Bike Files: Suzuki GSX-8S / GSX-8R

With Suzuki’s legendary GSX-R1000 K5 motor at its heart, and having a bargain price to boot, the GSX-S1000 range has been a surprise success in recent years…

Tell us about the Suzuki GSX-S1000 in 100 words…

Launched in 2015, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is naked roadster powered by the venerable GSX-R1000 K5 superbike engine. It offered a lot of bike for the money and also came in a faired GT version to rival the Kawasaki Z1000SX.

It has been updated but is still considered pretty basic compared to competitors. The two original versions have been joined by a retro Katana variant, as well as the GSX-S1000GX – a sort of adventure bike crossover model in the vein of BMW’s S 1000 XR.

The GSX-S950 is, despite the name, the same bike but detuned to open it up to A2 licence holders.

Is the Suzuki GSX-S1000 a popular motorcycle?

The GSX-S1000 has always been popular because it offers great value for money.

To many superbike fans, the 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 was the pinnacle of Suzuki’s previous flagship model and this gutsy engine is at the heart of the GSX-S1000 range, further adding to its appeal.

It’s more basic than most other big nakeds, like the Ducati Streetfighter or Triumph Speed Triple, but it’s a good bit cheaper too. It’s an old-school in-line four, surprisingly something of a novelty these days, and the basic nature makes it a more analogue riding experience.

That adds to the appeal to many bikers, especially if buying one of the earlier examples without the riding modes. It’s not to say the GSX-S1000 is basic, it’s got good Brembo brakes and the suspension is adjustable, but compared to more modern (and expensive) rivals it lacks many of the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the latest generation of supernakeds.

The GT is one of the few remaining sport tourers you can buy today, while the Katana also fills a unique role into today’s marketplace. The GX is the latest addition to the range, arriving in 2024, and although it hasn’t quite captured the imagination of the bike buying public, it is the most advanced (and practical) model in the range.

What is the GSX-S1000 like to ride?

While it can feel a little dated compared to other 1000cc bikes, it’s actually not a bad thing. While it’s not a cutting edge sports bike, they make fantastic everyday motorcycles with more than enough about them to have some serious fun.

That long-stroke 150bhp engine has so much character and while the handling and brakes don’t feel as sharp or precise as more cutting edge contenders, in the real world it is still capable of way beyond what most road riders will ever need.

The GSX-S1000 might lack the wow factor of a BMW S 1000 R or a Ducati Streetfighter, but it costs a lot less and is more versatile, especially in the faired GT and GX specs. Don’t forget the Katana either. Inspired by the legendary 1980s superbike of the same name, it’s a unique take on the modern retro and well suited to the GSX-S platform.

What tech does the GSX-S1000 have?

An update for 2021 saw Suzuki endow the thou with some electronic features missing from the originals, these include three power modes and a standard quickshifter with autoblipper. The GX, which is arguably the flagship of the range, gets quite a few additional features, including electronic suspension and wheelie control.

Which is the best version of the GSX-S1000?

It’s all a matter of taste and personal preference really. The unfaired GSX-S1000 is a straightforward naked that really revels in the power delivery of that old Gixxer engine, while the GT is a practical sports tourer for those who want added practicality without going down full-on tourer route.

The GX gives adventure bike ergonomics for those who don’t want an adventure bike, a ‘tall rounder’ which slots between a Yamaha Tracer 9 and the BMW S 1000 XR in the performance stakes, with the Katana being a distinctive machine that really stands out at any bike meet.

All are really good motorcycles for everyday use, offering value for money against fancier models from competitors.

So what are the competitors to the Suzuki GSX-S1000?

Looking specifically at the GSX-S1000, there’s not too much to directly compare to. Most will point to the BMW S 1000 R or Triumph Speed Triple, but in truth they have higher levels of equipment and more power, for more money of course.

Kawasaki’s now discontinued Z1000 was probably the main competitor to the first generation Suzukis but now buyers are likely to be chosing between a GSX-S1000 and a smaller capacity machine like the Kawasaki Z900, Triumph Street Triple or Yamaha MT-09, which trade the Suzuki’s engine capacity and extra power for addition spec and agility.

Consider too Honda’s Hornet 1000, which takes the same basic ingredients as the GSX-S (detuned superbike engine in basic naked chassis) but sells it at a price which makes even the Suzuki look expensive.