ASBK Champions join Phillip Island Suzuki Track Day
Take your riding to the next level with the Suzuki Sports Bike Track Day at Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on February 1, 2019, where Suzuki champions Shawn Giles, Josh Waters and Wayne Maxwell will be in attendance to offer expert tuition to riders taking part in a special training course as part of their ride day.
Available for an additional $150, participants will receive track insight, secrets and riding tips gained in over 40 years of premier class racing. A circuit debrief will take place in a classroom style format then the champions will suit up and head on track and demonstrate proper line selection, body position and offer feedback and tips to help participates shave their lap times.
Suzuki Sports Bike Track Days welcome ASBK Champs
Limited spots are available and advanced bookings is required, as spots will not be available on the day. Riders must be registered for the track day in order to participate.
Welcome to all Suzuki sports bike owners, from first timers to track day regulars the Suzuki Track Day will provide an adrenaline pumping experience with added exclusives not available at regular events. Spots are available from $200 and participants will be grouped according to experience and receive six 20 minute sessions.
Suzuki Sports Bike Track Day
For an additional $50 riders can book a 20 minute test ride session aboard the latest generation Suzuki GSX-R1000 and experience the hardest-accelerating, sharpest handling, most technically advanced GSX-R ever. Garage Hire is also available for $25 per rider.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Grand Prix motorcycle
With Phil Aynsley
This is the 500cc Suzuki RGV/XR88 that Nobuatsu (Nobby) Aoki raced in the final three races of the 1998 season. His best finish was a fourth in the Madrid GP, with an overall ninth position in the 1998 Grand Prix Motorcycle Road Race Championship.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Racer
Suzuki tried several different chassis during the year, this being the final version. Compared to the previous year’s bike, the main motor change was the use of Keihin carburettors rather than Mikunis.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Racer
The V4 used twin crankshafts at an 80º angle with both reed and exhaust valves. Output was 180 hp with a wet weight of 135 kg, while top speed was 320 km/h.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Racer – A staggering 180hp was on tap with a wet weight of just 135kg
This bike was also ridden by Yukio Kagayama in the 1999 All Japan Series.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Racer
Suzuki’s RGV500 saw success in the hands of a number of riders, including Kevin Schwantz who claimed the 1993 World Championship, and raced an RGV500 from 1987 through to 1995, with other notable placings including three fourths, a third and a second in the championship during this period.
Nobuatsu Aoki’s 1998 RGV500 XR88 Racer
Daryl Beattie also campaigned an RGV500 to second in the championship in 1995. Beattie was on course to win the 500cc Grand Prix World Championship in 1995, but a crash at Assen proved costly with Mick Doohan going on to claim the crown for Honda.
But you can’t see the 2019 colour schemes, yet, officially…
Unlike some stories posted elsehwere, Suzuki’s iconic sportsbike, the legendary GSX1300R Hayabusa, will continue to be available from Australian dealerships in 2019.
Sucks to be them…
Suzuki European Distributors will not sell the current generation Haybusa due to the iconic road burner not meeting European emission controls.
Good to be us!
Suzuki however will continue to manufacture the Hayabusa and Suzuki Australia will introduce new colours for the 2019 model, next year. While they are coy on what those 2019 colour schemes will be, MCNews.com.au believes they will be the same, or very similar, to the colours that will be seen in the U.S.A. next year. These colours we show in the above headline image, and immediately below here.
2019 Suzuki Hayabusa
2018 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa $19,450 Ride Away
The 2018 iteration of the Suzuki Hayabusa is currently available in Australian dealerships in two colours at a special run out price of $19,450 Ride Away with 12 months registration and is backed by Suzuki’s 24 month unlimited kilometre warranty. See offer here (Link)
$19,450 Ride Away on 2018 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
For further information, interested customers should visit their nearest authorised Suzuki Motorcycle dealer, who can be found via the Dealer Locator on www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au.
Suzuki’s 2019 Z90 QuadSport has hit Australian dealerships and until December 31 (2018) is available for $3,290 during Suzuki’s Christmas Superstars promotion (normal MSRP $3,865), with Suzuki’s six-month warranty.
2019 Suzuki QuadSport Z90
Designed for young riders to grow their skills on, this four-wheeler is ready in its striking new Champion Yellow colour scheme featuring blue highlights, inspired by Suzuki’s RM-Z motocross range.
2019 Suzuki QuadSport Z90 in Champion Yellow
The QuadSport Z90 is suitable for riders ages 12 and above, it’s easy to ride nature promotes a safe way for youngsters to further develop their riding skills.
A quiet and smooth 90cc four-stroke air-cooled engine is coupled with an electric starter and CVT automatic transmission, providing easy operation and allows the rider to focus on riding instead of shifting gears.
2019 Suzuki QuadSport Z90 – Electric start
Engine power can be controlled to suit rider’s experience via the adjustable throttle limiter. Safety features include a keyed ignition to provide maximum parental control.
2019 Suzuki QuadSport Z90 – Keyed ignition
Tackling tight corners and rough terrain for junior adventurers will be a breeze thanks to the QuadSport Z90’s plush, single A-arm front suspension with twin independent shock absorbers and single-shock rear suspension providing long wheel travel for a smooth, comfortable and balanced ride.
2019 Suzuki QuadSport Z90 – A-arm front suspension with dual shock
GSX-R mounted riders have won almost half the Australian Superbike Championships contested this century, and in 2019 Suzuki are determined to add to that tally by fielding one of the strongest two-rider outfits ever to line up for an Australian Superbike Team.
Wayne Maxwell
Current rider Josh Waters has three ASBK Superbike Championships to his name (2009-2012-2017), and joining him in the Team Suzuki Ecstar squad for 2019 is long-time rival, and 2013 Australian Superbike, Champion Wayne Maxwell.
Wayne Maxwell won the 2013 Australian Superbike Championship on a GSX-R1000 Suzuki
That 2013 Superbike Championship for Maxwell was won on a Suzuki GSX-R1000, and he is aiming to repeat that feat in season 2019.
Wayne Maxwell
“I’m very excited to be joining Team Suzuki ECSTAR Australia for the next two years. Last time Suzuki and I were paired together proved to be very successful, winning my first Australian Superbike championship. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the GSX-R1000, I know how fast and competitive the GSX-R is having raced against it the last few years, I’m super excited to get to work with Phil, Warren and the rest of the team on repeating our 2013 success.”
Wayne Maxwell won the 2013 ASBK Superbike Championship when he last rode for Suzuki.
The 36-year-old only this year broke his own ASBK Superbike outright pole lap record at Phillip Island that had stood since 2013, when that same weekend then 30-year-old took the Superbike Title for Suzuki by 34-points over Glenn Allerton.
Wayne Maxwell celebrates taking Superpole on the GSX-R1000 at Phillip Island in 2013
Suzuki are also working on a third, semi-satellite rider, for ASBK 2019 and soon hope to announce that signing too. Our tip for the gig is Alex Phillis.
Mat Mladin is taking young Max Croker up to the Superbike ranks in 2019 for his maiden season with the big boys.
Honda recently announced that Mark Chiodo would join 2018 ASBK Superbike Champion Troy Herfoss at Penrite Honda.
In 2019 Cru Halliday will step back up from Supersport to a Superbike ride at YRT alongside Daniel Falzon.
Glenn Allerton will line up again for NextGen BMW on an all-new S 1000 RR. Ted Collins may also have a seat on the BMW again next season.
Kawasaki look to have young Lachlan Epis joining Bryan Staring in the BCperformance squad.
And then of course there is that fella who will be turning up again on a red bike, three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss…
Troy Bayliss – Image Colin Rosewarne
An ASBK pre-season test will be held at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on February 2-3.
2019 ASBK Calendar
ASBK Test – Phillip Island, VIC February 2 – 3
Round 1 – WSBK – Phillip Island, VIC February 21 – 24
Round 2 – Wakefield Park, Goulburn NSW March 22 – 24
Waters signs multi-year agreement with Team Ecstar Suzuki
Three-time Superbike to remain aboard Suzuki machinery through 2020 season.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Victorian Josh Waters will remain with Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia for the next two years after signing a multi-year agreement to contest the 2019 and 2020 seasons of the YMF Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Waters joined the squad for its inaugural season in 2017, which ultimately saw him seal his third Australian superbike title. Following a tough title defence this year, the number 21 wound up fourth in the championship standings.
“I’m excited to continue this partnership,” said Waters. “I have raced for Suzuki for over 10 years both here and overseas, I have a great team around me, we put in a lot of work this year and ended the season with some strong finishes and a race win, which was great. The goal is pretty simple next year, I want to win the title back”
The first official outing for the squad in 2019 will be the ASBK opener at Phillip Island, which will run alongside the WorldSBK on 22-24 February.
This week a second “Glass Sparkle Black” version was unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan.
Online deposits
Suzuki Australia spokesman Matt Reilly says they will only take orders for the bike online, “offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to arrival in the third quarter of next year”.
“Australian pricing is not yet 100% confirmed and difficult to accurately forecast given the timeframe to the Katana’s Q3 2019 arrival,” he says.
“However, we have been advising customers that we are working very hard to secure the bike for under $20K ride away with 12 months’ registration.”
Deposits will cost $1000 and if you change your mind after three business days, Suzuki Australia will only refund $450.
The remaining $550 takes into account the “reasonable administrative costs Suzuki will incur as a result of your cancellation”.
The first 50 customers to order a Katana will also receive a Katana-themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995, with their bike delivery.
Online customers can nominate their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery as well as arrange finance and insurance quotes and trade-in valuations.
Printed brochures are also available at Suzuki dealers.
If you can’t complete the online order, you can do it at the dealership.
Matt says online ordering was launched at the Australian MotoGP.
“We have had a fantastic response to the online ordering system, receiving a greater number of orders than we originally expected within the first week of it being live,” he says.
“To say customers are excited about this new bike is a massive understatement.”
Suzuki Katana
The 2019 Katana has several styling cues from the old Katana including sharp lines, sports screen, half-fairing, stepped two-tone seat, stubby black exhaust and rectangular headlight.
Modern styling changes and features include full LED lighting, a remote rear fender and a massive catalytic convertor underneath.
The biggest change is straight bars instead of clip-ons, so it might be ergonomically less painful to ride.
Power comes from a long-stroke version of the fuel-injected 999cc inline-four engine from the GSX-R1000 with 110kW at 10,000rpm and 108Nm of torque at 9500rpm.
That’s significantly tuned down from the GSX-R1000 which has 150kW at 13200rpm and 117.6Nm at 10,800rpm. It’s porkier too at 215kg compared with 202kg.
Features include a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode Traction Control System, Fujico disc brakes with Brembo front brake calipers and ABS, and new tyres with a tubeless inner structure designed exclusively for the Katana.
Suzuki makes a point of saying the seat is comfortable, probably because the old Katana was notoriously uncomfortable. However, the seat is fairly high at 825mm.
Suzuki Motorcycles Australia has announced an on-line only purchasing method for its new Suzuki Katana.
Suzuki Katana will come in black or grey
With high demand and limited supply, Suzuki will take orders exclusively online, offering customers a premium buying experience along the way in the lead up to arrival in the third quarter of 2019.
Suzuki Katana will come in black or grey
As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, the first 50 Katana pre-ordered online will also receive a bonus exclusive Katana themed Arai QV-Pro helmet, valued at $995 with their bike delivery.
Suzuki Katana
As for price, Suzuki have not let that completely out of the bag as yet but tell us that they are hoping to keep the final price under 20k ride away. For now a $1000 deposit is required to secure your new Katana.
Suzuki Katana
Lewis Croft, Suzuki Australia
“This is an exciting initiative that ensures a unique and premium experience for new Katana customers.
Suzuki Katana
“The Katana is a very special model for Suzuki, it’s not just another model in an already crowded market. Availability will be limited, therefore we will be taking orders on behalf of our dealer network to ensure we can supply genuine customer orders.
Suzuki Katana
“Our online approach allows customers to secure their Katana whilst also nominating their preferred authorised Suzuki motorcycle dealer for delivery, they also have the ability to arrange finance and insurance quotes and also trade-in valuations if required, prior to arrival.
Suzuki Katana (with accessories)
“Customers wanting a printed brochure can still access them from their Suzuki dealership. Any customers unable to complete the online order themselves can simply visit a dealership, who will be able to guide them through the online ordering process onsite at the dealership” concluded Croft.
The new Suzuki Katana pays homage to the iconic 1981 GSX1100S Katana, the new Katana is destined to create a new legend.
Suzuki Katana
At the heart of the Katana’s powerful performance is a long-stroke 999cm3 inline-four cylinder engine producing 110kW (148 hp) power at 10,000rpm with 108 Nm of torque at 9,500rpm. Both the induction roar and exhaust note are tuned to heighten the visceral senses.
Suzuki Katana
Power is transferred to the tarmac through a back-torque-limiting clutch, Suzuki’s three-mode traction control system and new Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tyres featuring a carcass designed exclusively for the new Katana.
Suzuki Katana
The compact, lightweight twin-spar aluminium chassis is engineered to provide agility, ease of control and a fun-to-ride character riders will enjoy. It is also aimed to perform best in real world riding conditions on public roads, in city traffic, on the highway, or on rural and twisty roads.
Suzuki Katana
43mm KYB inverted front forks give a ride that is sporty yet plush. They feature fully adjustable damping, rebound, compression and spring preload. A single KYB rear shock features adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load.
Suzuki Katana
310mm Fujico disc brakes are paired with Brembo radial mount Monobloc front brake calipers featuring four opposing 32 mm pistons to provide powerful braking performance. The Bosch Antilock Brake System (ABS) control unit is extremely compact and light weighing only 640g.
Suzuki Katana
Distinctive styling points abound. The LED headlight and LED front position lights accent the sharp lines of the cowling that covers the custom-designed instrument panel.
Suzuki Katana
A black and grey two-tone seat features a stepped design that maintains the sleek profile of the Katana while ensuring a comfortable riding position and positive footing for the rider.
Suzuki Katana
The Katana introduces a small rear fender supported by the swingarm that hugs the rear tyre. Moving it, along with the rear LED indicators and license plate holder, to this position eliminates parts extending from under the seat to give the tail section cleaner lines and a tougher, lighter new look.
Suzuki Katana
Suzuki Katana
148 hp engine derived from K5-K8 GSX-R1000
Bore x Stroke 73.4 x 59 mm
Compression Ratio 12.2 : 1
148 hp at 10,000 rpm
108 Nm at 9,500 rpm
Liquid fed oil cooler
Advanced engine control management
44 mm throttle bodies with SDTV
Fully adjustable 43 mm KYB inverted front forks
Radial 4-piston Brembo calipers, 310 mm discs
3-mode traction control system
Back-torque limiting clutch
Bosch Antilock Braking System (ABS)
Comfortable upright riding position
Informative full-LCD instrumentation
825 mm seat height
Twin-spar alloy frame
Swingarm from 2016 GSX-R1000
Wheelbase 1460 mm
Rake 25-degrees
Trail 100 mm
Weight 215 kg (wet)
Fuel capacity 12 Litres
Available – Third quarter of 2019 in Australia
Price – TBC
Suzuki Katana
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