Lighten up with a CarbonTek special

Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 and Honda’s SP-1 are both stunning bikes in their own right. But these two versions are even better thanks to aftermarket specialists CarbonTek.

For the full details on these CarbonTek bikes, don’t miss the latest issue of MCN, out Wenesday June 26.

Both bikes are rolling showcases of the company’s work, and they should be – the GSX-R is owned by CarbonTek boss Nigel Purdon, while the SP-1 belongs to its mechanic Richard Newman.

Purdon has shaved almost 7kg (15.4lb) off the Suzuki’s anorexic 170kg (374lb) thanks to lighter wheels, carbon bodywork and a new exhaust system. He’s also fitted an Ohlins rear shock and stronger fork springs.

Other additions include:

* Braking ‘wave’ discs which improve pad friction and reduce fade, and an integrated Brembo caliper. The rear caliper is a racing unit straight from Suzuki.

*A new vented carbon front mudguard and hugger.

*The £800 paintjob and satin-black frame and swingarm gives the special Suzuki a near-factory appearance. Even the Samco radiator hoses match the paintwork in bright orange.

*The bike is also running a Dynojet Power Commander, so should produce around 155bhp – 12 more than stock.

Newman’s all-black SP1 – which unbelievably used to be a bright silver limited edition Honda SP-1, is now at least 15kg less than the standard machine’s 200kg (440lb)

* The fairings, mudguards, fuel tank and dash are all made from deeply gorgeous carbon-fibre.

*The swingarm and factory Penske shock are from James Toseland’s old Vimto Honda SP-1 British superbike.

Although CarbonTek admit that ex-BSB swingarms don’t often crop up, they insist they can supply the same race-spec swinger for £999 and a Penske racing shock for £750.

*The front had a set of Öhlins fork springs and a RaceTech re-valve. The brake discs are also Wave items.

The twin-can titanium Akrapovic system cost £1250 and with the Power Commander and K&N filter it’s claimed to add another 10bhp, taking it to nearly 130bhp.

To bring your GSX-R1000 up to the same spec as this one would set you back nearly £9500 and the SP-1 £8175. You can contact CarbonTek on: 0208-656-0317.