The Suzuki With V-Strom Comfort And GSX-R Performance
Chasing performance and comfort has become a new focal point for motorcycle makers. The market supports the idea, too, as evidenced by the global sales of crossover bikes. Understandably, all mainstream bikemakers have jumped aboard the idea as soon as they could. Suzuki, however, took its own sweet time rather than trying to beat the clock. This has helped it focus on gathering the pros of its lineup to whip up a more complete product. One that blends the best of its two globally renowned platforms: the V-Strom and the GSX-R.
The V-Strom Has Always Been Popular For Its Comfort
Since the first V-Strom debuted, its USP wasn’t class-leading performance or cutting-edge tech. Instead, the comfort and ease of riding are what lured customers from all over the world. The V-Strom 650 is a great example of that, while the V-Strom 1050 serves as the current flagship. Both seat you in comfortable, commanding, and upright riding triangles, without being too tall for the average Joe. At the same time, the bars are wide for good leverage as you slice through traffic.
And The GSX-R’s USP Has Been Performance
In comparison, the GSX-R has always been about performance. It used to lead the speed charts since debut and kept upping the ante update after update. Famously, the 2017 GSX-R1000 also brought MotoGP-derived variable valve timing to the inline-four superbike world. Since then, several brands have used a similar tech to boost their superbike performance.
Blending The Two Was Almost A No-Brainer
Given how good these two have been in their respective segments, it’s almost a no-brainer to blend the two and build a rampant yet versatile machine. That, along with the market shift, finally urged the brand to whip up such a product in 2024. And it shook established rivals like the S 1000 XR by offering a more well-rounded package, topped with brilliant value.
The GSX-S1000GX+ Has The GSX-R Howl And V-Strom Relaxation
We’re talking about the GSX-S1000GX+. This is Suzuki’s flagship crossover bike and promises the best of the V-Strom and GSX-R worlds. How, you ask? Well, Suzuki itself claims the ergonomics have been designed with inspiration from the flagship V-Strom 1050. That means you’ll sit in an upright position, with the arms, torso, and legs all being relaxed for long days in the saddle.
At the same time, the chassis and engine come from the GSX-R world. The former has a new subframe to enable luggage and pillion carrying abilities, while the latter has a retune to favor more low-end punch than the redline-chasing superbike. Thus, there’s a lot to convince you to take the GX+ home.
The Over-$18,000 MSRP Is Well Justified By The GSX-S1000GX’s Equipment
Being a ‘+’ model in the liter-class space, the GSX-S1000GX+ commands a premium price of $18,949. That is higher than both bikes it’s based on: the $16,399 GSX-R1000 and the $15,699 V-Strom 1050. However, things get better the deeper you dive.
From a market point of view, the GX+ offers incredible value compared to its two rivals–the over-$19,000 Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT (which is rather low on horsepower) and the over-$18,000 BMW S 1000 XR (which doesn’t have comparable equipment). So the Suzuki makes a strong case for itself. A lowdown on everything you get is given below.
Comfortable Ergonomics With Electronic Suspension
Being a touring bike, comfort is key. And the GSX-S1000GX+ has it in heaps, starting with the ergonomics. As mentioned, these are derived from the V-Storm adventure-touring world. So you sit on a tall 33.3-inch seat, with your hands on rubber-mounted handlebars that are easy to reach. Suzuki also claims the seat has been designed to reduce the knee bend from the mid-set pegs. A spacious pillion saddle is part of the package, too.
On the go, the suspension amps up the comfort. The GX debuts the new SAES (Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension) system, which comprises electronically adjustable 43 mm SFF-CA USD forks and a BFRC-Lite monoshock (both from Showa). This works in tandem with the six-axis IMU, wheel speed sensors, and high-precision stroke sensors at both ends to tweak the damping on the fly for a pliant ride across terrains. You can either pick between the preset modes that set things for you or use your own settings via the manual suspension mode.
A Sporty GSX-R Chassis Serves As The Centerpiece
All of the above is tied up with the aluminum chassis. This is a twin-spar setup derived from the GSX-R world, just like the aluminum swingarm. But these come paired with a new subframe that’s sturdier to allow luggage and pillion carrying. 17-inch alloy wheels add to the sportiness of the package, complete with dual 320 mm front discs and Brembo monobloc calipers. These are right up there with the segment standards and should be enough for this 511-pound tourer (wet, without saddlebags). The package helps keep the wheelbase at under 58 inches and rake at a sharp 25 degrees.
The Screaming Inline-Four Engine Brings The Punch
Like the chassis, the engine is from the GSX-R and shared with the GSX-S1000GT+. This is a sub-1000cc inline-four powerhouse, retuned for more tractability compared to the superbike. Some notable details include:
- Long-tip, 10-hole fuel injectors
- Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber
- Bespoke camshaft profiles (to decrease lift and valve overlap)
- A Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) valve for the 4-2-1 exhaust
- Aluminum pistons
- Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM)–plated cylinders
All that, along with a comparatively chill 12.2:1 compression ratio, ensures an output of 150 horsepower and 78 pound-feet. These numbers kick in at 11,000 RPM and 9,250 RPM, respectively, via a six-speed transmission. Being a superbike engine, the fuel efficiency is lower than its more chill rival– the Versys 1100 LT SE. So long journeys will need more fill-ups here.
Premium Rider Aids And Creature Comforts Make Life Easier
Finally, the GSX-S1000GX+ has plenty of modern-day luxury. A phone connectivity-enabled TFT sits as the centerpiece, serving as a gateway to the rider aids. The former, particularly, has a lot of stuff, including:
- Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS)
- Lift Limiter
- Roll Torque Control
- Motion Track Brake System
- Slope Dependent Control System
- Three ride modes
- Three power modes
While all that keeps you safe, the creature comforts elevate the ride. Cruise control, hill hold control, Suzuki’s Easy Start, Low RPM assist, and two-way quickshifter are all available as standard. This is topped with an auto-leveling function, all-LED lights, and an adjustable windscreen. Sizable hard, color-matched saddlebags round things off.
Source: Suzuki Cycles
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