We’ve now covered just over 2,000km on our, very attractive, GX. Before we got there we took it to ‘Doctors Bikes’ for its first 1,000km service. We did creep over to 1,300km though before it was performed, so sorry for the disgraceful forgetfulness. Anyway, we have used Damon and his professional guys before and they once again performed admirably. Please go and visit them for all your Suzuki needs, and more, in the Krugersdorp area.

Our next 730 km venture was to an insane birthday party held in Clarens, but more of that later. To assist with our travels we fitted the genuine Suzuki panniers that cost a hefty 25k, which also fit their GT and DL1050 models. A quick and easy thing to do I thought, err, not really. The two pannier adapting brackets that fit onto the back of the bike are straightforward enough (with all screws provided), as are the footrest adapter brackets that hold onto the bottom of the panniers. However things soon went south when we had to build the pannier locks using a thousand small pieces found inside various coloured small packets, why is that you might ask. Well, after obtaining the instructions from a QR code mass frowning soon began. The concept is to construct the locks that work with the bike’s original key. A clever idea but I soon passed it on to Stuart Baker (boss of Suzuki motorcycles), whom had hours of fun with his dust covered vintage vernier calipers assisted by his professor like extra thick spectacle lenses, then this daunting task was before long completed, hurrah! If you’re not vernier compliant, and half blind, you’re better off leaving it to your local dealer, believe me.

Anyway, we had fun and a few beers doing so, well I did. Then it was off to our resident wrapper, Johno, from www.artinmartin.co.za, who once again worked his magic and did the same awesome job that he did to the bike with the panniers. The bike looks magnificent on all counts now and looks even better with the new panniers fitted, well worth the addition if you own a GX. I was quite surprised by how much you can cram into these bulging bits, and I don’t mean my stomach at the birthday occasion.

The GX does eat up the kilometers with ease, and once again I must impart how superb the thickly padded seat is – tremendous! I did observe an interesting issue about fuel consumption sitting around the 160km/h mark; it is a bit thirsty at those speeds riding in A mode. Before setting off on the hangover laden return journey I chose to put the bike into B mode, and even though it makes the same horsepower, and it only affects throttle response (Suzuki says), it did use around three litres less over the same distance. A bit strange but true, I might try the same in C mode next time.

The more I ‘live’ with the GX the better it becomes, a true motorcycle companion on all counts. It really is a wonderful machine that does everything from racing around like a madman, to daily commuting, to rapid touring. You just have to go to your local dealer and demand a test ride and absorb the delights of the GSX-S1000 GX. Tune in next time to see what we did next?

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za to locate your nearest dealer.

A big thanks to www.doctorsbikes.co.za for the servicing and care.

And a massive thanks to www.artinmartin.co.za for the mega wrapping achievement.

2025/08/25

The Brother Leader Tread KTM team delivered an outstanding performance at the third round of the National Cross Country Championship this past weekend in dusty Vryburg. With strong results in the Time Trial, the riders set the tone for a successful day of racing.

Scott Heygate lined up second in the Open Class, while Matthew Wilson secured pole in the OR3 Class, and Kerim Fitz-Gerald led the Senior Class from first place. Their efforts put the team in an excellent starting position with a 2, 3, 4 start heading into the main race.

The race unfolded with the KTM riders holding their ground in the challenging dusty conditions and fighting hard for their respective class victories. Heygate wrapped up the day with an impressive second overall and second in the Open Class. 

Scott Heygate shared, “Had a fun day battling it out with Dav. Faced a small issue along the way, but massive thanks to the team for sorting it out quickly. We’re making steps in the right direction – the speed is there, the fitness is there, just need to iron out a few little things and we’ll be good. Grateful for everyone in my corner that makes this possible.”

Wilson impressed with his speed and consistency, claiming the OR3 Class victory and finishing fifth overall. “Really good day out in the ‘desert’,” Wilson joked. “Looking forward to Round 4,” he added.

Fitz-Gerald kept his winning streak alive in the Senior Class taking first place and earning a spot on the overall podium with third. Fitz-Gerald commented,  “It was an awesome weekend in Vryburg. The track was tough and the dust made things tricky, but I felt strong on the bike and it was great to come away with a class win and an overall podium. Big thanks to the team for keeping everything dialledin.”

Adding to the celebrations, KTM also took home the Manufacturers Trophy for the day, underlining the brand’s strength across classes. Brother Leader Tread KTM Team Manager, Megan Prinsloo, praised the riders’ performance, “It was a fantastic weekend for the team. Scott, Matthew, and Kerimall showed incredible grit in what were very tough, dusty conditions. Each of them delivered results that reflect the hard work being put in behind the scenes, and it was especially rewarding to see KTM walk away with the Manufacturers Trophy. We’re proud of what the team achieved and excited to carry this momentum into the next round in Lesotho.”

The team now turns its focus to the fourth round of the championship, set to take place in Maseru, Lesotho.

Suzuki Auto South Africa is thrilled to announce a two-year partnership with Orlando Pirates Football Club, becoming the official vehicle partner of one of the country’s most iconic football teams.

As part of the agreement, Suzuki will also serve as the Official Premium Sleeve Partner, proudly displaying its logo on the sleeve of the club’s playing kit. The partnership brings together two trusted names with deep roots in South African communities, aiming to drive mutual success both on and off the field.

“We are honoured to align with a club that shares our values of excellence, resilience and community,” says Henno Havenga, GM of Auto Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This partnership represents more than just a branding exercise – it's about connecting with South Africans from all walks of life through the shared passion of football.”

Founded in 1937, Orlando Pirates remains one of the most recognised and successful football clubs on the continent with a trophy cabinet filled with numerous accolades including a total of nine title wins in the Premier Soccer League and 13 in the MTN 8 competition.  

“Our supporters are at the heart of everything we do, and partnerships like this help us move the club forward in ways that resonate beyond matchday,” says Thandi Merafe, Media and PR Manager at Orlando Pirates. “Suzuki is a brand that understands the importance of local connection and national pride – qualities that align closely with what it means to be part of the Orlando Pirates family.”

This dynamic collaboration reflects Suzuki’s growing commitment to engaging with local fans and supporting homegrown sporting talent. In April, the Japanese carmaker announced a multi-year partnership with Cricket South Africa as its official vehicle partner serving both the Official Proteas Men’s and Women’s ODI teams.  

Last year it came onboard as the naming sponsor of the legendary Griqualand West Rugby Union – home of the Griquas – that traces its humble beginnings back to 1886.  

At a grassroots level the top-selling auto brand is currently teamed up with the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund to support a nine-month programme designed to train, develop and shape young talent into Rugby Sevens players. It runs across a selection of schools in Gauteng’s West Rand.  

"So much more than just a game, sport has the unique ability to unite people and drive positive change in communities”, says Havenga. “This is something Suzuki really takes to heart and as such we are looking forward to kick-off this exciting new initiative with one of the giants of South African football. Once a Pirate always a Pirate, up the Bucs!”