SUZUKI'S NEW K7Suzuki has announced the debut of its most technically advanced motorcycle, the K7 GSX-R1000. The all-new K7 offers greater technology, power and efficiency, says Suzuki spokesman, Luke Plummer.
According to Suzuki dealer Paul Killeen of Killeen Motorcycles, the K7 is something special: "This bike is really going to re-write the book, I can't wait to ride it myself."
With the same aerodynamic styling as the current GSX-R600 and 750 machines, the new K7 boasts an impressive power increase with a new race-bred rider power adjustment system with three stage power settings. The ECU programmable unit's three different settings on the handlebar are sports mode, wet mode and normal. According to Killeen, this makes it easier to ride: "It's a very rideable bike, especially for commuters. The ECU means it won't be intimidating for inexperienced users."
Suzuki engineers have also made the new bike energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly. According to Suzuki it produces, "more power while also improving throttle feel and meeting tough new Euro 3 emissions standards. Suzuki's Pulsed-AIR (PAIR) system injects fresh air from the air box into exhaust ports, reducing emissions by igniting unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide."
The bike will have a recommended on-the-road retail price of €14,950, according to Killeen and will be available at the end of this month. For more information visit killeenmotorcycles.com
WORLD SUPERBIKE KICKS OFF
Meanwhile, the first round of the World Superbike Championship, at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar, kicks off this Saturday, February 24th.
In the final lap tests Australian Troy Corser (pictured) beat Italian Suzuki's Max Biaggi, lapping 1:59.1 on his new Yamaha R1 staking his claim to the world title.
1949 GRAND PRIX WINNER DIES
Bruno Ruffo, the first 250cc Grand Prix winner, has died in Italy. He was 86-years-old. Mostly riding a 250cc Moto Guzzi, he began motorcycle racing in 1946 when he was 25 years old. He won his first Grand Prix in Bern, Switzerland in 1949, in the 250cc class riding a Moto Guzzi.
In 1950, he also raced in the 125 cc class and won the World title, riding a Mondial, with a victory at the Dutch TT in Assen. That year he finished third in the 250cc Championship. He took the 250cc title again in 1951 with two wins in France and Ulster, and then finished sixth in 1952 and retired.
In 2003 he was awarded the Commendatore dell'Ordine al Merito, which is regarded as Italy's highest honour.
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