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  • November 21, 2017
  • Dirck Edge
  • Chris Rubino and Dirck Edge
  • 189 Comments

Suzuki 2018 GSX-S1000F ABS: MD Ride Review

Let’s get a couple of things straight before we dive into this ride review. The new 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000F is not a sport tourer. It is not intended to be a sport tourer. This is, according to Suzuki, a “comfortable sport bike”. As such, the passenger accommodations are just as they appear, uncomfortable for anything other than short trips. Now, how does this bike perform as a comfortable sport bike? Extremely well, as it turns out.

We tested the naked version of the bike when it was first introduced to the United States back in 2016. Our test unit this year is largely unchanged from that bike, except that it has the wind protection of a full fairing and windscreen, and has some updates to the engine and clutch, as well as some other minor changes.

The relatively long-stroke 999cc engine based on the K5 GSX-R1000 is still present, but it now features ventilation holes between the cylinders to reduce pumping losses, leading to more power and torque. A new clutch actually increases plate pressure under acceleration, and also acts as a slipper clutch on deceleration.

Also new for 2018 is a black finish on the shifter, rear brake and both hand levers, as well as a new brake line for “improved stopping performance with better feel at the lever.”

Other features carry over from the prior model, including radial mount, four-piston Brembo monoblock brake calipers in front, ABS, as well as selectable traction control (four levels, including off).

Suspension is adjustable, and particularly impressive is the front KYB fork, which allows you to separately adjust compression, rebound damping and spring preload. It is a beefy, 43mm unit.

The K5 GSX-R1000 engine was known for its mid-range pull, and it turns out it is an excellent basis for a street motor. Low-end is strong and mid-range is stronger, with some very serious thrust on top. Akrapovic has dynoed this engine at 147 horsepower at 11,000 rpm at the rear wheel, with 78 foot/pounds of torque at 9,650 rpm.

This isn’t just a K5 motor, as that was just a starting point. Suzuki has revised the cylinder head design with different valves, different cam shape, reshaped intake and exhaust tracts, lighter pistons, and revised fuel injection with 44mm throttle bodies. Oh, and for 2018, there are those ventilation holes between the cylinders to reduce pumping losses for improved horsepower and torque.

The special frame created by Suzuki for this line of motorcycles is a twin-spar design that is actually lighter than the frame found on the 2016 GSX-R1000 superbike. Steering geometry is on the quick side, and the wheelbase is a short 57.5 in.

I don’t see where Suzuki mentions it in their press materials, but I understand that the fuel injection mapping has been revised for 2018, as well. This is consistent with our testing, where we noted much smoother power when transitioning from a closed to an open throttle.

That broad spread of power allows the rider to use at least two different gears for most situations, including corner exits. Power comes on smoothly, as stated earlier, but is very strong, particularly as the bike revs out. The front wheel will come up quite easily when traction control is turned off.

For the most part, the bike will be quicker than just about any other street bike, largely because it makes such excellent power at streetable RPM levels, where superbikes with higher peak horsepower need to be revved much higher than is practical on the street. Vibration levels are reasonable for a large displacement inline four-cylinder machine, and we experienced no comfort issues on longer rides as a result of vibration. The ergonomics of the machine are also comfortable, placed somewhere between a classic sport tourer and a sportbike.

The bar height is particularly comfortable, and well-placed for both cruising and aggressive canyon carving or a track day.

The suspension allows a rider to dial in a comfortable ride for commuting, yet tighten things up for canyon carving or a track day. Faster riders may need more damping for advanced track day use, or racing, but the chassis is otherwise up to it.

Those Brembo brakes are simply fantastic. This is a big bike with stupendous acceleration, and it needs excellent brakes. Suzuki has provided that, in spades, as the front Brembos, in particular, offer superb power and feel.

Just like the bike we tested back in 2016, the 2018 GSX-S1000F handles superbly. It is not as flickable as a 600, of course, but does change directions easily, particularly with the high and wide handlebar. Additionally, the bike holds a line well in corners, while sucking up chop and otherwise remaining on track. High speed, straight-line stability is also excellent.

A Suzuki hallmark, the 6-speed transmission changes gears easily and positively. We didn’t experience a single missed shift during our testing. The Dunlop SportMax D214 tires offer good grip and feedback, but this bike performs at such a high level, even more aggressive sport rubber would be welcome.

This bike is simply a blast to ride! With virtually all the performance you can possibly use on the street, and the dramatically improved comfort compared to a hardcore sport bike, you can really feel in control. Speed is effortless, cornering is confidence-inspiring, and the rider remains more relaxed with the relatively upright ergonomics.

While wind protection is obviously much better than it is on the naked version, don’t expect your shoulders or your helmet to be out of the wind. Frankly, for a sportbike, the wind path from the screen hits you a bit higher, reducing chest pressure at highway speeds. Nevertheless, a taller, wider screen would greatly benefit riders who might want to use the GSX-S1000F as a true sport touring bike (just don’t expect a passenger to be comfortable on longer rides).

Once in a while, we have a test bike in the garage that we don’t want to give back. The 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS is one of those bikes. At a U.S. MSRP of $11,299, it represents a real bargain in the “comfortable superbike” class, if there is such a thing. Compared to open class naked bikes from competitors, the GSX-S1000F is frequently several thousand dollars cheaper without giving up much (if anything) when it comes to performance, and is more comfortable with the added wind protection.

The 2018 Suzuki GSX-S1000F is available in two colors, including Metallic Triton Blue/Glass Sparkle Black (our test unit pictured) and Pear Glacier White (pictured immediately below). For additional details and specifications, visit Suzuki’s web site.


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