One statistic sums up the dominance of the Suzuki GSX R1000. It’s the best-selling bike over 125cc sold in the UK, outselling sensible middleweights, workaday commuter bikes and trendy big scooters, despite the fact that it’s still one of the fastest point-to-point motorcycles around.
So, what are we to make of this new GSX-S1000?
A naked bike that takes many of its cues from the star superbike that is the GSX R1000. But don’t get me wrong, the GSX-S1000 is a brand new naked bike.
This Suzuki may not be a superbike but if you are looking for performance at a relatively bargain price then the GSX-S is certainly a steal.
The 2015 Suzuki GSX-S1000 retails at just £8,999 for the entry-level model and £9,499 if you want ABS. There is also a faired version, the ‘F’ retailing at £9,999.
This latest bike from Suzuki offers razor-sharp handling and incredible power from its GSX R1000 K5-derived engine.
The engineers have redesigned the cam profiles and removed a tooth from the gearing to increase the bike’s thrust. And boy does it go!
The machine has a low centre of gravity and a very comfortable riding position while its light weight allows it to be flicked from side to side like a 600.
The bike feels small and neutral, eager to tip into a corner, while the light clutch allows you to leave your braking good and late. Just about the only criticism it’s possible to level is that it’s so good it makes everything feel easy.
There is a slight irritation with the throttle that causes a snatch when accelerating hard out of a corner but apart from that the bike is brilliant.
It’s only when you look at how hard riders on rival bikes are working to try to keep pace that the Suzuki’s talents become manifest.
The great thing about the GSX-S’s 145bhp engine is that although you expect it to be a peaky screamer, it in fact has a decent slug of torque available across a broad rev range.
While that may not be the number one selling point for a naked bike, it makes the Suzuki a whole lot more versatile than expected, especially on the road. Through the gears the thing is absolutely ballistic and great fun to ride.
So is this the definitive naughty naked bike? The Suzuki GSX-S1000 could very well be. It may not tick every ‘best in class’ box but it certainly ticks enough of them to reassure you that you have made the right choice.
THE FACTS
Bike: Suzuki GSX-S1000
Price: £8,999 (£9,499 with ABS, £9,999 F version)
Engine: 999cc four-stroke, inline four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16v
Power: 145bhp @ 9,500rpm
Torque: 78lb/ft
Weight: 207kg (wet)
Seat height: 855mm
Tank size: 17 litres