Suzuki GSX-S1000 Review

There are moments in motorcycling when you stand before a machine and have no idea what's about to unfold. That's what happened to me with the new Suzuki GSX-S1000. Honestly, I had neglected it ahead of our big 2025 Naked Bike comparison—it wasn't exactly the latest hot ticket. But then I got on it, fired up the legendary K5 engine, and with the first rumble from the exhaust pipes, the fire was back. This engine is a legend for a reason. You feel it when you ride. Instantly. Irrevocably.

When we unleashed our six 1000PS test riders on five cutting-edge naked bikes, it was this Suzuki that took everyone by surprise. Before the test, no one talked much about it—after all, the K5 engine is now 20 years old. But everyone who got off the GSX-S1000 after their laps said the same thing: "We're taking the Suzuki back to the Pannoniaring. We're riding it again." Strangely enough, before the test, nobody talked about the Suzuki. Now, everyone's talking about it.

What makes this GSX-S1000 so special? It's that incredible charisma, that muscular presence with the legendary K5 engine. Where it absolutely shines, in my opinion, is with the genuine Superbike frame and swingarm. The others just don't have that. It's truly something remarkable. You could almost say Suzuki took a GSX-R, stripped off the fairings, and slapped on a comfortable handlebar.

The 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four pumps out 152 HP at 11,000 RPM and delivers 106 Nm of torque at 9,250 RPM to the crankshaft. Sounds like just numbers, but it's pure emotion cast in metal. The 6-speed transmission is paired with a quickshifter and blipper, and the measured weight of 215 kilograms doesn't make it exactly a lightweight—this bothered some riders, but not all.

Up front, a 43 mm KYB upside-down fork is at work, while a centrally mounted, 7-way adjustable shock takes care of the rear. The braking system, featuring two 310-mm discs and radial-mounted Brembo calipers, performs admirably, though there's a slight downside here—but more on that later.

The seating position feels instantly familiar, although on the Suzuki GSX-S you might feel, especially compared to the competition, that you're on a bigger and heavier bike. This impression partly comes from the larger distance between the seat and the front steering head. With a wheelbase of 1,460 mm and an upright seating position, it offers a commanding riding stance suitable for both carving through countryside roads and relaxed highway cruising.

But it's the engine that makes this GSX-S a dream machine. This K5 engine is a masterpiece of engineering—it feels genuinely pure and naturally strong. It's like enjoying a fine meal without any artificial flavors. Fascinating and honest. It pulls smoothly at higher revs, though it takes a moment to get going from the lower end. The engine note is a bit more robust; it's not as silky-smooth as a Kawasaki or Honda engine, but that's what gives it character.

A 1000PS test rider summed it up perfectly: "The bike rides so stable. It really packs an incredibly strong punch, even from down low. We tried it on the highway, sixth gear, 100 km/h, and simply rolled on the throttle. That's where the Suzuki shows its true strength." This very trait makes it the perfect companion for anyone who values confident power delivery.

Where it truly shines: long curves. It remains stable and composed, with the engine providing the necessary drive. Yet, it's just as much fun in hairpins and tight corners. The geometry, with a steering head angle of 65.8 degrees and a trail of 100 mm, strikes a balance between high-speed stability and agility in tight turns.

A 1000PS test rider aptly described the first encounter with the GSX-S: "I find the throttle response a bit more direct, and things happen very quickly—the Suzuki packs a real punch." This directness is typical of the K5 engine. Especially when you go full throttle, at around 4-5 thousand RPM, it feels robust and a bit rough, yet remains manageable. The gearing is relatively long—first gear takes you up to 125 km/h. You definitely notice this when tackling tight hairpin turns at 20-30 km/h. When you push it hard, it takes a few thousand RPMs for the engine to truly hit its powerband.

The chassis of the GSX-S1000 showcases its Superbike lineage in every corner. An experienced 1000PS colleague remarked, "For me, the GSX-S1000 is again a very well-rounded, harmonious package. Quite comparable to the Honda Hornet. Only, I feel the Suzuki might even ride a tad more neutral."

The 43-mm KYB fork up front and the centrally mounted rear shock create a balance between comfort and sportiness that is impressive. While the bike isn't quite as nimble as some competitors, it remains agile enough to handle any situation effectively. This slight heft isn't a drawback—it instills a sense of safety and confidence, especially at higher speeds.

During our intense Naked Bike comparison, everyone opted for the Arai Quantic—a handcrafted helmet that prioritizes safety above all. Its round, smooth shell is designed to optimally dissipate energy in an angled impact, rather than transferring it unfiltered to the head. What I particularly liked was the slightly wider helmet opening, making it significantly more comfortable to put on and take off. Even after hours of test rides with the GSX-S1000, the comfort remained top-notch—thanks to the high-quality interior and thoughtful ventilation. With the latest ECE R22-06 certification, it is also at the forefront of safety technology. More info on the helmet here

I have to be honest here: The braking system of the GSX-S1000 is the one area where it underperforms compared to the competition. Notably, even against direct competitors, the brakes feel somewhat unresponsive. You need significantly more hand strength to achieve good deceleration. The initial touch on the brakes feels promising, and you can sense some deceleration. But when you want to brake hard and grip tighter, the brakes don't really deliver more stopping power.

The ABS is also on the conservative side. It takes a bit longer to come to a full stop. Combined with the ergonomics and seating position, it feels like you're on a larger, heavier bike, yet it still remains maneuverable. The Suzuki lacks an IMU, which means the control algorithms are a bit more rudimentary. Both the ABS and traction control are on the rougher side and not on par with the Yamaha MT-09SP, the Z 900 SE, or the KTM 990 Duke.

The GSX-S1000 comes equipped with traction control, SDMS ride modes, and ride-by-wire—a solid but not overwhelming electronics package. The 5-inch TFT display presents all essential information clearly and concisely without being cluttered with gimmicks. The hexagon LED headlights provide good illumination and give the front a distinctive look.

The Suzuki Easy Start System and the SET system complete the package without making a big fuss. Sometimes less is more—and the GSX-S1000 focuses on what's important: the ride.

The GSX-S1000 now faces a real challenger with the Hornet 1000. It's no longer a walk in the park. The Suzi was once unrivaled among the inline-fours, but now the Hornet has stepped up to the plate—it's a tight match.

But that's precisely what benefits us motorcycle consumers. Now, Suzuki has to position its pricing in a range where the bike is simply outstanding. What others have only recently managed to achieve with great effort, Suzuki has been offering for years. When you ride them side by side, you think: What are all these new bikes bringing to the table? Suzuki has been delivering this for years!

The GSX-S1000 is priced at the top of our extensive Naked Bike comparison, with €13,400 in Germany, €15,990 in Austria, and 15,495 CHF in Switzerland. For this, you get lots of power and a legendary engine—though the electronics package isn't quite up to par anymore. However, those seeking raw power and classic Suzuki strengths will still find what they're looking for. Check out the price comparison here

For our grand 2025 Naked Bike Showdown, we went all out: Seven seasoned 1000PS test riders, including our racetrack specialist Martin Bauer, put five of the hottest naked bikes through a relentless reality check. Instead of superficial chatter, we deliver hard facts: Each machine is systematically evaluated across various categories, weighed on our precise 1000PS scale, and pushed to its limits on winding country roads and the Bad Fischau racetrack.

What sets our testing concept apart: The diversity of rider types—from pragmatic daily commuters to uncompromising track professionals—ensures evaluations from every relevant perspective. This is complemented by a well-founded market price analysis and authentic community feedback from you, the 1000PS users. The result: The most detailed and honest naked bike comparison you can get in 2025, with everything relevant for your purchasing decision.

For over two decades, 1000PS has lived and breathed motorcycles—with passion, precision, and true market understanding. Our team consists of editors, video professionals, data analysts, YouTube experts, and recognized motorcycle industry experts who create well-founded content for you. Our editorial contributions are published in 16 languages and reach over 6 million motorcycle enthusiasts across Europe each month. What truly fulfills us: Not only do thousands of motorcyclists trust our voice, but so do dealers and manufacturers. This trust is our greatest driving force—and we measure ourselves against it every day.

The GSX-R engine in the GSX-S 1000 possesses power that demands respect. The S23 transforms this power into an experience—controlled, predictable, but never boring. On country roads, it fully showcases its all-round capabilities. Whether cruising leisurely through the landscape or tearing up the asphalt in sport mode—the S23 delivers. Especially in conjunction with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, it demonstrates the confidence that modern electronics and a good tire can create together. No jitteriness, no discomfort—just confident mobility with a sporting soul. More information on the tire here

The community's feedback on the 2025 Suzuki GSX-S 1000 is mostly positive, though it highlights both strengths and weaknesses. The tried-and-true K5 engine is particularly praised, remaining the heart of the bike for many—reliable, powerful, and with robust mid-range torque. The new TFT display is seen as a welcome update, although some riders consider it overdue or merely cosmetic. However, the Suzuki faces criticism for what many see as a sparse electronics package: while other manufacturers have moved on to lean-angle ABS, bi-directional quickshifters, or cruise control, the GSX-S remains noticeably conservative in this area. The naked bike's design polarizes opinions: its build quality is praised, but the look—especially the rear end—is considered plain or outdated by some. For many, the lack of visual refinements is a missed opportunity, especially given the price point. Nonetheless, the comfort and solid construction ensure many fans remain loyal to the GSX-S, even if competitors have surpassed it in terms of features.