Suzuki announces GSX-S1000GX for road based adventures

If you’re a fan of Suzuki and you like sports tourers, you’re in luck, because the manufacturer has just revealed a new sports tourer: the GSX-S1000GX.

Suzuki are calling it a crossover, and certainly on paper, that’s exactly what it is.

It’s built around a proven chassis and engine, and the 150bhp output of the 999cc inline-four engine offers plenty of sporting thrills.

However, unlike the GSX-S1000GT which was released last year, the S1000GX has a far more upright, adventure bike style stance, pitching it against rivals such as the Kawasaki Versys 1000, the BMW S1000XR, and the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+.

With plenty of features designed with touring comfort in mind, including semi-active suspension, the GSX-S1000GX is an impressive new offering from Suzuki in the touring category.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Engine and chassis

The GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000GT, and now the GSX-S1000GX all share the same twin-spar aluminium frame and 999cc DOHC inline-four engine, an engine that has been passed down through generations of GSX-R1000 sportbikes.

So, we’re well aware of the performance packed into the motor, and we can say that we’re not-so-quietly pleased to have another chance to ride it.

In numbers, the engine turns out 150bhp at 11,000rpm, with a peak torque of 106Nm arriving at 9,250rpm.

It has a lovely linear power delivery, with plenty of torque available much lower in the rev range, and it’s versatile in the sense that you can really get it to work if you’re chasing speed, but it also responds well to a more relaxed riding pace.

We test rode the GSX-S1000GT throughout last year and it became one of favourite bikes of 2022, with that silky-smooth performance being a large reason why.

Suspension

One of the biggest changes for the S1000GX is the new suspension, which makes the bike taller, more upright, and presumably more comfortable.

It’s the first motorcycle from Suzuki to have electronic semi-active suspension, which is provided by Showa’s EERA electronics but branded as ‘Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension’ (SAES).

With an inverted Showa fork up front and a Showa link-type monoshock at the rear (both of which provide 150mm travel), the SAES system monitors the road conditions via sensors in the suspension as well as the bike’s IMU to constantly adjust the suspension’s settings at 1000 times per second to best suit every condition.

Speed is taken into account, and so is the weight on the rear if you’ve got a pillion or luggage, and you can also manually select four different settings: hard, medium, soft, or a user setting.

Electronics

As a fully-fledged touring bike, the GSX-S1000GX comes with plenty of electronic features to enhance the comfort and safety of the motorcycle.

Among these features is cornering ABS and cornering traction control, wheelie control, and adaptive stabilisation and floating ride control which softens the throttle response and adjusts the suspension when riding over cobblestones or other uneven surfaces.

Then there’s the Motion Track Brake System, which works with the IMU and ABS to help you maintain your line while braking through corners, and a Slope Dependent Control System which supports more stable braking downhill.

All of this works in conjunction with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector which offers three riding modes: Active, Basic, and Comfort.

Plus, there’s cruise control, a USB charging socket, an up/down quickshifter all included as standard, and a 6.5-inch TFT with smartphone connectivity for navigation.

Differences between the GSX-S1000GT and the GSX-S100GX

The GSX-S1000GT is more of a pure sport tourer, with a more active riding position, a more acute leg bend angle, and a shorter seat height at 810mm.

The new S1000GX, on the other hand, retains the performance but has adventure bike dimensions, with a tall stance, upright seating position, and more relaxed ergonomics.

The riders seat is 15mm thicker than on the GT (the pillion seat also gains 10mm thickness and 26mm in width), and the handlebars (complete with handguards and rubber damping mounts) are 55mm closer to the rider and 50mm wider.

Due to the thicker seat and longer suspension, the seat height rises to a taller but still approachable 845mm, and with the extra kit, the weight increases from 226kg wet to 232kg.

The fairings have also been revised for better aerodynamic performance with the new seating position, and there’s a new screen with three positions, although it’s adjusted via screws.

The S1000GX retains the same 19-litre fuel tank as the GT, with a quoted range of 190 miles, although in our experience the range is closer to 150 miles.

Price, colours, and availability

The Suzuki GSX-S100GX will be available in three colours: Metallic Triton Blue, Pearl Matt Shadow Green, and Glass Sparkle Black.

The bike will start at £14,499, which is more expensive than the S1000GT but undercuts rivals from Ducati, BMW, KTM, and Kawasaki, and puts it right up against the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ at £14,910.

Deliveries are expected to arrive just before Christmas this year in the UK.