2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX First Look

Admin · November 7, 2023

Suzuki has continued to expand its platform that includes the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000GT with the new GSX-S1000GX. (Suzuki/)

Back in September documents filed by Suzuki appeared to confirm a new model based on the GSX-S1000GT with the name “GSX-S1000X.” It’s a taller machine combining an adventure-bike stance with street-oriented suspension and wheels. Now Suzuki has officially launched it—albeit with the name GSX-S1000GX.

The brand-new 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX in blue. (Suzuki/)

Suzuki calls the bike a “crossover”—mirroring the language used in the car market for vehicles that have the taller stature and rugged stance of SUVs but aren’t really designed to be used off-road. It might seem to be a small niche, tucked between the GSX-S1000GT tourer and the V-Strom 1050 (itself a bike that’s oriented more toward the street than the trail), but for Suzuki the GSX-S1000GX is a relatively easy way to use existing components to expand its model range, appealing to a slightly different customer who might not be interested in either the GT or the V-Strom.

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is an upright, street-oriented crossover. (Suzuki/)

Compared to the GT, the GX’s styling is more on-trend, hitting the “adventure” notes that rivals like the Ducati Multistrada V4 RS and BMW S 1000 XR exploit, while offering a similar level of touring comfort. Up against the V-Strom 1050, the GSX-S1000GX has substantially more power thanks to an engine that can trace its heritage directly back to the 2005 GSX-R1000K5.

An upright riding position combined with a sporty wheel and tire package and touring capabilities puts the GSX-S1000GX up against the likes of BMW’s S 1000 XR. (Suzuki/)

That engine and the aluminum chassis it’s bolted into are shared with a host of existing Suzukis including the GSX-S1000, the Katana, and the GSX-S1000GT, minimizing the R&D and production costs associated with the new model. That should help it undercut the most obvious rivals when it comes to sticker price, although in terms of outright power it’s a step down compared to the BMW S 1000 XR and Ducati Multistrada V4, which both hover around the 170-hp mark.

The engine, like the unit in the GSX-S1000GT, can trace its roots back to the GSX-R1000 engine from 2005. (Suzuki/)

The GSX-S1000GX, meanwhile, peaks at a claimed 150 hp—still a sizable chunk—at 11,000 rpm, and backs it up with 78 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 9,250 rpm from a 999cc inline-four. Compared to the latest generation of superbike engines, the Suzuki motor has a relatively small 73.4mm bore and long 59mm stroke (the S 1000 XR, for comparison, has an 80mm bore and 49.7mm stroke), which bodes well for its low-down thrust even if it limits the outright peak power. As in other models that use the same engine, there’s a modern suite of electronics including ride-by-wire, a trio of riding modes, and cornering traction control.

A Showa SFF-CA electronic fork uses Suzuki Floating Ride Control software. (Suzuki/)

The frame is familiar but the GX’s suspension is new, with a Showa SFF-CA upside-down fork featuring electronic adjustment and Suzuki Floating Ride Control that uses a skyhook-style system—monitoring the bike’s position compared to an imaginary point in the air above it and trying to keep it steady underneath, tweaking the damping constantly to absorb bumps as seamlessly as possible. The same system is used for the rear shock, and there are stroke sensors at each end that are accurate to 1/1,000th of a millimeter and allow the damping to be adjusted 1,000 times every second.

A Showa shock is also electronically controlled and utilizes the SFRC system. (Suzuki/)

The suspension, like the engine, is tied into the bike’s riding modes, but it also reacts to the bike’s speed, adjusting the damping to increase stability as you go faster without limiting the low-speed responsiveness. Another system—Suzuki Deceleration Damping Control— alters the suspension characteristics on a closed throttle and under braking to reduce dive. The riding mode system—dubbed SDMS-α—has three factory settings. Mode A (for Active) offers max power, a relatively low traction-control setting, and Firm damping. Mode B (Basic) puts the power to level 2, traction control to level 4, and the suspension to Medium. Mode C (Comfort) sets power at level 3, traction control to level 6 and the damping to Soft. Other tech found in the system includes wheelie control and engine-braking control.

A full-color TFT display has all the electronic features like media connectivity and navigation. (Suzuki/)

A 6.5-inch color TFT accesses all the systems, along with dedicated bar controls, and also includes all the usual phone connectivity for media and a full map-based navigation system. With all that kit in mind, the bike’s 511-pound wet weight, including a full 5-gallon tank of fuel, seems more than reasonable.

The stacked headlights resemble the rest of Suzuki’s family members. (Suzuki/)
Brembo four-piston brakes are used up front. (Suzuki/)
Dash and mode navigation is accomplished via this left-bar-mounted control pod. (Suzuki/)
Suzuki will offer hard luggage for the GSX-S1000GX. (Suzuki/)
The 2024 GSX-S1000GX in black. (Suzuki/)

2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX Specs

MSRP:	$18,499
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four; 16 valves
Displacement:	999cc
Bore x Stroke:	73.4 x 59.0mm
Compression Ratio:	12.2:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	150 hp @ 11,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	78.2 lb.-ft. @ 9,250 rpm
Fuel System:	Fuel injection w/ ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate SCAS type; cable actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	Electronic (transistorized)
Frame:	Twin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension:	Showa inverted fork, electronically controlled damping; 5.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa monoshock, electronically controlled damping; 5.9 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo 4-piston Monoblock calipers, dual 310mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	Nissin 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 17 in./17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2; 120/70-17 / 190/50-17
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/3.8 in.
Wheelbase:	57.9 in.
Ground Clearance:	6.1 in.
Seat Height:	33.3. in.
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	511 lb.
Contact:	suzukicycles.com