I've made 'big improvements' to the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX with two simple upgrades - and so should you

Why is it that manufacturers go to great lengths to design and build bikes, yet seem to forget some of the most important points? The biggest bugbear has to be tyres, with manufacturers opting for either out-of-date or lower-spec rubber.

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• Update one: First impressions after a switch from adventure bikes
• Update two: The hits and misses after 2350 miles
• Update three: Tyre swap transforms the handling
• Update four: 1250 miles in Spain

Yes, I know everything has to have a price point, but sticking uninspiring tyres on a bike spoils the ride the moment you pull away. I’m sure many a sale has been lost when a rider hasn’t bonded with a bike on an initial test ride purely thanks to lacklustre OE tyres. 

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is a case in point. It comes on Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 sports touring tyres, but a switch to the higher-spec Dunlop RoadSmart IV made a huge and immediate difference – more grip, better turning and, most importantly, a bigger smile on my face.

Another glaring failure on standard bikes can be the screen. It’s such a fundamental part of the bike and can make long rides unpleasant if it’s not fit for purpose. The standard screen on the Suzuki is passable, but noisy. I’ve run it in the higher position pretty much since I got the bike in April. Adjusting it involves tools and five to ten minutes of your time, which is somewhat disappointing. 

I recently swapped it for the Powerbronze Powerblade screen, which is designed and made in the UK, and is adjustable for not only height but also angle. I got the light tint version and think it looks better than stock, adding another dimension to the bike’s aesthetics.

Run in its highest setting and steepest angle I wouldn’t say it’s cancelled out wind noise, but it’s made a noticeable and welcome improvement. I sometimes listen to music using Ultimate Ear earphone/earplugs and can now have the volume significantly lower for the same results. Being adjustable meant that on a recent spirited ride through Monmouthshire I lowered the screen for improved visibility before raising it up when I got back to the motorway.

On the one hand, needing alternatives from stock is great for aftermarket manufacturers, but it’s hard to fathom how Suzuki with their expertise and wind tunnels can’t make a screen as good as a relatively small British company like Powerbronze. So in my book that’s Powerbronze 1 – Suzuki 0. Apologies for the rant… I’ll wind my neck in and go for a ride now. 

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