This continues our discussion with Don Sakakura concerning Yoshimura Suzuki’s plans for the 2003 season, and, particularly, the development of the GSX-R1000 Superbike.
MD: Being stuck (under the AMA rules for 1000cc four-cylinder machines) with the stock valve angles and valve sizes and some of the other limiting factors, do you nevertheless feel that Yoshimura can build a 1000cc bike that can, horsepower and torque-wise, hang with the v-twins?
DS: Oh, without a doubt. I don’t see a problem there at all-even with the new restrictions on the engine components. The transmission limitations might become an issue. That’s something we have to determine after some further testing. Typically, in the past with the 750, with the power delivery, transmissions have been key as far as setting up a machine to go around the race track. The 1000, on the other hand, with the torque that’s supplied and with the smooth power delivery, I think it won’t be quite the issue it was with the 750.
MD: You bring up another issue that I wanted to ask you about. The new AMA rules allow manufacturers (of 1000cc fours) to homologate optional equipment in two instances. One is fuel injection throttle bodies and the other one is a second internal gear set. Do you know whether Suzuki has any plans to manufacture a second internal gear set for the GSX-R1000?
DS: Yes, that’s actually in our plans, our immediate plans. In the past, we would try to visit as many courses as possible just to get a clear understanding of what ratios are required, so that will be difficult at this point [to determine gearing] just due to the lack of experience and knowledge of this engine.
MD: It may be your saving grace, like you said earlier, that the 1000 has that fat torque curve.
DS: I believe so. I believe it should be a very rider-friendly type power delivery. I think it should also aid in suspension settings, and hopefully, tire life should be a little bit longer as well.
MD: The press has speculated a bit that the huge torque output of these 1000cc four-cylinder bikes may eat up tires more quickly, and yet you indicate that the broader, smoother power delivery may, in fact, be easier on tires.
DS: I think the very linear torque curve that we’ve seen initially with the 1000cc engine will definitely aid in tire life. I think that is something we’ve struggled with for the last couple of years — consistency in tire life. In looking into it, I think its due to the power delivery of the smaller cc engine.
MD: The smaller motors, in order to make competitive peak horsepower, inevitably have to hit harder and have a narrower powerband.
DS: That’s correct. . . . the hit of the 750 engine, I don’t think that’d be quite as pronounced with the 1000 engine.
MD: It is possible that both Yamaha and Kawasaki are going to sit on the side lines in superbike this year as far as a factory effort. Have you heard anything different?
DS: No I haven’t. I’ve heard rumors of the Yamaha team pulling out of the class. Kawasaki I haven’t heard. I’m hoping that is not the case. I think we need as much participation as possible to keep the class alive and running strong as it has been.
MD: Eric Bostrom is obviously one of our best riders, and it would be a shame to see him out of the class next year.
DS: Actually, Eric had a very strong year. I think he rode extremely well. . . . He used the bike to its maximum potential.
MD: You mentioned that you’re going to look closely at the option to create a second internal gear set that would be legal under the AMA rules. The AMA rules also allow an optional fuel injection throttle body assembly, as long as it’s homologated and available to privateer teams.
DS: I believe Suzuki Japan is currently working on that. I know they did have a throttle body set available for the GSX-R750, and I assume they’ll do the same for the 1000.
MD: Just to confirm your team next year, you have Mat Mladin and Aaron Yates returning, and a new team rider.
DS: Our new member to the team this year is Ben Spies. Ben Spies will run two classes for us. He’ll run the 600 supersport class and I believe at this point we’ll probably run Daytona 200 with Ben as well. From there, we’ll evaluate as far as which class we might continue to run. There’s a good possibility we might run the extreme bike as well. At this point it’s really undecided.
MD: And Mat and Aaron will be superbike only?
DS: Mat will be superbike only. Aaron will defend his championship from the 2002 series of the supersport class.
MD: One other question about the 1000cc in-line fours. If you ride the big four cylinder bikes back-to-back with a 750 and a 600, even though their dry weights are similar, the bigger bikes don’t change directions as well because of the gyroscopic forces of the crank and, basically, the heavier engine internals, is that going to be something that is going to present a challenge as far as setting up a race bike, or do you guys have plans to overcome the less nimble nature of the 1000 versus the 750?
DS: Yes, that would probably be our primary goal I think as far as the initial set-up of the machine. I think the nimbleness is something that we have, I think, a pretty good handle on with the 750. Again, it’s something we’ve focused on the last couple of years and tried to utilize the machine in those areas at some of the tighter tracks. And I think we have a very good data base of information that we can apply to the 1000cc.
MD: I know both Mat and Aaron like to flick that 750 into the corners and if they had an advantage over the v-twins it was in the corners last year. Are you guys hoping to continue that with the 1000?
DS: Oh, I think we can. Again, I think that’s both their strong points. . . .
MD: Quick question about Ben Spies. I think most of our readers are real familiar with Mat Mladin and Aaron Yates, but Ben’s a pretty young guy that we haven’t heard too much about. Tell us a little bit about Ben and what you expect from him this year.
DS: Ben is a very young talent. He turned 18 this year. It’s exciting to bring a young talent to the team to hopefully train and develop his riding skills. I think he’s showing great talent already. He’s been on the bike twice already this year. We intend to build a strong experienced team around Ben, to properly develop him, and I think his results will show in the near future. I think he’s got a huge future.
MD: To clarify what you said earlier. Ben will definitely be running 600 supersport and possible other classes. Is that right?
DS: Yes, the 600 supersport class is a definite; at Daytona we’ll run Ben in the 200 mile on the superbike, and following the 200 more than likely we’ll run the Formula Extreme class with Ben on the 1000cc.
MD: Thanks for your time Don. We wish you and your team the best of luck next year.
DS: Thank you, it’s been a pleasure.
