2004 Suzuki DL650V-Strom
While other Japanese manufacturers ponder whether to bring a single adventure tourer into the United States market, Suzuki now has two. The 2004 DL650 V-Strom joins its bigger, 1000cc brother in the U.S. The fuel injected v-twin powering this vehicle comes straight out of the SV650, and is tuned for low-end and mid-range performance.
Suspension includes a rebound-adjustable fork, and a rear shock that is adjustable for both preload and rebound.
With a lower seat height than the DL1000, and a much needed new windshield design (the windshield is adjustable, both for height and angle), the DL650 should have quite a bit of range with its 5.8 gallon tank. U.S. MSRP is $6,599.
2004 Suzuki GSX-R600
Suzuki also introduces the brand new GSX-R600 for 2004. Claiming the “best power-to-weight ratio in its class”, the GSX-R600 comes in at a claimed dry weight of just 355 pounds!
The styling is similar to the GSX-R1000 introduced last year, with a black anodized aluminum frame and swingarm.
Several changes to the engine result in lighter internals with lower friction. Combined with a shorter cylinder block that now features ventilation holes between each cylinder (to reduce internal crankcase pressure at high rpms), quite a bit of weight is saved in the engine.
Compression in the cylinder head has been increased to 12.5 to 1, and the valves are set at a narrower angle, with straighter intake ports.
Also new are titanium valves, which are significantly lighter and allow for a lighter valve spring rate and a 1350 rpm higher engine rev limit.
Double-barrel throttle bodies are lighter than the four individual throttle bodies utilized last year, and are larger on the intake side. A more powerful ECM, with more memory, controls the fuel injection system.
Further weight savings are achieved in the titanium/aluminum muffler (about 700 grams lighter than last year).
Now with an inverted fork, the front brake discs are squeezed by radial-mount four-piston calipers.
U.S. MSRP for the 2004 GSX-R600 is $7,999.
2004 Suzuki GSX-R750
For those of you wondering whether the 750cc sportbike class had died, and gone away, Suzuki has a surprise. The 2004 Suzuki GSX-R750 has received many of the same updates as the 2004 GSX-R600. In addition to the new frame and bodywork, the engine is dramatically refined.
Compression is now 12.3 to 1 (last year it was 12.0 to 1), and the valves are now titanium instead of steel. This again allows for lighter valve springs and a higher rev limit.
The GSX-R750 receives numerous, new engine internals designed to reduce weight and friction, and intake and exhaust ports have both been increased in size.
The 2004 GSX-R750 also has the ventilation system between the cylinder bores to reduce crankcase pumping losses and increase torque. The double-barrel throttle bodies of the revised fuel injection system replace the four individual units on the prior model. Again, this system is controlled by a more powerful, lighter ECM, with more memory. The GSX-R750 also receives a lighter, aluminum/titanium muffler this year.
The 2004 GSX-R750 has radial-mount brake calipers in front, squeezing 300mm discs.
The bike weighs in at just 359 pounds dry, and has a U.S. MSRP of $9,499.
2004 Suzuki GS500F
Suzuki has redesigned its venerable GS500 for 2004, and named it the GS500F. New styling, with a new, fully-enclosed fairing (providing improved rider wind protection) are the main updates. The engine remains a 487cc parallel-twin fed by 34mm Mikuni carburetors. U.S. MSRP of the GS500F is $4,999.
2004 Suzuki VZ1600 Marauder
For 2004, Suzuki also introduces the VZ1600 Marauder, a v-twin power cruiser with fuel injection and dual-plug digital ignition.
Power reaches the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and shaft drive.
This power cruiser has sportbike-style, six-piston calipers gripping dual disc brakes up front. A single disc is featured in the rear. 17-inch polished, cast-aluminum wheels feature radial tires front and rear.
This power cruiser is available at an U.S. MSRP of $10,999.
