2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000Z | Favorites & Fails 

I've taken a while to reply because I wanted to test ride as many naked litre bikes as possible and this is my findings.(No bias) KTM DUKE - monster torque, loads of electronic goodies but can get confusing to use. I noticed at certain rev ranges that the engine vibrates quite badly. I felt as though i was sat in the bike in a good position but the seat started to hurt after 30minutes. I love the looks but that's down to personal preference as it's subjective but if you don't like orange that's just tough! LOL KAWASAKI Z1000- Again this bike felt quick and smooth it was quite deceptive but at lower speeds it felt heavy which tendered to disappear the faster you went. No confusing electronics (what you see is what you get) The bike was comfortable to ride too. Stopping power was down on the rest slightly which i put down to the weight. The bike looks very aggressive. I also tested the Z900 as well and liked that slightly better even though the bike was a little bit more cramped to ride. BMW S1000- Lovely bike comes with loads of electronic goodies again (maybe to much) but each to there own. The motor was strong all through the range but I just felt a bit uncomfortable on it. I only had an hour on this bike so probably not enough time to get used to it. Stopping power was excellent. Again looks are subjective but the bike felt agile and light. Expensive to buy but quality build. YAMAHA MT10- This bike felt like an animal it also sounded lovely, very similar to the Aprillia Tuono. It felt big to me but that's because it had a comfort seat fitted. The engine was very strong down low and mid range, a real wheelie machine. Lots of electronic goodies (this was the SP version) but the control gear on the handlebars felt a little clutered and took time to get used to. This bike had a thirsty engine and went through half a tank of fuel before i knew it. Fit and finish didn't seem as good as the other bikes but that doesn't mean it was bad it just felt like there was bits of plastic just stuck on it. Again looks are subjective but I prefer the looks of the MT09 personally. Stopping power was okay as well. APRILLIA TUONO- What a bike and what a price! This thing was a rocket. Up close this thing is sexy as hell. The engine was very strong and just wanted to pull all day. Again loaded with electronics which for some will be totally irrelevant like pit lane limiter and launch control. Again I was only on this bike for over an hour and didn't have time to fathom out how they worked LOL. Riding position is very sporty and a bit cramped for me but not uncomfortable. Stopping power was excellent. Fit and finish superb. SUZUKI GSXS1000- This was the biggest surprise for me as it was one of the last bikes to test (I never got to try a Triumph speed triple) but this bike has a bit of everything from the bikes listed above. I can see why Suzuki used this engine as it's excellent. I couldn't feel any vibration whatsoever. This bike is a real sleeper......meaning i didn't expect it to be this good (for the price). This bike is deceptively fast what makes it deceptive is the handling as it was good also. Riding position is on the sporty side but comfy. I was on this bike for half a day and my ass was fine. Brakes are not bad either. This bike is quite light also and couldn't believe how good it sounded with the standard can. Fit and finish was good, probably the best of the jap bikes that I tested. Not to many electronics but enough to play with and get you out of trouble. I was expecting a real twitchy throttle but to be honest the MT10 throttle response was the same if not worse. After an hour i didn't even notice it. Again looks are subjective but this is one of the sportier looking nakeds with an aggressive look. Now to say that the best feature of this bike is the price is an understatement and to say that the bike isn't quite as good as it should be because it hasn't got a ambient air sensor is a crock of shite! If was to buy any one of the bikes mentioned, regardless of money then believe or not the Suzuki would be right up there. Fucking ambient air sensor my ass. If anyone's curious to what I ride at the moment it's a Yamaha MT09. I'm about 5.7" tall and weigh about 187 pounds. I've been riding motorcycles for well over 40 years and have been a former national motocross rider starting at the early age of 6 and not some journalist who's hung up over some ambient air sensor! So make of that what you like.

yes, the engine does not have a character, in other words, it does not break down!

So this bike produces quite a bit of torque and power. It gets good mileage. Its criticized for not having the right "character". whatever that is supposed to mean. Very vague and not supportable. Its very affordable, but it is hard to do wheelies on because its a bit too safe. Wheelies should not be done by amateur riders on city streets. Thats the reason why a lot of people hate people who drive sport bikes and understandably so. Some people don't like any bike that was not designed in the last 18 minutes. You don't know if its 74 degrees or 76 degrees. Who cares. If its hot open up your jacked and if it cold do up your jacket. Looks like a very good bike at a very good price.

1:10 I don't believe he's even taken a ride on that bike. That throttle response issue has already been taken care of. Nobody on a 2018 says they have that issue.

"I live in Southern California, and I need to know whether it's 72 degrees out or 75 degrees out!" Are you fucking serious? You're the last person to need an ambient temp feature.

i would say the opposite, an old well tested engine that everyone seems to love gives it character

One of the best naked bikes I've ever owned (and I have a SuperDuke 1290R and had a Tuono) The throttle issue was fixed with a throttle tamer and by adjusting some slack out of the cables. The motor is FAN FREAKING TASTIC. It makes power everywhere and returns crazy gas mileage. I have seen local dealers blowing these bikes out for $9500. The traction control is certainly intrusive. It kills the party immediately. That's the big downfall of the bike....but you can turn it off.

The K5 engine is one of the best Inline4 ever built, even after 13 years

Throttle on my bike is very smooth and progresive and for Inline four this engine have loads of character- induction noise is very addictive . For the money it's fantastic motorcycle who needs 10 stage traction control or electronic everything it's a motorcycle not a laptop. What I love about this bike as well it's fantastic tank range you can do 200 motorwaymiles to a tank if you not going crazy . It's a proper streetfighter missing only on quickshifter

I went for a test ride on a 2018 gsx-s and MT10 (I live in UK so that is what we fz10 is named here) and I will have to deasagree with most of the things You saidin this video. Gsxs motor was more punchy from bottom all the way to the top end ruch (dyno charts prove that if you compere torque output per revs) same traction control on bouth bikes no IMU unit only wheel speed sensor crank throttle sensor and they work excellent on bouth bikes. Oddly suzuki's system here is a negative and yamaha's is a positive!? would U like to explain that!? if it's to intrusive swich it off or level it on level 1. I will agree that both bikes have a bit snuchy throttle response (yamaha's is much worst then Suzuki's) but a simple Ecu tune/Power commander tune will fix both bikes! I will say Gsx-s rear shock isn't to good but an aftermarket one will fix that plus steel brake lines are a must have. plus this bike has much better range then the MT10. I prefer the display gsx-s it's easier to change stuff with the buttons. all in all I liked the Suzuki more and I thought it was a better motorcycle. But after watching your videos on this two bikes I belive that Yamaha's promotional team is probably paying You more money than Suzuki's one... shame really

Wow... Buttons? Really? Only plus is the price? I'm becoming defensive now since this old engine kicks ass of most of the other 1k bikes, 136 horses? Mine is pushing 150 stock... Traction control doesn't let you play? Your idea of TC and mine are very different, if I want to play I turn TC off. No idea what you guys were reviewing here. Not impressed.

I appreciate the perspective shared, so thank you. I did get the opportunity to ride one for a couple of hours last fall, and cannot say that I had the concerns shared here. It's a very good bike with a very attractive buy price and one of a few that has not been beaten badly with the Transformer insectizoid stick. To each his or her own.

This reviewer lost me when he whinged about no ambient temperature control. WTF? You're sitting on a bike outside? This bike is incredible. Heaps of power, amazing milage and tons of fun. The k5 has no character? Did you try riding it above 5k?

Got a 2017 1000 ABS, and I love almost everything about it. The throttle "drag" took a little getting used to, the rear suspension isnt top of the line, but the pros greatly outweigh the cons. It is super fast. Super torky, and a very comfortable bike to ride. For the price, you couldn't find a better bike.

Finally picked one of these bad boys up recently. A 1000 with TC and ABS for ~$10k OTD? No one else comes close. I've even seen other colors go for $2k-3k less. To say it offers good value is a gross understatement. Addressing some of these fails, I would say the throttle is sensitive which I'd expect from a 1000 but I wouldn't call it snatchy or uncontrollable. The gauge control isn't complicated at all and to even mention it is a nitpicky fail. The engine has that classic GSXR howl and actually sounds good for a stock exhaust. So unless you're expecting the sound of an Aprilia V4 or crossplane motor, I don't know how you can call it a fail. In my opinion, there are only 2 true fails and possibly a 3rd. First, the rear shock is a bit budget and I'm told can feel a little pogo-y depending on you're weight and sensitivity. At around 200 lb, I haven't noticed it but I haven't done any spirited riding yet either (still in the break-in period). Second, the engine ECU has been crippled a bit in the low to midrange to meet emissions. I doubt I would have ever known about had I not seen dyno figures as it feels like I'm being shot out of a cannon every time I ride it. Flashing the ECU though will apparently beat the original GSXR motor that it is based off of in terms of torque, get it close in terms of HP, and eliminate any noticeable snatchiness. Third, is athletics which is subjective. Maybe it looks like something that would have came out a decade ago but I think it looks fantastic especially when all blacked out. I have yet to see an aesthetically pleasing windscreen though which, being a naked capable of doing 170mph, you will definitely prefer to have.

I've got one handles great its got more power than you need on the road gear box is as close to perfection as it gets its give me 48mpg average its brakes do a excellent job the only legitimate criticism is the throttle response through tight corners is a bit off on easily sorted with a power commander it does lack posing ability but i don't buy a bike to make me feel adequate in other peoples eyes it's a blast to ride and it won't let you down

so does engine character means "engine behavior" or does everyone refers to a "smooth" engine as "no character" ? it seems like everyone is saying that an engine with less low end and midrange grunt as "no character", and only engine with loads of low end torque and vibrates alot has "character" ?

Is it *really* that much of a deal not knowing whether it is 72 or 75 degrees??? Most of us are lucky to get into the 40s at this time of year!

Funny he doesn't mention the gearbox as a like too me it's probably one of the best I have ever come across on a motorcycle.

I test rode the 2018 GSXS1000Z and didn't have any issue with the throttle. Overall the build quality etc was top notch. My only grasp was the size. I think it looks odd on a taller guy like me.

i took the mt10, the super duke 1290 out for a long test run before buying my gsxs-f , yes the duke and mt were a bit faster and mader but only just, and the mt did 110 mile on the test and nearly ran out of fuel , im so glad i bought the zook much better all rounder in my opinion, and the mt throttle was just as snatchy as the zook but no one mentions it

This bike has aluminium frame and no one is mentioning it. Thats huge benefit for ppl living in wett conditions or if they don´t have garage.

Everyone complaining where is Ari and Zack, what's wrong with y'all?? We've all enjoyed the Motorcyclist magazine videos like no other mainly because of Ari and Zack but those videos were a treat for all us fans, top notch cinematography and this Guy is behind those works, why freak out when once in awhile he gets to review things. He is doing a phenomenal job here. To all those people commenting "who are you"?,.. just think twice before doing that..

OMG - You cant tell if its 72 or 75 degress out? I HATE that!

135 bhp. I think you need to do more research my friend. I think you’ll find the correct number is 150

My favorite part of any bike review is reading all the butthurt comments from people saying mean things about the product they own

I don't really get why a number of "experts" are complaining about the engine design being more than 10 years old. Suzuki chose the K5 plant because of its longer stroke (and therefore more torquey) design, which makes perfect sense in a street bike. At least Spenser has one exclusive here: the opinion that this engine lacks power and character. 150 to 160 bhp (according to most dyno runs) is more than enough for a street bike and on par with the competition, too. As for character: The K5 is one of the most characterful inline-4s ever built. Ride it back to back with, say, Honda's CB1000R, and you know what I mean.

Which high performance bikes have a smoother on off throttle response? Please advise.

You should mention the vast aftermarket available for that K5 motor and the fact it is bomb proof even if you pump up the power a lot.

Ummm....When you get the bike "a little out of sorts", the TC is SUPPOSED to intrude.

i like the format. thanks for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

PcV with their stock map and tightening the slack cured 90% of the fueling/snatch out of it. I FUCKING LOVE this bike.

Oh my goodness. You mention the engine is lacking that something of character? It's the most character inline-4 I've personally sampled in quite a few years. It's got that raspy snarl characteristic of a GSX-R, that no one else does. It's also the longest-stroke engine in the 999cc class, but a long shot. That means torque is abundant and it doesn't need a heap of revs to get on the boil. If Suzuki did their version of an S1000XR using this engine? Goodbye BMW. This K5 motor makes 155 HP at the wheel with the usual power products. One of the "fails" of this video for "failing to mention" is the rotten transmission RATIOS. While the box itself is smooth as butter, shifts perfectly, one of the best that Suzuki makes, the ratios are totally unacceptable. 1st is way too tall, and 6th is just too short. The rest of the ratios are just jammed between them. You may as well rev the motor in 1st once underway, shift to 3rd, then to 5th, and 6th. Just ignore half the gears because they seem like 200 rpm steps. Obviously Suzuki just carried over race-track gearing from the K5 without tooling up for new gears.

Owned a gsx-s for 18 months . The throttle was a bit ordinary ; put an akrapovic pipe on it and throttle became smooth .The engine,gearbox and clutch are A1. The suzuki biggest problem is the rear shock [ really horrid ] and front suspension not much better . Also the front brakes are very average [ rubber lines the problem ] The bike cheap to buy but if attend to the lousy suspension etc its really not such a good buy . Suzuki have basically a good bike ; just needs finishing . Other good points are its very reliable , comfortable and sounds great when you get up it .

I don't have any problems with the throttle response. It is direct, but not snatchy. This bike is really great, but just not for unexperienced riders.

@3:35 you're saying a 130hp bike is "lacking power"?? This is why people buy +600cc bikes as a first bike; they think these power monsters are nothing to think twice about!

Dude your a fail, i have 1000z and it has four modes. Mode 1, mode 2, mode 3 and Hooligan mode. I trust this bike at speeds upto 200kmh. Sir you are entitled to an opinion and iv'e pushed this bike hard for several months now and quite frankly you should be ashamed of yourself. Yes it is a fantastic engine the k5 no matter what pratts like this guy say. He really should do some homework when reviewing this bike because he is the only guy that says it's price point is number one. Everyone raves about the engine, the suspension is ok, but really it's a whole lotta Rosie for the dollars.

Really?...Complaining about the lack of an ambient temperature sensor?...Are you incapable of telling if it is warm..or hot..or cold? maybe you should stop riding and go find a "safe space"............

I just returned from a 5 day trip in the French vogezen. This bike is made for mountains. It turns so easy. I used to have a yamaha r1 but is not so flexible when it realy starts to get curvy, like u turns. The only remark are the standard tires on the bike (Dunlop ) but that is personal I guess

I just bought this bike and i have to say its the most fun I have ever had on a bike to date. Can't say I agree on anything negative said in this video except maybe the throttle but I got used to that really fast and now I don't even think about it. Im really happy with it =)

Good job Spenser! Ignore the haters who have no idea how hard being on camera really is.

its called a cell phone. if you have the dough to be riding new motorbikes surely you have a smartphone and can pop up the weather channel app in

I understand that he HAS to be harsh in his reviews of bikes.. It makes the manufactures and engineers rethink their actions, BUT the only gripe I agree with is the fact that we need to know ambient temperature. That is important on a ride. Oh. AND the engine internals have been upgraded.. so.. not really the same engine. The pistons and camshafts are new to this bike.

Everytime old mate says gixis my skin crawls

Great series. New guy has some big shoes to fill and he's doing great. Keep it up.

If you don’t like the “intrusiveness of the traction control, just turn it off and go crazy... It sounds like it’s doing its job.

I can't understand why someone would call the K5-engine "out of character". That thing is a goddamn legend. Even this downtuned version outruns the FZ-10 and the Superduke up to 200 kph, and it's awfully close to the S1000R and the Tuono. And for me personally it also sounds better than the BMW's Inline 4 at least.

I really love this format

That was a good video through and through. Thanks!

No ambient temp gauge?? You are a DOPE!! They don't pay you to review bikes, do they?

I was cornering but the notification came

haha love the 72 degree and 75 degree dilemma...that's a problem I would love to have 😂

Like your short and sweet, to the point presentation. I have that exact same model and totally agree with the throttle issues you mention. As soon as my bike's run in I'm getting a Power Commander V for it. One 'fail' you omitted (though this is only my opinion) is the position of that grey rocker switch on the left handlebar. For someone like me who's been riding since the mid 80s, that switch is where the thumb operated headlight dip and high beam switch should be. The index finger operated light switch on this bike takes some getting used to. One other thing I think worth mentioning is where you said the TC can be altered on the move. This might be true but it's worth pointing out that, according to the handbook, the throttle should be turned off when doing so.

Throttle response is hit or miss w this bike. I just got a barely used 2017 and the throttle was fine...no abrupt on/off at all. This felt like a lazy review as the motor rips on this thing also....it’s a pretty special machine worth a serious look and review.

I don't know if your going on experience or what u have heard from others. However, i've recently brought one and i love it. It made the RS street Triple i tested look positively slow (The RS is a track bike). It's so damn powerful that TC on the street must be left on or you risk loosing your licence several times a day. To say the only positive is price depends on your riding skill set. The alloy frame is straight and swing arm and brakes straight off an R version. The k5 is positively old but it is one stonking engine. Also it has been revised in both component and fueling maps. You really need to get your facts right.

I strongly disagree with this review. The best thing about this bike is the engine, and the simplicity of the electronics package (traction control, lack of elec adjustable suspension, etc) The engine clearly outshines others in the class, like pointed out, costing thousands more. And the way it revs up to 11,500rpm is just plain fun. If your looking for a snatchy throttle, go take a ride on a MV Agusta liter bike. But honestly, I don’t think this reviewer rides at all.

The ambient temp sensor is such an expendable thing. If your bike doesn't have one, or is inaccurate? Dig out your smartphone, and google ''weather forecast (region)'' and presto. No one needs an exact number for temperature. Especially in SoCal where it's damn hot every single day. I'd say this video cuts way too many corners as far as the good points of the bike is concerned and puts too much emphasis on the 'bad' parts. I put that in quotes because of how much personal preference can be attributed to each factor. One of the favorites ought to be that you get to buy a mega reliable and capable naked sports tourer for under ten grand that has enough power to keep even experienced riders satisfied.

Why was the Honda CBR 300R Vs Kawasaki Ninja 40 vs KTM RC390 vs Suzuki GSX250 vs Yamaha YZF R3 - On two wheels taken down????

Can I just say that this bike imho is one of the most(if not the most) good looking bikes that are available to buy rn.

Character? Are you serious? The engine is an absolute beast and sounds great. Just stop it.

No mention of the thin coat of paint? The lack of a bright yellow low fuel light? I like this bike as a 50 mile per day commuter. As a Speed Triple owner, that must mean something. No its not a Triumph, but i love it. Too bad its VERY difficult to ride at a relaxed pace. More hooligan than the Triumph.

This bike is great, with the caveat, as mentioned, regarding the snappy throttle. Easily fixed though with an ECU flash / Dyno time. Then the motor really shows it’s true colours.

On-off throttle response being bad is simply due to Euro 4 regulations that all motorcycles must follow now. It results in jerky throttle and very hard engine braking. That's simply how it's going to be in the future and nothing can be done about it on the manufacturer side. I guess ECU's fuel map can be tweaked a little but that has to be done by experienced tuners. There are, however, aftermarket solutions for increasing the fuel supply to the engine to ensure smooth throttle transition (BoosterPlug and similar) but you'll have to purchase that separately. On the positive side, those can easily be installed by riders themselves.

Great segment... really enjoying the "favorites & fails"

this engine doesn't have character???

Great video! Concise, relevant and clearly presented!

I rode one on road and cartagena on track. Engine may not have character but its certainly quick! Loads of torque for an IL4. Brakes are great but abs and electronics are definitely too intrusive

Didn't you notice how bad the rear shock is on a bumpy road

How can you miss on the HP that's unfortunate

i have a 2016 and another thing i dont like is the power drop from 5k to 8k its like you hit a wall and the dregged throttle at low speed in a turn sometime you cant modulte it with finesse

There are vids showing ECU retune will fix the twitchy throttle response issue, I would put an aftermarket exhaust on the bike so getting the ECU flashed would be necessary anyways. The selector switch controls would take 1 day of riding to get used to so...great engine great brakes amazing price compared to what Honda and Yamaha are offering?

What about the GSX-S750? It'd be nice to get a vid on that one

Good review thanks. Delicately phrased comments on the ‘you get what you pay for’ message.

Good work ! I like the way you deliver your "program".

Could you please do the 2018 MT07 next?

Why does it only have 130+hp in the US? Are they still choking the motors or is that a measurement from the rear wheel? It's 150 in the UK.

The engine is a win win win

This guy looks and sounds exactly like Zack. Literally same voice and mannerisms.

Beautiful honest appraisal. Wish more people like you. Some people so into sales promotion that it is not worth listening to.Thanks for sharing.Conclusion, just a standard bike for standard price.

Great review!! Thanks for talking about a 2018 with good detail...

*How do you fix the throttle problem?*

Good clip, don't know what everyone is complaining about.

Dude....did you even ride it? My gsxs1000z has been dynoed at 163hp, and is the most fun on two wheels ive ever had, in my 35 yr riding career. I paid 11 grand for my 2018...and im certain it would keep up with the 25k Ducati Streetfighter. Pls dont critique something you know nothing about!

"72 degrees out or 75 degrees out" Classic

Must be an excellent bike if one of the only negatives you can point out is you don't vibe with the button layout. Lol

I dont understand the desire for ambient temperature readout. Either you are comfortable or you are not. Put on a jacket, or not, or switch jackets. Why do you need a guage to tell you. I lived in San Diego for over a decade and did fine without temperature readouts, riding modes, ABS, traction contol and the like. My generation learned to ride without any of that crap. It's a motor, and wheels, ride it.

How is it 10k? Damn i want to migrate to the states ! In Singapore a secondhand gsxs1000 which you can use for another 6 years (google COE) costs $22000 SGD

Big power and a good package at a great price. It doesn’t stir the soul but that should not stop you from considering one. A shame about the throttle but I guess you could remap the ecu

Motorcyclist Magazine which one is better?? YAMAHA FZ-10 OR SUZUKI GSX1000Z

The Seats are a Favourite in this bike!

It's also 2000$ more than the z1000 and z1000sx. The wind protection is non existent at 130 and makes the bike very unstable.

I wanna see Spenser on the next review/first ride or comparison review too!

I got the 2020 bike in gloss black looks the nuts!!! Throttle smooth as snake shit ....a very happy man !!!

Suzuki put on the strong traction control hoping people like you would enjoy it. . . There's nothing wrong with using an old engine design if it works really well maybe they should put some pretty stuff on the outside of the engine maybe you'd enjoy it

Definitely best bang for your buck, And really good on gas, the power band in the high rpms is crazy on this bike and mines the 750 version. I got mine at a dealership for 7200$

I did enjoy the video, I did not enjoy all the bizarre nitpicking. You really failed to convince me that there is one issue with the engine that should leave me wanting a newer stage engine. This engine is legendary, refined and gorgeous.

This engine is brilliant i dont know what you talking about....and for a change, i actually like the fact that it makes less power than the comp, lets be honest here, anything above 120hp on a naked bike is already more than we need really...

I currently have a K3 SV650, and I am looking into the GSXS 1000 as my next bike. My main complaint with the SV650 is the lack of two more cylinders (I really like 4 cylinder engines) and the lack of top end power. Would the GSXS be a good second bike?

suzuki was just like "here, have a cheap, fast, fun bike." and i can dig that. its a simple machine sure. but thats the beauty of it. didnt know bikes needed an ambient temperature read out. after all we are exposed the whole time so its not like you cant physically tell "oh shit, its cold today, maybe i should layer up" or you know. just use your phones weather app like the rest of us who prefer to check the weather before even having to step out of bed in the morning. seems like some really nit picky BS here. like you were trying to find things wrong with the bike.

How do y'all like this bike compared to the FZ/MT 09?