The second generation of Suzuki’s flagship naked sports bike, the GSX-S1000, has been confirmed to hit Australian dealerships in March next year. Having debuted in April this year in overseas markets, the new model is built to be sharper, stronger and smarter.
A minimalist cowling with upsweeping sharp lines surrounds stacked hexagonal headlights to form the compact face of a radical new design. These sharp lines continue their upward trajectory across the contrasting bulk of a massive fuel tank.
The aggressive stance, and the bike’s light, nimble look are those of a thoroughbred street fighter that exudes performance potential, while also reflecting an attention to detail that’s focused on delivering a superlative riding experience.
New front LED indicators in bar-shaped housings extend outward from the steering mount and create a stylish look. The thin design of rear LED indicators combine with the flat rear LED combination light perfectly.
The chassis features a compact, lightweight package that makes the GSX-S1000 surprisingly agile, predictable, and well behaved for a high-performance, large-displacement sports bike.
Its twin-spar aluminium frame helps deliver nimble handling and great road holding ability, while its straight main tubes are ideal for achieving high rigidity and low weight. New tapered handlebars are 23mm wider than those on the previous model to.
The bars have also been rotated upward slightly to raise the grip position.
The high-performance 999cm3 four-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled inline-four engine that powers the GSX-S1000 inherits true winning superbike DNA, honed from decades of development via the GSX-R1000. It also incorporates tech developed in MotoGP.
Every aspect of the powertrain underwent thorough review as it was developed to deliver ideal naked sport bike performance under varying riding conditions, whether out for a sporty run or negotiating traffic on city streets.
Changes that include a new camshaft profile, new valve springs, a new clutch and new exhaust system increase power output and achieve an overall better balance of performance, all while satisfying Euro 5 emissions standards.
The new engine produces greater torque than its predecessor at low rpm. The broader, smoother torque curve has fewer peaks and valleys than before, and also achieves greater overall cumulative torque production across the engine’s operating range.
This results in more predictable and controllable response and consistently abundant power delivery for a more exciting riding experience, particularly in the mid-to-high rpm range where the enhanced torque output is most noticeable.
Attention to detail extends to a change from cut threads to rolled threads for the holes in the upper crankcase cover. Rolled threads are harder and less prone to cracking from wear, so help maximise holding strength for the journal bolts that support the crank.
The new GSX-S1000 adopts a collection of the advanced electronic systems that comprise the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.), including Suzuki drive mode selector, traction control, a ride-by-wire electronic throttle and bi-directional quick shift.
Suzuki easy start, and low RPM assist systems also feature. These enable the rider to optimise performance characteristics to best suit riding conditions and varying road surfaces, as well as their level of confidence and experience.
By assisting the rider, they help make the bike more controllable, more predictable, and less tiring to operate. Drive mode select is designed to offer the rider a choice between three different modes that change output characteristics of the bike.
There are now five traction control settings too, and the finer incremental control over settings allows a better fit to a more diverse variety of riding conditions and styles. The throttle system provides finer control as well.
The overall result is linear power delivery that responds faithfully to the rider’s intentions, whether riding on the street or heading out to enjoy a spirited run, as well as improved controllability when opening the throttle while cornering.
The bi-directional quick shift allows the rider to shift up or down more quickly and easily without the need to operate the clutch or throttle. When decelerating, it automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase rpm and match engine speed.
Suzuki Australia will release the 2022 GSX-S1000 in a choice of three colours, the iconic Suzuki Metallic Triton Blue, a stealthy Glass Sparkle Black, and a new Glass Matte Mechanical Grey.
Suggested ride away price for the 2022 GSX-S1000 will be $17,290. For further information, please contact your local Suzuki dealer.
