What better way to mark your first century than by launching a special edition model?
Last year, Suzuki celebrated its 100th anniversary the only way it knows how – with a limited edition version of its flagship superbike, the GSX-R1000R. Known officially as the GSX-R100R “100th Anniversary Edition”, the bike also serves as a nod to the Japanese marque’s stellar achievements on the racetrack.
The anniversary edition model distinguishes itself from the standard version with a striking blue and slate silver colour scheme inspired by Suzuki’s MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR. Interestingly, the livery is an homage to Suzuki’s early Grand Prix machines of the 1960s.
No changes have been made elsewhere, so the bike retains the same liquid-cooled, DOHC, 999.8cc, inline-four-cylinder engine that is said to be capable of making great top-end power with a strong low- to mid-range pull thanks to the Suzuki Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system.
The engine gets air from a pair of Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intake ducts placed in the front cowling and breathes through a 4-2-1 exhaust system with a revised muffler and heat shield. Power is transferred via a six-speed gearbox with close ratios and the Suzuki Bi-Directional Quick Shift System that allows for clutchless upshifts and downshifts.
Underneath all that bodywork is a new twin-spar aluminium frame that is lighter and more compact than the prior-generation GSX-R1000. The chassis is mated with a Showa Balance Free Front Fork (BFF) and a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-lite) rear shock.
The GSX-R1000R’s swingarm pivot features an adjustable location so the chassis can be better tuned for competition use. Meanwhile, the braking system comprises Brembo rotors and radial-mount calipers. ABS is included as well.
Moving on to electronics, the bike is equipped with, among others, an IMU, adjustable traction control, the Suzuki Bi-Directional Quick Shift System, and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, plus the GSX-R1000R–specific Motion Track Anti-lock Brake and Launch Control systems. It also has a model-specific, black background LCD multifunction instrument panel inspired by the GSX-RR MotoGP dash.
