I think we can all agree that Suzuki is a brand that’s not all about chasing the fanciest tech or going toe-to-toe with the big boys of performance. The way I see it, Suzuki’s just been fine with observing the game, sort of from a distance, and just rolling out what it thinks could benefit the industry the most.
Indeed, the bikes in its lineup embody this to a tee. I mean, look at the SV650. For the better part of a quarter of a century, this bike has been the go-to for beginner and intermediate riders alike. And even now, with this bike discontinued, folks still scour the used market in search of a mint SV. Heck, even its successor, the GSX-8S, can be described as a barebones, somewhat beginner-friendly naked sportbike—at least in comparison to the tech-laden machines hitting the market today.
With all that being said, to say that Suzuki doesn’t innovate would be nothing short of a lie. It just isn’t interested in being the first to do so. And I think this is where the GSX-S1000GX enters the picture. This bike is “all-new” to Suzuki’s lineup, but in the grand scheme of things, it really isn’t. To me, the GSX-S1000GX is really just Suzuki being late to the party…a party hosted by the likes of the BMW S 1000 XR, Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak, and heck, maybe even the Kawasaki Versys 1000.
But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, Suzuki’s approach means its bikes are time-tested, dependable, and built to last. The GSX-S1000GX carries this same ethos, delivering performance in a refined and predictable manner. Now, Suzuki has added a fresh spin to the GSX-S1000GX, launching two new colorways in Japan: Glass Sparkle Black and Candy Darling Red.
Glass Sparkle Black gives the GSX-S1000GX a sleek, stealthy look, perfect for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic. Meanwhile, Candy Darling Red brings a sportier vibe, reminiscent of the previous-gen Yamaha Tracer. Both colors add a unique visual appeal, proving that even with its more conservative approach, Suzuki still knows how to make a bike look good.
Beyond the fresh paint, the GSX-S1000GX remains a strong contender in the liter-class adventure touring segment. It packs a 999cc inline-four derived from the famed K5 GSX-R1000, producing 152 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. The bike is equipped with Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System, semi-active suspension, cornering ABS, and a quickshifter—features that ensure a smooth and engaging ride, whether you're carving up twisty roads or munching highway miles.
Designed for sport-touring enthusiasts who want a balance of comfort and performance, the GSX-S1000GX is Suzuki’s answer to the sport-adventure segment. It may not be the most high-tech option in its class, but its simplicity and reliability make it an attractive choice.
The only downside? These new colors are currently only available in Japan. While Suzuki hasn’t announced whether they’ll make their way to the US or other markets, we can only hope that they do.
So, does the GSX-S1000GX stack up against the competition in the liter-class adventure touring segment? And more importantly, is it a bike you’d add to your collection?
Source: Suzuki
