The MAM Journals - Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX . First Impressions. 

Lots of great bikes out there . Pick the one that suits YOU , the best . Have fun 👍

I have 3 Gsxr Suzuki's & a few in the past.. looking at the gx for my last till my riding days are done.. they've always been exceptional value for $ & reliable as the sun rising.. & generally look good too

Thank you Chris . Don’t think I hold a candle to Harry but I appreciate the compliment👍

Glad it was helpful! I actually only describe 3 of the 6 , pitch , roll and Yaw .. measured by the gyroscope , the other 3 are measured by the accelerometer .. which measures thrust , heave and sway .. one for another day although I might have covered it in one of my Gen 3 Hayabusa videos . Amazing levels of technology today when you think what we both started on ! Hope to catch up at the end if the month 👍

The brakes in my opinion , are ok for a sports tourer but a bit soft for those more focused on maximising the sports side of the bike . Upgrading pads is the first , obvious solution for those looking for sharper brakes . I think the GX is a good bike and the suspension a big improvement on the GT , which I also like 👍

Enjoy the walk 😂

Thank you for the feedback . Appreciate it 👍

Thank you . Makes it easier to do a good review , when it is a good bike . 👍

I am really pleased with our GT . So easy to ride . .. great bikes 👍

😂 . The ability to personalise some of these bikes to suit your own riding style is remarkable . The range of settings is so broad that you almost get two bikes for the price of one 🤔 Takes a bit of faffing around to get familiar with it but personally, I find it very useful particularly on bikes that you can ride like a sports bike or tour , two up . Clever stuff ..

Thanks Danny . Yes they are at a different level . Technology that was unimaginable when I bought my first bike..

Thank you . I am certainly no engineer but have enough riding experience to feel the differences in power/torque and when it delivers . It is interesting how straight 4 power delivery has changed over the years . Never too sure whether it is a deliberate design approach or the consequence of fuel injection and emission control . Modern straight 4’s run much leaner in the early revs than they did in the past . My ZRX 1200 ( carbs) pulls like a train . My Z900RS needs revs to get it interested . I will reflect on your comment and see if I can think of ways to factor it into my reviews without making it too technical . Thanks for watching and taking the time to express your views . 👍

Thank you 👍

Thank you Dean . Glad you enjoyed it ! New series starts in March but there are already 70 plus videos launched so far and you might enjoy some of those as well . Appreciate your taking the time to watch , comment and subscribe👍

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting . I hadn’t thought about long distance commuting but can see your point . Great vision , comfortable , filters really well , easy in traffic , goes when you ask .. 🤔👍

Thank you Paul . Good of you to comment. 👍

You ask some great questions there Carlos ! I will try and answer them logically . Firstly I use the GT in the same way you appear to use your current bike . IE part sports bike and part tourer . The later role is invariably two up and being 5’8 it is important to me that I have good foot contact to balance the weight ,particularly on adverse cambers . It was one of the reasons I choose the GT over the 22 model year Kawasaki , which is slightly taller than your current bike . This leads on to my next “answer” . As I mentioned in the video I would need to ride the GX two up to check the contact point and balance to ensure we both felt happy . Solo I would be more than happy with the GX because although , on paper the 845 seat is tall , with the electronic preload system and clear leg route to ground it is fine. The improved ergonomics, seat and technology would sway me . If you are planning to change in a couple of years it may well be that both the GX and GT have the new technology and the seats are interchangeable . At that point you could have the bike that fits YOU , best ? Hope this helps 👍

@@michaelmam Thanks for your answer, you got it right, part sports bike and part tourer but only solo up in my case. It would be a good proposition if the Ninja (or the GT for that matter) would be fitted with semiactive suspension or that Kawasaki decided to graft the Ninja’s powerplant into the Versys…

As you rightly say , Suzuki have had a reputation for good gearboxes , for many years . I do like to keep trying other bikes though .. just in case 👍

So true. I had a TC90 around '74. It had a nifty lever you could kick with your left foot to select a low-speed gear ratio or a high-speed ratio. Wonderful trick for toggling between trial or road riding. No sure why the idea never carried forward.

@@michaelmam perhaps it's a gen thing.. your age same as me.. good report thanks 🇳🇿🇳🇿.. you missed.. the paniers.. the top box was right there on the floor 🤧

@@terrellgarren7125 ts90, ts185, t250, z1r, ss900 was me.. Sz always slick boxes

@@Errol.C-nz Didn’t miss them , just choose not to talk about them but wanted to show them so people could see they are the same as the GT , which I have covered previously . That was actually a pannier from my bike .. 👍

Personally , I hope that the next GT model upgrade includes all the tec . I have fitted Nitrons on my GT but really like the GX set up . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

Thank you 👍 really appreciate the comment .

Glad you enjoyed it and found it useful . Thank you for subscribing. It is a 19 litre tank or 4.17 imperial gallons. I averaged 45mpg so in theory , 188 is your lot .., which ties in with our normal 170 and stop approach .. 👍

Good call . I am thinking about gear at the moment as some of my stuff is towards the end . Sounds like a bit of fun as well 👍

I was pleased that it rides like a Suzuki sports bike ….👍

Thank you . Glad you found it useful 👍 I do like the XR . Great bike . The GX/GT power is definitely more linear . Appreciate the comment !

Thank you ! Very generous comment . I am lucky enough to borrow bikes from Kings Two Wheel Centre in Oxford and they have always been very supportive of me “ calling it , as I see it” and help me get my facts right with Spec and technology . Have fun on the test ride 👍

versys 1000 must be a wonderful bike, the only thing i am concerned is the weight and size while driving in the city.

A friend has a Versys and has kindly ( foolishly?) offered to let me borrow it to review . Looking forward to it 👍

Thanks Rich . I know some like the specs and explanation of what they mean , but others like to go straight to reviews opinion . I try to cover both but in a way you can skip it 👍

Thank you 👍

Thanks for commenting . Try the GX . It might be the one 👍

Can I ask what tyres you went with Kevin ?

@@Maverick-moto Metzler roadtec 01

@@kevinf-b5065 Cheers Kevin. Something that is of particular interest to me because of my increasingly delicate lower back; do you find the Roadtecs give you any noticeable improvement in ride comfort?

@@Maverick-moto I had the suspension fettled at the same time so can't directly compare, but the wet and slippery grip improved greatly

Thank you Antonio . We really enjoyed Portugal last year . Great roads and felt very welcome . I may take you up on your kind offer 👍

Thank you . Glad you enjoyed it . 👍

@@michaelmam picking up my Gold Star on Friday from Kings following your review!!

@@davidprescott8469 Fantastic . Hope you enjoy it . Let it warm up for a minute or so in this weather !

@@michaelmam Hope so. Thanks for the tip, I am sure Steve will give me all the lowdown!

@@davidprescott8469 Steve and the team , are very good . 👍

vulcan 👍

I took them off my GT at 300 miles … after the first heavy rain .. 😂

Yup. Switched to Michel Road 6's for my GSX S1000 GT and man, what a difference!

I think it can but it priced up at just over £500 so quite an expensive option ? Glad you enjoyed the review. Just back from a tour to Spain and Portugal on my GT , two up . Fantastic bikes . Mountain or motorway 👍

Great . Fit is important ! Both very good bikes . Have fun 👍

Great comment 😂

Thank you . The GT and the GS are the two bikes I ride the most . If I go with the new GX , it will be an interesting comparison now that Suzuki have upgraded the suspension and electronics and BMW launched a new 1300 .. 🤔

@@michaelmam That hideous front end on the 1300 stops me in my tracks every time and can't look beyond to give that bike more than a cursory glance. The GX I find to be one of the more attractive bikes in the segment along with the reimagined Stelvio.

@@thekenthouse6428I respect that . Looks are subjective of course but if you don’t like them , it is entirely your choice . Personally I prefer the new GS looks to my 1250 but look forward to trying one . I like the looks of the GX too . To my eye it is nicely balanced . A lot of good bikes out there today 👍

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know 👍

Sure . Happy to help . All engines vibrate of course . It is a question of , at what frequency . This engine is a buzzy , straight 4 and you can feel a buzz at 5000 revs , which is 70mph . I have actually just finished a 2300 mile tour of Spain and Portugal on my GT ( same engine) and I actually found it easier than last year . I tend to increase revs slightly every now and again to change the frequency and use cruise control extensively when on those sort of roads and speeds . I also remind myself not to tense up and hold the bars too hard . 🤦 😂 It all helps . I was very comfortable on the tour and my hands are not great ..

Thanks for commenting William . We bought the GT because , as you rightly say , it is actually quite a small bike . We can do about 220 a day and solo , I have done 280 but for us , that is far enough . If I wanted to do further I would probably use my more upright BMW GS . The GX is a bigger and more upright bike and I think would suit some taller riders better than the GT . Never tried the Triumph but good to hear you like it 👍

Thanks for commenting . Shame you can’t get test rides . I am always surprised in how many countries you can’t . People complain about dealers over here but sometimes we forget how lucky we are ! The GX/GT engine is very flexible . 30 mph in 6th is easy so It isn’t a bike you need to “dance” on the gearbox all the time but if you want to crack on , you need revs . I like the engine . Easy going but sports bike fast when you ask .. and howls like a banshee 😂 ( appropriate for Ireland) I rate the XR too though . Both great bikes .

😂 no scandal . Sorry . If I can find a Triumph dealer willing to lend me bikes long enough to make a balanced review , I will make them 👍

Same here. I love the style of the GX but I would miss the power delivery and 19" front wheel of the V-Twin. I like the 150HP of the GX but I don't live in the 6K+ RPM world. The price point is a little high as well. I'll stick with my 1050XT.

I am 99% going for the V Strom 1050 and will keep my GSX1250FA as my inline four.@@terrellgarren7125

Hi Kevy . I am never sure that I am qualified to offer advice but happy to voice an opinion .. Personally I thought on paper, that the XR was a perfect bike for me . Great raucous engine , good sat nav integration , quality luggage and lots of electronics, which I like . In reality it is just too tall for me and carries its weight higher than the GT . I wouldn’t feel secure , two up on an adverse camber . Dependent on your leg length you might actually prefer the XR ? In terms of vibration , to be frank , they are both buzzy straight fours . I change the frequency of the buzz by changing gear and altering cruising speed . I would do that on both bikes . The XR has more power and torque and probably has a little more vibration as well ? My recommendation is try both and see what you think would suit you the best . The Suzuki is a bit easier going but both are really good bikes . Hope this helps👍

😂Only you can make yourself faster ! Joking aside , the GX is twice as powerful as my VStrom 650 and offers significantly more power and performance . In terms of comfort I find my XT very comfortable and I found the GX equally so . Comfort and fit are very personal . Might need to try one to make sure it is good for you ..

I think the Suzuki will be less money to service but I have had a few BMW’s ( still have 2) and they have been very reliable , as have my Suzuki’s … . The XR is a “weapon” but feels a bigger , taller bike than the GX , which I personally found easier . Rider size plays a part ..👍

Im my opinion the Suzuki is more dynamic / sportier / faster but not as comfortable as a well equipped Versys . Both will tour well so it will be down to personal preference ?

@@michaelmam thank you,can t wait to put my hands on that gx,still not available in us

​@@michaelmamhow does it perform in not so smooth road or little bit of off road?

@@CuteNaRider we don’t really have dirt roads near me and it is not something I look to test . It is not an off road bike but with different tyres would probably be ok on dirt tracks 🤔 For me , It is a road bike at heart , with adventure style height and riding position ..

How are you ? Same gearing as the GT by the feel of it …

I am good thanks!@@michaelmam

Very different bikes and idea … adventure tourer v sports tourer . My view , an opinion and not “advice is that the VStrom feels bigger and is a softer , more gentle ride . The GX is upright and comfortable but remains a sports bike . More vibrations and more edge .. if you get a chance , try both ! Have fun .

I have the touring screen as well . It moved the wind around but didn’t eliminate it . Speaking to people who have fitted the puig , the feedback was positive . 👍

Thank you - much appreciated

I was surprised that Kawasaki didn’t launch a 24 upgrade . A good bike . Nice torque , smooth and quiet but 10ps behind the Suzuki and I think , still on manually adjusted suspension . I considered the SX when I bought the GT as I preferred the Suzuki . If it is still the same bike , the GX will be “better” in a number of ways . Hopefully I can get hold of a new model when it eventually arrives but Kawasaki , certainly in the UK , are not active in the RU-vid area .

Thank you . Didn’t pick up that .

I have just checked the specifications … I think it is standard but may be wrong 🤔😂

Nissin catalog: img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/a7e85d62-de0e-4f09-b83f-ce821b7a4d8d/2R%20Nissin%20Brake%20Catalogue%20(2023ver)%20.pdf search for the phrase: Nissin radial brake master cylinders (integrated tank)

No . I suspect it is lurking in the electronics somewhere but you can’t activate it . They have it on the gen 3 Hayabusa .. hence my suspicion ..

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting . I really like the 8S . A great bike . In terms of suitability I never feel qualified enough to offer “ advice” but I do find the progressive delivery of the GX/GT engine and clutch make it a very easy bike to ride . You are not at peak torque until 9500 revs . Try one ? It may be the one 👍

@@michaelmam thanks for replying! It’s good to get the low down on all the settings and electronics on the GX, very informative as always but more to cover on this one. I will test ride both, I am very happy with the 8S, I got it in black like the one you reviewed, I also like the look of the GX in black. Thanks again.

@@robmance1611 Very Welcome . 👍

Very different riding position on the GX . It certainly wasn’t “quiet” but is different . If you have a chance , try one ?

I last rode a 1050 about 11 months ago . I have ridden a lot since then and can’t remember the dimensions accurately . I do recall that I found the 1050 particularly tall though . More so than the GX … Not sure where you are based but most UK dealers will have a 1050 and the GT demonstrator in the showroom . It might be easier to go and sit on them both ? The dimensions on the specification sheets don’t always give the same sense that the bikes do . Sorry I can’t be more helpful ..

The 1250S has amazing torque and from memory , at less than 4000 revs ? The GX /GT has 50 ps more and is a fast bike . You will have to go up the revs to find the power but it is linear . I like the way the engine delivers its power but it isn’t a “muscle” bike . If you get a chance , try one … it will be different but you might like it 👍

@@michaelmamThank you for this clear, fast and honest answer sir. I am also waiting to try the new Stelvio as well (along with the GX). As you can tell , i am looking for a more upstanding bike that has some panch in the engine :)

@@gerokatserosThe most punchy bike I have is actually a BMW R1250 GS . Loved and hated in equal measure , with 143 nm of torque ( I think you have 108 ?) it pulls like a train from low revs …

@@michaelmamYes , 108Nm it is , but comes from 3500 rpm!!! No need to go above 5000 rpm, just change gear. And also it is such a smooth engine! GS 1250 is wonderful but too expensive for me.

I have in my stable a gsx1000f so the same engine and I think if you try one you will find the engine has plenty of torque the real banzai charge is at the top end but the mid range is as good as my old bandit 1200 , leave it in top and roll on to pass cars effortlessly.Also as with all the Suzuki's I've owed 100% reliable and cheap as chips to run

Thanks Richard . I will try and include the occasional mount / dismount in “height sensitive “ reviews 👍

A good and fair , question . Sadly one I can’t answer properly as I haven’t ridden a 9 .. one for the list ! 👍

It was ok for me . Didn’t think it was hugely different from my GT which suggests to me that much of the additional height is the extra suspension travel .

I am not sure if my local dealer has one in stock yet , but I will ask 👍

A fair comment Bernard . I tend to compare bikes with ones I have also ridden rather than price point and as an amateur RU-vidr have less access to all the brands than the professional journalists . Hard for me to compare it to the Yamaha and Triumph as I haven’t ridden them . If I get the chance , I will . I also think most of us are experienced people and like you , can work out price differentials and factor them in . I have actually already met 2 XR owners who were considering the GX because it is a similar sort of bike 👍 Thanks for the comment .

​@@michaelmam completely understand, but perhaps I fall in the younger demographic of yours (sub 40) and we are more concerned with 5000 euros up or down than some of the happily retired viewers 😅 Any case, it would be awesome if you could get your hands on the Triumph! 🤞

Nice problem to have 😂 Try both and have fun 👍

With a RE currently advertised under £9k, £5Grand is a big decision?

Tracer 9?

I agree . That is how I conclude the video . It is mostly sports bike , with more space and luggage capacity . Some “crossovers” are more neutral in their split ..

👍 A few people have mentioned that they think the Tracer GT is a good comparison . I haven’t ridden one , but will try to ..

@@michaelmam I feel even the design language is quite similar to that of Tracer 9Gt and 9GT+. Please put some few miles on one unit then give your feedback as usual 👏

The torque on some twins is remarkable . One thing I like about my BMW R1250 GS , a bike that divides opinion , is the 143 nm of torque . 👍

@@michaelmam 143 NM sounds fantastic.

but the bandit was tuned to 98hp with huge torgue in low rpm ... it is not the same bike

I agree . Very different style and purpose .....

For some the GT is the bike , others will appreciate the spacious riding position and technology of the GX . I thought the SX was smoother but slightly less exciting ( 10hp down) and most importantly for my choice , just a bit too tall for me … 👍

Fronts definitely are , I tried 😂… should have tried the rear as well 🤦

Yes . Suzuki don’t supply one but aftermarket suppliers do and the rack on the back has mounting holes 👍

😂 I so know what you mean

They are good ..!

Have fun 👍

How is it working?

We are lucky . So many good bikes to chose from 👍

Personal question .. apologies . What is your inside leg measurement ?

@@michaelmam 32"

@@lold6130 umm .. not particularly long . If you like the GX there might be ways to increase leg room by increasing seat height / lowering peg height ? I think the BMW XR has more room and possibly the M10, if you are looking for upright sports tourer with a straight four ?

I suspect when you actually spec up a R1300GS for touring , it will be significantly more money . Both good bikes ..

@@michaelmam the base price here is just 2k more and i wouldnt mind a 10k difference. i just dont like to spend extra on the BMW if there is a cheaper alternative that is just as good. i dont need all those fancy electronics (tho nice to have). so it would be extremely helpful to hear ur opinion on how they compare neck to neck as a daily commuter. will probably live with the purchase for the rest of my life if longevity allows.

Both have adventure tourer riding positions so, for me , are comfortable. The GX is has a sportier feel to the engine . Not entirely sure I would consider either as “ commuter” bikes but I guess it depends on what you mean by that . If you get a chance , try both . Ultimately it is only your opinion that matters 👍

@@pecopeco5907 IMO the most important things to consider here are (1) Reliability (2) Engine characteristics (1) is simple, Suzuki has better reliability. They're very well made and has very low error rates. Significantly lower than BMW, which sits far below the top four Japanese brands. (2) is a lot trickier. An inline four vs a boxer has totally different characteristics, and impacts the riding experience A LOT. The Suzuki is geared very tall in 1st. If you want to access its full power, you need to spool it up. You basically get to access its full power when accelerating, and after that you're chilling in higher gears where it will be very quiet. Certaintly not lacking in power at all, the torque curve is quite fat for an inline four. But you're not getting the full 152hp for most of your riding. IMO for spirited riding, this is great. Its also very, very smooth and comfortable at lower speeds. The BMW on the other hand makes its peak power significantly earlier. Has a fatter torque curve. Will make its signature noise even at lower rev ranges - not quiet and smooth in the way the Suzuki is. If you prefer to have close to peak torque on tap most of the time, this is the better engine type for you. In purely objective terms, I think its an easy decision. The Suzuki is more bike for the money. It has all the features you'll ever need, but no more. Its extremely reliable. It has a very powerful engine with lots of torque. An engine that has proven itself for generations. However, motorcycle riding is in my opinion feelings above all. If you don't enjoy how inline four bikes ride or feel, you won't enjoy it as much. I see so many moto journos ride inline four bikes and short shift them, never even getting close to accessing its power. Inline fours needs to be ridden hard to extract its full potential. The boxer twin, not so much.

Personally I think it is linked to size and demographics . People are , on average , both taller and heavier than they were 40 years ago . A trail bike style is more spacious . Demograhics have changed as well . Riders now , on average , are much older than they were . With age comes reduced flexibility and trail style bikes are less crouched . This would also explain the rise in popularity retro style bikes ? The top sellers in the 90’s and 20’s were sports bikes . Fewer of us enjoy the tucked position required to ride them now ? Only an opinion 🤷🏼‍♂️

Yep … ok , until it rains ..

I'm guessing some Michelin road 6s would do wonders.

@@ioandragulescu6063I have them on my GT . They work very well .

It'll surprise you how many would... Yamaha Tracer 900?

Time will tell 👍

No, that bike is too ugly. The dealer where I live is trying to discount the Tracer substantially because they can't get rid of them @@williamrae9954

​@@Airtouch67In the land of the Pan American, Buell and the Motus,the problem isn't with Suzuki and the rest of the planet 😂

Those 3 surely aren't the beauty queens of bikes!😄

To my eye , most multi function bikes , crossovers , adventure tourers , sports tourers etc , do ? Aesthetically I still like the pure sports bikes but wouldn’t want to ride far , two up on them .

Really interesting and thought provoking comment. Thank you .

Hi Mark , I found the original suspension on the GT pretty basic , particularly the rear shock. The new suspension is a significant improvement on OE and much easier to adjust than my Nitron set up . It rides well and you can definitely feel it tighten up as you adjust it . The screen and upright riding position of the GX will undoubtedly reduce the top speed compared to the more streamlined riding position of the GT but didn't test it rigorously enough to find a limiter? Quite a few people seem to have got more out of the GT than the road tests have suggested though ..🤔. It felt like it would go ...Thanks for commenting !

@@michaelmam …cheers for the reply…great to hear….cant wait to demo it for myself and see how I get on👍🏻👍🏻

@@markjones3551 Exactly the right approach 👍 RU-vidrs like me can express opinions but they are no more or less, valid than anyone else’s. Trying the bike yourself and coming to your own conclusions is always the best way ! Making these videos has made me aware that in many countries , test rides aren’t available . Makes me realise how lucky we are in the UK ! 👍