The latest additions to performance motorcycles are the controversial 'wings', which all began to appear in MotoGP. These extensions are now becoming quite common in our two-wheeled world; Designed to hold the front of the bike down at high speeds and improve force on the front end whilst cornering at vast speeds, or so they say. Suzuki already has them protruding from its gorgeous MotoGP RR bike so it was only a matter of time before they appeared on a road bike, which many would have thought would be stuck on the side of their GSX-R1000, well they'd be wrong.
Say hello to the new GSX-S1000 with two cute little wings, the first time seen on a Suzuki Road bike. Do they, or will they, improve the handling attributes of their new naked bike? Probably not, but they do look very enticing. However, Suzuki has given its new, naked flagship 'wings' in more ways than just a bit of cosmetic downforce and they've boosted their GSX-S well into the clouds of refinement. The styling, with its new triple-stacked headlights, is distinctive to say the least, but I'm sure you will agree that it is one very striking motorcycle.
I still own an original GSX1100, which I suppose is the granddad of this bike, so I was already a fan of the new 2021 offering. After riding the new model I'd say it's still one of the best naked bikes around, and now even more so. For R225,900 it offers a lot in this competitive class, especially when you consider you can't buy anything for that price that makes a claimed 152hp and 106NMm. That equates to over 136hp at the wheel on a Dynojet dyno, some 30hp+ more than Yamaha's MT-09 SP which retails for around the same price. Enough to see an indicated 210km/h on the new LCD screen in fourth gear, so 240+ is well within its engine's abilities. If you do venture towards the dramatic top end scream zone, you'll need to develop thick neck and shoulder muscles, let me tell you!
It’s not just about top end performance though as Suzuki has exchanged many internal parts for more mid-range drive, which is the most important aspect on a naked bike. New cams, valve springs, exhaust, injectors, and air-box are the responsible culprits for this hike, and it sounds more aggressive as well, a true GSX motor on all counts. The new GSX-S1000 does respond well to an aggressive pilot too: turn off the traction control (now with five levels) and you can wheelie and perform childish burnouts and the like until the fuel runs out. But now that the new fuel tank holds two litres more, up to 19-litres from the old bike's 17, so you can 'play' for longer, which is nice and considerate. This new shaped tank also alters the riding position, making the bike feel shorter and more compact than the old S. The 'bars are now closer by around 30mm and are a little bit wider, generating that aggressive stance when you sit on the 810mm high seat.
Once you're nice and comfy you'll notice the new LCD clocks that I mentioned before. This unit can be a bit hard to read in direct sunlight though but is splendid during the dark hours. They do relay to the rider the new SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System), which lets you fiddle with traction control STCS, and three new power modes. Actually, the power stays the same in any mode and just changes the throttle response time called SPMS, so I just left it in the track setting, especially for those all-important wheelies of course.
If you fancy a lap or two, the GSX-S1000 will happily accommodate seeing as the chassis components are from a GSX-R1000 anyway. Suzuki has enhanced the KYB suspension for their new bike, which I found a bit hard for our South African roads, but they are fully adjustable so personally, for the road, I'd soften them off, but that's just me and my age maybe? And while you're tearing off a brisk lap, you'll certainly enjoy the stopping power generated by those Brembo mono-bloc calipers.
Oh, I forgot, the new bike has a bi-directional (have fun with that in the pub) quick-shifter and, coming from Suzuki, it's predictably one of the best in the business. Up or down the gearbox doesn't matter, it's an absolute pleasure to use. In fact, you'll find yourself going through the gears more than you should, just because it's fun to use. So that bit of gadgetry is a very welcome addition indeed.
So, for either track antics or road tomfoolery, you're going to enjoy this heavily revised GSX-S1000. It's very easy to ride for anyone of any size or genre. The engine delivers its power more smoothly than ever before and the whole bike oozes Japanese quality. Quite simply it's the best naked bike Suzuki has ever produced to date, something I also said over 40-years ago when I bought my first GSX1100. Long live the naked GSX...
Images: Chris Kuun.
Visit: www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more technical information and to view all 2022 models.
