Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire - We’ve previously described Suzuki’s GSX-S1000F as a sports-bike for grown-ups, because of its accessible power, quality running gear and adult-friendly seating position.
It appears Suzuki has been listening, because it has updated the S1000F and its naked sibling, the S1000, for 2017 with more power, more torque and a slipper clutch so that, with a modicum of finesse, you can go down the gears into a corner without using the clutch.
There are only two ways to make more power: use more fuel, or make the engine use its fuel more efficiently - and that’s what Suzuki has done, revising the crankcase breather system to reduce the pumping losses caused by the pistons having to force the air under them up and down in the bores.
It’s an old racing trick, and it’s surprisingly effective; power is up from 107 to 110kW, at the same 10 000 revs, while quoted torque increases from 106 to 108Nm, still at 9500rpm.
Suzuki GSX-S1000F: Real world sports-bike
The rest of the specifications are unchanged, with three-mode traction control (that can be turned off) Brembo monobloc brake callipers calipers and ABS, and fully-adjustable KYB suspension.
Suzuki SA is talking to head office in Hamamatsu to get the updated GSX-S1000F for release in South Africa; as soon as they get here, and prices have been finalised, we’ll let you know.