Mechanical VVT becomes hydraulic
Suzuki’s developing an updated engine VVT system to comply with Euro 5 regulations. It’ll offer lower production costs and reduce the number of components to manufacture the superbike. Here’s how it works.
Suzuki has been working on some updates for the GSX-R1000 model since last year. Some patents revealed that the new superbike from Hamamatsu will be fitted with an updated hydraulic variable valve timing system (VVT).
According to BikeSocial, a couple of new patents unveil that the system is getting closer to production.
The design of the mechanical VVT on the current model was developed from the GSX-RR MotoGP bike because the rules of the sport ban electronic or hydraulic VVT systems.
The updated hydraulic VVT system
The variable valve timing system uses a centrifugal actuated mechanism on the intake camshaft sprocket to increase high engine rpm power without losing low- to mid-range power.
The new VVT is more refined and uses a compact solenoid on the side of the cylinder head and none of the external oil pipes compared to the current design used on the GSX-R1000.
The redesigned cylinder head provides extra oilways thanks to the oil flow that is all internal in the new design.
It’ll be easier to manufacture the VVT due to the reduced number of components. There are other benefits provided by the updated hydraulic variable valve timing system such as reduced emissions from the engine. So, it’ll make the engine Euro 5 compliant helping Suzuki to continue selling the GSX-R1000 superbike after January 1 2021, when the Euro 5 regulations will become mandatory for all bikes.
The side-fitted solenoid and internal pipework slide into the existing superbike frame from below, thus Suzuki doesn’t need to make changes to the production procedure which reduces the cost to build the GSX-R1000 models.
The current VVT system
Back in 2017, the GSX-R1000 was the first superbike to use a variable valve timing system. The current VVT uses centrifugal force to modify the intake camshaft’s timing depending on engine revs.
In comparison, BMW fitted on the current S1000RR superbike a system that alters both valve timing and lifts using computer-operated hydraulics. Thus, the engine can adapt to riding conditions depending on revs and throttle opening.
Ducati also uses hydraulic, computer-controlled variable valve timing systems on models like Multistrada and Diavel. So, Suzuki needed to make some changes to keep up with the competition. We can’t wait to see the new hydraulic VVT system on the production GSX-R1000.
Source: BikeSocial