Suzuki GSX-S1000GX travel test & long term test conclusion 2024

For years, Suzuki offered solid bikes with familiar components and attractive prices, but at the same time failed to keep up with the competition in the rapidly evolving technology race. All the greater was our joy when the Japanese, with the GSX-S1000GX, finally showed their willingness to innovate again and put a state-of-the-art technology flagship on wheels. The GX was immediately added to our fleet as a long term test bike and has since had to prove itself in the most varied of areas. We took the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX on the race track, went on longer tours with it, thrashed the GX to a best lap time on our test track, and compared the GX with other touring bikes.

To close out the season, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GX was tested in one of Austria's insider-tip regions for motorcyclists: the twisty roads of the Mühlviertel and Waldviertel. This region offers not only breathtaking green hills and quiet, lightly trafficked roads, but also a genuine twisties paradise. Our starting point for the test days was the Moho Rockenschaub in Liebenau, a motorcycle hotel whose owner, himself a passionate biker, supplied us with insider tips and the best roads around. Here we were able to test the GX for four days under the most varied conditions - from touring to spirited riding.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is Suzuki's first crossover bike and at the same time sets new standards for the brand. Equipped with the legendary K5 engine, a 999cc inline-four with hearty pull and sporty performance, it delivers 152 hp and 106 Nm of torque. The semi-active suspension, a first for Suzuki, allows a broad spread between comfort and sportiness. With a weight fueled up of 238 kilograms as measured by us, it's no lightweight, but it stays within the typical range for tall crossover bikes.

Standout features on the GSX-S1000GX are found mainly on the electronic side, since Suzuki pulls out all the stops here compared to other Suzuki models. Particularly noteworthy is the semi-active suspension, used for the first time at Suzuki, which offers an impressive range from comfort-oriented to sporty settings. The riding experience is further supported by lean-angle-sensitive assistance systems such as traction control and ABS, implemented for the first time in a Suzuki sports bike, which provide safety and stability. Other standard features on board include a quickshifter, various riding modes, the 6.5-inch TFT display, and cruise control.

In the course of our long term test, the GSX-S1000GX above all had to prove itself in everyday use on countless commutes between Vienna and Wiener Neustadt. Fortunately, Suzuki's crossover can play to several strengths here. The seating position is comfortable and, thanks to the optional touring seat, offers plenty of legroom even for taller riders. The knee angle, while not extreme, is fairly sporty, but is noticeably eased by the accessory seat, which makes longer rides pleasant. The pannier integration is practical - offering enough storage space for a helmet or the weekly shopping without compromising the slim tail design.

One weak point in urban use is the limited steering lock, which makes maneuvering or tight U-turns while looking for parking more difficult. Nevertheless, the GX impresses with its smooth ride on bumpy roads, where the semi-active suspension can play to its full advantage. Suzuki has come up with several clever systems that regulate the damping so that the bike hardly moves vertically at all. On the cobblestone streets of Vienna's old town, you practically glide over the uneven surface. If the situation calls for more damping or preload, the desired setup is dialed in with just a few button presses. The semi-active suspension massively broadens the GX's range of use.

The GSX-S1000GX has fairly short gearing, which favors a sporty riding style but slightly increases fuel consumption. On average it uses 6.1 l/100km on country roads and up to 7.5 liters in city traffic. Far from frugal, but given its engine and its status as a sports bike, not a scandalously high consumption either. The 19-liter tank allows a range of about 300 kilometers before a fuel stop becomes necessary.

The GSX-S1000GX has also accompanied us on several major tours as our long term test bike. Thanks to the qualities already mentioned, it proves to be a versatile travel companion. The comfortable seat and well-executed ergonomics allow for longer rides, while the dynamic, torquey engine character also has enough power in reserve for overtaking maneuvers. This harmonizes especially well with the optional quickshifter, which shifts crisply and willingly through the gears at almost all revs.

The wind protection, however, could be improved. The windshield only has three positions and can only be adjusted with tools. Unfortunately, even in its highest position, wind is still directed fairly loudly at the helmet, though the body is well protected from the elements. Overall it's ok, but wind protection is noticeably better on some competitor bikes. In return, the large TFT display offers integration of full 3D map navigation via the MySpin app.

The GSX-S1000GX often had to show its pragmatic side, but it gave us the biggest grin under the helmet in the twisties. The GX is not a pure sports bike, but it does allow for very dynamic rides on twisty roads. The sporty cornering technique benefits from the well thought-out ergonomics, which support both a neutral/counter-lean riding style and active cornering with the body hanging off. The semi-active suspension offers a good balance between precision and agility. The front provides plenty of feedback and stability during hard braking maneuvers. Under heavy strain, for instance in fast corners with bumpy surfaces, the suspension at the rear shows slight weaknesses. Even in its firmest suspension mode, the semi-active shock could still offer a bit more composure and damping.

As mentioned at the start, over the course of the season the GX also had to face some harder rides. On our final tour to close out the season, both the fitted Bridgestone T32 tires and the brakes had taken a bit of a beating. After a total of 9,200 kilometers, the GX has definitely earned new brake pads and tires.

At a price starting at 19,790 euros (Austria), the GX offers a lot of bike for a fair amount of money as well. Suzuki wants to be compensated accordingly for the flagship's state-of-the-art systems. Whether that's worth it depends on the intended use and personal preferences. The more versatile you want to use the GSX-S1000GX for, the more the assistance systems and semi-active suspension can play to their strengths. Anyone simply looking for a sports bike with an upright seating position will find cheaper alternatives. The GX may not master any single use case perfectly, but in return it offers a lot of performance across the most varied riding situations you might encounter on tours, in the twisties, and in everyday life.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is an impressive crossover bike whose versatility and technical sophistication became clear over the course of nearly 10,000 kilometers during the 2024 season. It's suited to everyday rides as well as long tours and sporty outings - a true all-rounder. Thanks to its versatile suspension, powerful engine, and spot-on ergonomics, it becomes an attractive bike for anyone looking for a comfortable road tourer with sporty qualities. Minor weaknesses, such as the limited steering lock or the wind protection in the upper area, don't come close to outweighing the GX's strengths. A successful model that plays right at the top of the crossover bike class.