2004 Suzuki
2004 Suzuki
.04newrides
General Motorcycles
EVER SINCE THE SUZUKI/ Kawasaki alliance was announced in August of 2001, we’ve wondered what would be the result. Though the two companies pledged to share engineering and development costs on crossover models, all we saw initially was a padding-out of their model lines through the rebadging of select off-road playbikes and dual-sport models.
For 2004, however, that’s begun to change. First came the debut of the first jointly developed model, the RM-Z250/KX250F motocrosser (see page 58), and now at least one cruiser has crossed company lines as well.
It may seem strange to see identical motorcycles with different brand names on their gas tanks, but it’s no different than the Chevrolet/Pontiac deal in the car world, or the Chevy/ GMC thing with trucks. Think of it as General Motors on two wheels.
While American Suzuki provided photos and some details on the five new models shown here, prices and final technical specifications were still pending at presstime, awaiting the company’s dealer convention scheduled for September 12 in Las Vegas.
DL650 V-Strom
Based on the successful DL1000 VStrom, the new DL650 follows the same basic formula: Take one existing V-Twin engine, stick it in a chassis
Marauder 1600
If Suzuki’s new big-bore boulevarder looks a lot like Kawasaki’s Mean Streak, that’s no coincidence. It is a Mean Streak, rebadged as a Marauder to align itself with the Suzuki 800 by the same name.
Though we have yet to see a 2004 Mean Streak, the ’03 model was powered by a rubber-mounted, liquidcooled, fuel-injected, sohe V-Twin that displaced 1470cc. The new VZ1600 Marauder, however, displaces 1552cc, the extra cubes achieved through the 5mm-longer-stroke engine from the Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic. Presumably, the ’04 Mean Streak will be similarly equipped.
GS500F
It’s baaackl After a one-year hiatus from Suzuki’s lineup, everyone’s favorite beginner’s bike-and winner of the “Cheap Thrills” comparison test in our December, 2002, issue-the GS500E, returns. Only this time, the formerly naked bike gains an F suffix, presumably in reference to its new full fairing. Equipped with GSX-R 1000-style
that’s equal parts adventure-tourer, sport-tourer and standard, and the result is a fun, easy-to-ride, eminently usable motorcycle. While the smaller V-Strom looks just like its bigger brother, it in fact uses its own twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm, rolling on three-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, a 19-
Like the Kawasaki, the Suzuki rolls on fat 17-inch tires mounted on polished, cast-aluminum wheels, movement of which is controlled by an inverted 43mm fork and twin air shocks. Disc brakes are employed all the way around, with twin six-piston calipers up front, and power is transmitted to the rear wheel via lowmaintenance shaft drive. The two bikes won’t be exactly the same, however, as the Marauder was treated to a facelift with an oversized “eyebrow” headlamp, tumed-up tail and chromed rear fender rail. Color choices are blue or black.
vertically stacked headlights, the fairing has vents on both sides that route cooling air to the venerable 487cc, four-valveper-cylinder, dohc parallel-Twin, which traces its roots to the late-1970s GS400. Black paint on the box-section steel frame complements the new plastic, giving the GS a racy look. It’s available in two color schemes, blue/white or yellow.
incher up front and 17-incher in the rear. Similarly, the liquid-cooled, dohc VTwin engine has been altered from SV650 spec, with shorter-duration cam timing to accentuate midrange power and increased crankshaft inertia to give the benefit of heavier flywheels. A low seat height of 32.5 inches accommodates short-legged riders, while a windscreen adjustable for both height and rake tailors airflow. A hydraulic spring-preload setup on the shock lets owners adjust the ride to suit various load conditions. Presumably, hard luggage will be an option like on the 1000, color-matched to the 650’s blue or black paint schemes.
GSX-R750 and 600
From the beginning of the alliance, Suzuki and Kawasaki pledged not to share their flagship sportbike models, and that continues to hold true. The GSX-R 1000 received a thorough makeover for 2003; now it’s the 600’s and 750’s turn.
Like the ’03 1000, both the ’04 600 and 750 have received a host of engine upgrades that increase rpm, horsepower and torque. Lighter flat-top pistons work in conjunction with flat-bottom valves, also lighter, to increase compression. Those valves are made of titanium, incidentally, and coupled with lighter-rate steel-alloy springs with aluminum retainers, make for reduced mechanical losses. Frictionreducing chrome nitride-coated piston rings help reduce friction, while ventilation holes in the upper crankcase between cylinder bores equalize crankcase pressure.
The fuel-injection system also has been improved, with a new Auto Fast Idle System that improves cold starting, a smaller, lighter, faster Engine Control Module and a crankshaft position sensor that has 22 poles instead of the previous eight for more accurate timing.
Dual double-barrel throttle bodies replace the four individual units used before, reducing weight and simplifying the throttle linkage. The new injectors also get multi-hole tips for better fuel atomization.
The outer two cylinders’ intake ports now angle inward to allow a narrower fuel-injection assembly and airbox, which in turn let the fuel tank shrink in length and width. A 4-2-1 stainless-steel exhaust features a new weight-saving titanium-cored, aluminum-sleeved muffler with a slash-cut tip.
The chassis didn’t escape the engineers’ notice, either. Now painted black, the twin-spar aluminum frame’s mains spars have two internal reinforcing ribs running lengthwise, and are taller and thinner for increased rigidity. Redesigned subframe
mounts increase durability, while wheelbase and trail were both slightly reduced for quicker handling.
The new GSX-R 1000-style Tokico brake system features radial-mount four-piston front brake calipers linked to a radial master cylinder, while the rear brake caliper mounts directly to the swingarm, eliminating the torque arm.
Last is a new fairing with GSX-R 1000-style vertically stacked headlights that contribute to a smaller frontal area in spite of a taller windscreen, and ram-air ducts positioned closer to the fairing centerline, near the point of maximum air pressure. Out back is a redesigned tailpiece with an LED taillight.
Color choices include blue/white and yellow/black for both the 600 and 750, while the 600 is also available in black/gray. -Brian Catterson
