Review – Suzuki GSX-S1000GX
Beautiful asphalt pendulums as far as the eye can see. Welcome to the south of Portugal where we ride the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GX in somewhat better weather conditions than in the Netherlands. Here it is spring-like by our standards. The question is whether you should swing your leg over the saddle of this first sports crossover from Suzuki this spring.
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX strong offer
Looking purely at the specifications and comparing the overall picture with the price of 18,499 euros, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is heartily interesting. Especially if you are looking for a motorcycle for long trips and vacations. The new model shares core elements with other models in the GSX-S lineup and adds a unique riding position and completely new and advanced features, including electronically controlled suspension and damping.
Mix of elements and styles
The GX combines the best elements of the GSX-S1000GT and V-Strom 1050. It is the ultimate sporty motorcycle with which you can go in any direction, whether it is an exhilarating ride on a mountain road or just comfortably covering long distances. In any case, this new Suzuki lets you steer at lightning speed. In terms of character, it honestly has more genes of the GT than the V-Strom.
Impressive to see
“The new GX is designed according to the Unbridled Elegancedesign concept,” Suzuki said. Characteristic is the aggressive, modern as well as stocky supersport styling. The sharp front end houses not only the signature GSX-S LED light unit, but also LED position lights in a V-shape along the headlight unit. Together they form an impressive and, above all, recognizable whole.
Wind tunnel utilized for design
Aerodynamics play an important role in the GX. For this reason, the machine was developed in the wind tunnel down to the smallest details. Among other things, that approach resulted in a unique windbreak that provides the necessary wind protection. The windshield is adjustable in three steps, increasing or decreasing the height by 43 mm. In the low position, wind protection is already good, as it turns out, even with my stature of 6 feet tall.
Substantially higher than the GSX-S1000GT
The differences from the GSX-S1000GT are significant. The GX, for example, has a larger suspension travel (150 mm front and rear), providing more ground clearance. The handlebars are 55 mm closer to the rider than on the GT. You sit more upright as a result. The handlebars are 50 mm wider and measure 877 mm. The increased ground clearance and new saddle design also increase the distance between the rider’s hip point and foot point by 15 mm. This results in a more natural position of the knees.
Electronic assistance extended
The GX has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System. It includes a suite of safety and driver assistance systems that get their information from sensors and from a 6-axis Inertial Measure Unit (IMU). These control traction control and ABS, as well as active shock absorbers and Smart TLR (Traction, Lift, Roll and Torque) Control. The latter links various systems and ensures proper and safe power delivery when cornering.
Influence of smart systems
We noticed the influence of smart electronics while driving over a very bad road surface with lots of potholes and loose cobbles in Portugal. Once the electronics detect grip loss at the rear wheel, the block responds to the throttle with some hesitation as we accelerate out of a corner. As if the machine withholds but then actually prevents you from losing control or, worse, going up on your snuff.
Driving modes and more
There is more on board. The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (Alpha) lets you choose from a variety of driving modes. Until now, you found this feature only on the Suzuki Hayabusa. You can color in throttle response and traction control with Active, Basic and Comfort. In addition, the standard Active Damping Control can be set to Hard, Medium and Soft. In User mode, you can determine front and rear damping.
Fully controlled damping and suspension
The GSX-S1000GX is also the first Suzuki to feature Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension with Showa suspension elements. Adjustment of damping occurs as many as 1,000 times per second via an electronically controlled hydraulic valve. These adjustments follow from three software programs, namely: Suzuki Floating Ride Control (SFRC), Suzuki Velocity Dependent Control (SVDC) and Suzuki Deceleration Damping Control (SDDC). SFRC instinctively smooths out “bumps” in the road surface. SVDC chooses the most appropriate damping settings appropriate to the speed at which your bike is traveling, and SDDC responds to movement under braking.
Going and steering relentlessly hard
All adjustments happen “silently” in the background for maximum comfort and even more control at both low and high speeds. So much for the theory, in practice everything is just a little different. With the well-balanced Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, you can go so relentlessly hard and steer without actually coming close to the limits where these systems intervene. And so if they do, you wouldn’t notice. We only noticed it when we drove on the really bad road mentioned earlier. You should actually go to a track to find out on dry pavement where and when the electronic systems intervene.
Automatic ride height adjustment
The GX also has automatic ride height adjustment. The aforementioned electronic damping control automatically selects appropriate spring preload when riding with a passenger and/or luggage. This is done in the mode -auto-. You can also manually select the modes and adjust the spring preload in four positions.
And the performance of the GSX-S1000GX
The 999cc four-cylinder engine is also in the GSX-S1000GT and in the naked version GSX-S1000. Fine block that performs extremely smoothly and smoothly. That eats out of your hand, so to speak, and with 152 horsepower offers enough pepper for very sporty driving. Torque of 106 Nm peaks at 9,250 rpm but much of it is noticeable from around 3,000 rpm. Easy Start means pressing the button once briefly and the engine is started. Suzuki Clutch Assist makes operation of the clutch lever light. Low RPM Assist automatically increases engine speed so that stalling when starting is a thing of the past. The quickshifter does its job superbly, almost completely shock-free, even when braking sharply and downshifting at the same time.
Excellent brakes
The brakes from Brembo have 310 mm discs up front and slow down very nicely and are easy to dose. The rear brake is less prominent. Fine actually yes, you just don’t want caustic braking there. The 6-axis IMU provides safe control when braking in curves. The 6.5-inch TFT color display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. You can pair your iOS-Apple smartphone or Android smartphone via WiFi and Bluetooth. The controls are done from the steering wheel with switches you quickly get the hang of. With the Suzuki mySPIN app, you can have data from your smartphone shown on the display. Very handy!
Conclusion
With the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, you really can go in any direction. Sports popping, long-distance travel and commuting, this bike will make you feel at home quickly and everywhere. It is certainly not a light machine, but it is not super-heavy either, weighing 232 kg. The seat height of 845 mm is average. With my height of 6 feet, I manage to get the boots flat on the ground, but then the legs are almost extended. Luggage can be carried with optional side cases. A top case is not available because Suzuki says it would affect stability too much. But a solution is being considered to still meet the demand of big-tourists. The GX is very much an enjoyable bike to ride, looking quite sporty. A fresh newcomer in a segment where you also find, for example, the BMW S1000XR or a Kawasaki Versys 1000. The price of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX, namely 18,499 euros, sounds hefty, but with the incredibly comprehensive equipment and electronics, it is sharp, especially if you also add the 6-year warranty that you don’t get anywhere else.