Considering Suzuki are a company that have a reputation for brashness, not to mention a real flair for naked bikes that sell, it seemed remarkable that as the world turned super naked crazy, they were the only manufacturer missing out. Surely they could take their aging, but packed full of grunt, GSX-R1000, rip off its fairing, fit a set of flat bars and hey presto, create a proper full-on super naked? Well, in late 2015 it looked like they had finally done just that as the GSX-S1000 was launched. Or had they…
A deeper delve into the GSX’s spec sheet revealed that it was indeed powered by a GSX-R1000 engine – but not the latest version, one that was based on the K5 lump. Hang on a second, wasn’t that a motor that was released over a decade ago? Why not use the K9 motor? Or better still, the L2? The signs were there that Suzuki had once again pulled their punches and when the GSX-S1000 arrived, things didn’t get any better.
Visually, the GSX-S1000 was far too safe to be appealing. Naked bikes don’t have much in the way of a fairing to make them look cool, but the GSX-S lacked any form of characters, such as funky lights or even a few sharp styling lines here and there. It was, well, a bit bland. And sadly this feeling didn’t dissipate once on the go.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Fast Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Fast Bikes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DAN LINFOOT THE WORLD AT HIS FEET...
The racing world is full of characters who generally like to keep themselves to themselves, and I respect that. However, some of these people have a great story to tell. I'm incredibly fortunate to be friends with a few, have access to many more, and through my role with the award-winning podcast Chasin' the Racing, I get to sit down and chew the fat with some amazing individuals, so I wanted to give you lovely bunch a peep through the keyhole and an opportunity to get to know a bit more about some of these 'people of interest'.
ROSSI'S RANCH - LA 100KM DEI CAMPIONI
It's not every day you get the invite to trade paint, drifts and stories with Rossi and a bunch of world champions, but that's how life played out for the Neave twins a few weeks back.
RATING RUBBER...
We love a tyre launch, and especially ones of a sporty disposition. So when Michelin dropped us a line about not one, but two additions to their range, we didn't need our arm twisting to get stuck in and see what they're all about...
2017-2021 SUZUKI GSX-S750
Is the understated Suzuki GSX-S750 worth considering in the used market?
YAMAHA MT-09 - If you like your bikes nutty, naked and packed full of punch, you'll love the fourth-generation Yamaha MT-09.
Ten years ago, I found myself a part of the maddest, baddest, and arguably most illegal motorcycling I've ever a put my name to.
BACK TO THE FUTURE - KTM DUKE 990
It's been a while since KTM last had a 990 Duke in its range, but the name is back - and this new addition is perhaps one of its most exciting offerings ever. Here's why...
A CUT ABOVE
Four years on from the revolutionary release of the RCV-inspired Fireblade, Honda's given its flagship sportsbike a masterpiece of a makeover.
Steve Parrish
I'm fresh back from the South African Classic TT races and Christ, it's still bloody raining over here.
Christian Iddon
Well, my last column was all about just how I'm going to be the most prepared I could ever be for the season ahead.
SHOEI X-SPR PRO
I'll cut to it... when it comes to my kit, I don't mess around - especially when it comes to helmets.