Intermot 2014: Suzuki GSX-RR MotoGP Prototype
Suzuki announced its return to MotoGP racing with the new GSX-RR prototype and riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. The Japanese manufacturer last participated in the world championship in 2011 but stated it would eventually return, starting with a wildcard entry at the 2014 season finale at Valencia before joining the series full time in the 2015 season.
Bucking the trend of most of its competitors, the GSX-RR will not use a V-4 configuration. Instead, it is powered by a 1000cc Inline-Four engine like the also-new 2015 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Like other MotoGP participants, Suzuki is vague on the engine’s specs, saying only that it has a maximum power output of more than 227 hp.
Espargaro is one of the most promising young riders currently in the premiere class, recently recording the first ever podium result by an open class racer on the Forward Racing Yamaha. He currently sits sixth in the MotoGP championship. His future teammate Vinales won the Moto3 World Championship in 2013 and currently races in the Moto2 series, sitting third overall with two wins.
Basic specification of the GSX-RR
Overall length x width x height: 2,096mm x 720mm x 1,140mm.
Wheelbase: 1,457mm.
Body weight: 160kg (based on FIM regulation).
Engine type: Water-cooled, four-stroke in-line four-cylinder, DOHC four-valve.
Displacement: 1,000cc.
Maximum output: Over 169kw (230PS).
Frame type: Twin-spar aluminum.
Tires (front/rear): 16.5in/16.5in.
Front suspension: Ohlins, inverted fork.
Rear suspension: Ohlins.
Brakes (front/rear): Carbon disk/steel disk, Brembo.
Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.
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