The 2020 Suzuki ECSTAR team took the 2020 FIM MotoGP world championship and made history with rider Joan Mir, celebrating Suzuki’s 100th anniversary and the 60th year participating in race competitions. Having podiumed seven times in 14 races, Joan was the most consistent rider for the 2020 season.
Tamiya designed its 1/12 scale Suzuki ECSTAR GSX-RR 2020 motorcycle to build from subassemblies, which is exactly how I enjoy building. The engine come first, and the parts fit is second to none. The instructions call out the Tamiya paint colors ranging from blacks to smatterings of silver, gold, copper, and chrome. This last I achieved with Molotow Liquid Chrome. The included brake and clutch hoses must be cut to length according to charts provided in the instructions. They fit on to the attaching points with no difficulty at all. Tamiya gives you quite a bit more hose than you may need, and if you make a mistake on length or just want a little extra it is available.
The frame fit together without trouble. I added the yellow spring from the Detail-up Set to the rear shock assembly. Screws attach the engine to the chassis and provides necessary stiffness for the rest of the build.
The rear suspension and wheel assemble well and only require a small amount of cleanup. A small screw acts as an axle and holds the rear wheel to the swingarm. Likewise, screws attach the rear suspension to the frame. Lines detail the rear brakes and are positioned for radiator installation later on.
Make sure to complete the race support stand. It may not seem important, but you’ll use it extensively to balance the bike while working on it once the rear wheel is in place. Also, you’ll need it to display your model when it’s finished.
The four-into-one exhaust pipe looks the part, especially when painted. The Detail-up Set provides photo-etched metal (PE) parts for the radiator. Attach them, paint, and then install the radiator.
The majority of the Detail-up Set’s parts improve the bike’s front fork with machined tubes, modified lowers, and PE trim. I assembled the front wheel with the twin rotors and brake cylinders. Again, a screw was both axle and attachment for the wheel to the fork. The front fender snapped into place and required almost no adhesive; the front brake rotor covers attached to the front fender and lower fork assembly. The fork slid into the neck on the frame and the seven-piece handlebar assembly and triple clamp were secured with another screw.
Distinctive tins finished off this incredible build. I used the provided masks on the front and side fairings, fuel-tank cover, and rear body panels and painted the appropriate Tamiya Metallic Blue (No. TS-19 ) and Mica Silver (No. TS-76). The beautifully printed racing decals went down on the paint before a coat of two-part automotive clear urethane. Again, Tamiya turns to screws to hold the body panels in place; the front fairing fits onto a locating pin with little to no glue. Tiny details, like the speedometer, foot pegs, and taillight round out this incredible build. Even though you can display it fully dressed, just loosen a couple of screws and you can display the detail underneath.
If you have a couple of models under your belt, and you’re looking for a sexy motorcycle to add to your collection, don’t pass up this model.