2017 Suzuki GSX-S1000 review

Motorcycle riders are spoilt for choice when it comes to naked bikes, whether they’re Japanese, British, Italian, Austrian or German. And the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan introduced more players which will come on line in 2018, including the KTM 790 Duke and Honda CB1000R.

Suzuki is an intrinsic part of the naked streetfighter scene, and we’ve already reviewed the GSX-S750 in 2017, which replaced the GSR750 in the company’s line-up.

However, it’s in the larger capacity fare where Suzuki has really put the streetfighter runs on the board over the years, with the hooligan-lending Bandit 1200 a big part of the equation.

Nowadays, the GSX-S1000 has taken over the mantle as Suzuki’s thrill-a-minute naked bike master – and while not the fanciest or the most tech-laden machine in its class, has managed to wrap refinement around one very potent punch since it was first released in 2015. And with that GSX denomination, which has been such a massive part of Suzuki DNA, it has to be a good ‘un! Surely.

Bikesales was on location at the Aussie launch of the GSX-S1000 in 2015 and we then followed up with a squirt in 2016.

Since then, we’ve also tasted a GSX-S1200 – yes, a freakish 1200cc GSX-S thanks to the tuning prowess of the Melbourne-based Phil Tainton Racing. Phil, the bloke behind many an Aussie superbike title for Suzuki, takes normal bikes and ‘weaponises’ them, and in this case power went from 145 to 205hp and torque skyrocketed from 106 to 142Nm. Read all about the bored and stroked sensation here.

Normal parameters
The stratospheric PTR exercise wasn’t about putting up the middle finger at Suzuki to say it’s standard bike wasn’t up to the task – Phil just does these things because he can, as there’s nothing like taking a normally aspirated engine and going to town.

The reality is the stock GSX-S1000 is and has always been an excellent package straight out of the box, and in 2017 Suzuki has made it even better again.

For a start, the power from the four-cylinder GSX-R1000-derived engine has increased from 145 to 150hp, and the torque inched up from 106 to 108Nm. That not only makes the end acceleration game a loftier affair, but the mid-range is fatter as well.

That bulkier mid-range helps to make it a better commuter, which is where the light clutch, sweet-shifting gearbox and upright riding position are also valuable assets. The Fatbar handlebar and mirrors do present quite a fairly wide package though, so lane filtering does occasionally require a little bit of jiggling.

The ride position doesn’t hold any surprises, with a slight forward incline, decent legroom and a good seat – which even extends to the pillion perch. A couple of pillions also made their way onto the Suzuki – one a hefty 110kg – and didn’t whine as much I was expecting.

The GSX-S1000 has also added a slipper clutch in 2017, so hooning through the hills is where you’ll get the most appreciation for the 209kg streetfighter. When you’re pushing on, the slight hair-trigger tendencies of the throttle aren’t as pronounced as they are at a steady highway speed, and the power really kicks in about 6000rpm (as well as the vibration…) with an intoxicating exhaust and induction roar. The rev limited chimes in about 12,000rpm.

That aforementioned slight jerkiness in the throttle happens between 4000-5000rpm, and the bike ticks over at about 4250rpm at 100km/h in top gear.

There’s only one riding mode on the GSX-S1000, and I enjoyed the simplicity – this is not a bike you tie yourself in knots in or worry about scrolling through multiple screens.

The fuel range, based on average fuel economy of about 6.5lt/100km, is about 230km.

On target
Although the chassis geometry on the GSX-S1000 is more relaxed than a GSX-R1000 – the wheelbase is longer and the steering head angle less extreme – Suzuki has got the figures just about right for a neutral, fast-steering naked that’s got the agility/stability ratio absolutely nailed. The GSX-S1000 does fast and furious very well.

The Brembo anchors are also progressive and powerful, and electronic back-ups include traction control and ABS. There are for levels of traction control (including off), but the system is rudimentary in that you have to be at a standstill to change the settings. This bloody instant everything world we live in!

There’s an alloy frame mated to KYB suspension: a 43mm fully adjustable upside-down fork and monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound. The suspension’s compliant, but is a little harsh over bigger, sharper impacts. It’s certainly not enough to throw the GSX of its end game – and that’s throwing a whole lot of fun the pilot’s way.

Special livery
Our test unit came in a special matte black bodywork, which also included a blacked-out exhaust system, black anodized front fork tubes, unique graphics and rim decals. I’m a big fan of it.

The matte black model is called the GSX-1000Z, but is the same price as the standard livery GSX-S1000 -- $16,690 ride away. And there’s also the faired GSX-S1000S ($17,490 ride away) as well for those who prefer more of a sportstouring bent.

Quick, competent and a whole lot of fun. The GSX-1000 holds its head high in what is a hot bed of competition in the naked ranks. It’ a simple recipe, but mightily effective.

SPECS: 2017 SUZUKI GSX-S1000
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 16-valve, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder
Capacity: 999cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0mm x 59.0mm
Compression ratio: 12.2:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 145.5hp (107kW) at 10,000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 106Nm at 9500rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed, constant mesh
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Alloy beam
Front suspension: 43mm inverted KYB fork, fully adjustable
Rear suspension: KYB monoshock, adjustable for rebound and preload
Front brakes: Twin 310mm discs with radial-mount four-piston Brembo calipers, ABS equipped
Rear brakes: Single 240mm disc with single-piston Nissin caliper, ABS equipped
Wheels: Six-spoke alloy
Tyres: Dunlop Sportmax, 120/70ZR17 front, 190/50ZR17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 25 degrees
Trail: 100mm
Claimed wet weight: 209kg
Seat height: 810mm
Wheelbase: 1460mm
Fuel capacity: 17 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $16,690 ride away
Colours: Matte black (standard GSX-S1000: Blue/black or red/black)
Bike supplied by: Suzuki Australia
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres