From Switzerland, via Japan, and out of the US of the A
★ RAPTIK SUXUKI GSX-R1000R L7
There are two ways to increase a bike’s performance: tune the motor for more horses or lose huge quantities of mass and improve the power to weight ratio. Swiss trackday fanatic Patrick Köhli, who’s also a photographer and goes by the moniker Raptik, leans enthusiastically towards the latter, as his heavily dieted 2017 GSX-R1000R L7 proves.
His Suzuki has been a joint venture with No LimitTuning who produced most of the exquisite carbon fibre components that have helped shed a massive 25 kilos in weight from the already lean superbike – Patrick’s GSX-R tips the scales at a claimed 175kg. The list of skimmed, one-off, and altered parts covers every area of the bike, and yet Patrick’s still keen to trim extra flab where he can. A composite rear sprocket and 520 chain are next on the list. Here’s how he and No Limits Tuning put this GSX-R into the best shape of its life…
★ ROLLING CHASSIS
Unsprung weight has been slashed thanks to ultra-lightweight 7-spoke carbon fibre wheels, made by German company Thyssenkrupp. Dunlop slicks stand between the rims and track. Calipers front and rear are the stock Brembo set-up (ABS has been removed and steel lines fitted). The front discs have since been swapped for Brembos; the less used rear disc is triumph of minimalist metal.
Forks are also the R’s stock Showa units, with WP Apex Pro 7500 cartridges internals; the Showa shock has been uprated by ASR Racing to suit Patrick’s weight and riding preference.
“It turns in almost by itself,” says Patrick of the bike’s reduced unsprung weight and improved steering. “And it’s noticeably more stable under braking. The aim was never maximum performance, but instead a solid, reliable set-up that’s easy to ride. It’s all of those things.”
★ BODYWORK
Full carbon fibre throughout, including air intakes, plus frame and swingarm protection covering the stock aluminium parts (the extra weight of which is minimal). High speed aerodynamics are aided by the Puig racing screen – the brand also supplied winglets, tank grips, and engine covers.
★ ADDITIONAL PARTS
The carbon seat unit sits on a beautifully constructed tubular aluminium subframe made by Motoholders. Equally important to the bike’s overall (lack of) mass – and performance – is the full titanium Akropovic system.
LighTech clip-ons ensure every advantage of the trimmed down unsprung weight feeds back into the controls. Patrick could have spent similar money having the motor tuned, but that wouldn’t have offered the level of eye candy achieved by this one-off built. The ECU’s been flashed with the ai
