2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 - LONG-TERM TEST INTRO

Naked street-fighter

The 2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 (as tested) is priced at $9,999.Jeff Allen

Naked sportbikes have been a favorite category of the Cycle World staff for decades. The attraction predates CW ‘s CBR900RR project (April 1994) in which we stripped that revolutionary Honda down to its bare essentials and fit a one-piece handlebar. Almost every major motorcycle manufacturer now has skin in the game with a naked or sport standard in one form or another.

Suzuki has hedged its bets with both faired and naked versions of the new GSX-S1000. We opted for the latter, with intent to unleash true street-fighter performance and character from this more practical and affordable alternative to the GSX-R platform.

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Video from AIMExpo 2014

Not long after our 600-mile break-in service ($206 in parts and labor), we got off to a rocky start when a member of Bonnier Motorcycle Group’s brass suffered a low-speed cold-tire crash leaving his driveway. Plentiful torque at low revs is a beautiful thing unless one forgets they’ve disabled the GSX-S’s traction control on the previous ride (it doesn’t default to on) and fails to notice the illu­minated TC warning light on the dash. In any case, our man was unscathed and the bike sustained only minimal damage. Replacement parts amounted to a bar-end weight ($21.50), muffler cover ($55.99), starter idle-gear cap ($32.70), front master-cylinder-mount clamp ($11.99), and color-matched frame-saving plastic body panel ($37.74). A bent rear brake pedal was also easily straightened.

Track Day Delight: Metzeler Racetech RR tires were mounted up for a play day on the track. While the unmodified standard suspension sufficed, we are looking forward to applying shock and fork upgrades in the near future.Jeff Allen
The traction control warning light on the GSX-S1000 is clearly something worth paying attention to.Jeff Allen

Admittedly, this was a very low-speed scuff-up in which we got off easy with a total cost of $159.92, but it illustrates one of the attractions to naked-bike owner­ship. Racing forward we will apply suspension and performance mods to enhance the gentleman’s GSX as a back-road weapon and trackday tool.

SPECIFICATIONS
TOTAL MILES 2930
NEXT SERVICE 4000 miles
MAINTENANCE COSTS $206
REPAIR COSTS $159.92
AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE 39 mpg
PRICE AS TESTED (2016) $9999

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A real sport on the daily grind

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 - LONG-TERM TEST UPDATEJeff Allen
Racing Pedigree: The GSX-S engine is based on the 2K5 GSX-R1000. This long-stroke configuration lends well to the S' street-first intent.Jeff Allen
Slight fairing damage after a low-speed cold tire crash.Jeff Allen