If it’s bang for buck that you desire, look no further than the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000. With all the exhilarating performance you would expect from a 1000cc naked bike, it delivers the goods, without the premium price tag.
The 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 isn’t as spec heavy as some of the other big hitters in this space, but when you realise that it costs just $17,290 ride away, it becomes a very tasty proposition indeed.
It’s a bike that appeals to your primal instincts, producing 112kW of power and 106Nm of torque. All that is wrapped into a bike that weighs just 214kg, delivering a successful recipe for adrenaline pumping fun.
The high-performance 999ci four-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine that powers the GSX-S1000 performs well and is useable all the way through the power band. It’s super easy to live with, and a great way to handle the daily duties of life.
It’s when you push Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 though, that it truly shines. The more you turn up the wick, the more reward is on offer, and the greater the riding experience. It’s a truly versatile machine.
Every aspect of the powertrain has undergone thorough review to deliver ideal naked sport bike performance under varying riding conditions, and it shows. That said, the throttle control can be a little snatchy on the freeway, making it harder to maintain constant speed.
Upgrades to the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 include a new camshaft profile, valve springs, clutch and exhaust system, all designed to increase power output and achieve an overall better balance of performance.
To aid the experience, there are three ride modes, including Active/Sports (Mode A), Basic and Comfort (Mode C). The first of these offers the rider the sharpest and most responsive throttle characteristics and works an absolute treat in the twisty stuff.
Mode B is best for commuting around the city and travelling to and from work. It made the GSX-S1000 a little less snatchy under throttle and a little tamer around the confines of traffic, delivering on its intended purpose.
The last mode is a little Miss Daisy, but lets be totally honest, unless you’re caught in a downpour, you don’t buy this bike to putt around. No matter the mode, there’s a bi-directional quick shifter that is as smooth as butter, and among the best we’ve used.
This powerplant in the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 is matched to a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox, with back-torque-limiting clutch. Combined with a ride by wire throttle system and traction control, you should have no problem getting the power to the tarmac.
Braking and handling are good too, and help form a formidable package on road, that riders will enjoy. The front suspension is a little firm though and we had to adjust the front 43mm inverted KYB forks a little.
These units offer 120mm of travel and fully adjustable dampening, rebound, compression and spring pre load settings. The rear features a link type setup that has 130mm of travel, with adjustable rebound dampening and spring pre load settings.
Braking works extremely well, and fills the rider with confidence, even when attacking the road enthusiastically. The GSX-S1000 is equipped with top-of-the-line radial-mount Brembo monobloc callipers too.
These each have four opposed 32mm pistons acting on a 310mm floating-mount disc for strong stopping power. There is also ABS to help the rider in hard braking situations.
The chassis features a twin-spar aluminium frame, which helps deliver nimble handling and great road holding ability. It utilises straight main tubes, which are ideal for achieving high rigidity and low weight.
All this connects to a ruggedly braced aluminium-alloy swingarm that further contributes to the road gripping character. Ergonomically, the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 ticks the boxes too, even for a big guy like yours truly.
At 183cm tall and 95kg, the riding position was comfortable, and the new tapered handlebars add to that, thanks to the fact they are 23mm wider than those on the previous model. The bars have also been rotated upward slightly to raise the grip position.
Seat height is just 810mm, which allows the rider to easily put their feet down at a stop. The bodywork is reasonably slim too, making it easier to gain good knee grip.
Aesthetically, the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 looks great, and that’s despite some noise about the stacked LED headlights. In the flesh, they look sharp and fit the overall styling of the bike.
There’s a new LCD instrument panel too, that features all the required info and exclusive Suzuki graphics, with blue back lighting. We’d have liked a full colour TFT display in its place, as it would be easier to see, especially when the sunlight hits it.
Available in three colours, the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 can be had in Glass Matte Mechanical Grey, Metallic Triton Blue and Glass Sparkle Black (as tested). It also comes with a 3-year warranty.
While there’s no colour display, and no cruise control, among other things, what you do get for the impressive price tag is adrenaline fuelled performance and excitement.
It’s a bike that offers great versatility, as both an aggressive naked sports bike, and an easy to ride commuter. That usability across multiple capabilities is something we have come to expect from Suzuki, and they’ve delivered in spades.
Our test bike was supplied by Suzuki Motorcycles Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000, contact your local Suzuki dealer.
