycle which has that feature.

It is also interesting to note that the bike was designed by Hans Muth, who was the chief designer at BMW. Among his greatest work during his tenure with the German manufacturer was the R90S and R100S. The R90S was the first production motorcycle to feature a headlamp-mounted fairing, while the later R100S was the first production motorcycle with a full-fairing.

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suzuki

A patent filing for the new Suzuki GSX-R1000 was leaked online.

The chassis looks similar, but the bodywork sees some changes.

The real change should be the engine where it features a new VVT system.

Suzuki patents a special kind of single-cylinder engine.

It has two conrods but only one piston.

The objective is to reduce vibrations.

Suzuki Malaysia posted in their Facebook that the new 2019 Suzuki Katana has arrived!

However, there is no official pricing or further details.

A search in Mudah.my found posts from last month asking for RM 85,000.

The four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers namely Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha will work together to develop motorcycle batteries.

They should be working on battery swapping technology to overcome long charging times.

Yamaha is already working with Gogoro in Taiwan for battery swapping.

The price for the 2019 Suzuki Katana was revealed in the UK.

The original Katana revolutionized motorcycle styling.

When will it come to Malaysia?

Suzuki may fit more radar reflectors on their future models.

It makes the bike more visible to radars on autonomous vehicles.

Ducati and KTM are working on fitting radar to their bikes.

Suzuki looks poised to install a new variable valve timing system in the new GSX-1000.

The current system uses centrifugal forces.

The new system follows the trend of using hydraulically-activated VVT.

The Suzuki GSX-750 set the template for the modern superbike.

But Euro4 regulation has stopped it and the GSX-R600 from being sold in Japan and Europe.

There is no foreseeable replacement for both models.

The internet went crazy when with the news of the “death” of the Suzuki Hayabusa.

The manufacturer is only stopping production of the Euro4-compliant ‘Busa.

It did not mean there is no more of the model in the future.

Suzuki has finally unveiled the 2019 Suzuki Katana at the Intermot show.

The new bike blends classic elements of the original with fresh ideas.

The engine is based on the GSX-S1000F and produces 147bhp.

The new Suzuki Katana is finally revealed in the fourth and final teaser video.

It appears Suzuki have learned their lesson with the later Katanas and have now returned to the bike’s ancestor.

The bike will be officially launched at the Intermot show which starts on 2nd October.

Suzuki had revealed the new Katana concept at EICMA 2017.

Now the manufacturer has released a teaser video.

The new Suzuki Katana is set to be introduced at Intermot on 2nd October.

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The bike will be officially launched at the Intermot show which starts on 2^nd October.

The new Suzuki Katana is set to be introduced at Intermot on 2^nd October.