Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS

The pre-requisite of a litre-class naked roadster is having a noted aggression profile, and this is where the Suzuki GSX-S1000 somewhat lacks. The bike does look quite big in size, however, it lacks the futuristic appeal commonly seen in litre-class roadsters of the present generation.

Nevertheless, the bike looks quite handsome and athletic, with a small front fascia having a single headlamp setup with pilot lamps positioned below it. The turn indicators are placed on the upper corners of the headlamp unit, which is surrounded by a nicely styled bikini fairing. However, the absence of a visor above the headlamp makes the motorcycle quite ineffective in handling the wind blasts at high speeds.

The side profile of the GSX-S1000 is the best one, in our opinion. The fuel tank is quite smaller in size when you compare it to other motorcycles in the segment. However, the Z-shaped fuel tank extensions do make the bike look quite aggressive. The belly pan placed below the engine, add to the substance. The exposed frame, along with the slim and lifted-towards-up rear side body panels does make the GSX-S1000 look athletic.

At the rear, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 comes with a very small LED tail lamp nestled below the pillion seat, which is accompanied by a small rear fender. The fully digital instrument console looks futuristic, yet is very comprehensive with almost every required information on the display, including speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, selected riding mode, and gear indicator.

Given its compact appeal, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 not only looks agile but is athletic in terms of ride quality as well. The motorcycle is equipped with inverted hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a linked monoshock at the rear. The motorcycle feels very easy to maneuver and handle in all conditions, which make it very suitable for amateur riders as well. The ride quality is quite decent as well, and is better than most of its rivals when it comes to comfort levels on offer. The GSX-S1000 is fitted with twin disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000 comes with the same powertrain as seen on the mighty flagship, the GSX-R 1000. However, as expected, the engine has been toned down to make it friendlier to suit the urban riding conditions.

The engine is a four-stroke, inline four, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, 999 cc unit. Thanks to various changes and tunings done it produces 140 PS of peak power and 100 Nm of maximum torque. The engine, in typical Suzuki tradition, is super-refined and has a linear power delivery with controlled drama throughout the rev range. The engine is coupled to a slick-in-feel 6-speed gearbox.

Like most of its stablemates, the GSX-S1000 is equipped with limited electronic riding aids as standard. The motorcycle comes with a dual-channel ABS setup and a three-mode traction control system. However, it is still leagues behind some of the premium litre-class roadsters in this particular department.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000 is particularly for those riders who are new to the world of litre-class naked roadsters. The overall size, as well as ergonomics, is quite adaptable for beginners, while at the same time, the bike is mature enough to give seasoned riders some thrills in terms of riding appeal. The unintimidating performance, as well as the perfect balance of ride quality and handling, makes the GSX-S1000 one of the most practical litre-class roadsters one could buy.