Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it will participate in the MotoGP class of the world’s top motorcycle racing series, the FIM*1 Road Racing Grand Prix (MotoGP), from 2015, at the press conference of the INTERMOT International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bicycle Fair held in Cologne, Germany from 30 September to 5 October, 2014*2.

*1 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation).

*2 Press day: 30 September. Public days: 1 to 5 October.

With the development of the MotoGP machine and team structure prepared, Suzuki has decided to participate in the MotoGP series from 2015, and announced its newly-developed MotoGP machine, the GSX-RR, team riders, and team structure. Also, prior to its participation, Suzuki will make a wildcard appearance at this season’s final race, the Valencia GP.

Suzuki had temporarily suspended its participation in MotoGP from 2012, but has been continuing with the machine development toward its return. Through MotoGP racing, Suzuki will develop more attractive products by giving technical feedback to the products, and improve the brand image.

<MotoGP machine GSX-RR>

The development of the GSX-RR was started in 2012 with the aim to achieve high performance in the MotoGP class, as well as to give technology feedback to production models such as the GSX-R range.

It utilises a newly-developed in-line four-cylinder engine that realizes a strong, flexible engine character, fuel efficiency, and durability at a high level.

The frame has a layout that keeps its width slim for both maneuverability and aerodynamic performances, and optimizes body strength and weight balance.

The aim was to develop a highly competitive MotoGP machine that can bring out the straightforward maneuverability developed over the years with the GSX-R.


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: 1,000cm3.
Maximum output: Over 169kw (230PS).
Frame type: Twin-spar aluminum.
Tyres (front/rear): 16.5in/16.5in.
Front suspension: Ohlins, inverted fork.
Rear suspension: Ohlins.
Brakes (front/rear): Carbon disk/steel disk, Brembo.

<Team structure>

Team name: Team Suzuki MotoGP.
Team riders: Aleix ESPARGARO (Spain): currently racing in MotoGP/ Maverick VIÑALES (Spain): currently racing in Moto2.
Team Manager: Davide BRIVIO (Italy): current test team manager.

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Suzuki has unveiled its plans for MotoGP at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany today, where its 2015 model line-up was revealed to the world’s press.

The Japanese firm has been absent from the Blue Riband race series since 2011, but is back with an all-new bike, a new Team Manager in Davide Brivio and two new riders: Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.

We spoke to David Brivio at Cologne and asked him about his involvement with the new project.

How long have you been working with the Suzuki MotoGP team?

“Since the beginning, in April 2013 I joined Suzuki and carried on the preparation.”

Can you tell us if the new bike uses any parts from the old GSV-R MotoGP bike?

“No, the GSX-RR is completely new. It's a total redesign from a blank sheet of paper.”

Why has Suzuki moved to an inline-four design?

“Well, to be also closer to our production bikes. One of the aims of participation in MotoGP is to develop technology to transfer to production bikes. So using the same engine layout there means stronger links to our production. That’s the target; the aim.”

What problems have you had so far? During development, what was the big headache for you?

“Now we are working a lot on the electronics, because the electronics are very sophisticated in MotoGP and we have been out for a few years, so we need to recover. And also we are working on engine performance - not so much the top speed of the engine - but more the drivability of the engine and the power. And we have to enter and see where we are; how much work we have to do!”

How close are you just now? What is your expectation for 2015?

“We have to try to, I think, get close with Ducati, even though they have been struggling for many years. Then we can see the way to the top…”


New Suzuki models introduced at the Cologne show include the new GSX-R1000S, which will be available in the MotoGP machine colour scheme in some countries, the naked GSX-S1000 ABS, the faired-version GSX-S1000F ABS, the Address 110 scooter, the V-Strom 650XT ABS, the Bandit 1250S ABS and the fully-faired version of the Inazuma 250F.


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