RIP: Engineer Etsuo Yokouchi creates GSX-R line

Etsuo Yokouchi, a groundbreaking GSX-R series hard drive perfectionist and engineer who ranked high in the management team of Suzuki Motor Company, died in Japan on Wednesday, October 20th. He was 87 years old.

As an engineer, project leader, and ultimately deputy general manager of the motorcycle design division, Yokouchi oversaw the racing division and was also responsible for the design and development of production models, including the X6 Hustler 250cc 2-stroke twin street bike in the 1960s. .. 1970s RG500 Grand Prix race bike. 1980s 4-valve 4-stroke GS750 and GS1100, Katana 1000 and 1100, GSX-R750 and GSX-R1100 models. Even after retirement, it affected the production of the GSX-R750 in 1996 and the GSX-R1000 in 2000.

He supported the application of race-developed technology to street models, about high-performance motorcycles being born on the track, produced for street use, modified for superbike racing and back on the track. talked.

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