Words: Jeff Ware Photography: Heather Ware
When it comes to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 I have to admit I do have a soft spot. Memories of the world launch in Spain back in 2015 still bring a smile to my dial, I had many great rides on my own GSX-S1000 Long Termer and aside from that, the GSX-R lineage is in my veins…
I’ve owned or had as long termers just about every GSX-R1000 since the K5. In fact, we I had a K3 long termer back in my Streetbike Magazine days. I’ve had modern GSX-R750s and I’m on my third 1985 GSX-R750 resto. I do love the Gixer family, but a test is a test… I could not wait to ride the new GSX-S1000 and although it’s not perfect, it’s bloody good.
I had three or four rides on the GSX-S, around town, my local coastal roads and mountains and a fang up on the Old Road. Firstly, and disappointingly the throttle is still a little snatchy on very first opening but not as bad as it was, however, the power available from just under 4000rpm is instant.
It makes it difficult to ride at a constant throttle on the speed limit, particularly in the 80-100km/h range. On the freeway at 110km/h it is hard to ride smoothly, every bump moves the throttle. I wish it had cruise control, it seriously needs it, and the GT has it.
‘A Mode’ gives strong power, some throttle issues below 5000rpm but when punting hard through the twisties, the engine becomes smooth - linear and fast, although outright pickup off turns is flat, particularly third and fourth gears - could be the TC deadening the throttle.
I had it on full throttle off corners and was wanting more at times compared to say the S 1000 R or Tuono, or even the Z900. Don’t get me wrong, it's fast, and a silky-smooth motor, but when pushing the limits it has a softened edge to the power compared to before. The quickshifter is sensational, perfect in fact.
Handling is fantastic if you use sportsbike body language, hanging off and weighting the front - it gives good feedback and confidence, with stable but quick enough turn-in and good line holding, with decent lean angle (toes/boots touch first). The front brakes are strong, without being amazing.
They feel more like a touring bike’s brakes than a performance naked set-up but pads could fix that. The rear is reasonably strong and useful with decent feel, I used it to dampen the power delivery at low rpm.
Front and rear suspension is stiff in stock settings - I removed two lines of front preload, to make it four out, and took out three clicks of front comp. Much better. At the rear I left it - it was on second from softer preload. Would go back up on the forks for sports riding but stock was harsh on bumps.
Switches, levers, all stock Suzuki stuff and fall to hand nicely. Mirrors basic, a little small. Wide seat, wide tank, long peg to seat distance, handlebars a little awkward in stock position, could be rolled back 10mm. I found the dash impossible to read, I really didn’t like it.
I loved the exhaust note and intake howl, the styling is on point for me aside from the weird matte black plastic panels that look like clear coat is peeling off and cracking… It chewed 6.1L/100km while I had it, a little thirsty, the same as my Suzuki Swift hatchback car!
In the end, I spent a lot of time in B Mode (C is just for rain) and enjoyed the bike. For the price, I really am amazed and just how much motorcycle Suzuki are offering. You could fit a slip-on or full system, which would improve throttle control, and still have change from twenty grand. Amazing…
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Specifications
Price: From $17,290 ride away
Colours: Metallic Triton Blue, Glass Mat Mechanical Gray and Glass Sparkle Black
Claimed power: 112kW@11,000rpm
Claimed torque: 106Nm@9,250rpm
Curb weight: 214kg
Fuel capacity: 19L
Engine: four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 999cc
Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 59mm
Compression Ratio: 12.2:1
Gearbox: Six speed Clutch: Wet multiplate
Chassis: Twin-spar aluminium
Rake: 25 degrees, Trail: 100mm
Suspension: Fully adjustable 43mm KYB USD forks, Adjustable link-type rear suspension
Brakes: four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers 310mm floating-mount dual rotors, single rear rotor Tyres: 17in six spoke cast aluminium wheels, 120/70-17 – 190/50-17 tyres.
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Seat height: 810mm
Overall length: 2115mm
Height: 1080mm
Width: 810mm
Instruments & Electronics: Vertically stacked LED headlights in hexagonal housings topped by an LED position light LED front and rear turn signals, full-LCD instrument panel features a custom display.
Protect your motorbike. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
