New GSX-S1000X will be a taller, crossover-style bike based on the GSX-S1000GT (above)
Without the deep pockets of its rivals in Japan’s ‘Big Four’ Suzuki has become a master of maximising what it has to give a wide model range from a limited pool of parts. For 2024 we can add another spin-off machine to the mix in the form of the GSX-S1000X – a crossover-style machine that will go toe-to-toe with the Kawasaki Versys 1000, Yamaha Tracer 9 and even BMW’s S1000XR.
The bike’s existence has been betrayed ahead of its official launch by type-approval paperwork that shows it’s been tested to conform to the UN-ECE 168/2013 ruleset required to sell bikes throughout the EU and in several other countries including the UK. That means it’s hit the ‘Euro5’ emissions targets for noise and pollution and all the other construction and use regulations in place across the bloc.
It's done all that with ease because despite being a new model, requiring a separate type-approval, it’s heavily based on the same components used in the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S950 naked bikes, the Katana, the GSX-S1000GT and the GSX-S1000GT+. That means once the GSX-S1000X is added to the mix, Suzuki will have six distinct models built around the same set of building blocks
Approval documents prove the GSX-S1000X’s existence, showing it’s coming very soon
The engine spec is identical to the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000GT models, even sharing the same exhaust system and silencers, according to the type-approval. Unsurprisingly, that means the GSX-S1000X makes exactly the same amount of power – 150hp at 11,000rpm – and torque – 78 lb-ft at 9,250rpm – as the current models with that engine. Those numbers put it well clear of the 120hp Kawasaki Versys 1000 and 119hp Tracer 9, and come closer to the 165hp BMW S1000XR, a model that the Suzuki is likely to undercut, price-wise, by a substantial margin.
As well as the engine, the GSX-S1000X also shares its frame with the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000GT, with just taller suspension, or possibly a different combination of sprockets and chain adjustment, to extend its wheelbase by 10mm to 1470mm.
However, other dimensions reveal how the ‘X’ model differs from the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000GT, showing it to be larger in every direction as it adopts a wide-barred, high-rise look to adopt the same crossover appeal of the Versys, Tracer and S1000XR, machines that have some of the stance and riding position of an adventure bike but combined with road-only tyres and suspension.
Length-wise, the GSX-S1000X comes in at 2150mm, 35mm longer than the GSX-S1000 and 10mm longer than the GT. The similarity to the GT essentially confirms that the X shares the same tail section, seat and number plate bracket with the touring model.
At 925mm wide, the X is a full 100mm broader than the GT and 115mm wider than the standard GSX-S1000. That’s proof of the wide bars and hand guards expected on the crossover model. Meanwhile, its height of 1290mm with the screen fully down, or 1350mm with it in the highest position, is much higher than even the GT, which tops out at 1280mm in its tallest form. Again, an indication of increased suspension height and a tall screen.
Taller, wider and longer than any other model based on the same components, unsurprisingly the GSX-S1000X is also heavier than the rest. With a kerb weight of 232kg it’s 6k heavier than the 226kg GSX-S1000GT and 18kg more than the 214kg GSX-S1000.
There is one number on the type-approval that’s smaller than the other models based on the same engine and chassis, though, and that’s the GSX-S1000X’s top speed. Where both the GSX-S1000 and the GSX-S1000GT are approved at up to 149mph, the GSX-S1000X peaks at 133mph. That’s either an indication of significantly lower gearing or shows that Suzuki has added an electronic restrictor to stop it from going any faster – perhaps sensible given its increased height.
With type-approval complete, the coast is clear for Suzuki to launch the GSX-S1000X imminently, probably within the next couple of months as it unveils a 2024 lineup that’s also known to include a faired GSX-8R based on the GSX-8S.
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