News 14 Feb 2017

Iannone and Rins ride 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R at Phillip Island

Team Suzuki Ecstar duo aboard new superbike in Australia.

Source: Supplied.

Just a couple of days before the beginning of the second official test of the season, Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins flew to the Phillip Island circuit in Australia to try out the brand new 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000R.

This followed the international press launch that Suzuki staged for the media and was also a chance to meet all the Australian Suzuki dealers in a celebration dinner that concluded the launch week.

Despite poor weather, the two Team Suzuki Ecstar factory riders were were able to appreciate the effectiveness and the natural ease of the new machine and their racing DNA also brought a direct comparison to the GSX-RR MotoGP machine they are going to ride on Wednesday at the test.

The two machines are very similar in many respects since the technology developed for MotoGP races is the very same that inspired the product designers and engineers in the development of its sister product.

“For being a factory bike this GSX-R1000R really impressed me,” Iannone said. “The engine is very powerful, but the power delivery is easy to manage and safe enough for inexperienced riders, but at the same time aggressive enough for the more skilled ones.

“The handling is excellent. Once again Suzuki has proven to be very skilled in making bikes that are easy to ride, with smooth reactions and good agility. The most impressive thing was the cornering speed on the circuit – it reminded me of what I’ve found in the GSX-RR MotoGP machine. I also liked the gears – the quick-shifter is very smooth and allows for a very comfortable ride.”

Rins explained: “The handling of this GSX-R1000R is impressive. It’s easy to ride, you can have great confidence in the front and it allows almost any rider to push, or simply have fun. The engine power is awesome, but at the same time very smooth and manageable.

“Overall, the reactions of the bike are pretty predictable and effective. It really feels like a racing machine – very stable in braking. It has an excellent cornering speed and the power out of turns is impressive, so you can really enjoy the pleasure of riding.”

Suzuki’s GSX-R1000R was officially launched to international press outlets over the course of the past week. Read CycleOnline.com.au’s Review on the updated new model by clicking this link.

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