[Kratos]

New to the forum, considering the GSX-S1000F as a sporty tourer.

A little background, started riding in 1998 with a 91 CBR F2 Supersport as my first bike. Then, over the years, moved on to a 98 CBR 900rr, 2003 GSX-R1000, 2007 GSX-R750, 2007 VMAX. Currently have a 2008 B-King and 2011 M109R. The M109R is my first cruiser attempt, wanted something more comfortable for longer trips. While I like the 109, I've come to the realization that I like my legs under me rather than stretched out in front. I really liked the looks of the GSX-S1000F the first time I saw it in a local dealer. So. I'm hear to see what I can find out about this bike.

 

[ESXB0Y]

Hello and welcome from New Zealand!

Sounds like a nice collection of bikes you have there! How does the VMax compare to the B-King?

The GSXS is definitely lighter than the B-King. I found her to be a lot lighter and more responsive to input than my 'Busa. Definitely a fun bike to ride!

 

[Kratos]

Hello and welcome from New Zealand!

Sounds like a nice collection of bikes you have there! How does the VMax compare to the B-King?

The GSXS is definitely lighter than the B-King. I found her to be a lot lighter and more responsive to input than my 'Busa. Definitely a fun bike to ride!

The 2007 VMAX was still the 1st gen, so it wasn't the hulk of a bike like the gen 2. I actually miss the VMAX, nothing sounds like that V-4....... I got tired of jacking around with the finicky carbs though, but I learned a lot about them. The B-King feels much larger than the 1st gen VMAX, but handles surprisingly well. I've never ridden a gen 2 vmax, but sat on a few, just sitting on the gen 2 feels very similar to the B-King. The 2nd gen VMAX is also in the group of bikes I'm considering if I can sell the M109R.

 

[ESXB0Y]

The VMax are gorgeous bikes. I was looking at a 2nd Gen before I bought my Hayabusa. The poor range was what put me off in the end. Fearsome fun though!

I know exactly what you mean about the feet underneath though. Had a couple of test rides on the M109R to try and like it, but I just didn't get on with the riding position. Same when I have to ride my partners scooter anywhere. The riding position just feels plain wrong. Can't beat a proper bike!

Good luck with your sale and the new bike shopping!

 

[Kratos]

Thanks!

The range concerns me too on the vmax. I found a larger (6 gal) replacement fuel tank from Exectrep, not cheap, but figured if I could get a good deal on a vmax, I'd get the larger fuel tank. Too bad the gsxs doesn't have cruise control, I'd like to have that, so the FZ-10 is also a consideration. I like the look and sound of the FZ-10 (reminds me of the V-4 sound), but from what I've been reading, it sounds like it's lacking in torque down low. Being a big fan of muscle bikes, the torque is probably one of the more important factors for me. I'm not going to be riding in triple digits all the time, and I love the feeling of the bike trying to rip my arms out of their sockets.......

 

[ESXB0Y]

The larger fuel tank would be awesome ad would solve the only real failing with the VMax.

Cruise control is something that I reckon would be sublime on any motorcycle that you plan on hitting a motorway on. I like the sound of it. There's a couple of companies that do kits, if you wanted to retrofit it to a GSXS (or anything else). This guy did a reasonable write-up of it: Motorcycle Electronic Cruise Control | RVB Precision

I know what you mean about arm dislocating torque! It is addictive, eh? The one thing I will say comparing my 'Busa to the GSXS is that the 'Busa always felt like the USS Enterprise going into warp speed. Just linear thrust. The GSXS is more like a hand grenade. Except you pull the pin and it throws you down the road. The lighter weight makes it feel much more rampant, and she likes to wave her front wheel in the air. Tremendous fun, but a different experience to a muscle bike.

 

[Kratos]

Thanks for the link. My girlfriend has a 14 Z1000, I would expect the GSXS to be somewhat similar, it's a blast to ride, but completely different power delivery feel compared to the BKing.

 

[ESXB0Y]

A mate of mine has the Z1000SX. They are similar, but the GSXS is better.

 

[Kratos]

Yea, I like everything about the GSX-S1000F better than the Ninja 1000SX, but the Z1000 is a hard package to beat.

I've got a friend looking at the FJ-09, do you have any knowledge/seat time on one of those to compare to the GSXS?

 

[ESXB0Y]

The only real complaint against the Z1000 that I have is the seat is ****e, which can be easily and cheaply fixed. The suspension was stiff, but nothing that couldn't be sorted (I tend to install aftermarket suspension on all my bikes so they are set up perfectly for me anyway). Other than that, the only thing she loses out to the GSXS is when she comes on song. The GSXS has a superbike top end, so when you really get going, the GSXS will leave the Z1000 in its wake. We're really splitting hairs here though.

I haven't had any seat time on the FJ-09, unfortunately. From guys I ride with that have they say she likes to wheelie more, but worry about the build quality longer term. All would put new suspension and get it tuned as well.

 

[Kratos]

I agree on the Z, I replaced the springs up front and shock in the rear so we could get the bike set up for her weight. She's kinda like me, she likes the acceleration, but doesn't care much about the top end. Her only complaint is the seat. We had it contoured for her weight, riding position, etc...., but she still can't ride very long due to the discomfort of the seat. When the rear tire is ready to be replaced, we're gonna go with a 200/55. This should get the speedo just about spot on and help the high revs at speed just slightly.

She now has a Yamaha Stryker too, really likes it. Unfortunately, the Z just sits in the garage most of the time now.

 

[ESXB0Y]

200/55 is a monster of a tyre. Hope it does the job!

I'd never heard of the Stryker. Looks like quite a nice cruiser. Is it as nimble as they boast? Sounds like she's made up her mind on her favourite bike!

 

[Kratos]

Actually yes, you can definitely tell it was designed to be ridden aggressively. I was really surprised at how well it handles/feels because it looks like such a long bike with a huge front wheel. I actually like it better than the M109 in every aspect, it just doesn't have the power. If Yamaha would have put the V4 from the vmax in that frame, that would be the perfect muscle cruiser. At 5'9", I'm not as stretched out on the Stryker as I am on the 109, which is part of what turned me off on the whole cruiser thing. To get the big motor cruiser, you have to get a bike that was designed for someone at least 6' tall. They Stryker fits me perfectly, but doesn't have the motor. I even like the sound, I'm not a fan of most v-twin's exhaust sound, but the noise that Stryker makes is sweet. I told her I was jealous, I wish my 109 sounded like that.

 

[ESXB0Y]

So what you're saying is, you need to find a crashed VMax so you can grab the engine to put in the Stryker? That would be a nice project!

That's interesting to hear your take on the Stryker. Might have to see if I can convince my local Yamaha dealer to let me take one out for a spin.

 

[Kratos]

Hers is a 2014 and had a bit of the same throttle issue as what's been described for the GSXS, I sent the ECU off to Ivan to be re-flashed. Completely different bike, very smooth throttle and feels much more responsive. Of course once you start to enjoy how nimble it is, the pegs start scraping too soon, the other downside of riding a cruiser..... But yea, it's definitely worth a test ride. The stock seat is even comfortable.

Sent her Z1000 ECU to Ivan as well, and got the same great results.

 

[ESXB0Y]

That's great to hear.

Yeah, the one thing that keeps bringing me back to sports bikes is you generally always have more lean angle at your disposal if you need it. I hate the thought of not being able to lean over more on a cruiser if I overcook it into a corner. I guess it's just a case of quickly grow some brass ones, pop clutch whilst you whack the throttle and slide that puppy round regardless, right?

It does seem to be the norm nowadays with bikes, eh? The process generally follows: Ditch useless stock tyres (except in a couple of cases), change suspension, tune ecu. As I continue to age, I find myself changing the stock seat more often as well.

 

[Kratos]

I must confess, I've never slid any of my bikes, on purpose anyway. I wish I lived near a track so I could push myself and learn more, but on the roads, I don't usually ride outside my comfort/skill level. I see Marc Marquez sliding his honda all around the track and think, I wish I could do that, but never had the nerve to try.

Yea, it is kinda sad, whether it's due to emissions or trying to advertise higher fuel mileage, it seems like most bikes now have throttle issues in the lower rpm small throttle opening area. At least the carburated bikes didn't have that issue until you changed the intake and/or exhaust, now most bikes don't run well right from the showroom floor. At least now you don't have to fiddle with taking the carbs apart and changing jets, shims, etc....

Yep, One of the biggest factors for me now is seat comfort.

 

[ESXB0Y]

I could get the rear to spin up on corner exit with the Hayabusa quite predictably, but would only ever play around if the road was quiet and there was some run-off if I cocked it up. Have spun up the rear a couple of times on the GSXS as I've been feeling her out and getting to know her, but haven't tried to do it predictably and repeatedly yet. I'm seriously considering getting a Suzuki DRZ400SM so I can have something slower and more robust to practice on.

It is a sad state of affairs, eh? Same with the cars too. We run a little 1.6 Suzuki Swift Sport which was OK, but after having the ECU tuned it is a totally different animal. Better throttle response, more power and more economical. Go figure!

 

[Kratos]

Yea, I've got a Suzuki SX4 and a Kizashi, not messed with the ECU on those. I've thought about tuning the Kizashi, but am a little leery of the CVT transmission. I've heard some bad things about it, so I figure it's not worth trying to get any more power out of it that may cause it to die an earlier death.

 

[ESXB0Y]

There was an ad here from Suzuki that the Kizashi was the car version of a Hayabusa. Had a cool clip of a 'Busa having a fang and turning into the Kizashi. Rode my 'Busa to the dealer to take a Kizashi for a drive. Didn't feel anything like it. I was disappointed.

We are actually contemplating swapping to the SX4 from the Swift Sport. How have you found it?