Paul DeCouto’s newly modified Suzuki GSXR 1000cc passed the test with flying colours in Miami last week.The engine on the veteran motorcycle racer’s bike has been built up to Supersport specifications to enable him to compete on a more level playing field with his rivals during the upcoming CCS season in the US.“I wanted to upgrade my bike because I needed more power,” DeCouto said. “I really noticed the difference between the power before when I was riding against the other guys they would just pull away from me.“My bike is still 1000cc but it’s been brought up to more of a racing specification rather than stock specifications. It’s suited to keep up with these Supersport built bikes.”The suspension on DeCouto’s bike has also been fixed and recalibrated.“Before I was running around in the bike with damaged front forks so I had to have them fixed as well,” he said. “Handling- wise the bike feels a lot more stable now and this inspires me to ride because I feel the bike can handle the pressure that I put on it.“I am a heavy rider so when I am coming into turns I have to know the suspension is going to work to its utmost and the suspension ties into the tyres too.”DeCouto flew to Florida last week to test his Suzuki GSXR 1000 at Homestead Miami Speedway and was more than encouraged by the performances on the track following the new modifications.“With the combination of having the front forks and motor upgraded I am easily doing my lap times that I was under race conditions (last year) which is a good sign so far,” he said.“Performance -wise I feel a difference.“The bike feels a lot crispier with more acceleration and the lap times I was able to do in practice were relatively easy.”DeCouto came on in leaps and bounds on the CCS scene last season. As well as achieving multiple podium displays, the 42-year-old Bermudian was crowned national champion in the Formula Expert 40 Class at the CCS Race of Champions at Daytona International Speedway last October.This year he has vowed to take his game to the next level.“Progressively, I am expecting better results,” he said. “My bike is up to par now and handling properly so I should be able to compete at a better level.”The Cycle Care co-owner is due to return to Florida next week for the CCS season-opener at Homestead Miami Speedway.“The plan is to use this race to sort of shake off the cobwebs,” he said.With professional riders that compete on the AMA circuit also expected to be in Florida next week, DeCouto hopes to pick up some vital pointers in his spare time.“It will be a good time for me to learn because nowadays they (AMA) are making Homestead one of the tracks that the pros visit,” he said. “Chances are you are going to have some of the pro guys down there testing, so I will be able to see what they do.”