Suzuki targets Yamaha's MTs with 2021 GSX-S1000

Suzuki launches new GSX-S1000 naked

Just a few weeks after releasing a teaser video, Suzuki has finally unveiled the new GSX-S1000.

Suzuki’s naked, inline four comes with a completely new look, aggressive design, and most apparent of all, its futuristic stacked LED design. It certainly looks to be targeting Yamaha's MT street fighters, and possibly doing a better job, particularly with the way it created its headlights.

All-new styling

The first thin you’ll notice about the new GSX-S1000 is its vertically-stacked LED headlights. Despite the tall orientation, it shines a wide, bright light, with the topmost being an LED position light. Suzuki chose this design to create a lighter and tighter look as well as an aggressive pose. Naturally, it’s paired with a new LED tail light with LED indicators.

The body features sharp, angular molding and aggressive lines to exude a powerful stance and what Suzuki calls a ‘mass forward’ demeanor.

Finally, Suzuki enhances its streetfighter looks with textured radiator shrouds, MotoGP-inspired winglets, and side panels that feature an urban camo-inspired design.

More power

Propelling the 2021 GSX-S1000 is an inline four designed to produce more power and deliver a broader spread of torque in the lower rev ranges. Engineers have fit in a new intake and exhaust camshaft, new valve springs, new clutch, and a new exhaust.

New electronic throttle bodies help achieve more controllable engine response during the initial throttle opening. A new airbox manages to do without an internal separator, reducing intake resistance.

These have all helped to produce a flatter torque curve and increased top end power. It’s now at 152PS at 11,000rpm and 106 Nm at 9250 rpm.

The exhaust gets a catalytic converter to meed Euro 5 emissions requirements while still producing a satisfying sound.

It’s paired to a six speed constant mesh transmission paired with Suzuki’s Clutch Assist System. The slipper clutch partially disengages to reduce negative engine torque and mitigate the effect of engine braking when downshifting from high rpm. This helps prevent the rear wheel from locking up or hopping and provides smoother deceleration.

Riders also get a bi-directional quickshifter, which reduces the need to operate the clutch during gear changes or close the throttle on upshifts, or blip it on downshifts.

GSX-R derived chassis

The GSX-S1000 is built on a twin-spar aluminum chassis mated to a rigid, GSX-R-derived swingarm for agile, sporty performance and handling. It’s held aloft by fully-adjustable KYB front forks and a preload and rebound damping adjustable rear shock.

Bringing it to a stop are 310mm front discs paired with Brembo monobloc calipers and a single disc in the rear. Making contact with the road are custom-engineered Roadsport 2 tires from Dunlop.

The bike gets a larger, 19 liter fuel tank for longer range, which is handy considering this is a four-cylinder. Suzuki has also fitted a new seat to offer more comfort.

Smart electronics

Finally, the GSX-S1000 comes with an updated suite of electronics, courtesy of Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS).

It’s now fitted with ride-by-wire throttle for more precise control. It also gets a new Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) system for one of three pre-programmed riding modes. Modes A-C all deliver the same peak power, but vary the sharpness and immediacy of the delivery, with A mode the sportiest, and C mode delivering the softest power delivery.

A new traction control system offers five modes or can also be switched off. The system uses inputs from front and rear wheel speed sensors, and crank, gear, and throttle position sensors to determine whether to adjust throttle valve opening, ignition timing, and fuel injection rate, to reduce or prevent wheel spin.

All this information is displayed on an updated and easy-to-read LCD dash.

Topping off the electronics package is Suzuki’s always-handy easy start system – which requires only one prod of the starter button to fire the engine. It also comes with a low RPM assist (that we talked about on the V-Strom), which raises engine speed as the clutch lever is fed out, to aid slow speed control and prevent stalling.

The new GSX-S1000 is available in traditional metallic triton blue, a new mechanical matt grey, or a stealthy gloss black.

It’s already available in Europe with many countries expected to follow soon.