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SUZUKI GSX-S1000F (2015-on) Review

Published: 06 July 2015

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MCN Review
Owners' Reviews
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Facts & Figures
History & Versions
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A true road-going sportsbike in almost every sense

SUZUKI GSX-S1000F (2015-on)

A true road-going sportsbike in almost every sense

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

It may look a bit soft around the edges, but it’s not the case. With pin-sharp handling and a gutsy motor the GSX-SF is a true sportsbike in almost every sense. If you want usable performance and comfort, you can’t go wrong.

Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5

This is no soggy, soft sports tourer, the GSX-SF flicks through bends like a well dialled-in race bike. It’s precise, planted in corners and uncannily stable at speed. There’s fully adjustable Kayaba suspension up front, running slightly more fork oil and a different shim stack to that of the naked version in order to compensate for the fairing and also give the GSX-SF a sportier ride. At the rear a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock links to a current-model GSX-R1000 swingarm to help you hook up the 145bhp from that stonking GSX-R1000 K5-derived engine.

Engine 4 out of 5

Suzuki have retuned the legendary, long-stroke inline four from the 2005-2008 series GSX-R1000 with revised camshafts that are more suited to road use, as well as new lightweight pistons, and a four-into-two-into-one exhaust system which ends in a stubby can. The GSX-S barks through that silencer with real R-series rowdiness. Despite giving away 30bhp in peak power, at no point do you find yourself missing the current model GSX-R1000’s extra wallop. The GSX-S has brilliantly strong mid-range which is extremely easy to exploit on the road.

Build Quality & Reliability 4 out of 5

The GSX-SF’s ‘crouching beast’ inspired looks aren’t as dynamic as the range-topping Gixer, but it’s the only area where the GSX-S1000F falls short. The build quality appears to be excellent, chunky and robust. It has a slightly Honda-esque feel to it – chunky and well-made but not particularly inspiring. The K5 engine is a well proven unit, so reliability shouldn’t be an issue.

Insurance, running costs & value 4 out of 5

When you consider that the new GSX-SF is £1000 cheaper than the flagship GSX-R1000 superbike, plus you get the added bonus of traction control too, it makes real sense for riders looking for a seriously useable, comfortable sportsbike.

Insurance group: 15 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.

Equipment 3 out of 5

With flat bars 136mm higher than the GSX-R’s clip-ons, and footpegs that are 24mm lower and further forward, the SF’s riding position is a lot more upright and roomy than the race-bred GSX-R1000. Full LCD dash runs the full complement of features: full gauge, gear position indicator, trip meters, traction control level plus live and average mpg readings. There’s also Suzuki’s brilliant three-way traction control system, and hard-wired ABS system fitted to all UK GSX-SFs. 

By Emma Franklin

Production editor, road tester, club racer

Facts & Figures

Model info
Year introduced 2015
Year discontinued -
New price £9,999
Used price £6,500 to £11,000
Warranty term 2 years
Running costs
Insurance group 15 of 17
Annual road tax £88
Annual service cost £190
Performance
Max power 145 bhp
Max torque 78.6 ft-lb
Top speed 160 mph
1/4-mile acceleration 10.7 secs
Average fuel consumption 38 mpg
Tank range 141 miles
Specification
Engine size 999cc
Engine type Liquid cooled, 16v inline four
Frame type Cast aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 17 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 214kg
Front suspension Fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba inverted fork
Rear suspension Monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound
Front brake Twin Brembo four piston radial monobloc calipers, ABS
Rear brake Single piston Nissin caliper, ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 R17
Rear tyre size 190/50 R17

History & Versions

Model history

None

Other versions

There's also an unfaired version of the GSX-S1000.

Owners' Reviews

11 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-S1000F (2015-on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SUZUKI GSX-S1000F (2015-on)
Summary of Owners' Reviews
Overall Rating 4.4 out of 5
Ride Quality & Brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4.7 out of 5
Build Quality & Reliability 4.5 out of 5
Value & Running Costs 4.5 out of 5
Equipment 4.5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Suzuki Hits Nail on Head

31 August 2018 by Philip Conroy

Year : 2015
Annual servicing cost : £150

I bought this bike as an ex demo with 600mls on clock. I have now completed 13000 miles with a mixture of day riding and touring. This bike has not missed a beat. Its comfortable on long trips and real fun on days out. The fuel economy is great even at high speeds. There is only one very minor issue and that`s the mirrors. (They can come loose, mainly on bumpy motorways at speed which can be a bit interesting!)

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Very comfortable and really good riding position for up to about 2hrs. This is not a bike for a pillion.
Engine
5 out of 5
What can I say its a revamped K5 engine. It`s got real grunt whenever you need it. It pulls right through the mid range, even in higher gears it`ll just pull. You can really work it, it just sings at high revs and is really responsive. Brings a real smile to your face. It`s just as happy at lower speeds.
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Typical Suzuki bullet proof engine. No corrosion whatever but fairings are pain to take off for cleaning. The only failure i`ve had was the ignition/ lock. The bike was 3 months out of warranty but here`s customer service, Suzuki covered the cost of all replacement parts. Well done to them!
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
This figure is averaged over all services up to 13000 miles. Does not include tyres.
Equipment
5 out of 5
-
Buying experience

Bought as ex demo from dealer who did me a really good deal with Yoshi extras.

3 out of 5

Not the bike for me

26 August 2018 by Walter Duroe

Year : 2017
Annual servicing cost : £350

Mine is the 2017 model, which is supposed to have decent fueling, but it doesn't. The rear shock must have cost Suzuki £10 as it is total junk. The engine is very vibey. Good points include: it is very comfy, the gearbox is superb and the mirrors are the best I've ever come across. It is also very fast, with very good fuel economy. I'm stuck with either giving it away or keeping the thing and spending £1200 to make it work. It will still be a vibey pig though. I reckon I will take a big financial hit and dump it.

Ride Quality & Brakes
3 out of 5
Great brakes,awful rear shock
Engine
3 out of 5
very powerfull ,very vibey
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
It is reliable and shiny
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
Enough toys for me
Buying experience

Bought from bikers world in Daventry,Decent deal quite friendly until i tried to get it sorted or sold. Got a definate feeling i was a nuisance when ringing, I will not trouble them again ! Had it serviced at St neots Suzuki and i have to say the fuelling is way better now. If it wasnt so vibey i would buy a shock and keep it

4 out of 5

The mature (ish) superbike

13 January 2018 by VeryHappyOwner2018

Year : 2015
Annual servicing cost : £100

This is an excellent excellent machine. All the benefits of the GSXR 1000, with far less of the impracticality of owning a 1000cc superbike. The only question mark i have about this is why it took Suzuki so long to create it!

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
This is an extremely confidence inspiring machine. Turn in is very fast (magnified no doubt by chucking on a sporty set of Michelins). Possibly the easiest bike to ride quickly that I have ever had a go on (including the S1000RR, ZX10R, Fireblade, R1 and 1199 Panigale). On a twisty road, no one will have any trouble keeping up with the superbike friends. Brakes are good, not as initially sharp as my Aprilia Tuono, but nevertheless, I have never had any reason to be overly concerned. And because of the confidence it instils in the rider, it can be ridden quickly in all circumstances (including when it just finished snowing a few weeks ago). Superb
Engine
5 out of 5
I'm not awarding this full marks because the engine is based on the K5 R1000. I'm giving it full marks because it makes so much useable power, as opposed to headline figures. It has the best low down engine response of any of the inline 4s that I have ridden. It has an instantaneous throttle response, which some have complained about, but I personally really like that, and wish more bikes were like that. It also sounds great, even with the standard exhaust. As for performance, it's got plenty.
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
It's a Japanese bike, which should tell everyone all they need to know regarding how little trouble it has been owning this. Even when I dropped it (entirely my own fault, not the bike's), all the damage was merely cosmetic and it has ridden just as well since being repaired.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
I didn't buy it new, deciding to let someone else suffer the depreciation, especially as there is not a huge difference between the original and the 2017 update. No matter how I ride it, it refuses to return below 40 mpg. Which for a bike of this calibre is superb. Very affordable
Equipment
4 out of 5
Not much in the way of electronic back-up and all the better for it! ABS to stop me hitting a tree. Traction control has saved my bacon a few times. No power modes thank goodness.
Buying experience

Very good. Bought from a Suzuki Dealership in North London. Still in touch with many of the staff there (by choice, not necessity).

5 out of 5

A Hidden Gem that the press struggle to pigeon hole!

08 December 2017 by SGW

Year : 2016
Annual servicing cost : £160

Great real world sportsbike for every day use. 5000 miles in 12 weeks of ownership, Buy this instead of an adventure bike its way more fun. The Gixus feels small, almost like a 600. It is fast, economical, comfortable, reliable, excellent value for money and great fun to ride. If you cover lots of miles buy this instead of an adventure bike its way more enjoyable! Make sure you ride the bike, some suffer from a snatchy throttle, mine is stock and has no issue, the bad reputation enables some amazing purchasing deals both new and used! This is a hidden gem of a bike!

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Ride quality is good, very comfortable on full day ride outs no numb bum, wrist or neck ache. Seat is wide and has ample padding & I find bar, peg location ideal. Screen works okay to 80 mph after that there is buffeting unless you tuck in slightly. Brakes are good after initial sponginess on front, back is slightly weak although the ABS does kick in so I must lock up on my other Non ABS bike.
Engine
4 out of 5
Great engine with loads of pull, a bang in the middle and a real rush to the limiter. Sounds great even with the stock exhaust but doesn't have the theatre of the MT10s cross plane. Nothing in it performance wise. Suzuki claim about 145hp and most dynos support this, Yam claim 158 but rarely produce more than 145 on the Dyno. Do not believe sales hype! Just for fun I tried playing through the very slick gearbox, no quickshifter or blipper but do you really need it? You can potter around in top from 22mph and pull cleanly away or sit at 70 in any gear. My only gripe is he ratios taken straight from the GSXR, they are too close so you really only need 1st 3rd 4th and 6th. It would have been great if they opened up the ratios for more road bias with 6th as a low rpm cruiser.
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Build quality looks good but some of the fasteners are plated rather than stainless and furring up in the winter. Invest £50 in full stainless fasteners and an ACF coating to make it winter proof.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Surprisingly frugal on a 60 mile motorway commute, hitting 57mpg and 200 miles on a tank. Hard weekend riding with R1s (it keeps up easy) and similar pulls it down to 40mpg. Service is 7500 miles so costs aren't excessive. Riding on Metzeller Roadtec 01s, went to a 55 profile rear they have excellent grip and feel.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Multi function dash and easy to use traction are really good. I dislike the one headlight on look on dip beam and really wish that Suzuki had included cruise control
Buying experience

Was ready to strike a deal on a brand new bike from Powerslide in Stoke On Trent at £1500 off RRP, Guys there were great. A private bike came up locally saving more than £2k and after looking it over it was mine. A deal too good to miss.

3 out of 5

Overall, I wouldn't buy it if i'd tested one properly before :(

14 August 2017 by Harvs

Year : 2016

Almost but not quite

Ride Quality & Brakes
2 out of 5
The suspension is awful. It's over sprung and underdamped at front and pogo stick on rear. Shame, as its very poised and sharp handling, but gets in a pickle on bumpy fast roads. Throttle is way to sensitive. Brakes are also poor. Very wooden, no feel.
Engine
5 out of 5
Cracking!
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Throttle bodies went on a tour of france :(
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
5 out of 5

Top Bike

05 April 2017 by Richard Walmsley

Version : Touring
Year : 2016

Very happy, touring kit not needed just wanted a taller screen, lol

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Brake lever has to be gripped quite hard. One comment said he was thrown from the seat on bumps and had had to spend almost £1K on suspension mods, all you need is a suspension setup by a pro for £40, job done, mine bounced over bumps, not any more, its great
Engine
5 out of 5
pulls and pulls , any gear
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
Corrosion sets in quite early
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
-
3 out of 5

Good but could be better!

29 September 2016 by Harvs

Year : 2016

had mine from new in June 16 and done 3500 on it so far. Cracking engine which is let down by awful on/off throttle. Stutters badly at filtering speed. Rising position is great. I've just paid for suspension overhaul by MCT this week and what a difference ! New rear nitron shock and fork internal springs and oil changed. It now handles as it should when pushed on bumpy British roads! Brakes are good but lack bite. As soon as a remap is sorted for the throttle issues it will be a great all round bike!

Ride Quality & Brakes
3 out of 5
Poor suspension makes the poor throttle even more hard to deal with. If you hit a bump at speed you can find yourself lurched forward or backwards. It's not relaxing and becomes unnecessarily annoying £700 spentbon new suspension front and rear has sorted mine. I may try new pads in front brakes to see if they willl Hine more bite.
Engine
5 out of 5
Stonking! Pulls like a train with massive amounts of power everywhere. Turn the TC off and it's wheelie heaven! Even sounds great with standard can.
Build Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
Good equipment all round. Dash has a lot of options for feedback. 3 traction control levels. Standard tyres have been good and rear still not bad with 3500 miles on it. Will swap to bridgestones next. Shame it doesn't have a cruise control
Buying experience

Great deal from Bolton motorcycles. Bob looked after me very nicely. Top dealer.

5 out of 5

15 June 2016 by hammerhead

Year : 2015
Annual servicing cost : £180

had mine for 10 months now and covered 5000miles, it puts a smile on my face every time I go out. it corners like its on rails and accelerates like a missile. and everytime I park up and walk away I can't resist turning round to admire the bike.....love it. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
the bike is at its best at speed and cornering at speed, I rode through wales covering 475 miles in a day and I could of jumped back on it and done it again straight away. the brakes are keen and more than capable of slowing you down to more sensible speeds
Engine
5 out of 5
I can't fault the engine, it sounds sweet and has bags of torque
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
I love everything about this bike compared to my last bike which was a gsx1250fa. I think the build quality is excellent and I've not had any issues with reliability.
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
not sure where mcn got their average fuel consumption from, they must have thrashed it everywhere in 3rd gear. I get between 50 and 55mpg every time I go out and get 190miles on a full tank of fuel and I don't spare the horses. I know Suzuki haven't aimed it at the touring market but with the addition of some soft luggage this bike is more than capable.
Equipment
5 out of 5
the renthal fatbars are great and the clock display is good and easy to read and operate. the original tyres where grippy but only lasted 2800miles, I've switched to Michelin 2ct's and nearly covered as much miles and they still look like new
Buying experience

I bought from a dealer and to be fair I got a great part ex price on my trade in

5 out of 5

Awesome machine

22 November 2015 by Gareth

Year : 2015

Excellent all round, great looking, economical bike.

Ride Quality & Brakes
5 out of 5
Excellent ride quality and great Brembo brakes. When brakes are applied, they react.
Engine
5 out of 5
Great performance and excellent delivery of speed. Awesome torque and great feel at speeds.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
-
Equipment
5 out of 5
Fat bars are great and the stock exhaust sounds absolutely amazing. Other than that, I think panniers would spoil the look of this gorgeous bike.
Buying experience

Excellent service from Bill Smith Motorcycles in Bangor, North Wales

5 out of 5

19 September 2015 by Smr66

Year : 2015

Ignore the MCN review, this is as much of a superbike as the gsxr only with a more comfortable riding position, picked mine up today and it is brilliant. 100 miles done today with an average 49 mpg and that includes some fast riding

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
-
Engine
5 out of 5
-
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
5 out of 5
Really to early to judge as only got today, gave it 5 stars as have had suzukis before and always found them reasonable with the running costs
Equipment
4 out of 5
-
Buying experience

Dealer I bought from was brilliant

5 out of 5

18 August 2015 by Cent

Year : 2015

Great bike, think Suzuki have cracked the road sports bike sector for people who want a sports bike mainly for the road that is practical comfortable, but can still mix it with your typical drop down barred sports bike. standard can sounds good, i personally like the look, however it has been commented that from the front its got a scooter type look. Think it looks timeless elegant sought of look, bought mine in Triton Blue.

Ride Quality & Brakes
4 out of 5
Ride quality is on the slightly stiffer side, (can adjust this if required) brakes didn't seem to have the instant bite my Honda CBR 600F had, need to squeeze them a little harder to get the same bite on the brakes, they seem to be more progressive. Front - Brembo, rear Nissin
Engine
5 out of 5
Engine seems to pull great, even when you get the gears wrong! I did test ride the naked version of the Z1000 about 5 years ago, which is almost the same engine in the current Z1000SX + a few minor improvements, i have to say the engine in this bike trumps it! it feels livelier, it does at times at low speeds feel snatchier, there again that could be me getting use to a 1000cc coming from a tamer 105bhp 600F Honda CBR to a stated 145Bhp (although during tests by mags they seem to think its more like 160Bhp and that's how it seems to me, compared to my memories of the Z1000.
Build Quality & Reliability
5 out of 5
-
Value & Running Costs
4 out of 5
Quality seems excellent, to early to comment running costs and reliability, i expect reliability to be good, and running costs to be reasonable.
Equipment
4 out of 5
Equipment is pretty good, however i would of preferred analogue dials for speed and revs instead of the entire instrument panel being Lcd

Photo Gallery

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