Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT vs BMW R1250RS vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx Comparison Review 

I chose the Ninja. A suspension setup makes a big difference. I love it.

Cannot understand how people say a 140hp 1000cc sport bike is not exciting to ride.

Recently acquired the Kawasaki N1Ksx, it's an absolute gem. Did a 6k km road trip after the first service. Loads of Torque and absolutely plush ride, exactly what you need on a Touring machine. The machine is a ninja in true sense, does not attract much attention, and is easier to park in the open.

I have recently brought a R1250RS , absolutely the best thing I ever done . Great bike all round 😊

Appreciated this down and dirty comparison. Loved how well put together the video was also. 👍

At this time the Suzuki is best, and the main reason I bought one. Many critiques complain about the stock brakes and tyres but I honestly find them perfectly fine… riding on the road. Nice review 👍🏻

Wow what a great video! Loved it. I’m off to check out your other videos now!

Nice video. I'm a long term Z1000SX (now called Ninja 1000SX) and love it. I test rode a BMW R1250RS and could be tempted by it, mainly due to the shaft drive and lack of chain maintenance faff. You got my like and a subscription.

When I test rode the R1250RS the torque nearly slid me back off the seat, the mid range punch of that boxer is savage. I thought the quickshifter was crap though.

Good video. Lots of info comparing the 3 main contenders. Thanks.

Really liked the factual and concise style of this review - thanks for sharing 👍

I tested all 3 and it was the ninja for sure

Im a huge sport tourer fan having owned 5 vfr800's over the years as well as a Yamaha yzf600 thundercat and a zzr1100. I was looking at a new Kawasaki ninja 1000sx. My mate bought one which i rode and although it is smooth and quick i found is dull. It was like driving a white Toyota camry. So went back to my roots and found a 2008 Honda vfr800 with bugger all kms. Spent the left over change making it mine with different pipes, 15/44 gearing change, power commandor and dyno time and shes now a peach. Fitted heated grips and shes brilliant

Fair comparison IMO. I have a R1250RS, and at 6'4" and some Heli bar risers, it's perfect. Absolute dream bile. As these are all in the sport touring segment, I would have liked you to address luggage options, max load capacities, and how they are to ride 2-up.

Very very good review, thanks!

Excellent sum-up of three bikes which are contenders for the same kind of riders, I guess. Of course everything depends on what you want to do with your bike, on what bike you come from and on your body frame. I'm doubly biased here as I come from a boxer engine (GS R1250) and own a Ninja for two years now. I wanted something more sporty than a big ADV bike but practical enough to tour in comfort (I'm just back from a 4500 trip to Sardinia and Corse). I thought the RS would be the logical way to go but I didn't like the seating position which felt too stretched for me. I test rode the Ninja and there was no going back to the boxer. I felt in love with the effortless and smooth power delivery of that inline four. I really fancied the S1000XR but I found the engine lacking midrange compared to the Ninja and I also found that it was a very tall bike (although there's a lowered chassis available). I cannot comment on the Suzuki as it hadn't been launched when I bought the Ninja. I find it's a similar proposition and agree with you that it's a handsome looking bike. One thing I can add that really reveals the quality of the Ninja is that I keep fancying other bikes, I really want to like the S1000XR, it looks great and has all the creature comfort of the BMWs, I absolutely adore the looks of the new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, I also like the Tracer 9gt. You might think that the Ninja doesn't do it for me and then you spend a weekend motor-camping or your yearly motorcycle holiday and you sense the landscape rolling by as you sit on the Ninja and you catch yourself thinking, "there's actually not a single other bike on which I'd rather be sitting right now than on this"...✌

Bar riser took care of the reach on my R1250RS. Corbin seat, Aeroflow windscreen with MRA spoiler and my 32” sleeve, 32” inseam, 6’0” made it work to at least 85-90% of perfection. I would love to have many of bikes I see on RU-vid and elsewhere, but I am limiting myself to one.

Great video. Perfect information and excellent presentation Thanks. Just confirmed yet again the GSX is my next bike.

Great review, thank you! I’ve demo’d both the Kawa and the BMW before, and I (mostly) echo your thoughts. The Kawa is so refined, it is actually boring. That is probably great for 1,000 mile days, but not for impulsive rides. The stock screen has very smooth airflow, btw. The BMW is very competent, and more engaging than the Kawa, but I didn’t connect with the boxer like I hoped to. I love BMWs (my current bike is a S1000RR), but the 4 cyl K & S bikes rather than the boxer R models. Coming off literbike, the more aggressive position actually suits me better. I definitely need to try the Suzuki, very intriguing, and your review emphasized that!

Great review! I also test rided those 3 bikes and agree with you in your Points. I ended up buying a Black GSX-S1000Gt . After 2000 km on it, absolut no Regrets!!!🎉

I've owned a R1250RS for 2 years now, the best bike I ever owned! In fact, it's so perfect and composed that I'm now considering switching to a GSX-S1000GT to have a bit more "feeling" and adrenaline with the 4 cylinders. Hence me clicking on your video, so thanks for that! I know it will be a bit of a downgrade of tech, but hopefully an upgrade on fun! 🙃

Coming to the end of my time on the Guzzi V85. It’s a lovely machine but just that bit breathless at realistic motorway speeds and despite experimenting with different screens I couldn’t get entirely comfortable on long runs. So this review has given me a lot to think about - thanks for creating a well made and thoughtful review.

That was a good review. MT10 rider here also. I've been considering all of these bikes plus the DUC SF V2. Have to keep reminding myself my MT10 has the most comfortable rider position. Keep up the good work. Subbed.

what a fantastic vid and perfect competitors , no idea why i have not come across this vid or channel before , im leaning towards r1250rs but suzuki very close 2nd , if you fit the bars from the r1250r then it brings them a lot closer to you , just a thought

Wow man, for a channel I’ve never heard of before, you are an excellent commentator that offers information that we actually care about. None of that BS where people just awkwardly and annoyingly point out random things about the bike as they come to them, or worse, just reading off the pdf about the bike. Actually well written and useful info about how the bike FEELS

Great video!!

thanks for a great review, I have a 2020 RS full spec with out the heated seat (was not available at the time ) so heated grips are easy just switch the button on and off no menu required, I also found the position a little sporty but solved this with handlebar risers (nippy Normans) I would also add a minus and that is the spray off the rear wheel. I have since covered over 25K km on my bike and think this is one of the best bikes I have ever had, having owned R1200GS, K1300GT, Honda VFR 800 in the past. which ever bike you choose stay safe :)

great video!

I test rode the BMW R1250 RS but found my knees got sore after an hour. I saw the Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT and the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX at Manchester bike show, sat on both but felt more comfortable on the Suzuki. I also preferred the more sporty look of the Suzuki, so I placed my order and picked my Suzuki GT up in May 2022. Only downsides of the Suzuki are the woeful front brake pads and the horrendous OE tyres. Change those two out and you’ve got a comfortable tourer that can also scratch when the need arises 😃👍

I was coming down from a K1200s and looked at the Suzuki , was offered a rather good deal but ideally I wanted shaft/main stand and decided upon the RS , add a set of handlebar risers and I’ve found my ‘forever bike’ ❤

Ninja 1000sx owner here. The touring screen is abysmal. Horrible buffeting and noise. One is better of using the the stock small OEM screen. In the end I solved it with a PUIG screen which is better than either OEM in just about any way,

got gt since november 2022, already did 6600 KMS, no regrets, wondefrull bike, powerfull and such comfortable 600kms per day is not a problem, butt only hurts a bit with stock seat, but no back soreness/exhaust etc

I have moved from a BMW K1200RS to the Suzuki GSX S1000GT. I have the factory heated grips, panniers and touring screen. I love it but had to get the front and rear shocks upgraded as it was too hard and bouncy for my 70kg weight on our rough NZ roads. It is now at around 90% of the comfort that I had on the Beemer, but is lighter, more clickable and more fun. Overall a great choice.

I have the GT and love it. For the Cruise control, I just turn it on every time I start the bike. Then you can engage it with your left hand any time you want.

Thanks for a rare three bike comparison side by side. Personally, for the BMW side, a S1000XR may be a more related participant for this test as it has the same engine layout (inline four) like the other two bikes.

Here it is, a nice comparison video. I think that the SDGT should be on this test group of sport touring bikes but I understand that for maybe practical reasons it wasn’t possible to count with that proposal or non of the already famous Italian brands that have themselves their own options on the sport touring segment. I think that a choice of this values has to count along with the dealership quality of service and some brands offer better service to customer than others. If the money was likely leveled between all the options in analysis I definitely would go for the BMW. I’m a fan of the German boxer engine and the shaft drive system. Not to have chain maintenance, is a big plus for me. The digital screen of the BMW also receives my preference, but looking just for the best value for money, I agree that the Suzuki could be the one. Your own bike, Yamaha MT-10 can have, I think a sport touring option, with a tall wind shield side panniers (don’t know if there are only soft ones or like the T9 GT, it can be installed hard panniers to it, but in terms of engine , the Yamaha Cp4 would be my choice by far! ✌️✌️

I enjoyed your vid, I bought the Suzuki which I have been enjoying for a couple months. I bought it to replace my Honda ST1300. It is a great bike and 200 #s lighter than the Honda. I like the sports tour style. I do have a Indian for cruising but find myself riding the Suzuki more. The Suzuki rides so smooth and exciting. I highly recommend this bike.

Very well done review!, Thank you! But personally, I prefer the absolutely gorgeous Italian styling of my 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello “S” roadster.

The front of the Suzuki looks like a sad cartoon character, but it's not ugly. For the RS, you can get tubular bars as an option which will make it more upright and comfortable. Or you can get bar risers as a middle ground.

I bought the Kawasaki new in 2015,did 1400 miles and got rid of it,it was a very good bike but did not stand out in any way,the wind protection was terrible and I just couldn't hustle it around corners quickly without it complaining. I am now on my third S1000xr, latest one being the current motorsport version, by god they are good.

About 15 months ago I got back into riding. I test rode the Suzuki and the Kawasaki , I sat on a BMW 1250 rs and I did fell lent over when sat on the bike. I liked the Suzuki and the Kawasaki about the same, I ended up getting the Suzuki because I got a better trade in deal on my Yamaha MT10 but if I was paying cash I think I would have got the Kawasaki.

I brought a gsxs 1000f new 6 year's ago and I've still got it because I can't find a bike i like more and as expected it's been 100% reliable i have though fitted a nitron rear shock as the original left something to be desired

Great Video! I've been going between the RS-12 and this SCR Project Rally. Your insight was very helpful. I am also curious what windshield you're running, and are you happy with it? It looks good while appearing to be significantly better than the stock one, which creates a lot of buffeting for me. Cheers!

1000sx all the way! But all of them are great bikes! Awesome video!

Beemer for me. Fit bar risers or spec the one with the gs swept up and back bars (it’s an option when ordering) and you have the best bike there. Most tractable engine and probably best quality build. Not cheap. Superb bike though. Money no object it would be the R1250RT. Rides like a sportsbike but massively comfortable and practical.

Nice comparision. I always used to look for the best of both worlds when it came to bikes and obssed with picking one that ticks all the boxes. Problem is I end up with a bike that does everything well but is not particulary great at any one thing. So I end up looking at more extreme bikes to accomplish a task. No im leaning toward just saying "feck it, ill have a bmw s1000RR sitck lugage on it once a year for a tour and enjoy it as a sport bike the other days" I think im fit enough to handle it long distance.

Great info on all 3. Currently owner of a MT10, for last 5yrs. Just finished 2000 kms touring trip in 5days. Love the bike, can track it, commute it and tour it. Only downside is, even with a screen the wind noise is intrusive and yes i wear hearing protection. Have always considered the 1250rs or 1250r as future options. Even though they're essentially the same bike, the seating position seems stretched on the rs compared to the r. Any thoughts as to why? If not, alls cool, keep the reviews coming.

Went for test ride on Ninja 1000sx and GSX 1000gt last week.. going out on s1000xr tomorrow!

The Suzuki has me interested in Sports Tours in my future, get the full GT package to complete a great look.

Great review Average Biker! It's like I'm looking in the mirror. I too have an MT-10 but have always had a thing for the 1250 RS and the R. I like the Suzy GT as well having had a K6 before the MT. The GSXR is the best bike I've owned. So do you miss your MT-10 at all? Surely you miss the noise from the CP4? Does the BMW get off the line as quickly as the Yamaha and Suzuki?

Whait what? 170 miles for the Kawa? Dude, you must be really hard on the throttle. I'm about to finish my first season on the SX and so far I did around 4000miles. I never stopped for gasoline before reaching 200miles on a tank. Usually I make around 220 miles on a single tank. Coming from a BMW K1200S that sucked gas as if there's no tomorrow, this was a very pleasant experience. At 5.6 I am relatively short, and thus the wind protection works better for me I guess, for I would not complain about this being an issue. However, I did do three modifications: - installed a Bodis slip on Exhaust - installed a Puig Racing screen - had the edges ot the seat rounded It's my dream bike now!

Having just come back from a 3200 mi trip in 6 days on my 2022 GSXS 1000 GT + My biggest complaint is the seat I could use a little more comfortable seat other than that the bike was fantastic

Good review. I tested the suzi and the kawa. I liked them both but the kawa gave me a more "classy" feeling... the suzi felt a bit cheap. A BMW I don't even look at: way to pricy for me. Today I'll pick up my new Kawa😊

Thanks for the quick review, these are exactly the bikes I'm considering. I still have to ride them and are leaning towards the Suzuki. Only reservation I have about the Suzuki is the lack of an IMU. I do a lot of winter riding and an IMU with the extra safety features it offers is almost a must for me. Shame Suzuki didn't add it. I'm wondering if anyone has anything to add on this matter?

Personally I'd stick a tall screen, comfort seat and possibly some panniers on the MT10 and head off on tour. It's a cracking bike that'll do it all and had plenty of accessories available to tailor it for your needs. The one major advantage of the BMW you failed to mention was its shaft drive.

I suppose what may come into play for these bikes are residual values, whilst the BMW is about 3-4k more expensive do you just get that back if you are trading in on a regular basis?

I absolutely adore how the GSX-S1000GT looks. It has that aggressive sport bike look that will turn heads, especially in the 2022 model reflective Blue

I own the Suzuki in the same colors as your test bike. Can easily get 175 miles to a tank in a mix of spirited city/highway riding.

Suzuki has the best quick shifter in the industry. BMW has good power, but I no longer trust its reliability. Kawasaki feels everything is quality build - very premium feeling. But due to my physique, I find Suzuki most comfortable…it fits me, and find it most controllable and at ease. But I think out of all 3, Kawi is the best in touring.

You had me going there for a bit, I own a 2022 GSX-S1000GT... of the three, hands down, the Suzuki comes out on top.... for all the reasons you mentioned. I had a 2018 R1200RT in the past, not too dissimilar to the RS and that boxer twin engine is a gem - it's just that... BMW is soooo expensive! Here in NZ, to get a new R1250RS you're looking at $34990NZD compared to $21990NZD for the GSX! 13k difference! The Kwaka, as you say, just does not look right, I prefer to go out to my garage and lay eyes on my machine and think... yeah... nice! Not so with the Kawasaki, it is a travesty in my opinion! The GSX looks good, goes like stink, the torque is wonderful, it is comfy and RELIABLE for a very good price... what more could you want?? I am sure you will enjoy the GSX. Happy riding! 😊

Good choice. I was surprised to hear you say the BMW felt faster, but that's probably because of the mid-range Grunt.

I love my gt❤ The top speed is a little bit low for germany but its ok The handling and the engine is great

It would be nice if you had provided prices for these bikes.

I own a 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT and am seriously looking at the Suzuki.

Commented here previously 3 months ago about my Suzuki GSX-S 1000 GT, and now that I’ve recently completed a tour from England to Nürburgring and surrounding areas (1650 miles round trip) and thought best to add a few more notes. I fitted heated grips before the tour and found vibrations through the heated grips increased over the standard grips. I subsequently fitted grip puppies but even these didn’t prevent the white finger syndrome vibrations. Cruising on the motorways, the Suzuki sits between 5,000 to 6,000 rpm…right where the vibrations through the bars seem worst. So my only gripes with the Suzuki are shockingly bad front brake and concerning vibrations through the bars at motorway speeds (approximately 70 to 80 mph). My preferred type of riding is long tours on-road through Europe, so in the next few months I’ll be taking another look at that BMW R1250 RS to check that for vibrations.

I looked at them bikes but ended up with BMW xr1000 fantastic for me

What model year?

i rode all 3 and chose the gsxr suzuki

Switch the rear tire to a 190/55 on the GSXS-1000GT and it makes a world of difference on turn in, corner stability and flickability.

Thanks. Currently in this same dilemma. Leaning toward the Suzuki but we can’t test ride these bikes here (U.S.) so it’s really hard to decide on something you can’t ride.

Why do all reviewers put the Kwacks screen in the full forward position that no-one ever uses and then complain about the looks?

Regarding the R 1250 RS, this bike is now offered with optional tubular bars, they are higher and further back than the cast items also, risers anyone?

Genuinely surprised to hear that the BMW has the longest reach to bars. Out of these three I honestly thought that it would be the bike with the most upright riding position.

The Kawai and Suzuki both had handle bar risers.

I’m coming off the Kawasaki and looking to get the bmw. And yeah, my sentiment why i want to switch is just that the kawa is kinda boring. It does everything really well and really smoothly. There is nothing wrong with it, it is a very good and sensible machine. But yeah, that’s about it. Excitement isn’t high on the list with the kawa

Good choice . If you decat and remap it like I did you'll love it

Like immediately

I like the Suzuki S 1000cc it's fun an here in Greece the price makes a big difference,the GT must be sure more expensive

The BMW Offers an upright handlebar option for about $200 USD

I like the Suzuki except for the handle bars, they don't match at all the beautiful looks of the bike.

Average biker a with an above average review. Thanks

Looking at all three! Sold my GoldWing! 69 years old and tired of throwing around 800 lbs! Leaning to the Suzuki?🤔

Looked at all three of these bikes as an everyday commuter / tourer, neither the Kawasaki or the susie have a top box option from new but are both marketed as sports tourers 🤷‍♂️ Now looking at alternatives

CAREUD TPMS protects you with smooth and happy motorbike travel!

So you must be the Reef Dork, I recognised your voice in 10 seconds. We have things in common. Fish and motorcycles.👍

Fun fact. Suzuki does provide a comfort seat and heated grips if you want them. Great choice!

Given the significant price difference between the BMW and the other two, and even the delta between the GT and SX when equally fitted with accessories, etc., choosing the GT is kind of a no-brainer. Particularly when you factor in the best feature of all, reliability. Head to ANY BMW forum and there is no dearth of expensive problems that only get worse with miles (with VERY few exceptions). And the biggest related issue is if these are used for long trips, the LAST mount you want to be on is one that could require a trip to a mechanic! The number-one luxury is time: Getting on and riding any time you feel like it, and for as long as you want to.

Do you have a video on your MT10 looking to get one

Surely it's time to lay the old boxers to rest. I've ridden the SX and it's a great bike.

the suzuki in that colour like cyber punk bike

i loved the Suzuki bit couldn’t get over how bad the brakes are..

Sometimes i wonder if you have different fuel tanks in the Euro versions because the fuel range is not even close to ONLY being 170 miles for the Ninja and as i understand the GT either. City riding, the Ninja does 330km or 205 miles. On the open road its closer to 380km/240 miles and ridden correctly gets close to 400km. Just an FYI. At least thats what a new Ninja does here in Australia on our fuel.

suzuki is nice and power🎉

Useful review but little commentary on the touring side of sports touring such as luggage, centre stand etc. the Suzuki appears to have a feeble tank range which rules it out for me. The Kawasaki isn’t much better. A few practical changes would probably elevate these two to top buys. I don’t like BMWs or twins much.

What about the suspension travel in the Suzuki? Is it any better than the Mt-10? One rider switched from mt-10 to f700gs Bmw to get 10 inches suspension travel for bumpy paved roads. Not off road.

personally the BMW is way overpriced. the Ninja is unavailable at most dealers, I found the GSX at a dealer in another State. I was looking a the 2023 Ducati Monster Plus, I did NOT like the cheap look and feel of the Ducati. I looked at several other Bikes and found the GSX-S1000 GT Plus for a fair price. i looked at the M10,, not much of a touring bike, and the price was too much for what it is. most 'Naked' bikes are built with the cheapest part they can find, you will NOT get the quality that you would if you buy a mid to high priced bike. facts, if you buy the GSX-R you will get better quality than if you buy the GSX-S. I bought the GSX-S1000 GT Plus because it has a fair value to cost. meaning you don't get top of the line but for the money you are NOT scraping the bottom either. sure the factory tires are shit, the brake pads are low quality, etc.. but over all not a bad bike for what you pay for. I took my 2023 GSX-S1000 GT Plus out for a, i guess you would say a tour,.. i went out and rode for 10 hours straight. with a few stops for gas and one 30 minute stop for lunch. when I made it home I was a little sore in the back of my legs, but that was mostly from sitting in one place. my arm, legs, back, feet, and hands were not numb. the GT is a great all around bike. really built for long rides as well as shot runs to the store for bread and milk.

Hi - If you’re still in the Market for a GT/GT+ please let me know! I’m part of the sales team at Bulldog Suzuki Wokingham and would love to get you onto a new toy!

I've the older sx 1000 2017 I've tested the suzuki apart from the extra 10 HP can't say is a patch on the kawasaki, cant comment about the BMW not tested one, the kawasaki is the best for me it's got much more on offer than the suzuki and I'm a suzuki fan owned 8 over many years, will say the kawasaki end can is ugly, I get over 200 miles on a tank of fuel,

I owned a early z1000sx testdrove the BMW and will go for the Suzuki too. The Kawa feels too heavy for me and i don't like the 2 cylinder boxer engine although the punch of it is a astonshing, and i'm not exactly convinced of BMW motorcycles cause of there reliability issues. But the main thing is the torkey but sporty K5 engine in the Suzuki and it's price. 12000€ for a sporty allrounder is bargain today.

I had an FJR1300, I'll never buy another sport touring bike. I mean absolutely nothing about the performance, the bike had it all. I can't stand the forward riding position. I installed risers right away after I got the bike, but hardly ever rode because of the uncomfortable position. Leaning forward on your hands is uncomfortable after 30 minutes for me. I'm 6'5" so definitely not good for taller riders. 😉😎