Motorcycle diary: Up close with Japanese super bikes
Tanmoy Mitra
25 February 2008
Powered by high performance engines, with a lightweight frame, and designed for optimum speed, super bikes have always captured bikers' imagination. We take a closer look and analyse as to what makes the Japanese 1000cc bikes market leaders in the super bikes category.
Super bikes are popular motorcycles, with large sales volume and profits. The bikes are powered by larger engine capacities ranging from 800cc to1100cc. Like cars, bikes are also classified by their engine capacity, measured in cc (cubic centimetres), which represents the combined size of the engine's cylinders.
Super bikes with a displacement very close to 1000cc are sometimes referred to as ''litre bikes'' as the engine displaces approximately one litre.The bikes are designed for optimum speed, acceleration, braking and maneuverability. They have an advanced aerodynamic design than other classes of bikes and are usually used in high-performance situations such as a race.
Leading Japanese bike manufacturers such as Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha
have crafted a niche for themselves in the 1000cc category. The Japanese giants have done extensive research on motorcycle ergonomics of the seating posture, vehicle weight, fuel efficiency and paid attention to details to ensure that their bike gives optimum performance and also ascertain their position as market leaders in the 1000cc super bikes category.
Let's look at the four most popular super bikes - coincidentally all from Japan.
Suzuki GSX-R1000 
The GSX-R1000, is a sport bike from Suzuki's GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 2001 to replace the GSX-R1100.
The latest model of the GSX-R1000, unveiled at the 2007 Paris motor show is powered by a 999cc inline four-cylinder 4-stroke engine. The 2007 model is a bit heavier than the previous model with new exhaust system and new emissions regulations. Ergonomics and wind protection are pretty good on the Suzuki, as is the seat and the suspension compliance.
