The Suzuki GSX S1000GX+ for 2024 is an amazingly capable motorcycle. But the question has to be asked. Is this bike a crossover product, meant to compete with the Kawasaki Versys and other adventure motorcycles, or is it a sports tourer? While the engine produces 150 bhp from its 999 cc inline-four engine, it isn’t perfect. Improvements have been made since its introduction, notably a longer travel suspension, thicker seat, and higher bars, which change the riding position, being now more upright. Hence the questions about adventure or sport tourer.
The addition of a new Bosch six-axis IMU that controls cornering ABS, traction control, anti-wheelie, and lean-sensitive torque control, is welcome. The addition of semi-active Showa forks and rear shock is equally welcome.
One outstanding issue with the bike is its brakes, which supposedly have a wooden feel. The second is that the engineers decided that the IMU should attenuate wobble when it senses it by pulling back the power. For me, this seems to suggest that there was and still may be an issue. However, the quick-shifter is smooth and the non-adaptive cruise also works well.
Reliability has never been an issue, as the engine has been around for a decade, and the K5 engine derivative has had a good history without mechanical or electrical problems.
Complaints come from what has always been seen as a positive, and that’s the engine. It needs to be revved, and it is suggested that at low speeds power comes on slowly. The riding modes are either too aggressive or too timid, which is a disappointment, while at highway speeds the gearing is considered to be too short.
It has been proposed that no top box be available for the sports tourer as there are issues associated with instability. You can either have a top box or panniers, but not both. That’s unfortunate since as a sports tourer, many of us want the additional top box.
As far as equipment goes, improvements have been made with a larger 6.5-inch TFT dash, cruise control, hand guards, a rack, and a USB charger. Large panniers (36 liters), heated grips, and a center stand round out the equipment list.
The screen is adjustable, but not without tools.
When contrasted with the Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx or BMW S1000XR the bike is certainly a quality motorcycle. However, if low-speed handling and high-speed instability are issues, some may want to again look at the Kawasaki products.
Pricing has increased, some would say substantively. At $20,500 it’s a lot more than a comparable Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx at $16,494, but cheaper than the stratospherically priced BMW offering at $23,395.
I made my choice last spring after having a close look at the Suzuki GSX 1000 GT and purchased the Kawasaki. It wasn’t just the price. I found the Kawasaki smoother and more refined than the Suzuki product.
However, that’s why there are choices. To each his own.
I’ll have a full review of the bike once I have a chance to ride one this spring.
Ciao…
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