A Pipercross race air filter was provided by Blue Monkey Motorsports. Pipercross filters use a multi-stage foam design — an outer, coarse foam layer that stops large debris and fine-pore foam that collects the smaller particles. The company’s race filter has a thinner layer of that coarse foam and has an overall higher level of airflow. The real benefit of the Pipercross filter is that its design enables it to perform better when dirty. Airbox pressure is retained and as such, power is not lost in heaps. Fitting the filter was as easy as you’d expect and we are keeping an eye on overall performance as the filter dirties.
The tips of the highly-adjustable...
The tips of the highly-adjustable Rizoma rearset’s shift lever and brake lever pivot and can be positioned for better feel. One thing to note is that, depending on their position, you may not have as much leverage.
The Suzuki has long been touted as the more ergonomically friendly literbike, with an adequate seat height, palatable reach to the bars and adjustable footrests as standard. We nonetheless opted to mount a set of Rizoma rearsets based on their absolute adjustability and great looks. The well-designed units installed without any concerns and come with all the necessary hardware, including a bracket for the brake light switch (we’ve recently discovered that some companies expect you to ditch the brake light switch altogether). Rigidity isn’t an issue, as the rearsets are constructed from billet aluminum. The knurled footpegs look to be extremely aggressive, but we noticed when riding that they aren’t as jagged as the footpegs from such companies as Attack Performance. We didn’t have an issue with our feet slipping on the street, and like the fact that our boots weren’t stuck to the pegs, but are curious as to whether or not we would have an issue on the track. That note aside, we were extremely happy with the $547 units and pleased with the fact that not only could you adjust the position of the footrests, but that you could pivot the tip of the brake lever and shift lever for the perfect feel.
CRG roll-a-click foldable...
CRG roll-a-click foldable levers replaced the stock Suzuki hand levers. The levers provide a sure feel and the black anodized units look better than stock. R&G bar end sliders are among the crash protection parts fitted.
CRG roll-a-click foldable levers took the place of the stock hand levers. The $129.95 replacement levers are constructed from CNC-machined 6061 aluminum and took just minutes to fit. The “clicker” feature allows us to adjust the lever position with ease and the black anodized finish adds some character to the bike. Plus, their folding feature reduce the likelihood of breaking a lever when the bike is dropped.
From Twisted Throttle arrived a handful of R&G Racing goodies. We have used the company’s parts in the past (on our Harley-Davidson XR1200 race bike), but had a few concerns with, for instance, the right side crankcase cover for the GSX-R. The large 4mm polypropylene cover didn’t line up as we had hoped it would, and the cutout for the oil filler cap wasn’t perfectly aligned. The $101 left-side engine cover mounted a bit easier, although the R&G decal quickly began to peel away thanks to the heat emanating off the case. Sometimes it’s small things like this that make a difference. We think a better option in the future will be to install the company’s $59 engine case sliders. The sliders wouldn’t hinder the bike’s good looks, and would still be beneficial in the event of a fall.
The R&G tail tidy was easy...
The R&G tail tidy was easy to install and cleaned up the Suzuki’s tail section. The nice thing about the GSX-R is that the turn signals are already integrated into the tail section, which adds to the bike’s sleek looks.
R&G bar-end sliders ($43) and front axle sliders ($51) were also installed and provide additional crash protection. Both were fitted in just seconds. The company’s $74 Tail Tidy was mounted out back and made a noticeable difference in overall looks. The Suzuki’s turn signals are integrated into the tail section (rather than attached to the license plate bracket) and as such, wiring up the Tail Tidy merely required we remove a handful of bolts and hook up the provided LED license plate light, which installed with ease.
The GSX-R1000 has never been a light motorcycle. Compare it to the lithe 432-pound Ducati 1198 or 440-pound 2011 ZX-10R and realize that the 458-pound 2011 model could benefit from a diet. While Jenny Craig was unable to return our calls, Super B, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer, was able to help us out. The company’s 5200-model battery tips the scales at just 1.8 pounds — nearly five pounds less than the 7.6-pound stock lead acid battery. Not only did the 4.49 x 3.2 x 2.4 inch battery cut a significant amount of weight, but it gave us additional room in the under-seat area to fit the FI Tuner Pro. The $400.99 battery isn’t the least expensive alternative, but with a claimed five-year service life, it should prove its worth.
Our GSX-R1000 is now a much leaner machine. Wet weight is down to 435 pounds and power is up a healthy amount. And while we would like to fit the bike with more sporty rubber, and perhaps some better brakes, there’s no arguing that the bike is quite capable as it sits. What many would refer to as an outdated motorcycle is now a rejuvenated machine; part canyon carver, part commuter. All fun.