A few months ago PH2 tested the
2015 GSX-S1000
, Suzuki's new super naked fitted with a modified GSX-R1000 K5 engine in an all-new chassis. A decent machine, it doesn't quite set the world on fire when compared with the latest breed of hairy-chested naked bikes [Not sure if this is an entirely pleasant image - Ed.] and isn't quite the game changer we hoped for. So what about its faired sibling, the more practical GSX-S1000FA?
ABS a real boon on the road
To be honest, not a hell of a lot. The FA version shares all of the naked bike's major components but adds on a full fairing and slight suspension modifications to suit the extra weight. It has ABS as standard and also traction control, but even the bars are the same as the naked bike's units. What's the point in that? According to Suzuki it is a relaxed sports bike and not a sports tourer, hence no clip-ons or pannier mounts. To me this doesn't make much sense. The Kawasaki Z1000SX is also fairly chilled out, but it still manages to have the option of hard luggage. As does the Honda VFR800F. And the Yamaha Tracer. And just about every other bike in this category! It's all very confusing, but at least the GSX-S1000FA rides well.
On the road
Like the naked bike, the faired GSX-S is a solid road bike. The modified GSX-R engine is a strong performer with a good spread of power and lots of torque but the fairing does highlight the noise. At a steady 70mph the engine sounds like it is revving its head off when it is only pulling about 5,000rpm in top gear. A strangely loud exhaust or just an odd resonance at this speed? Hard to say and I didn't notice this trait on the naked bike, though that could have been down to the more aggressive riding style it encourages.
Do this to avoid annoying cruising noise!
The fairing doesn't do the bike many favours visually either, though it does a decent job of sheltering you from wind blast even if the screen does look like an afterthought. To be honest, I found the GSX-R1000 offered more weather protection with its 'conventional' fairing design. Maybe a taller screen will help matters, but that's something I'll only discover in time. And speaking of time, the cluttered dash has the same small fuel warning light as the naked bike, which is equally as irritating.
You'll be thinking I've got a bit of a downer on the GSX-S1000FA but actually it's far from it. Like its brother it is a very solid day-to-day performer and ABS and traction control on a bike costing £9,999 makes it decent value too. I'm just struggling to identify its exact purpose in life and unique selling points to set it apart from the crowd!
What's it all about?
Suzuki tells me it's a relaxed sports bike but, to be 100 per cent honest, I find the current GSX-R1000 fairly chilled out and a great road bike. The GSX-S does add traction control into the equation and flatter bars. So why isn't Suzuki calling it a sports tourer? Well, the lack of any panniers kind of puts pay to this role. But I've got it on an extended loan so there's plenty of time to explore its abilities. And the optimist in me says it could be one of those bikes that needs a few more miles under its belt to really shine. We will have to see.
2015 SUZUKI GSX-S1000FA
Engine: 999cc 4-cyl
Power (hp): 146@10,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 78@ 9,500rpm
Top speed: 150mph (est)
Weight: 214kg (wet)
MPG: 45 (est)
Price: £9,999