The 2015 Suzuki GSX-S1000F vs Suzuki GSX-R1000

Now that Suzuki sells two 1000cc motorcycles with full fairing, you would maybe wonder which is the best. The all-new Suzuki GSX-S1000F uses a revised version of the 2005 GSX-R1000's engine, which Suzuki claim makes 143.5 horsepower and 106Nm torque. It weighs in at 210 kilograms. In comparison, Suzuki claims their 2015 Suzuki GSX-R1000 produces 184.5 horsepower with 116.6Nm torque. The Suzuki GSX-S1000F and GSX-S1000 are 40 horsepower down on power and weighs an extra 7 kilograms. It's also a good amount cheaper so makes a great-value buy.

That deficit in power and surplus of weight shows in the maximum speed also. As expected, the new Suzuki GSX-S1000F is down on speed. There's not a huge amount of difference between the GSX-S1000 and the GSX-R1000 up to about 100km/h, but then the Suzuki GSX-R1000 stretches its legs and disappears into the distance; flat-out it's nearly 50km/h quicker than the sports-touring GSX-S1000.

But fact and figures only tell half the story and on the road the gap feels closer. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 has a sporty edge to it. The wide Renthal handlebars allow you to throw the friendly motorcycle around. The Brembo radial brake calipers are almost a match for the Suzuki GSX-R1000 items and the GSX-S1000 comes with three-way traction control for added support, whereas the sporty 2015 Suzuki GSX-R1000 doesn't have any rider aids.

However, once the pace hots up, the Suzuki GSX-R1000's heritage becomes more clear. The GSX-R1000 is still raced competitively in the World Superbike Championship and several other 1000cc racing categories, and while it may be deemed old-fashioned by modern sportsbike standards it can still cut in. No matter how hard you ride the Suzuki GSX-S1000 you'll never keep a Suzuki GSX-R1000 in sight. Yes, Suzuki's new arrival is fun and more than capable, but the GSX-R1000 is in a different league if you put on your race face.