LONG TERMER: Suzuki GSX-S1000X

Stu Baker’s clocked up 1k on the big mile-muncher in a month, here’s his thoughts thus far:

I was sad to say goodbye to Suzuki’s fabulous GSX-8S, but I’ve been more than compensated for with the arrival of the GSX-S1000GX. I was intrigued when I first saw pictures of it last year, because I have a long history with the K5 GSX-R1000 engine that lies at its heart; I’ve had a GSX-S1000, a GSX-S1000F, and a GSX-S1000GT in the past, and I was confident the same superb 150bhp engine would make for an ideal sports adventure bike.

I’ve got to a stage in life now where I know what I want from a bike, and that’s performance married to practicality; I still love a sporty ride, but I also need some luggage space for longer trips and a more comfortable riding position. The GX, on paper at least, seems to tick all the boxes (well, it will once I get the luggage fitted).

When I threw a leg over the bike for the first time at Suzuki GB’s HQ in Milton Keynes, my first impressions were how big and heavy it felt after riding the small and nimble 8S for a year. But that’s just relative – of course it’s going to feel heavier and bigger, because it is, but no more so than any other bike of its kind.

It felt plush, too. At almost twice the price of the 8S (£14,799), the GX has much plusher Showa (electronic) suspension and is more sophisticated in the way of rider aids, with three power modes and six TC settings. Also the GX has cruise control and the now ubiquitous USB charger, and the 6.5-inch colour TFT screen is super-clear and easy to read.

Another thing I noticed when I first got on the GX was how noisy it was. Even a naked bike is quieter than a bike with a screen, if the screen’s at the wrong height and deflects the wind blast straight into your face. I hadn’t read the bike’s full specs, so spent the ride home praying the screen was adjustable. Thankfully it is, though it requires an Allen key to adjust it. There are three positions and, with it now set at the highest option (I’m six foot), I can enjoy a much more peaceful ride, and can appreciate the impressively aggressive exhaust note, too.

One curiosity is that the GX comes with a base plate for (presumably) fitting a top box, but when I looked through the official accessories for the bike, Suzuki didn’t offer one. Odd. I suppose it’ll still come in useful for a roll-pack though.

I’ve not had much time on the bike yet, but first impressions are good and, with the GX being super-comfortable as well, I’m looking forward to racking up the miles this year.