Cal Crutchlow
#35
Rizla Suzuki received three 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 production bikes to add to the single bike it has been using as a test bed for its new British Superbike racer.
The four bikes are in the process of being modified to Superbike rules and regulations at Rizla Suzuki's head quarters in the Crescent Performance Centre in Verwood, Dorset. They will be fitted with the latest Ohlins gas-charged forks and rear shock, Marchesini forged magnesium wheels, Factory swing arm and tank, Yoshimura exhaust, Dunlop tyres and Crescent carbon fibre bodywork.
The 999cc in-line four cylinder engine will be tuned by Rizla Suzuki's expert technicians using Suzuki Factory, Crescent, NGK, Pipercross and Yoshimura parts. It will produce more than 200bhp before the next test, all controlled via a state-of-the-art Motec engine management system.
Chris Walker
#9
"We now have four 2007 specification GSX-R1000s and they will be fully built to our initial race specification in time for the team's next test at the start of February," said Team Manager Simon Buckmaster. "Suzuki has pulled out all the stops to supply us these bikes as early as possible and we will spend the next month carefully building and tuning them for maximum performance on our in-house dyno before taking them on track."
"Our test at Valencia in November showed us the 2007 bike has considerable potential but that is only the start of the process. Rizla Suzuki is absolutely flat out working on the new bikes and developing them as quickly as possible. We will do whatever it takes to be as competitive as possible this season."
Rizla Suzuki will travel to Calafat in Spain for a private two-day test on February 7th - 8th. It will be the first time both Chris Walker and Cal Crutchlow will have two bikes each to test and will herald the start of a busy eight-week test period for the team in preparation for the opening round of the 2007 Championship at Brands Hatch on Easter Bank Holiday Monday, April 9th.