Yesterday I went to a Suzuki dealer to check out the GSXS1000F, and I had no idea they were having a demo day too. So I rode one, and a V-Strom 1000.
They brought a 2017 SV650, but wouldn't let anyone demo it. They said it was one of the prototypes, the dealer also had their sale model on the floor. They told me all the SV's coming into the country were sent directly to dealers and that there weren't enough to go around for demos.
I first rode the GSXS1000F. I've had my eye on this bike for awhile, and am seriously considering buying it. The ride route was pretty short, maybe 15-20 minutes. Plus riding in a group all while navigating Indianapolis traffic, it didn't leave much brain power to catalog the tons of observations coming at me. Now I've only ridden SV650's and my V-strom 650. This inline 4 was very different, wow, so much power. After riding v-twins forever I feel like I gotta re-learn how to ride on an inline 4. It wasn't much of a ride, but it was comfy, suspension seemed good. Throttle did seem very sensitive. Lots of new owners have been complaining of snatchy throttles on these things. I don't know if I was experiencing the same issue, or if the bike just has lots of power I'm not used to.
The bike is very lightweight and 'flickable'. Was overall smaller than I expected it to be, which isn't a bad thing. Tank width between my legs and knees seemed a little wide, but could get used to quickly. It sure feels like you're riding a naked model on the F. When you look down, all you see is straight down the windscreen, and nothing else. I think a taller touring screen would be a first thing to order, at least for me.
I told myself if I was 100% in love after the test ride, I'd walk over and buy one immediately. The dealer had a new F model in Blue inside, and they had a $1500 off sale too. After the ride I walked away about 90% in love with the bike. So maybe after looking at pictures of them all summer I'll go looking for a deal. Lots of people there were interested in the GSXS bikes, so I suspect this will be a popular bike for Suzuki.
Second ride was a V-Strom 1000. I loved it. Not much to say about it, other than what people have said before: Size and weight of a 650, but power of a 1000. This would be an excellent upgrade to replace my 06 V-Strom 650. Granted, I didn't have luggage or a passenger on it either.
I have a 650 Vstrom that has great suspension and handling and will do everything on and off road except pull your arms off but that's when I jump on the GSXS to get it out of my system but it's still comfortable enough to ride all day so long as the roads ain't too rough , two completely different bikes that make a great pair to own IMO, I have only just purchased the Vstrom and if I could only have one bike I would seriously consider the new Vstrom 1000 as my only ride , the weight isn't too much difference between them but the vstroms a lot bigger bike and feels a lot heavier than the GSXS which makes it difficult to man handle but once up and moving its a pleasure to ride
Good luck with your decision
I like Suzuki's too. I'm not ready to upgrade the V-Strom yet. It's got about 50,000 miles on it, I'll probably look for a replacement after it hits 100,000 miles. I just rode the new V-Strom 1000 to see what it's like compared to the 650.
I love my SV. Don't plan on getting rid of it. But when this GSXS came out, I was very intrigued. I may try to hit up another demo day if I can find one close by and try it again. But I think I'm going to wait and see what Suzuki does with the throttle issue before I go buy one.
I have a 650 Vstrom that has great suspension and handling and will do everything on and off road except pull your arms off but that's when I jump on the GSXS to get it out of my system but it's still comfortable enough to ride all day so long as the roads ain't too rough , two completely different bikes that make a great pair to own IMO, I have only just purchased the Vstrom and if I could only have one bike I would seriously consider the new Vstrom 1000 as my only ride , the weight isn't too much difference between them but the vstroms a lot bigger bike and feels a lot heavier than the GSXS which makes it difficult to man handle but once up and moving its a pleasure to ride
Good luck with your decision
I have a 650 Vstrom that has great suspension and handling and will do everything on and off road except pull your arms off but that's when I jump on the GSXS to get it out of my system but it's still comfortable enough to ride all day so long as the roads ain't too rough , two completely different bikes that make a great pair to own IMO, I have only just purchased the Vstrom and if I could only have one bike I would seriously consider the new Vstrom 1000 as my only ride , the weight isn't too much difference between them but the vstroms a lot bigger bike and feels a lot heavier than the GSXS which makes it difficult to man handle but once up and moving its a pleasure to ride
Good luck with your decision
Nice, I find the Vstrom is better also on cold days as it gives complete wind protection,
I got the posters from our local Suzuki dealer where I got my bike, I think most dealers should have them for promotional pictures for their walls and then put them in some cheap Kmart frames, I'll have to try for a Vstrom one now but I'm guessing they will only have the current model ones
Is there any easy fix for the jerky throttle that the Bike have.
If i look into other topics it looks like its only a fix for bikes before 2018.
My problem is that when i drive in a town at 50km/t its keeps going from 47-52 all the time so its not at smooth cruise.
Attached is gearing chart that comes with the Vortex rear sprockets. You can see that stock gearing is 2.59 with our 17/44t sprockets.
Most go to 16/46 resulting in 2.88
I ended up with 16/45 giving me 2.81 so not a huge difference, will still do the job of giving better acceleration but not...
On the front of my GSXSF on each side of the headlight there are small side/parking lights; can these be re-wired to become the front blinkers to get rid of the dopey blinkers poking out of the fairing? On most sports bikes including my GSXR the front blinkers are in the back of the mirrors...
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