SUZUKI GSX-S1000 (2021 - on) Review
Highlights
- Economical alternative to more exotic super nakeds
- Engine still based on excellent K5 GSX-R1000 lump
- Only £300 more than previous version
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Power: | 150 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (472 lbs / 214 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Suzuki GSX-S1000 super naked motorbike has been a big success due its blend of ability, spec and value and this new, significantly updated version at only £300 more, is a worthy successor.
- Related: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT review on MCN
- Related: Suzuki unveil A2-friendly GSX-S950
Its GSX-R1000 K5-derived powertrain and impressively competent chassis are improved and make for a great road bike and its electronics, quickshifter and new dash are welcome upgrades.
The new look is a step forward, too, but likely divisive. Best of all though is its value. This is a substantial, enjoyable, 1000cc naked that costs only slightly more than the more middleweight Yamaha MT-09SP and significantly undercuts all Japanese, let alone European, rivals. At that price, who cares about any quibbles?
If you're after a little more practicality, you might consider the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT sports tourer instead.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAlthough the GSX-S’s riding position has been tweaked, with bars that are 23mm wider and 20mm nearer the rider for a more upright riding position, although it’s still on the sporty side of neutral, its chassis is barely changed – and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The old previous model GSX-S already came with impressively multi-adjustable suspension for such a ‘budget’ bike, and this unchanged bar some revised settings. The big Brembo radial brakes are carried over, too, and provide powerful, classy stopping power.
While the tyres are now new Dunlop Roadsmart 2s. Handling is sharp enough yet stable; ride is OK although without the cultured class of better equipped (and significantly more expensive) ‘super nakeds’ and overall its behaviour is significantly more cultured than its budget price suggests.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilitySmooth, grunty, responsive transverse four is still based on the ‘old’, long-stroke GSX-R1000 K5 motor but has had a hefty makeover.
New cams, valve springs, exhaust, revised injection, new airbox and more both help it become Euro5 compliant and gives a subtle boost to both peak power (2bhp extra) and midrange.
Aided by three switchable power modes, new standard quickshifter/autoblipper and improved slipper clutch it may be ‘only’ 150bhp compared to some £15K+ ‘super nakeds’ but is perfect in this form, exquisitely responsive, tractable and flexible, more than quick enough for the street and provides and endearing heart for a great real world, road bike.
It sounds better than ever, too. The only fly in the ointment is worsened economy – down from 50+ to a claimed 46mpg – although due to the larger tank range isn’t affected.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueQuality and spec has taken a subtle but significant step up and the new GSX-S’s core mechanicals (engine, frame, suspension etc) are all refinements of the old bike rather than all-new, so there should be few reliability concerns.
That said, the changes to the engine are many, there’s the new ‘SIRS’ electronics suite, new ride-by-wire and more which, although already featuring on Suzuki’s latest V-Strom and Hayabusa hyper-tourer, has yet to get extensive mileage under its belt.
Neither our current Suzuki GSX-S1000 owners' reviews or those of the previous generation received loads of glowing reports in the main. Couple of isolated issues but nothing prevailing.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentIn a world seemingly awash with ultra-exotic, £15K+, 170bhp super-nakeds, the £10K, 150bhp GSX-S has always stood out as value-packed, real-world alternative – and the same is true with this new version.
Although featuring all-new, bang-up-to-date styling, right down to its MotoGP-style ‘winglets’ and gaining performance, electronics, a quickshifter and more, this new GSX-S is only £300 more than the old version.
If you like the new, more aggressive looks – and so far they’re proving a bit ‘Marmite – you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.
Some will argue that the GSX-S has been left behind by the likes of the Ducati Streetfighter V4 or Kawasaki Z H2 with their massive power, the Aprilia Tuono V4 or KTM 1290 Super Duke R with their massive torque and razor-sharp chassis or the BMW S1000R and Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS with their cutting edge tech.
Watch some of the hottest super naked competition compared by Michael Neeves here...
Equipment
The old GSX-S was always, despite some quality cycle parts and decent performance, conspicuously budget-orientated and affordability remains at the core of this new version.
That said, spec, equipment and more has taken a notable step up. The new ‘face’ is dominated by those twin stacked LED headlights, with LEDs elsewhere, too.
There’s an uprated, more sophisticated and stylish digital dash (although it’s still an LCD rather than TFT design), finishes and detailing are improved and the new GSX-S also gains Suzuki’s ‘SIRS’ (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) electronics suite.
The system made its debut on the latest V-Strom and Hayabusa – although being an ‘affordable naked’ means the GSX-S gets the budget version with no IMU so no cornering traction/ABS etc.
Even so, comprising five-way traction, quickshifter, ‘Easi-start’, ‘low rpm assist’ and three riding modes it’s decent for the price and probably enough for most.
Specs |
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Engine size | 999cc |
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Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled transverse four |
Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 19 litres |
Seat height | 810mm |
Bike weight | 214kg |
Front suspension | 43mm inverted KYB forks, fully-adjustable |
Rear suspension | Single shock, preload and rebound adjustable |
Front brake | 2x310mm discs Brembo four-piston radial calipers, ABS |
Rear brake | 240mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS |
Front tyre size | 120/70x17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/50x17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 46 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £250 |
New price | £10,999 |
Used price | £7,300 - £11,000 |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 150 bhp |
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Max torque | 79.6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 145 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 194 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2015 - Suzuki GSX-S1000 launched as naked streetfighter version of the GSX-R1000 sportsbike. The engine was taken from a ten-year-old version of the GSX-R and is tuned for torque and useability rather than power.
- 2021 - First major update since the bike's launch.
Other versions
In 2019, Suzuki reimagined a classic with a modern version of the Katana based on the previous GSX-S1000.
Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-S1000 (2021 - on)
6 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-S1000 (2021 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your SUZUKI GSX-S1000 (2021 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £250 |
Year: 2023
Make no mistake, this is a proper fast bike! Acceleration fantastic, overtaking is ridiculously easy. Cracking bike for the money.
Spot-on brakes, super powerful. Fully adjustable suspension, which I have actually spent time adjusting to suit and it has made more difference than I expected. Very stable front end, minimal fork dive under braking. Very comfortable, longer rides are a pleasure.
Brilliant. Quick shifter also very good.
Seems really well put together, very solid bike.
Bikes like this are going to cost a few quid to run at the end of the day. There are much cheaper alternatives available if you want to ride slowly….
Perhaps some additional electronics (anti-wheelie springs to mind!) would be useful. TFT dash nice, clear and plenty of information.
Buying experience: Cracking deal, Bill Smiths Chester matched best deal I had seen elsewhere in UK.
Year: 2023
I’m in love with this bike! Awesome aggressive looking much prettier than photos!
The brakes are very good and it stops quite quickly when needed. I didn't feel any fatigue even after a full day of riding in which I drove about 550 miles to be able to do the first service. The riding position is perfect!
The engine is excellent, it runs very well in low, medium and high revs. The sound is unique!
So far I haven't had any problems. The engine and quickshifter work perfectly!
My first service cost 197.33£
In my opinion she need cruise control.
Buying experience: I purchased the bike from Dearden Motorcycles and I am very happy with the service and aftermarket!
Year: 2022
Needs a wind screen and cruise control and heated grips and a satnav
Quick shifter is spot-on a
Buying experience: l bought the bike with 2400 miles on the clock
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £250
Cracking road bike - all of the road performance of the more expensive super-nakeds but with compliant suspension, superb comfort, minimal unnecessary electronics or oversensitive safety kit. Not classically handsome but better looking in the real world than in pictures. Rapid, comfy, practical, frugal, excellent value!
Really comfy with great ride quality - our roads in NI and Scotland are rough as a badger's posterior - lumps and bumps absorbed well - and i'm a chunky person too - 18 stone (on a good day) - brakes are strong and have enough feel for road riding - i've heard they could do with being stronger for the track but as they are Brembo Units perhaps a more aggressive pad would sort this.
My favourite Road engine was the K5 Gsxr 1000 - lovely road bike and great engine - now re-tuned for max torque and a very user-friendly delivery - you can ride this bike gently in 6th gear from 30 - 130 without complaint or go through the cogs for rapid progress - very nice noise - hugely flexible - perhaps a twin or triple would be more charismatic but really all you need.
Brand new so no issues so far - i've had suzukis in the past with no issues. The Gixxer engine should be bullet proof. Well-built and looks rugged
Well priced with low monthly payments - servicing is reasonable - parts inexpensive - dealer service from GS Suzuki Ballymena excellent - they couldn't do enough for me - happy to set up suspension for me - free gifts and friendly staff.
All you need - comfy seat - 19 litre tank with potenital 200 mile range at around 50 mpg - closer to 47 if ridden enthusiatically (rude not to). Dash is fine once you get used to it - hard to read time/clock - don't even notice it now - quick-shifter is lovely up and down at any revs. Standard Dunlops are grippy and confidence inspiring - even in the wet and cold.
Buying experience: Superb - couldn't recommend Ballymena/ Hillsborough Suzuki highly enough - great servicing - kind and helpful staff - superb and reliable products.
Year: 2022
Beautiful bike, very smooth engine Quick-shifter is a delight Handles really well and feels planted Comfortable and good mpg (50+)
Very comfortable, brakes feel good Tank range is approximately 160-170 miles, perfect timing for a stretch
Smooth and economical
It’s a Suzuki, so shouldn’t be any problems
My local dealership (CJ Ball) has always offered good value servicing
The only fault I have with the bike is the display, very dim, especially on bright days. The digits are way too small Switchgear is good, very precise
Buying experience: Bought from what I consider to be one of the best dealerships in East Anglia, CJ Ball. Great part-ex and brilliant all round deal and service
Year: 2022
Annual servicing cost: £250
Superb bike all round
Excellent all round bike, comfortable riding position, can easily do over an hour in the saddle without complaint. Brakes really strong and at its happiest on fast country roads. Only downside is it can require plenty of clutch control in slow traffic.
The star of the show, all the power you’ll ever need in any gear. Makes a wicked noise and the performance is sensational. For the road you don’t need anymore power.
Only had the bike a few months but so far everything looking as good as the day I bought it. Impressed with the quality of all the switchgear and the bike has a very solid feel.
For the performance you get, compared to the competition, the Suzuki is fantastic value for money.
Quick shifter works superbly well as has been a revelation. Dash is very clear and easy to ride (doesn’t need a TFT in my opinion.) Electronics are nice as a safety net.
Buying experience: Dealer, list price as it was a new bike.