Suzuki GSX-S1000 Review

There are moments in motorcycling when you stand in front of a machine and have no idea what's about to unfold. That's exactly how I felt with the new Suzuki GSX-S1000. To be honest, I had neglected it before our big 2025 Naked Bike comparison—after all, it wasn't the latest hot ticket. But then I got on, fired up the legendary K5 engine, and with the first rumble from the exhaust, the spark was back. This engine is legendary 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 very Suzuki that took everyone by surprise. No one was talking much about it before the test—the K5 engine is, after all, 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." Curiously, before the test, no one talked about the Suzuki. Now, everyone's talking about it.

What makes the GSX-S1000 so special? It's this incredible charisma, this burly presence combined with the legendary K5 engine. In my opinion, where it truly shines is the genuine Superbike frame with the Superbike swingarm, which is absolutely top-notch. The others simply don't have this. It's something truly remarkable. You could almost say Suzuki took a GSX-R, stripped off the fairing, and bolted on a comfy 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. These might sound like bare numbers, but they're pure emotion cast in metal. The 6-speed gearbox is paired with a quickshifter and blipper function, and the measured weight of 215 kilograms doesn't exactly make it a lightweight—which bothered some riders, but not all.

Up front, it features a 43 mm KYB upside-down fork, and at the rear, a centrally mounted, 7-way adjustable shock absorber. The braking system is top-notch with two 310 mm discs and radially mounted Brembo calipers, although there's a slight drawback here—but more on that later.

The riding position feels instantly familiar, although on the Suzuki GSX-S you do get the sensation, especially in direct comparison to the competition, that you're on a larger and heavier bike. This is partly due to the greater distance between the seat and the front steering head. The 1,460 mm wheelbase and upright seating position create a commanding riding posture that's perfect for carving through country roads as well as relaxed highway cruising.

But it's the engine that makes this GSX-S a dream machine. The K5 engine is a masterpiece of engineering—it feels genuinely pure and naturally powerful. It's like eating something delicious without any artificial flavors. Fascinating and honest. At higher revs, it pulls with gusto, although it takes a moment to get going from lower revs. The engine note is also a bit more robust. It's not quite as silky smooth as, say, the Kawasaki or Honda engines, but that's what gives it its character.

A 1000PS test rider summed it up perfectly: "The bike is incredibly stable to ride. It has real power even from the lower revs. We tested it on the highway in sixth gear at 100 km/h, just opening the throttle, and the Suzuki was truly mighty." This characteristic makes it the perfect companion for anyone who values confident power delivery.

Where it truly excels: long curves. It stays stable and composed, with the engine providing the necessary drive. Yet, it is just as much fun in hairpin turns 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; a lot happens very quickly, and the Suzuki packs a serious punch." This directness is typical of the K5 engine. Especially when going full throttle at around 4-5 thousand RPM, it feels very grunty and a bit raw, yet can still be well modulated. The gearing is relatively long—first gear takes you up to 125 km/h. This becomes noticeable when tackling very tight hairpin bends at 20-30 km/h. When I go full throttle, it takes a few thousand RPM before the engine truly hits its power band.

The GSX-S1000's chassis displays 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, although I find the Suzuki perhaps even a bit more neutral to ride."

The 43 mm KYB fork up front and the central rear shock create an impressive balance between comfort and sportiness. The bike isn't quite as nimble as some competitors, yet it remains agile enough to handle any situation well. This slight heftiness is not a drawback—it conveys a sense of security and confidence, especially at higher speeds.

During our intensive Naked Bike comparison, everyone opted for the Arai Quantic—a handcrafted helmet that prioritizes safety above all else. The round, smooth shell is designed to optimally deflect energy in the event of an oblique impact, rather than transmitting it unfiltered to the head. What I particularly liked was the slightly wider helmet opening, which makes putting it on and taking it off significantly more comfortable. Even after hours of test rides with the GSX-S1000, the wearing comfort remained top-notch—thanks to the high-quality interior and well-thought-out ventilation. With the current ECE R22-06 approval, it is also up to date with the latest safety standards. More information about the helmet here

I have to be honest here: The braking system of the GSX-S1000 is the one area where it falls short compared to the competition. Notably, even compared to direct rivals, the brakes feel a bit dull. It requires significantly more hand force to achieve good deceleration. The initial touch on the brakes seems promising, and you can feel some deceleration. But when you want to really slow down and squeeze harder, the brakes don't quite step up.

The ABS system is also on the conservative side. It takes a bit longer to come to a stop. Combined with the ergonomics and seating position, it does feel like you're on a larger, heavier bike, but it still handles well. There's no IMU fitted on the Suzuki, so the control algorithms are somewhat coarse. As a result, both the ABS and traction control are rather basic and not on par with the Yamaha MT-09SP, Z 900 SE, or KTM 990 Duke.

The GSX-S1000 comes equipped with traction control, SDMS riding 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 splash. Sometimes less is more—and the GSX-S1000 focuses on what matters most: the ride.

The GSX-S1000 has found a true competitor in the Hornet 1000. It's no longer a walk in the park. The Suzi used to be unrivaled among inline-fours, but now with the Hornet, a real contender has emerged—it's a tight match.

But this is great for us motorcycle consumers. Now, Suzuki has to price the bike in a range where it's just incredibly good. What others have only recently managed to achieve with great effort, Suzuki has been offering for years. In direct comparison, you ride and think: What are all these new bikes even doing here? Suzuki has been delivering this for years!

The GSX-S1000 is priced at the top of our major naked bike comparison with €13,400 (DE), €15,990 (AT), and CHF 15,495 (CH). For this, you get plenty of power and a legendary engine—though with an electronics package that's not quite up to date. However, those looking for raw power and classic Suzuki strengths will still find what they're seeking. Here is the price comparison

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

What makes our testing approach special is the diversity of rider types—from pragmatic daily commuters to uncompromising track professionals—ensuring evaluations from all relevant perspectives. This is complemented by a thorough market price analysis and authentic community feedback from you, the 1000PS users. The result: The most detailed and honest naked bike comparison you'll get in 2025—with everything relevant for your purchase decision.

For over two decades, we at 1000PS have lived for motorcycles—with passion, precision, and a genuine understanding of the market. Our team unites editors, video professionals, data analysts, YouTube experts, and renowned motorcycle industry insiders to create well-founded content for you. Our editorial pieces are published in 16 languages and reach over 6 million motorcycle enthusiasts across Europe monthly. What fulfills us the most: Not only do thousands of motorcyclists trust our voice, but so do dealers and manufacturers. This trust is our strongest engine—and we measure ourselves against it every day.

The GSX-R engine in the GSX-S 1000 commands respect with its power. The S23 transforms this power into an experience—controlled, predictable, yet never boring. On the open road, it fully showcases its all-around capabilities. Whether you're cruising through the countryside or tearing up the tarmac in sport mode, the S23 delivers. Especially in combination with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, it demonstrates the trust that modern electronics and a good tire can create together. No fuss, no discomfort—just confident movement with a sporty soul. More information about the tire here

The community's feedback on the 2025 Suzuki GSX-S 1000 is mostly positive, though they highlight some clear pros and cons. The proven K5 engine is particularly praised, remaining the heart of the bike for many—robust, powerful, and with confident pull, especially in the mid-range. The new TFT display is seen as a welcome update, although some riders view it as overdue or merely cosmetic. The Suzuki receives criticism for what many see as a sparse electronics package: While other manufacturers have long adopted lean-angle ABS, bidirectional quickshifters, or cruise control, the GSX-S remains noticeably conservative in this area. The naked bike's design is polarizing: the build quality is praised, but the look—especially the rear—is considered plain or outdated by some. For many, the lack of visual refinement is a shortcoming that weighs heavily given the price. Nevertheless, the ride comfort and solid construction ensure that many GSX-S fans remain loyal, even if competitors have surpassed it in terms of features.