Road test of SuzukiGSX-S 1000 2016 ''THE FORCE AWAKENS''

this 2016 testing season has been full of emotions and new experiences.
This will be the second time I've ridden a Suzuki, and not the least.
Ladies and gentlemen, .....(drum roll)......je presents the GSX-S 1000, the "naked" version. Just looking at it, you can feel all the power it exudes!
At first, the little fluorescent stickers seemed "too much", and even a little distasteful, but after trying it out, I've come to the conclusion that it fully deserves this flamboyance....!

so here's what I think:

design

i spend a long time circling the machine, examining it in minute detail. I find it rather classy in its color scheme between light and dark matte gray. As I said earlier, I was a little puzzled by the striped side, which I didn't really see as an added value to the machine at first, except that I was going to be the only one on the road with this model prepared for the test.
The styling is impressive, and the addition of parts on the plastic covers, such as the radiator scoops or under the engine block, gives an impression of power and makes this beautiful beast look a bit bigger.
The headlight, with its two mandibles, reminds me of a hormone-fed Angry Bird.

The LCD instrument panel is packed with information (rev counter, speedometer, odometer, dual trip, shifter, water temperature, range, average and instantaneous fuel consumption, traction control mode, fuel gauge and clock). this is a real plus, especially as I've been changing gears a lot lately.
The gold inverted forks (yes, gentlemen, the ladies know what they're talking about too!!) set the tone for the design: this is a sports bike!
I move to the rear and the impression of a vitamin-packed machine is confirmed by the wide handlebars and a few aesthetic additions added when the bike was prethe bike's sporty look is further enhanced by the wide handlebars and a number of aesthetic additions added when the bike was pre-built: small indicators, number-plate holder, mirrors, carbon wheel arch and chain guard, plus a few other parts.

the riding position

although I was a bit skeptical about the riding position on this sporty bike, I was pleasantly surprised.
The seat, shaped and padded for comfort, is high enough to give a good view of the road. The handlebars are wide and the arms are positioned naturally, with a very slight lean on the front wheel. The legs also fall naturally onto the footrests, which are ideally placed, and when stationary I can easily touch the ground flat with my 78 meter.
The fuel tank is relatively slim, allowing a good grip on the legs. All in all, it's a really pleasant and natural riding position, which I really appreciate and which reassures me before setting off at full gallop with the 145 hp.

handlebar controls

the controls are very accessible and easy to use. Everything falls perfectly to hand. Traction control can be adjusted from a knob on the left-hand handlebar, even when wearing heavy gloves, and the same goes for the "Mode" control, also on the left.

the ride

that's it....the moment has come, as the other guy so aptly put it.....!!!
I settle into the saddle, and at the thought of these numerous nags ready to rear up, I give a nervous grin and unconsciously emit a little cry of stress from under my helmet. So it's with a slight twitch that I press the choke and there...... I hear the hoarse sound of the exhaust rising to my ears. Immediately I tell myself that I'll have to play it safe if I don't want to waltz off into the scenery.
I engage the first gear, and the muffler makes a really nice noise, giving the bike character without overdoing it. The first few meters calm me down and I gradually loosen up.
Here I am on the N5, the first straight stretch... I open the throttle cautiously and go from gear to gear, 1,2,3,4 and 5....and I find myself exclaiming out loud:"What the hell is this crazy thing???!?!!". For a brief moment, I thought I'd never get to work thinking about the long journey ahead, but then my stress gradually eased.

the riding position and wide handlebars give me good control of the bike, which reassures me and reduces my anxiety. I'm able to weave in and out of traffic with no problem, thanks mainly to the roar of the 4-cylinder, which takes motorists by surprise, and, like Moses and the sea, cars are throwing themselves on either side of the road, leaving me a wide passage. Despite this, the riding style remains "throw and brake". This gives me a chance to test the brakes, and to be honest, the GSX-S brakes very well.
Although I had promised myself a leisurely ride, I couldn't help myself when I saw a nice, unobstructed straight line, and I risked a little rev-up to judge the power offered by the engine. I wasn't disappointed.....!!!! The effect was disconcerting, and a reminder that you've got a real stick of dynamite between your legs! The thrill is there, but stability is exemplary, ground clearance is never compromised and braking is impeccable.

minor faults

the absence of a windscreen on the naked version means you'll have to hold on to the handlebars if you don't want to find yourself on the pavement 20 meters behind this terrible machine.
Forget the duo, this bike isn't made for that. A few slight "sporty" vibrations invade the handlebars and footrests, but they're totally bearable.

conclusion

what health! What a slap in the face! What a surprise! The Suzuki GSX 1000 is definitely a bike that "pushes you to the crime".....!!!
With optional ABS for added safety, traction control as standard, a complete instrumentation package and, above all, outstanding handling qualities, Suzuki's ultimate sports roadster is sure to be a winner.suzuki's ultimate sports roadster is sure to be a hit with those who don't shy away from a challenge, and will require its rider to go out and have fun on a closed circuit to enjoy its full potential.

SCALLE