My final thoughts on the GSX-S1000GX after 9k miles of everything from commuting to touring Spain

Having spent the majority of the last 12 years riding adventure bikes, the Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX tall-rounder was something a little different. And after ten months it proved to be an incredibly competent machine, easily matching the versatility of a full blown adventure bike – I even had it off-road visiting a particularly remote campsite in Wales.

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• Update one: First impressions after a switch from adventure bikes
• Update two: The hits and misses after 2350 miles
• Update three: Tyre swap transforms the handling
• Update four: 1250 miles in Spain
• Update five: The aftermarket accessories I’ve fitted
• Update six: You don’t need an adventure bike to have an adventure
• Update seven: The effect of aftermarket brake pads

I covered nearly 9000 miles with trips ranging from my commute to the MCN office to a trip to Northern Spain for the opening round of BSB and everything in between. It ticked all the boxes, never missed a beat, but never truly got my juices flowing….

Inline four smiles – Hit

It may be 20 years old but Suzuki’s re-modelled GSX-R1000 K5 motor remains a peach. Free revving, engaging and thanks to the low gearing plenty of performance. With a claimed 150bhp on tap it never feels lacking, instead silky smooth and grin inducing.

The low gearing took me a while to adjust to because anything over 40mph you can comfortably be in sixth gear. At motorway speed it’s a little revvy. I averaged 51mpg, which isn’t bad at all, but you feel could easily be improved with higher gearing, without compromising performance.

All day comfort – Hit

I wasn’t necessarily expecting the GX to be as comfortable as some of the big adventure bikes I’ve run, but it turned out to be an area where it excelled. Whether that was done to my 5ft9in height, but I found the ergonomics and relationship between the pegs, seat and bars spot-on.

An adjustable Power Bronze screen reduced wind noise considerably meaning I had zero issue taking on big days or long motorway slogs. The seat itself is plush without being too soft, meaning normally inevitable long distance bum ache was never an issue.

Clunky electronics – Miss

Although considerably cheaper than its peers (think Kawasaki Versys or BMW S1000XR) the Suzuki’s electronics feel dated. The dash itself is OK but the way the traction control cuts or the disappointing delay when adjusting speed with cruise control makes it all feel late noughties – not 2025.

First world problems I know, but you just feel Suzuki have shown they can do better, but just haven’t implemented it on this bike. In its defence the quickshifter and autoblipper are slick and a pleasure to use.

Uninspiring ride – Miss

After riding around on 50/50 adventure tyres with 21” front wheels, I was expecting sharper handling and an abundance of grip from the wide 17” diameter 120 and 190mm width sports-touring tyres, but in reality it felt like I lost feel and confidence on the UK pothole-laden roads.

Although solid and predictable I’ve never felt inspired by the handling and turning of the Suzuki; in fact I’d describe it as wooden. Same goes for the front brake which is underwhelming in terms of power and feel.

Shine a light – Miss

Although I really like the super neat headlights and the overall styling of the GX for that matter, the headlights themselves feel more design over substance. Having ridden it through winter I’ve never felt overly visible and the performance of the headlight either in dip or main beam is poor.

While it’s not a premium priced bike, it’s still £14,799 which is still a substantial amount of cash, yet there are no back lit switches or even a cubby hole for your phone or toll ticket.