Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX Review: A superbike for sensible people

Suzuki has done it again, and by 'it' we mean delving into its back catalogue and building a sporty tourer around its iconic 1,000cc K5 engine and a very familiar-looking frame.

And if all that sounds like a new GSX-S1000 GT, it kind of is, although the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX is a very different kettle of fish. Where the GT is low-slung and sporty, the GX is long-legged and more like the Yamaha Tracer 9 and BMW S 1000 XR. The GX also has something that no Suzuki has ever had before, semi-active electronic suspension.

What does this all mean and how does it feel on the road? We fly to Portugal to find out!

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[pw]

I'll take Japanese reliability over "character" every time. I really want one of these, will be booking a test ride as soon as they appear in the dealers.

[disekjoumoer]

There've been a bunch of UK journos who have dissed this bike's "character". What the actual fuck is wrong with you? It's an inline four. It's smooth, reliable and really, really delivers in everything that matters to people who don't have 25 grand to spend. I live and work in Switzerland. I can afford a GS or an XR or your mom, but I really don't want them (apologies to your mum). I want a bike that isn't going to involve me having an incestuous relationship with my local BMW/Ducati dealer. I just want to get on the thing and ride.

[hamsterclamper]

Thanks for the background music. Always a joy to listen to when you’re trying to hear what the journalist is saying🤨

[Banditmanuk]

I don't see many journalists getting very excited about riding this bike at launch. Looks a nice machine that's probably going to be more reliable than many 'more premium' European options.
Has 1000cc 150bhp superbike engine become boring now?

[gerpeter]

I have my deposit down on this bike. Agree with Japanese reliability over character. At 61 years old this looks perfect to my mature eyes. Coming from a 2020 Z900.

[stevenbatley]

Reliability for me is everything not just a posing machine❤

[williamwatson]

A super reliable Japanese touring bike in a sporty package with extremely clean and sexy design? Yes please

[VinayKumar-dbqz]

This should be more reliable than BMW, and Ducati.

[lovelessissimo]

Genuine question: what does it mean when people say a bike "doesn't have personality"?

[rony]

I have a 2016 GSX1000 naked. Just cracked 15k miles. Still love it. Never a mechanical issue. I replaced the POS oem shock with Ktech RazorR. Replaced POS M/C with a Brembo RCS-19 and SBS pads. Have a Moore Mafia ECU tune. The bike rips, stops and handles great. The new gen are nice but not enough for me to part with the 2016. The only thing I wish I had was the engine modes so the bike wasn't always in beast mode. Be nice to have a more "chill" mode for in town riding.

[bikramboparai]

Great review, sir!! You called out the bike as it exactly is, a reliable and practical sport tourer on which you can cross continents… okay, countries!! Looks great, has all the e-nannies to keep you honest, and doesn’t cost the earth! Character? You have a point and I get you… I ride the Ducati Multistrada V2 S and understand what you’re referring to! Yet, this Suzi looks a winner!

[druegeme]

surprised the knee angle looks same as on the GT. Given the target customer base that could be a problem.

[ianmalleau]

Thanks for the good review. I don't agree about that engine's so called 'Character'! I test drove the XR over a year ago! I can easily afford the XR so price was a very tiny factor for me.. then I test drove a 2022 GT a few months after that! By the time I got to 3rd gear on the GT my mind was made up! I ordered the 2023 model Suzuki GSXS1000GT+ early last year, got it a few months later and have had more fun than anyone should ever have over 15 thousand kms in less than a year.. that's saying something coming from a Tracer 900 which was an excellent bike! The only thing I didn't appreciate was the way the stock Dunlops slid on everything except warm pavement (triggering traction control alot) here in Northern Ontario.. so I put on a set of Avon Spirits which woke the GT's handling and cornering right up!

[geraldconomo]

i would like one but concerned about ..seating position.
peg position..scene protection..
being 185cms..
i get strained lower back when knees are to high because gets are to high and forward..
gerry

[TonySK]

Why did they stop the cats halfway through the boring part?

[MotoThoughtsGR]

I wanna say…Well done for the video really really great editing and delivering to people that love and want ton get informed about bikes…!!! It’s and awesome new bike from SUZUKI and next year I am gonna make it mine..! Know I am enjoying my little CBR500R

[CraigSmith]

Here in the U.S. it is $4, 300 over the GT+ so I think I would choose it over this model.

[magpiemale]

So is it like a triumph tiger 1050 sport... ?

[SSS-mpth]

So would you take the GX for 4k GBP more than a GT? That’s the delta in price in the US. $5k plus in USD.

[claudelarocque]

Love your delivery especially with the cats