Suzuki GSX-S1000F

It’s always a pleasure testing bikes in Cape Town. I’ve been waiting for Suzuki to come out with something exciting to test, and I was more than pleasantly surprised with the new GSX-S1000F Sports Tourer. The photos simply don’t do the new Suzuki any justice. It’s only once the bike was standing in front of me, that I realised what a stunning-looking motorcycle it is. 

What I liked about Suzuki South is that even though they knew me as a rider, they still took the time to talk me through a few relevant specs, new and old, and the little extras they decided to add to the bike. To be fair, the GSX-S1000F does not need extras, but something as basic as rim tape is actually an option I would add, now that I’ve seen one with and without. To get to the more serious stuff though, this 1000F Sports Tourer puts out some serious power, and incredibly quickly.

If you were a fan of the 2005 GSXR motor, also known as the K5, then you will understand what makes this motorcycle so unique. This K5 may have been one of the best Suzuki builds to date and although the GSX-S1000F is slightly detuned, it’s hardly noticeable. The Suzuki has great torque, especially mid to top range, but if you are a slightly nervous rider you may find the throttle to be a little aggressive. Personally I love it – I think it’s what makes the bike exciting to ride. Once you get used to the throttle, it’s easy to control the power and enjoy all of its 144 h/p built into the chassis (that’s also from the K5 model).

The chassis, together with the higher handle-bar position, allow for direct and easy input to turn the motorcycle quickly and effortlessly. It’s one of the lightest and nicest-handling bikes I’ve ridden on twisty roads in a while. Some might think the suspension is a bit stiff, and over some bumps it may well be (if you weigh under 60kg). But let’s remember that the forks are fully adjustable and will allow you to personalise the ride for your weight and style of riding. Appearance-wise, I have to say this again: WOW! It’s a stunner of a bike with just enough fairing to give it that sporty look (recommended by Suzuki South: personalised rim tape).

I’m excited to see the naked bike version that’s coming soon! The screen also suits its shape and size, and helps a great deal with wind disturbance. If I have to critique one small thing, I’d say an adjustment option on the screen would’ve been very helpful, especially for taller riders.

For all this, along with ABS and four-level traction control, you’d think the price would be steep. Surprisingly not! The Suzuki GSX-S1000F is currently selling for approximately R163 000. If this suits your budget and is your type of motorcycle, I recommend arranging a test ride from Suzuki South in Cape town or the nearest Suzuki dealer to you.

IMPORTANT note: when you test ride a motorcycle, make sure you get the kind of service that Suzuki South offers. Tyres pressures were correct, the bike was clean and had plenty of fuel. For more detailed specs, see below.

ENGINE, POWER & TORQUE
Displacement	999 cc
Maximum Power	144 Bhp @ 10000 rpm
Maximum Torque	105.75 NM @ 9500 rpm
Engine Description	999cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four
Cooling	Liquid
Fuel System	Suzuki fuel injection
Ignition	Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Lubrication	Wet sump
Compression Ratio	12.2 : 1
Bore	73.4 mm
Stroke	59.0 mm
No. of Cylinders	4
Power-to-weight Ratio	672.89 BHP per tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio	494.15 NM per tonne
Specific Output	144.14 BHP per litre
TRANSMISSION
No. of Gears	6
Primary Reduction Ratio	1.553 (73/47)
Final Reduction Ratio	2.588 (44/17)
BRAKES
Front Brake	Twin Disc
Rear Brake	Disc
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
SUSPENSION
Front Suspension	Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Rear Suspension	Link type, coil spring, oil damped
WHEELS & TYRES
Front Tyre	120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear Tyre	190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Tubeless Tyres
Alloy Wheels
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & CAPACITIES
Overall Length	2115 mm
Overall Width	795 mm
Overall Height	1180 mm
Ground Clearance	140 mm
Seat Height	810 mm
Wheelbase	1460 mm
Kerb/Wet Weight	214 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	17 litres
Oil tank capacity	3.4 litres
PERFORMANCE & MILEAGE
Top Speed	3.4 litres
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (measured)	6.59 litres per 100km

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