Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.


2004 GSX-R750

Suzuki introduced the 2004 GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 models during its annual dealer meetings Friday at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.


2004 GSX-R600

The 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600’s new engine has a bore and stroke of 67.0 x 42.5mm and a higher compression ratio, 12.5:1 versus 12.2:1. Weight has been taken off of nearly every part inside the engine including the new forged pistons, the crankshaft, the connecting rods and hollow camshafts with larger inside diameter. The biggest news inside the engine is the addition of lighter titanium valves, which are now set at a steeper included angle, 22 versus 28 degrees, with a straighter intake port. The lighter valves allow the use of lighter springs and the reduced spring pressure allows higher rpm.

Improvements to the fuel-injection system include lighter and narrower dual, double-barrel 38mm throttle bodies, which have one improved injector per cylinder. A smaller, lighter and more powerful Engine Control Module (ECM) has been added.

The GSX-R600’s aluminum alloy twin-spar frame is all-new and is 15mm narrower than the old frame at its widest point. The new fuel tank is 15mm shorter and 20mm narrower at the rider’s knees. The swingarm is now braced and the conventional forks used previously have been replaced with Showa 43mm inverted units. Wheelbase is 54.7 inches (1390mm), rake measures 24.0 degrees with trail at 3.66 inches (93mm).

The front brakes have been upgraded to radial-mounted, four-piston Tokico calipers with smaller rotors (300mm versus 320mm) and a new Nissin radial-piston master cylinder.

Claimed dry weight is 354.9 pounds. MSRP is $7999.

Suzuki engineers say they developed the GSX-R600 first, then built the GSX-R750 next to produce a bike the size of a 600cc machine with the power of a 1000cc machine.

The 2004 GSX-R750 gets the same frame, swingarm, forks, brakes, wheels and geometry as the GSX-R600 but with a slightly longer wheelbase than the 600, 55.0 inches (1395mm) versus 54.7 inches. The 750 comes with many improvements in the engine department including new pistons, more compression, titanium valves, lighter camshafts and a smaller, yet more powerful ECM. The 750 also gets a new, narrower set of single-injector, 42mm throttle bodies to fit inside of the narrower frame and smaller fuel tank. A curved and trapezoidal-shaped radiator is unique to the newest 750cc machine.

Claimed dry weight is 359.3 pounds. MSRP is $9499.


2004 DL650


2004 GS500

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

Sykes shows his speed while JR secures front row start

RIZLA SUZUKI debut Superbike rider Tom Sykes will start from an amazing eighth place in tomorrow’s 11th round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, directly behind his team mate John Reynolds who is in fourth on the front row.

Sykes, 18, is taking part in his first ever Superbike race meeting and has stunned the regular riders with how quickly he has taken to riding the powerful, slick-tyre-shod Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000. The Huddersfield rider who normally competes in the Supersport class on a 600cc machine with road tyres, finished less than half a second away from pole position, an astounding feat of bravery, skill and courage that has had the entire paddock whispering about his future potential as a champion.

Sykes is standing in for Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 regular rider Yukio Kagayama, who is recovering from a broken pelvis he suffered at the previous round of the BSB series at Cadwell Park.

JR’s fourth place front row finish was a fraction away from pole position and despite using a sticky qualifying tyre, was slower than his lap from this morning’s practice session on a hard race compound tyre that offers less outright grip.

Both Rizla Suzuki riders fell during the dying minutes of today’s Super 12 qualifying session but neither was hurt. Today’s qualifying session was so close that only half a second covered the top 10 in qualifying, which was headed by Ducati’s Michael Rutter. Superbike racing starts tomorrow at 1:15pm at the Brands Hatch 1.22-mile long Indy circuit.

John Reynolds:
“That was a very frustrating Super 12 qualifying session. We went into it with the fastest lap in practice and confident we could creep under the 46 second mark, but a combination of bad luck and timing meant I never really had the opportunity to attack the circuit.

“I ended up crashing right at the end at Paddock Hill, possibly because I was trying too hard on my final fast lap. I was lucky and got up to walk away and I am actually more confident with the bike on race rubber than the qualifying tyres we used this afternoon. On a positive note, that means tomorrow’s races should be good for us and starting from the inside of the front row going into the first corner is almost as good as pole here.

“Well done to Tom taking a second row start in his first ever Superbike race. His progress this weekend has been a wonder to behold and if he gets much faster he could be snapping at my heels at the front tomorrow!”

Tom Sykes:
“Right at the end I tipped into Druids very quickly and just as I was coming off the brakes and onto the throttle on the exit, I lost the front end. It was a close run thing, I thought I had saved it, but it just got away from me.

“I am loving the experience of riding a Superbike, it is a dream come true for me. The second row is way above what I would have hoped for and I think having such a good team behind me is being a big help. I can’t wait until the races tomorrow to see what sort of results I can get.”

Les Pearson, Chief Technician to Tom Sykes:
“Tom is doing an almost unbelievable job for his first time on a Superbike. We have worked today on getting him more comfortable on the bike and giving him more grip. To give him more grip also means that the predictability of the bike is reduced, so while it is faster, it takes more experience to make the most of it and he has taken it all in his stride. His raw riding talent is awesome.

“He could finish in the top eight in tomorrow’s races, which would be fantastic. From the very first time we put him on track, I knew that Tom was something a bit special on a motorcycle and he has more than proved that in qualifying today.”

Final Qualification:
1: Michael Rutter (Ducati) 45.991
2: Sean Emmet (Ducati) +0.074
3: Shane Byrne (Ducati) +0.096
4: John Reynolds (RIZLA SUZUKI) +0.154
5: Leon Haslam (Ducati) +0.262
6: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +0.311
7: Gary Mason (Yamaha) +0.347
8: Tom Sykes (RIZLA SUZUKI) +0.448
9: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +0.474
10: Steve Plater (Honda) +0.556.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Team EMGO Taiwan’s Chris “Opie” Caylor was fastest during timed qualifying Saturday at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama for the third and final GSX-R World Cup qualifying race in the United States.

Caylor’s time of 1:29.598 was over one second quicker than the next-fastest competitor.

HAS/Shogun’s John Haner was second quickest with a time of 1:30.910, despite crashing late in the session. Team Embry’s Brian Stokes qualified third with a time of 1:30.931. David Weber rode with an injured ankle but still qualified fourth with a 1:30.947.

The winner of Sunday’s GSX-R World Cup qualifying race at Barber Motorsports Park will earn a free trip to Magny-Cours in France October 17-19 to represent the United States and American Suzuki in the GSX-R World Cup Finals.

Corey Eaton and Tray Batey have already earned trips to the GSX-R World Cup Finals with wins in the two previous qualifying races.

From a press release issued by Rizla Suzuki:

Reynolds on form as Sykes shakes up the applecart

RIZLA SUZUKI rider John Reynolds was on blistering form as he set the third fastest lap time during today’s practice sessions for the 11th round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, while his team mate for this race Tom Sykes shook up the establishment at his first attempt on a Superbike finishing 11th.

Reynolds was impressive during both practice sessions as he tested many variations of tyre choice and settled into a comfortable riding position on his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000. He didn’t use a qualifying tyre today and was content to find a good race pace.

Sykes, the 18-year-old race sensation from Yorkshire, was only three quarters of a second behind the fastest time today despite it being only his first competitive run on a Superbike. He finished ahead of many more experienced star Superbike riders and by his own admission is still learning the limits of the bike. Sykes completed a mind-boggling 95-laps today as he got to grips with his Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 that runs the same number 71 as Rizla Suzuki regular rider Yukio Kagayama, who he is standing in for after the Japanese rider broke his pelvis at the previous round of the series at Cadwell Park.

Racing starts at 1:15pm on Sunday 14th at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit and a huge crowd is expected to attend as the entire circuit can be watched from many vantage points, making it one of the most exciting race weekends of the year for spectators.

John Reynolds:
“Today was steady away really, we tried a few tyre combinations over quite a few laps to find a good race set-up and I am very happy.

“Brands Hatch is a fantastic track and one of my favourites. We already have a reasonably good base set-up from the long track events earlier in the year and now we have a good race tyre we will look for the final few tenths of a second improvement for tomorrow by adjusting suspension and gearing ratios. I’m looking forward to a great weekend.

“Well done to Tom today. I always thought he had a bit of talent and he is proving it to me and everybody by being so close to the leading times on his first attempt on a Superbike. That is real raw talent pushing him to go that fast and you’ll see a lot more of him in the future.”

Tom Sykes:
“It has been just awesome today, what a fantastic experience. I didn’t have too many nerves this morning, I’d decided I was going to go out and enjoy myself and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

“I am getting to grips with the Rizla Suzuki GSX-R1000 and have tested a lot of different seating positions and tyres today. I am pushing quite hard because I have only limited time to get up to race pace and find the best setting on the bike. Tomorrow we will be able to look more at the suspension and at going a bit faster.

“According to Niall Mackenzie, I am going into some corners too quickly and I need to slow down a bit so I can exit faster. He’s been a great help and the whole team has been really good to me. Having a good team is half the battle and Rizla Suzuki is just about the best. I’m still glad my Grandad Peter Brook is on the pit wall with my race pit board though, he’s enjoying himself.”

Practice times:
1: Shane Byrne (Ducati) 46:137
2: Sean Emmett (Ducati) +0.027
3: John Reynolds (RIZLA SUZUKI) +0.061
4: Gary Mason (Yamaha) +0.247
5: Glen Richards (Kawasaki) +0.414
6: Scott Smart (Kawasaki) +0.653
7: Chris Burns (Yamaha) +0.659
8: Michael Rutter (Ducati) +0.722
9: Dean Ellison (Ducati) +0.755
10: Steve Plater (Honda) +0.768
11: Tom Sykes (RIZLA SUZUKI) +0.849.

From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:

DUCATI MARLBORO TEAM TESTING CONCLUDES AT MUGELLO
(Italy), 11 September 03

The Ducati Marlboro Team has concluded two days of testing at Mugello, during which Loris Capirossi and Troy Bayliss were able to evaluate a series of new components in view of the 2004 season, as well as various solutions that may be used in the remaining races.

During the test, the development team bikes were used because the regular race Desmosedicis have already been air-freighted to Brazil for the grand prix at Rio de Janeiro.

The test was held in fine weather conditions (air 25°/track 35° C), enabling the Ducati Marlboro Team to complete the scheduled lengthy session at the Tuscany circuit.

Loris Capirossi, whose best time was 1:52.1, continued to test the new larger-diameter Ohlins front fork he used in the Portuguese Grand Prix. The Italian rider succeeded in establishing a better feeling with the front fork during the test.

Troy Bayliss, who tried out the front fork for the first time, recorded an excellent time in 1:51.7, quicker than the Italian Grand Prix pole mark in June at the same circuit.

Both riders, who lapped in race set-up, also tried out a number of new rear tyres in collaboration with Michelin tyre engineers.

From a press release issued by KTM:

Record-Breaking Results for KTM!

KTM again looks back on a very successful business year (September 1st, 2002 – August 31st, 2003). The positive development of the last years could be continued and a new record result could be achieved.

Once again Double-Digit Growth

A 17% increase in turnover surpassed by far the result of the previous year, despite challenging market conditions.

With global sales of 70.511 motorcycles (57.321 full size and 13.190 sportminicycles), the total turnover amounted to 367 million Euro.

The regions with the highest turnover are Europe and North America with a 67% respectively 24% share of the total turnover. The largest single markets for KTM are the USA with sales of 19.532, Germany with 9.280 and France with 5.596 units.


KTM continues its Course of Expansion

After the successful introduction of the 950 Adventure KTM is already presenting the next two-cylinder motorcycle at the Milan show – the 990 Duke, with clear goals of obtaining further market shares in the roadbike segment.

One of the key factors for the successful international development of the company is that KTM works closely with its subsidiaries (total twelve) in all important markets, to further ensure a prolonged distribution growth.


KTM Investments

The focus of the last business year was again the expansion of the production site Mattighofen / Munderfing. The new R&D centre, as well as a new engine assembly was completed and started.
Investment into KTM totalled 28 million Euro throughout the fiscal year 2002/03.


1.486 Employees

In line with the development of the company the number of employees rose as well. At the end of this business year KTM had 1.486 employees worldwide, of which 1.083 were in Austria.

From a press release issued by AMA Sports:

SIDI NAMED OFFICIAL BOOT OF AMA SPORTS SUPERMOTO

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — AMA Sports, which manages amateur and pro-am competition for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), has announced that Sidi has been named The Official Boot of the 2003 AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships. The distinction is the result of a sponsorship agreement between AMA Sports and Motonation, which is Sidi’s exclusive source in the United States.

“From competitors to fans to our industry partners, everyone is energized about the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships,” said Bill Amick, Vice President of AMA Events and Entertainment, which oversees AMA Sports. “We’re pleased to welcome Sidi as the official boot of this exciting series.”

“It’s clear that Supermoto is part of the future of motorsports in the U.S.,” said Bill Berroth, President of Motonation. “We look forward to a long-term relationship with AMA Sports and the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships.”

The 2003 AMA Sports Supermoto Eastern & Western Championship Series resume on September 20 at Mesa Marin Raceway in Bakersfield, California, with Western Round 2, followed on October 18 with Eastern Round 2 at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia. The series will conclude with the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships in Las Vegas on November 22 and 23.

Riders finishing the Eastern & Western Championship rounds in the top 35 in points will earn a starting spot at the Las Vegas event; the nine classes competing for number-one plates will be lined up for heat races by points earned at regional events.

Winners of the two AMA Sports Supermoto Eastern & Western Championships will be honored at the inaugural AMA Sports Awards Banquet on Friday, November 21, to be held at the Las Vegas Hilton.

On the same weekend Motonation will present a certificate to each rider participating in the 2003 AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championship in Las Vegas, good for the purchase of one pair of Sidi boots at distributor cost. Motonation also will present a display of Sidi boots at the Las Vegas event.

Sidi boots, known throughout the world for their fit, comfort, and quality, are available only through Sidi Retail Partners. For more information, call toll-free 1-877-789-4940, www.motonation.com, or write to Motonation at 14168 Poway Road, Suite 205, Poway, CA 92064.

AMA Sports presents the 2003 AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships in cooperation with AMA-chartered promoting organizations Supermoto USA and Supermotard USA. For more information on these promoters and there events visit www.supermotard-usa.com or www.supermoto.com.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Alice Aprilia’s Colin Edwards II lapped at a 1:42.3 during recent testing with Michelin at the Jerez Circuit in Spain.

The two-time Superbike World Champion reported the news to fans in the forum of his website, www.ceracing.com, Thursday and wrote, “For those of you that know that is .5 faster then I’ve ever gone around there.” Edwards also stated that he was the only MotoGP rider present at the test but did not give much detail about the test.

Edwards’ reported lap time from the test was faster than Valentino Rossi’s fastest race lap (1:42.788) from the 2003 Grand Prix at Jerez, much faster than Edwards’ best race lap time (1:44.451) and even better than Edwards’ qualifying time (1:42.761). Edwards’ time was just off the overall circuit best record for Jerez, Loris Capirossi’s 1:41.983.

Edwards told his fans that he will be spending three days at home in Conroe, Texas before heading to Rio, Brazil for round 12 of 16 in the 2003 MotoGP World Championship. Edwards is currently 13th in the Championship with 48 points.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Aaron Gobert, 22, has re-signed to race with the Yamaha factory team through the 2005 season.

“I’m just really happy where I am. It’s good to stay at home,” said Gobert Thursday in a call to Roadracingworld.com. “It’s good because they really stood by me when I broke my legs and everything, so I’m really happy to stand by them, you know? It gives me a lot of encouragement to know I have a lot of people behind me.”

Gobert said he will race the YZF-R6 in AMA Supersport but Yamaha still doesn’t know if it will race the new, 2004 YZF-R1 in AMA Superbike or Superstock.

“They haven’t decided yet whether it’s worth doing a Superbike-spec version of it yet or Superstock. We probably won’t know until Daytona [Dunlop tire test], I guess,” said Gobert, who called the new R1 “a pretty impressive bike.”

Gobert’s signing means Yamaha will bring back its entire 2003 four-rider lineup. Damon Buckmaster, Jamie Hacking and Jason DiSalvo already have commitments to Yamaha for 2004.