Suzuki GSX-S1000 review, test ride

Suzuki has recently launched a pair of big bikes for the Indian market — the GSX-S1000 and its faired sibling with the same name, adding the suffix ‘F’, both here via the CBU route. In the flesh, the GSX-S1000 looks rightfully a bigger brother of the Indian-made streetbike, the Gixxer.

The designers at Suzuki have not gone overboard, having kept styling on the compact-looking S1000 simple, purposeful and sleek, with smooth flowing lines seen the bike. The naked new Suzuki’s headlamp is equipped with two LED lights that protrude below, aggressive and canine-like. Even its tank sports flowing lines that taper off. At rear, there’s a minimalist panel that gives the bike a subtle, yet strong presence. Suzuki hopes to charm a more mature audience with the GSX-S1000. Snugly fit, the details on the all-digital instrument cluster are clear to read on the go. Everything is packed in, from fuel gauge to tachometer; making this an informative bay. The S1000’s USD front forks are gold finished, lending the streetbike a premium touch.

Palm grips on the S1000 feel soft and good to touch, as do the curvy, stylish aluminium levers. Bear in mind though, only the brake lever is reach-adjustable. Suzuki provides good quality handle-mounted switches, a toggle button here operating the three-way traction control system, while the headlight's high and low beam are operated from the pass light flick-switch. The mirrors droop downwards, and are really stable on their stalks as required on a fast bike like this. They work well on the go to provide excellent rear view.

The 17-litre tank offers decent thigh grip and its shoulders tower forward enveloping the bike engine and radiator. Underneath, a single, neatly designed side-mount exhaust does duty. Overall quality and fit-finish are up to the mark, with Suzuki using high-quality materials on the GSX-S1000, uniformly.