37Downshifts are as pleasurable as the electronically-assisted upshifts, with the GSX-R’s factory slipper-clutch absorbing the abuse that’s thrown at it. There’s a little bit of back-torque to be felt, but nothing compared to what should be present as the ’box gets notched-down into second at the final hairpin, before the esses leading onto the start straight. We’ve done a lap already, but there’s still so much to know about this bike. Winding on the gas in third, the rear wheel hits moisture. The power’s adapted instantly, being eased-off as the front and rear wheel sensors work with the Motech electronics to tame the slide. Once everything’s under control, more power can be asked for and the next gear selected. The start straight’s over in an instant, leading us into the long left that took us out on track. This time I’m ready, knowing exactly how much brake to ask for as fourth gear gets traded for third. The apexes come easily, with grip never proving a problem. The bike feels neutral and balanced, absorbing the rough patches of track that lay beneath; the suspension’s fully-adjustable, but there’s no need to change a single thing. The rear wheel sticks as the throttle gets wound fully open, and I’m hooking fourth, meeting the apex leading onto the back straight. A banding change lifts the front wheel and causes the bike to weave playfully, culled instantly with a bit of rear brake. Up to fifth and the dash’s green LEDs soon move into the red, prompting the selection of sixth. The change is made on the kilometre-long stretch, where there’s little more to do than hide as best you can behind the Suzuki’s large double-bubble screen and protective fairings. The 200 metre board comes into view, prompting me to brace my knees around the oversized 24 litre fuel tank and prepare for hard braking. The Nissins don’t disappoint, leading me confidently into the double rights. A smooth throttle keeps me from turning too tight, driving once more in third, aiming for the left-hander exit. The track’s tight and it feels good to finally get this bike running the lines I want it to, showing off its stability in the process. More pace makes life so much easier to control the quarter-turn throttle, which still commands the bike to wheelie as we head towards the final hairpin. SERT IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TEAM TO HAVE COMPETED IN THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, WITH 15 TITLES TO THEIR NAME.
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