Suzuki GSX-S 1000F

The 2016 GSX-S1000 is in the same family tree as the GSX-R750 born in 1985 and still dominant today. The new GSX-S models carry the spirit of Suzuki GSX-R to the street. They’re also closely related to the GSX-RR, Suzuki’s new MotoGP race machine.

It’s more than just an attitude, a spirit, or a lineage. This is about shared technology and components; it’s about performance-packed hard parts evolving from one generation to the next. The GSX-S1000 is powered by a 999cc inline four-cylinder powerplant that’s based on the long-stroke GSX-R1000 engine, which makes for ideal street-riding power and torque curve. Focused on making big power through the low and mid-range, this engine also uses cams optimized to deliver street-dominating power.

Equipped with a powerful engine, Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System*, Brembo brakes, and a chassis designed for street riding comfort, the 2016 GSX-S1000 is a street bike packed with some serious performance.

The naked-style single headlight GSX-S1000 is equipped with angular radiator shrouds that enhance the aggressive image and aid cooling performance.

With the GSX-S1000, Suzuki changes motorcycling for the better, again.
 

THE PURE SPORT ROADSTER.

The ALL NEW GSX-S1000F is a motorcycle built for real-world excitement. Derived from the legendary, championship-winning 2005-2008 generation GSX-R1000 the new GSX-S lineup carries the spirit of the Suzuki GSX-R to the street, with shared technology and components packaged into a chassis designed specifically for street riding comfort.

Found beneath the slim fairing of this thrilling machine is the legendary heritage of the GSX-R family, the ALL NEW GSX-S1000F was born to deliver heart pounding performance on every road you ride. The GSX-S1000F is powered by a 999cc inline four-cylinder powerplant that’s based on the long-stroke GSX-R1000F engine, which makes for ideal street-riding power and torque curve. Focused on making big power through the low and mid-range, this engine uses cams which are optimized for street-dominating power.

Ground beating power is paired with Suzuki’s Advanced Traction Control System*, Brembo brakes, and standard ABS** the 2016 GSX-S1000F is a street bike packed with serious all-around performance. Wild, aggressive styling compleates the street fighter package to deliver a naked roadster ready to dominate the streets.

*The Traction Control System is not a substitute for the rider’s throttle control. It cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when the rider enters a turn and/or applies the brakes. Neither can it prevent the front wheel from losing grip.

**The ABS is a supplemental device for brake operation, not a device for shortening stopping distance. Always remember to reduce speed sufficiently before approaching curves.

A motorcycle built for real-world excitement. Beneath the slim fairing of this thrilling machine are the genuine engine and main components of the world-beating GSX-R1000. All in a comfortable package built for serious on-road pleasure. Meet the road with legendary performance. Go beyond the sportsbike. Ride the pure sport roadster. 

Features
Legendary performance tuned for the street:
The GSX-S1000 is powered by a street-tuned version of the four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC,999cc, inline-four engine that became a legend in the GSX-R1000. The newly honed engine delivers smooth throttle response and immediate, controlled acceleration, so you experience adrenaline rushing performance.

Three mode traction control system:
Suzuki's advanced traction control system lets the rider control the throttle with more confidence in diverse conditions, so it makes sports riding more enjoyable and less tiring. The system checks the front and rear wheel speeds, throttle position sensor, crank position sensor, and the gear position sensor 250 times a second. The rider can set the system to any of three modes or turn it off.

Antilock braking system (ABS):
The ABS system helps the rider stay in control. It monitors wheel speeds 50 times per wheel rotation and matches stopping power to the available traction. The ABS control unit has a compact, lightweight design that helps make the bike nimble.

43mm KYB inverted front forks:
Newly specified 43mm KYB inverted front forks give a ride that is sporty yet plush. They have fully adjustable damping, rebound, compression and spring preload.

High performance braking:
The GSX-S1000 has the same top-of-the-line radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers as the current GSX-R1000. The calipers each have four opposed 32mm pistons acting on a 310mm floating-mount disc for strong stopping power.

A comprehensive instrument cluster:
A lightweight, brightness adjustable LCD readouts including: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, gear position, coolant and ambient temperatures, riding range, average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control, and a clock. The display is flanked by LED indicators for the turn signals, high beam, malfunction, ABS, traction control, coolant temperature and oil pressure.
 

TRANSMISSION FEATURES
Suzuki presents its newest line of motorcycle with roots from the GSX series and taking it in an aggressive new direction with the latest state-of-the-art technology.

ENGINE FEATURES
999cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four engine based on the legendary GSX-R1000 (K7) with a finely tuned fuel injection system that employs Suzuki's original SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) 44mm throttle body.

Iridium spark plugs heighten the spark strength and combustion efficiency, contributing to higher power, more linear throttle response, easier engine start-up, and a more stable idle compared to conventional type.

New cam profiles designed to optimize the valve timing suitable for the streets, but with the racetrack in mind.

Radiator shrouds efficiently guide air to the newly designed and highly efficient round shaped radiator. Lightweight and compact liquid-cooled oil cooler.

New pistons were engineered with use of FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis to achieve optimal rigidity and weight.
 

The 4-2-1 exhaust system contributes to stronger low-to-mid range output with exciting exhaust notes and adrenaline-rushing performance.

The GSX-S1000 features Suzuki's advanced Traction Control System* to let the rider control the throttle with more confidence in various riding conditions. It continuously monitors front and rear wheel speeds, throttle position sensor, crank position sensor and gear position sensor that quickly reduces engine output when wheel spin is detected.

There are 3 modes (1, 2, 3, Off) and the difference between the modes are sensitivity levels. Mode 1 is lowest sensitivity level most suitable for skilled riders or in good grip road conditions. Mode 2 is next sensitivity level suitable for most riders and road conditions. Mode 3 is highest sensitivity level suitable for not so great road conditions.

*Traction control is not a substitute for rider's throttle control under the various conditions, and traction control cannot prevent loss of traction due to excessive speed when entering turns or while braking, and it does not control front wheel traction.

Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)-plated cylinders integrated into the upper crankcase reduce friction and improve heat transfer and durability.

Fuel injectors are 10-hole, long-nosed injectors on each throttle body for better combustion and reducing fuel consumption.

73.4mm x 59.0mm long-stroke design makes it possible for a broad spread of power throughout the rev range.

TRANSMISSION FEATURES
A six-speed close-ratio transmission features vertically staggered shafts to reduce overall engine length.

New one-push, push-start system where the clutch does not need to be engaged when gear is in neutral.

CHASSIS FEATURES
Fully adjustable damping, rebound and spring pre-load 43mm KYB Inverted front fork with 120mm stroke and link-type rear shock unit with 63mm stroke.

Lightweight and compact chassis engineered to be agile and fun-to-ride for a wide range of riders.

Lightweight and rigid main frame and aluminum-alloy swingarm.

310mm floating-mount dual discs mated to Brembo mono-block front brake calipers with 4 opposite 32mm pistons.

ENKEI 6-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels mounted to Dunlop radial tires.

Matte black aluminum Rental Fatbar handlebar is standard equipment.

Low seat height of 815mm (32in) with a sporty, yet upright riding position.

A single Showa rear shock features externally adjustable rebound and compression damping, along with adjustable ride height.

SUSPENSION
Lightweight and compact full LCD instrument cluster with LED indicators.
12 month limited warranty

Review:

It’s not an oversimplification to say the F is the same bike as the S with a fairing (I guess that’s what the F is for…). The extra bodywork adds 13 pounds to the naked bike’s 459-pound claimed curb weight. To compensate for this weight change and the fairing’s aerodynamic effect, the front fork utilizes slightly higher oil capacity. Other than that, the bikes are identical.

Surprisingly, my initial handling impression on the F was that it’s smoother and more settled. I’d credit this mostly to the immaculate road surfacing of Highway 84, an epic stretch of road which cuts through La Honda on its way down to the Pacific Coast Highway. Scything through long sweeping the corners, the GSX-S1000F excels. But even factoring in the flawless road conditions, I’d still rate the F’s front end a hair more composed than the naked bike. I suppose the biggest contributing factor here is the steadying aerodynamics of the fairing and windscreen.

Another oddity that I noted aboard the F was that its front brakes didn’t feel as potent. In fact, the first time I hammered them approaching a corner I had “yikes!” moment because they didn’t bite the same as my morning ride and I had to squeeze harder. I didn’t have any notable complaints about the morning S1000’s braking prowess, so I reckon this incident on the F is more likely an anomaly to my individual bike (perhaps the pads hadn’t “bedded in”). Still, Suzuki claims these monobloc Brembo calipers are the same as those used on the 2014 GSX-R models, which I find surprising in hindsight. I’d rate the overall braking performance effective, but not top-shelf. The ABS, which comes standard on F model and as a $500 option on the naked version, does its thing without being distracting.

The GSX-S1000F doesn’t have saddlebag mounts as an option (unlike the R1200RS we recently tested, or its most logical head-to-head matchup, the Ninja 1000), which is a pity, because it would make a fine sport-touring platform. This is a segment last represented in the Suzuki lineup by the aforementioned GSX1250FA. It’s been several years since I’ve ridden the 1250, but based off my hazy memories this new 1000F delivers a far sportier suspension and handling.
2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F First-Ride (7)

Comfort may not be ideal, compared to purpose-built tourers, with the seat being the biggest problem area. Having said that, the upright, slightly sporty riding position is amenable to long-distance rides and far superior to typical sportbike ergos. The F’s fairing does its job well, despite a fairly slender profile and the non-adjustable screen directs a steady airflow. It’s definitely not the full-touring screen, but I didn’t have any complaints with wind buffeting. Of course, I didn’t trek more than 100 miles aboard the F model to really test its sport-touring credentials, but I’m eager to do so in the future and expect it would hold up quite well.

Suzuki GSX-S1000 Highs & Lows
Highs
Sporty performance with touring-like ergos
Engine sound impressive for stock exhaust
Competitive pricing makes for great value

Lows
No optional saddlebag mounts for F model
Slight abruptness from closed throttle
Arrives two years too late for some sport-touring riders

Evaluating these GSX-S models, I think the most enticing aspect might be pricing. The F model, in particular, strikes a bargain at $10,999, undercutting its direct rival, the Ninja 1000 ABS, by a full grand. It’s clear that Suzuki is aggressively pricing these to capture that target demographic mentioned before. Unfortunately, these bikes would have had a much greater impact on the American market had they arrived a couple years sooner, but the GSX-S1000 models are here now and the price is right. They present a fantastic option for consumers craving sporting performance in a street-friendly platform. Stay tuned for comparison reviews in forthcoming weeks.

Review: Bart Madson, Motorcycle-USA