The 2015 Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS In Thailand

The very first thing I consider when it comes to wanting, needing, owning, craving or even considering purchasing a new motorcycle is – would I sit in my garage on a average evening, drinking beer, just looking at it and admiring the curves? Would I glance at the motorcycle every single time I walk through my garage and smile?

For me, very few naked-bikes pass this test but plenty of sportsbikes do. I like fairings. I have a good amount of motorcycles and most are sportsbikes... However, I've busted my back a few times. I'm not that young. I'm a bit overweight (according to my doctor) and I think it's time for a naked-bike – without losing the fun.

It's not purely a looks thing – it's a connection and an emotional visual experience I'm after in a motorcycle. I have a connection with some and not with others. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS connected with me as soon as I saw it.

Somehow the curves of the fuel tank and the radiator shroud, from a certain front three-quarter angle, reminded me of my old Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Hayabusa. I was thinking about the motorcycle after I saw it and then later sat on it and I could not help think about it a lot more. What that did for me was confirm that Suzuki really have done some outstanding market research during the development and concept period of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS.

I'm almost the perfect target market for them according to their press kit – 40 to 50 years old, sportbike rider, experienced, don't like gimmicks ot too many gizmos to play with, seek quality and style in a motorcycle and appreciate easy to ride, great handling and smooth power delivery these days on the street instead of outright performance.

For me to look at a motorcycle and want one without riding it is a rare thing... But it happened.

According to the Suzuki press kit, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS is that it had to be a motorcycle with the spirit of the GSX-R1000, ready for the street.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000 engine has been refined and re-worked from the mighty GSX-R1000 K5 to compliment the new naked-bike. Basically, it is the same version of the 999cc 2005 to 2008 engine that got such a cult following, designed to give more acceleration and throttle response. The Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5 engine was chosen as it has a long stroke for better mid range than the current GSX-R engine, because of its crank and gearbox layout permitting the desired frame design, and due to its proven reliability through multiple championships.

Bore and stroke remains 73.4 x 59mm, allowing for a compact combustion chamber and flat top pistons. This gives a broad spread of power throughout the rev range. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 engine dimensions remain the same with cylinder pitch at 80mm and the same horizontally split crankcases and crank/input/output shaft layout. Cylinder angle is 23 degrees. There are some new parts – such as FEM (Finite Element Method) pistons that are three percent lighter, helping with acceleration. The new camshafts are designed to optimize valve timing for the street, whereas the GSX-R1000 K5 was tuned for the track. Iridium spark plugs heighten spark strength and therefore combustion efficiency, contributing to higher power, more linear throttle response, easier start-up and a more stable ride.

The cylinders are SCEM plated (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) to improve heat transfer and durability. The compression ratio is 12.2:1 versus the GSX-R K5 ratio of 12.5:1 over the previous model's K4 12.0:1. Valve size and port shape is unchanged.

The gearbox remains as per the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and the back torque limiting clutch is also retained in the Suzuki GSX-S1000.

Suzuki uses 44mm throttle-bodies for the GSX-S1000, utilizing the SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) system, where the secondary valves are servo controlled. The injectors are 10-hole long nose units. The airbox is all-new, as is the exhaust system, which features equalizer pipes between cylinders one and four and, two and three. The catalytic converter is at the header collector box, which then joins the large volume exhaust chamber. The stubby muffler features a flapper valve, or SET (Suzuki Exhaust Tuning) system.

Throttle position, gear position and engine rpm determine the opening of the servomotor driven valve, controlling pressure waves for optimum engine performance…

The Suzuki GSX-S1000 ABS has a wild, bold and aggressive look what is a sort of trademark for designer Shinji Tamura - with the look of a crouching beast, not a Transformer or Manga cartoon styling… With a target rider above the age of 40, a touch of class and style also had to go into the design process.