Long-term Suzuki GSX-S1000GX review update three | Tyre swap instantly transforms the GX's handling

It’s been an up and down ride so far on the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GX. First impressions were good; I fell in love with the old-school inline four and was impressed with the comfort and neutral riding position.

Previous updates

• Update one: First impressions after a switch from adventure bikes
• Update two: The hits and misses after 2350 miles

Then as the miles ticked by I started to focus on the niggles such as the crude electronics and cruise control, the difficult-to-adjust screen and subsequent wind noise; I even got bothered by the fact there was no cubbyhole or compartment to put my toll ticket on a trip through France!

Now I’m glad to say I’ve come back round to what’s good about the GSX and I’m enjoying riding it again. There are a few reasons for this, the first has to be the improved weather, which makes riding any bike a more enjoyable experience. The second is getting the bike off of the original equipment Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 sports-touring tyres.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t appreciate just how much these were hampering my enjoyment, feel and experience until I took them off. With the tyres traded for a set of Dunlop Roadsmart IVs the bike has been transformed.

Gone is the wooden feeling, lack of feedback and difficulty tracking bumps mid-corner, all of which has been replaced with a much plusher and more compliant feel. This in turn has boosted my confidence and overall enjoyment. There have literally been no downsides and with 1500 miles already on them they are also wearing well.

• Dunlop Roadsmart IV tyres are currently 30% off at Demon Tweeks – £248 per pair

The third and final piece of the jigsaw has been down to the roads I’ve been riding. To start with I’d been using the bike as a mode of transport, spending way too long on motorways. But more recently I’ve had the opportunity to do some cross-country routes taking in flowing A-roads and smaller B-roads and the smile is back. 

It’s not a sportsbike but thanks to its good vantage point and upright riding position, visibility is good and the legendary GSX-R1000 K5 motor still delivers that instant hit of acceleration along with its love of revs. This in turn makes it very effective at making progress, especially if you need to be putting in some overtakes.

On the flip side, the more spirited riding has highlighted a relative lack of braking. It hasn’t caused any major dramas, but they just don’t feel powerful enough for what is a 149bhp, 232kg bike so I’ll be looking into some more aggressive brake pads to try and resolve that.

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