Suzuki confirm turbo bike

Turbocharged parallel-twin will power into production

Amongst Suzuki’s handful of concepts and 2016 models at the Tokyo Motor Show (no, there was no GSX-R1000 unveiled – give it another two weeks), was a turbocharged motor devoid of a motorcycle.

The sum total of the information divulged in Tokyo about the new motor was “Turbo engine for motorcycles” – and not a word more. And the firm is remaining tight-lipped about which motorcycle this all-new powerplant might make its debut in. Despite their prolific showing of the Recursion concept over the last two years, Suzuki insist that building the 588cc parallel-twin turbocharged sportsbike is not on the ‘to do’ list. Maybe they mean it, too.

Production green light

One of the most striking things about the new engine is that it bears absolutely no resemblance to the one fitted to the Recursion concept bike, with new crankcases, cylinder heads, turbocharger, airbox – replete with heat exchanger – and throttle bodies. If all this does add up to ratification of their much-trotted poo-pooing of the Recursion’s production chances, it begs the question: what will it be fitted to?

Sadly, Suzuki won’t tell, and no other recent concept bike gives any clue. But what we can exclusively confirm is that this turbocharged engine will find its way into a production bike in the near future. While it does look to be around 600cc, Suzuki refuse to confirm the exact capacity, but have confirmed that it’s a turbocharged eight-valve DOHC parallel-twin, and that it is production-ready. The full designs of the unit were revealed in patent drawings published in MCN back in April, and the firm also trademarked the Recursion name in September, suggesting it could be an umbrella name for a family of turbo bikes.

Suzuki GB marketing manager Rob Cooper confirmed to MCN: “Following the positive feedback on the turbo technology featured in the Recursion concept, the factory made the decision to develop the engine that has been on display at the Tokyo Motor Show.

“The Recursion featured a SOHC, four-valve parallel-twin, whereas this new engine is a DOHC, eight-valve parallel-twin. The factory is aiming to use this engine in a mass production motorcycle in the future, however its definite application is not yet decided.”

Close inspection of the motor reveals nothing that looks half-finished or concept-like, and now we have confirmation that we will have a turbocharged Suzuki production bike – probably within two years – for the first time since 1983’s ill-fated XN85 Turbo.