Please click on the above image to see a larger view of the GSV-R.

The return of the MotoGP Suzuki team has me thinking back to the group’s previous efforts. Several images from 2009 and before caught my attention as I was looking back through some older image catalogs.

I came across this shot of the 2009 GSV-R XRG2 and recalled that strange gray box that sat over the engine. (As stated above, if you click on the above image you’ll see a pop up of a closer crop to view the device in a larger image.)

I never was able to identify this device’s function, but more recently I have seen similar devices on other manufacturer’s bikes. The 2013 Yamaha had something that looked similar, as seen in this shot from the Mugello pit lane:

The label reads Intertechnique Pressure Reducer and shows how technologies from other industries make it into prototype motorbike racing.

Perhaps a reader can tell us if this has to do with fuel delivery, pneumatic valve function, or something else altogether.

Photograph: ©2011 by Scott Jones / PHOTO.GP – All Rights Reserved

[mgallery keyword=”Team Rizla Suzuki”]