Suzuki has been producing large capacity naked motorcycles since 1996 with the hugely popular Bandit which was available as a 600cc and 1200cc version
and quickly became one of biking's true bargain motorcycles.
In 2007 suzuki took things one step further with the introduction of the B-King. This was a naked Hayabusa pushing out an insane for the time, 180 bhp
all that with a comfortable riding position and motorway munching potential. You can go as far as stating this was the ZH2 of the naughties.
However sales were slow and the B-King production was halted in 2012.
In 2015, due to the ever-growing popularity with the supersport naked market Suzuki released the all-new GSX-S1000.
The bike was a new design from the ground up using a dedicated frame and the iconic 2005 GSX-R1000 engine, all wrapped in some softly styled bodywork.
It wasn't a class leading motorcycle like the Aprilia Tuono or the KTM Super Duke, but it proved a very comfortable easy to ride road machine which could produce a very serious turn of speed when required.
A great alternative to the iconic Triumph Speed Triple and more sporty than Honda's CB models.
Over the past six years the GSX-S1000 hasn't changed a great deal with only a few slight revisions to the package, but, for 2021 Suzuki has unveiled the new, read updated, GSX-S1000.
Question is, has Suzuki done enough?
Take the design, it is really sharp and aggressive. The first thing that stands out are the jet-fighter inspired, tacked LED headlights up front, together with the angular body work.
This replaces the more "bubbly" single headlight and the 2021 version looks a lot more modern.
Also you have these, almost proprietary, MotoGP inspired winglets on either side. Furthermore classic street fighter looks, so you have a narrow tail that helps showcase the big inline four-cylinder engine.
Honestly, I think this is one of the better looking naked bikes on the market today.
Talking about the engine, still a 999cc inline four cylinder based on the gsx-r. This updated engine has an updated camshaft, updated valve springs and airbox together with a new fuel injection system.
With these changes Suzuki says it adds a little bit of power, but what it really does is it smooths out the power curve. This helps tremendously getting around on the street.
The specs on this bike makes 150 bhp, but more importantly 106nm of torque and weighs in at 214 kilogram wet.
The new four to two to one exhaust also makes the new gsx-s EURO5 compliant.
You also have a twin spar aluminum frame, aluminum alloy brace swing arm straight off the gsx-r1000.
There is a ton of new tech in this bike and the previous generation bike was lacking in this area.
This bike is the next bike in Suzuki's line up to get the Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). That includes the drive mode selector, traction control, ride-by-wire throttle, bi-directional quick shifter together with
Suzuki easy start and low rpm assist systems to help you start from a stop very easily.
As far as the drive modes go there's three of them : active, basic and comfort. There is no peak power cut in any of those modes.
The traction control system (STCS) has five settings. You also have Suzuki's clutch assist system for smoother deceleration.
The bike doesn't come with an IMU system, meaning all these systems are not tied in a lean angle sensor, so a more old-school approach.
I'm a little up in arms about the LCD screen. Yes, a LCD screen, not an TFT screen. Pretty much all the other bikes in this segment now get full color TFT screens.
This LCD screen does look pretty good but it would be nice to see a more advanced screen on a brand new bike in 2022.
The 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 comes equipped with new Dunlop Road Sport 2 tires and a larger fuel tank, and extra 2.2 liter bringing it to a total of almost 23 liters giving it a longer range between fuel stops.
In addition to that the bike has new fully adjustable KYB suspension and a new wider handlebar which should help you with increased control and a little bit more agility.
A pretty good package if you ask us, good components and available in three colors: metallic triton blue, glass sparkle black and metallic mechanical gray.
