2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Review

[jeffkisthename]

Hey guys, so I participated in a Suzuki Demo Day this past Saturday and was able to ride a 2016 Suzuki GSX-S100. This is not an in-depth review, but a review nonetheless. The ride was about 30 minutes and consisted of some freeway, back road twisties and some regular back road straights. We didn't do much city riding at all.
 

 

 
First Impression:
 
This bike had gobs of power. Suzuki claims about 145 HP and the bike weighs in around 461 wet. This thing had torque all over the rev band, but it wasn't scary, at least it didn't scare me. This was my first time riding a liter bike and it wasn't what I expected. I honestly thought the thing was gonna scare the crap out of me, but I just went all in and it was for sure tons of fun and easy to ride fast.
 
The rider leading the group was not shy of speed either. When we were in the twisties, we got up to some nice speeds, I mean slowing down from 68 into a 35 MPH turn and just leaning the thing over and shooting right back out. It went where I wanted to go and was eager to go faster and faster.
 
The GSX-S1000 felt nimble enough while it was going, but you can tell it was kinda porky. Well, compared to the FZ07 it was beyond porky. It definitely was a work out muscling that thing around turns. The bike did inspire confidence though, as I was able to keep up with the lead rider as we pretty much left the group behind us in the dust.
 
The brakes felt good and responsive (Brembos), and the engine sounded pretty nice stock (K5 GSX-R derived engine). My only gripe would be how stiff the clutch pull was. That clutch would get pretty tiresome for those of you who can't lane split and would have to be stuck in traffic. The transmission was buttery smooth and shifts felt easy. Oh and the higher RPM band had this nice kick in the butt power just past 8-9k to redline.
 
Would I buy one? Well, for 10k without ABS and 10.5k with ABS, it's for sure a bargain, but the looks are just not for me. Find me odd, but I think the FZ/MT-10 looks way better. Is it a good buy? Yes, I definitely think so. You get a lot of bike for your money and it has that everyday usability that those super sport liter bikes don't have.
 
Well, that's all I have to say about it for now. If you've ridden this bike, feel free to chime in just in case some one on here is looking into one.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[duenan]

I think the scary liter bikes are the supersport liter bikes. The ones with the higher power band because when you try to get its power, it just comes on and you are going 90mph on 1st gear.
 
Low-med powerband liter bikes (super nakeds) are just stronger versions of the FZ07. If you are conservative with the throttle, you can experience its power but not get in trouble. While supersports, in order to experience their power, you have no choice but to get into trouble.

[Simbadc650]

Dang i missed it, thought it was this weekend! I even found the info for it hehehehehe, thanks for the review!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bigdaddybane]

Thanks for the review. A few weeks ago friend of mine bought this bike ... I haven't had a chance to take it for a spin but IMO FZ07 looks way better.

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

I'm actually thinking about getting this next. Sounds like for a 145hp it's pretty tame. I was reading an article about one and at the rear wheel they barely make over 110hp. After the tuner got done with it it was close to 150hp. Thanks for the review, I'm keeping my eye out for a demo day near me.

[fusbal]

Likewise. However, I was looking into insurance for this, and the costs are ridiculous. Upwards of $1,500/yr with Dairyland for me.

[pgeldz]

Nice review!
 
Thanks for sharing!
 

 
- Paulie

[thomascrown]

I'm actually thinking about getting this next. Sounds like for a 145hp it's pretty tame. I was reading an article about one and at the rear wheel they barely make over 110hp. After the tuner got done with it it was close to 150hp. Thanks for the review, I'm keeping my eye out for a demo day near me.

It makes 145 at the back wheel stock. Suzuki is underrating the engine. For what it's worth, it makes more power and gets better mpgs than the fz10. It feels tame in the lower revs, but run it north of 8k, keep it on the cam, and you will crap your pants.
 

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

I'm actually thinking about getting this next. Sounds like for a 145hp it's pretty tame. I was reading an article about one and at the rear wheel they barely make over 110hp. After the tuner got done with it it was close to 150hp. Thanks for the review, I'm keeping my eye out for a demo day near me.

It makes 145 at the back wheel stock. Suzuki is underrating the engine. For what it's worth, it makes more power and gets better mpgs than the fz10. It feels tame in the lower revs, but run it north of 8k, keep it on the cam, and you will crap your pants.

I don't believe for a second it makes 145 at the rear wheel stock. 2:51 in the video below shows 119hp on the first run of the bike. I don't think any vehicle has ever dynoed to the wheels what the manufacturer claims for hp as they usually go with the engine alone not accounting for driveline loss to have better numbers for sales.  
 

[jeffkisthename]

I'm actually thinking about getting this next. Sounds like for a 145hp it's pretty tame. I was reading an article about one and at the rear wheel they barely make over 110hp. After the tuner got done with it it was close to 150hp. Thanks for the review, I'm keeping my eye out for a demo day near me.

It makes 145 at the back wheel stock. Suzuki is underrating the engine. For what it's worth, it makes more power and gets better mpgs than the fz10. It feels tame in the lower revs, but run it north of 8k, keep it on the cam, and you will crap your pants.

I agree with @chicagoaj
 
Plus, I didn't crap my pants. It was a nice kick up top, but that's about it. I think bikes like the FZ-10 and S1000R will pull much harder, plus those two bikes make 15 more HP than the GSX-S1000. All three have about 80 lbs. of torque and weigh nearly the same if not within 10 lbs. of one another.
 
I think the GSX-S1000 may be more in competition with the new 2016 Triumph Speed Triple R. Which is a really nice bike I'd consider. It's hard to sway away from Japan bike reliability though.
 

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

It makes 145 at the back wheel stock. Suzuki is underrating the engine. For what it's worth, it makes more power and gets better mpgs than the fz10. It feels tame in the lower revs, but run it north of 8k, keep it on the cam, and you will crap your pants.

I agree with @chicagoaj  
Plus, I didn't crap my pants. It was a nice kick up top, but that's about it. I think bikes like the FZ-10 and S1000R will pull much harder, plus those two bikes make 15 more HP than the GSX-S1000. All three have about 80 lbs. of torque and weigh nearly the same if not within 10 lbs. of one another.
 
I think the GSX-S1000 may be more in competition with the new 2016 Triumph Speed Triple R. Which is a really nice bike I'd consider. It's hard to sway away from Japan bike reliability though.

You won't crap your pants unless you're on a Busa or ZX14 fighting for traction in 3rd gear at 150mph on the highway. I don't think I've ever been that scared in my life, and that was a stock ZX14 my buddy had me take from a bar to his house when he got too loaded and didn't want to risk taking it home. I wouldn't want to risk taking it home again sober! 

[thomascrown]

MT10 dyno:
 
[video src=https://youtu.be/kuo4ojWh6rM?t=185]
139hp at the rear wheels.
 
GSXS1000 dyno:
 

 
144hp at the rear wheels.  
 
 
With the FZ10, you get adjustable rear suspension vs. rebound/preload on the GSXS.  Both are fully adjustable up front.
You get LED headlights on the FZ10 vs. regular halogens on the GSXS.
Power is nearly identical, but the GSXS gets much better mpgs.
The GSXS can be had with a full fairing, better aero and downforce at speed keep the front wheel settled.  
FZ10 comes with a subframe that accepts luggage, GSXS1000 subframe is stripped down and basic with no touring accoutrements.  
And then there's the elephant in the room, a real world 4000+ dollar price difference between the two.
 
I would go for the FZ10 if it was 1000 bucks more.  I fold at 4000 bucks.  
 
Given my riding style, I'd be better off with an R1S.  You get a much more advanced traction control with cornering abs, and slide control, 20 more hp, full fairings, and more magnesium for just 2k more than the FZ10.  You can probably find one at a discount too, so the real world difference in price will be much smaller.  So personally, I'd go bang for the buck GSXS, or splurge a little more and get the R1S.  The FZ10 is neither high spec enough or cheap enough.  It just falls in no man's land.  
 
 

[thomascrown]

It makes 145 at the back wheel stock. Suzuki is underrating the engine. For what it's worth, it makes more power and gets better mpgs than the fz10. It feels tame in the lower revs, but run it north of 8k, keep it on the cam, and you will crap your pants.

I don't believe for a second it makes 145 at the rear wheel stock. 2:51 in the video below shows 119hp on the first run of the bike. I don't think any vehicle has ever dynoed to the wheels what the manufacturer claims for hp as they usually go with the engine alone not accounting for driveline loss to have better numbers for sales.  
 

Are we watching the same video?  You just posted a dyno of a guy who's "baseline" run was a full exhaust and no tuning.  How do I know the Suzuki ecu wasn't doing damage control trying to keep the engine from blowing up?  There are dozens of dynos online, all you have to do is google it.  You will find that the bike dynos high 130s to mid 140s depending on the dyno.  Which makes it identical power wise to the MT10.   They purposely underrated the engine.  This is a fact.  Everyone who has put it on the dyno has come to that conclusion.  
 
On what planet does a pipe and power commander make 30whp?  Maybe you should ask yourself that question as well while you're at it.  

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

I think you're missing the point. Jeff said in the review that this bike feels like a mild liter bike. He also said he's never ridden a liter bike before, so if this thing didn't freak him out, what do you think will happen when you put someone who's ridden a ton of liter bikes on it? It'll be a snooze fest, more often than not.
 
 
 
And last time I checked 144 isn't the same as 145. Close, but not equal! Even if you get one that dynos down 135hp at the wheel and Suzuki is claiming 145hp - that's like a 7% loss. They underrated the engine and it still doesn't make even make the power that they underrated it to!!!!!! It might be close, but it's still not quite there, lol. 

[jeffkisthename]

@thomascrown where do you live?
 
In the US, the FZ-10 is $2,500 more than the ABS equipped GSX-S1000.
 
I don't like throwing dyno numbers around as they're not apples to oranges as conditions and dyno types all impact final numbers and if the two bikes were dyno'd in the same condition on the same day (controlled environment) then yeah I'd take the dynos in consideration. So, for $2,500 more than the Suzuki you're getting:
 
1-15 more horsepower (manufacturer claim)
 
2-LED lighting (All lights)
 
3-Touring capabilities
 
4-Ride Modes
 
5-Cruise Control
 
6-12v DC Power Outlet
 
7-Fully Adjustable suspension
 
8-Slipper clutch
 
9-Lets not forget the (Newer in design) R1 derived motor which has a bigger intake than the actual R1
 
Now the only advantages I see the Suzuki having over the FZ-10 are:
 
1-Brembo Brakes
 
2-Super comfortable seat
 
3-Wayyyyy better Fuel Mileage
 
4-K5 "Iconic" GSX-R1000 derived motor (2005? I think)
 
 

[thomascrown]

I think you're missing the point. Jeff said in the review that this bike feels like a mild liter bike. He also said he's never ridden a liter bike before, so if this thing didn't freak him out, what do you think will happen when you put someone who's ridden a ton of liter bikes on it? It'll be a snooze fest, more often than not.  
 
 
And last time I checked 144 isn't the same as 145. Close, but not equal! Even if you get one that dynos down 135hp at the wheel and Suzuki is claiming 145hp - that's like a 7% loss. They underrated the engine and it still doesn't make even make the power that they underrated it to!!!!!! It might be close, but it's still not quite there, lol. 

So you're going to bust my balls over 1 hp, when you were telling me that the bike makes 119hp stock?  
 
I've been to the Suzuki demo ride events.  You can't use the bike to it's full potential when it's an escorted ride with a lead bike, and a tail bike, and a bunch of Marauders and Burgmans in between.  Turn the traction control off, click it down to first gear and run it to redline, shift to second, run it to redline, shift to 3rd, and run it to redline.  This cannot be done at a Suzuki event.  Period.  Full stop.  Not happening. What you get at these events is the general feel of the bike, and how it does in day to day conditions.  That's about it.  

[thomascrown]

@thomascrown where do you live? 
In the US, the FZ-10 is $2,500 more than the ABS equipped GSX-S1000.
 
I don't like throwing dyno numbers around as they're not apples to oranges as conditions and dyno types all impact final numbers and if the two bikes were dyno'd in the same condition on the same day (controlled environment) then yeah I'd take the dynos in consideration. So, for $2,500 more than the Suzuki you're getting:
 
1-15 more horsepower (manufacturer claim)
 
2-LED lighting (All lights)
 
3-Touring capabilities
 
4-Ride Modes
 
5-Cruise Control
 
6-12v DC Power Outlet
 
7-Fully Adjustable suspension
 
8-Lets not forget the (Newer in design) R1 derived motor which has a bigger intake than the actual R1
 
Now the only advantages I see the Suzuki having over the FZ-10 are:
 
1-Brembo Brakes
 
2-Super comfortable seat
 
3-Wayyyyy better Fuel Mileage
 
4-K5 "Iconic" GSX-R1000 derived motor (2005? I think)
 

Yeap, that's a good summary of the differences.  The only thing I would add is that the "ride modes" are a gimmick, I wouldn't consider them a positive (but that's just me).   
I'm in socal, but even here you can get a big cash discount on the Suzuki or 0 percent financing.  People buy Suzukis because you can make a deal.  The FZ10 is new, and they aren't going to flex on the price for a while.  I've seen the ABS bikes listed at 9k.  OTD you're probably looking at 10k if you can haggle.  
 
 
 

[jeffkisthename]

I think you're missing the point. Jeff said in the review that this bike feels like a mild liter bike. He also said he's never ridden a liter bike before, so if this thing didn't freak him out, what do you think will happen when you put someone who's ridden a ton of liter bikes on it? It'll be a snooze fest, more often than not.  
 
 
And last time I checked 144 isn't the same as 145. Close, but not equal! Even if you get one that dynos down 135hp at the wheel and Suzuki is claiming 145hp - that's like a 7% loss. They underrated the engine and it still doesn't make even make the power that they underrated it to!!!!!! It might be close, but it's still not quite there, lol. 

So you're going to bust my balls over 1 hp, when you were telling me that the bike makes 119hp stock?   
I've been to the Suzuki demo ride events.  You can't use the bike to it's full potential when it's an escorted ride with a lead bike, and a tail bike, and a bunch of Marauders and Burgmans in between.  Turn the traction control off, click it down to first gear and run it to redline, shift to second, run it to redline, shift to 3rd, and run it to redline.  This cannot be done at a Suzuki event.  Period.  Full stop.  Not happening. What you get at these events is the general feel of the bike, and how it does in day to day conditions.  That's about it.  

This is true. I only redlined 1st and 2nd. We did take off at a light though. Our group was kind of broken as the lead, the second rider, myself and my brother were leaving the pack behind. I rode in second and third during most of the twisty roads. The bike had tons of usable power.
 

[jeffkisthename]

@thomascrown where do you live? 
In the US, the FZ-10 is $2,500 more than the ABS equipped GSX-S1000.
 
I don't like throwing dyno numbers around as they're not apples to oranges as conditions and dyno types all impact final numbers and if the two bikes were dyno'd in the same condition on the same day (controlled environment) then yeah I'd take the dynos in consideration. So, for $2,500 more than the Suzuki you're getting:
 
1-15 more horsepower (manufacturer claim)
 
2-LED lighting (All lights)
 
3-Touring capabilities
 
4-Ride Modes
 
5-Cruise Control
 
6-12v DC Power Outlet
 
7-Fully Adjustable suspension
 
8-Lets not forget the (Newer in design) R1 derived motor which has a bigger intake than the actual R1
 
Now the only advantages I see the Suzuki having over the FZ-10 are:
 
1-Brembo Brakes
 
2-Super comfortable seat
 
3-Wayyyyy better Fuel Mileage
 
4-K5 "Iconic" GSX-R1000 derived motor (2005? I think)
 

Yeap, that's a good summary of the differences.  The only thing I would add is that the "ride modes" are a gimmick, I wouldn't consider them a positive (but that's just me).   
I'm in socal, but even here you can get a big cash discount on the Suzuki or 0 percent financing.  People buy Suzukis because you can make a deal.  The FZ10 is new, and they aren't going to flex on the price for a while.  I've seen the ABS bikes listed at 9k.  OTD you're probably looking at 10k if you can haggle.  
 
 

Yeah, I'd pretty much be in beast mode anyway...lol you're right about the prices, but Suzuki earned my respect with that motor. Just not the look of the bike. I think it's hideous.

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

So you're going to bust my balls over 1 hp, when you were telling me that the bike makes 119hp stock?   
I've been to the Suzuki demo ride events.  You can't use the bike to it's full potential when it's an escorted ride with a lead bike, and a tail bike, and a bunch of Marauders and Burgmans in between.  Turn the traction control off, click it down to first gear and run it to redline, shift to second, run it to redline, shift to 3rd, and run it to redline.  This cannot be done at a Suzuki event.  Period.  Full stop.  Not happening. What you get at these events is the general feel of the bike, and how it does in day to day conditions.  That's about it.  

This is true. I only redlined 1st and 2nd. We did take off at a light though. Our group was kind of broken as the lead, the second rider, myself and my brother were leaving the pack behind. I rode in second and third during most of the twisty roads. The bike had tons of usable power.

Redlining in 1st and 2nd is all you need to know what the bike has power-wise (unless you just crept up to redline). It doesn't get any faster in the higher gears, lol. 

[thomascrown]

I just checked with one of the local dealers. 8800 plus tax title license for the non abs, they don't have any abs bikes in stock, but I would assume it would be 9300.

[jeffkisthename]

I just checked with one of the local dealers. 8800 plus tax title license for the non abs, they don't have any abs bikes in stock, but I would assume it would be 9300.

Damn, no one wants the bike? It's a 2016 for goodness sakes lol.

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

I just checked with one of the local dealers. 8800 plus tax title license for the non abs, they don't have any abs bikes in stock, but I would assume it would be 9300.

What's your sales tax out there? Only $500 seems like an awfully low estimate for all those fees. Just tax out here is 10.5% in most places. 

[Guest ChicagoAJ]

I just checked with one of the local dealers. 8800 plus tax title license for the non abs, they don't have any abs bikes in stock, but I would assume it would be 9300.

Damn, no one wants the bike? It's a 2016 for goodness sakes lol.

If I planned on buying something like this new I wouldn't want a 2016 when the 2016 season only has a few months left in places where it snows. Obviously out west that isn't an issue, but I'd still hold off for the 2017s even if they were going to be the exact same bike. However, on the other hand, you could always wait until the 2017s are out to get an even better deal on a 2016. 

[thomascrown]

My next bike will be bought in winter, on a rainy day. Figure I'll get the best deal then. 2017s will be announced and in the pipeline to give the dealer a sense of urgency. My fz is at 30k miles, 2k worth of mods, at this point it has no resale. I will keep the reliable fz around, allowing me to be more risky with the second bike. Maybe Aprilia Tuono, R1S, etc. But I also like the cheap low maintenance nature of the Suzuki. No better feeling than knowing your bike will start, everytime. So who knows.