2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - Jay Leno's Garage

How fast could you go? Do the power-to-weight math: 155 at the rear wheel at 452 pounds...

Competition is fierce in the crowded realm of the literbike. So despite an incredible record of consecutive AMA Superbike wins, Suzuki decided to go back to the drawing board for a completely new soup-to-nuts redesign of the GSX-R1000 for 2009. Suzuki Motorcycle's Garrett Kai jokes that the only elements carried over from last year's model are the fuel tank cap and the oil filter. The differences may seem subtle to the untrained eye, but to a superbike aficionado, Suzuki has gone the distance to improve upon previous near perfection.

The overall appearance of the Gixxer Thou is more aggressive and more refined, and more compact than its forebear. Weight has been cut back six pounds to a total net of 452 pounds. The redesigned 999cc inline four-cylinder engine is over two inches shorter, which in turn shortens the wheelbase for greater maneuverability, and allows for a longer swingarm, yielding improved corner traction. Technology from racing's cutting edge has informed most aspects of the bike's new design, including a new cable-actuated clutch system, and big piston forks. Indeed, with 155 hp at the rear wheel, you might want to have some racing experience before attempting to tap this bike's potential. That's right, for a mere $12,899, you too can enjoy grand prix performance in a two-wheeled street machine.

An avid Suzuki collector, Jay already has a 1975 RE5 and a 1966 X6 Hustler among others in his collection, and was beyond thrilled when Suzuki presented him with the first production GSX-R1000 as a thank you for his support of the motorcycle industry. Jay will have to break his Gixxer in easy for the first 500 miles, keeping it below 4000 rpm - where most cars redline!

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Tonight Show host Jay Leno explores his passion for all things on wheels in this Emmy Award-winning web series.

2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - Jay Leno's Garage
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