Suzuki GSX-S1000A - catching up
Strictly sport bikes are losing popularity. On the other hand, there is a growing interest in naked bikes built on their basis - without fairings, two-wheelers for city driving and episodic trips along the highway. Suzuki has finally caught up with the GSX-S1000A.
Recent years have seen an explosion in mighty naked cars—fairless cars whose engines provide atomic acceleration, and whose suspension and braking systems try to keep everything under control. KTM is offering the 1290 Super Duke, BMW is trying its hand at the S1000R, Honda is offering the CB1000R and Kawasaki is offering the Z1000.
What about Suzuki? In 2007, the Hamamatsu-based company set the bar at an extremely high level. The production of the B-King, that is, in other words, the iconic Hayabusa without fairings, has begun. The monstrous size, sophisticated design and exorbitant price effectively narrowed the circle of buyers. Many were also scared away by the parameters of the engine. At 184 hp and 146 Nm there is no room for error. B-King turned down the offer in 2010.
The gap left by him was not closed quickly. This came as a big surprise to many. After all, Suzuki's lineup included the supersport GSX-R1000. Theoretically, it was enough to remove the fairings from it, work on the characteristics of the engine, replace a few parts and send it to car dealerships. The concern did not dare to implement the minimum plan. Launched this season, the GSX-S1000 has been designed from the ground up with the need to use as many existing components as possible.
Engine from GSX-R1000 2005-2008 A proven unit was, among other things, due to the longer piston stroke than the current GSX-R1000, which made it easier to get high torque at low and medium revs. The camshafts were redesigned, the ECU was reconfigured, the pistons were replaced, the intake and exhaust system was changed - the stock one sounds good, but in the tested unit it was replaced with an auxiliary "can" Yoshimura, which released bass at low and medium speeds and increased the noise level at high.
The performance of the redesigned GSX-R1000 engine is impressive. We have a lot of thrust already at 3000 rpm. Thus, dynamic driving does not mean using high revs and constantly changing gears. The impression of dynamics is enhanced by significant air turbulence. Once above 6000 rpm, the engine recalls its sporting pedigree as the speed rapidly increases and the front wheel tries to lift itself off the road. At 10 rpm we have 000 hp, and a moment before that - at 145 9500 rpm the engine produces a maximum of Nm. The closer you get to five-digit rpm, the sharper the throttle response becomes, but there's no room for unpredictable behavior.
Moreover, the rear wheel is tamed by a three-stage traction control system. The highest, third level does not allow even a slight break in the clutch. Data is downloaded at 250 times per second, so corrections are made smoothly and disappear as soon as the tires gain traction. "Single" gives the driver freedom - there is a slight skid at the exit of turns or bullying of the front wheel during vigorous acceleration. Anyone who feels the need can disable e-help entirely. It's a step up from the GSX-Ra, which can't even get traction control for an extra charge. It is a pity that they did not introduce a hydraulically actuated clutch when following the blow - it would unload the hand when driving in heavy traffic.
The characteristics of the suspension were on average adjusted to the purpose of the motorcycle. It's stiff, so it doesn't shy away from aggressive riding, but it brings an unnecessary dose of nervousness over bumps. The strongest are transverse faults and ruts. Luckily, braking is very smooth - Suzuki fitted the GSX-S with radial Brembo and ABS calipers. The system is efficient and, despite the presence of wires without a steel braid, allows you to accurately dose the braking force.
The newcomer looks more than good. It is difficult to specify the elements that should be replaced with tuning accessories. The turn signals are small, the muffler box is cramped, and a filigree wing with a no less symbolic license plate mount sticks out from under the strongly upturned rear. The taillight and marker lights are made using LED technology. The cherry on the cake is the steering wheel. The unattractive black pipes have been replaced with solid aluminum Renthal Fatbars. We add that this is a popular tuning gadget that costs more than PLN 500 along with mounts on the open market.
The dashboard is also impressive. The liquid crystal display informs about speed, rpm, engine temperature, amount of fuel, selected gear, traction control mode, hours, instantaneous and average fuel consumption and range. The panel is so large that a lot of information does not interfere with its reading.
The vertical position behind the wheel facilitates maneuvering, unloads the spine and greatly facilitates the view of the road. Suzuki is proud to point out that the completely redesigned frame is lighter than the new GSX-R1000. This does not mean that everything is ultralight. The GSX-S weighs 209kg, slightly more than the plastic coated GSX-Ra.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000A is perfect for short trips. The motorcycle is frisky and gusts of air do not cool the rider even in traffic jams. There are no fairings on the route. The wind is already taking its toll at 100 km/h. At a speed of 140 km / h, a tornado rages around the driver. Already after a hundred kilometers, we begin to feel the first signs of fatigue, and driving ceases to be a real pleasure. Those who are planning at least one-time trips to the track should seriously consider the GSX-S1000FA with a windshield and wider side and front fairings. They will not significantly affect the performance or agility of the motorcycle, but will increase the comfort of everyday use.
The novelty from Hamamatsu cost PLN 45. We will get the built-up version of F for about 500 thousand. zloty. This is a very worthy offer. The Honda CB47R costs PLN 1000, while the BMW S50R starts at a ceiling of PLN 900.
The GSX-S1000A is a valuable addition to Suzuki's lineup. It does not revolutionize or change the balance of power, but it offers a lot for a reasonable price, so there should be a lot of customers. Fans of the brand will surely regret that the concern lost an attractive market segment to competition for several years. Especially since Suzuki stocked most of the ingredients for the GSX-Sa recipe…
