Suzuki->ke371 carries their heritage GSX-R->ke2088 bikes to the street with the GSX-S models. New for 2016, the GSX-S1000F ABS is a full-fairing version of the 2016 GSX-S1000 ABS. Promoting the GSX-S1000 as a 'standard' or 'streetfighter'->ke3429 bike (neither sport->ke631 nor touring->ke2669), Suzuki seems to think that simply adding a full fairing qualifies the GSX-S1000F as a 'sport-tourer.' I disagree. With a pillion that looks like nothing more than a hint of a seat and no storage, I'm not sure how to classify this bike in terms of sport or touring. Let's just look at it for what it is and see how it shapes up.

Continue reading for my review of the 2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS

suzuki-gsx-s1000f-abs

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: suzuki-gsx-s1000f-abs

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS
  • Engine/Motor: four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four

Design

One thing that seems more tourer than sport is the rider triangle. Suzuki lowered the footrests on the GSX-S1000F from the position on the GSX-R model and installed matte black aluminum Rental Fatbar handlebars that opened up the rider triangle for a more upright riding position. That says 'tourer' when you have a more comfortable posture. The seat height is lower than the 2015 GSX-R1000, if you consider 0.1 inch worth mentioning, and the GSX-S1000F comes with a windshield whereas the GSX-S1000 does not, which you might expect on a full-fairing model. Other than that, the GSX-S1000F ABS is the same as the GSX-S1000 ABS. I guess it looks more like a tourer with the fairing, but you're still stuck with no storage and no real way to carry a passenger. The distinctly-shaped dual headlight does lend a hint of sportiness, but not enough to make me think sport bike.

Chassis

Like its fairingless brother, the GSX-S1000F comes with three-mode traction control, adjustable suspension and Brembo monoblock brakes. The traction control feature is sweet, especially for new riders. Experienced riders will likely take advantage of Mode 1 -- the lowest sensitivity level of the three-mode control system. It also works well in road conditions where you have sure-footed traction. Mode 2 is an all-purpose mode and Mode 3 -- the highest sensitivity -- is for less than ideal road conditions.

Switch modes or turn the TCS off through a switch cluster mounted on the handlebars. Suzuki says the lightweight, twin-spar rigid frame is new, but I can't tell if it is a net-new style or just a redesigned version of the 2005-to-2008 chassis. My guess is the latter. The fully adjustable Kayaba inverted-fork front suspension has 4.7 inches of travel. The link-type rear suspension with its single Showa shock has a 2.5-inch stroke. All this sits on 17-inch ENKEI six-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels and Dunlop radial tires.

Drivetrain

The GSX-S1000F shares the same liquid-cooled, in-line, four-cylinder 999 cc engine as the GSX-S1000, and it's based on the GSX-R1000 supersport engine. It's a version of the engine used in the 2005-to-2008 bikes, re-tuned for street performance with better low- and mid-range torque. Suzuki says it's all about shared technology and performance-packed hard parts evolving from one generation to the next. Cooled through a newly designed and high-efficiency round radiator and liquid-cooled oil cooler, the engine uses Suzuki's original dual throttle valve 44 mm throttle body.

Pricing

MSRP isn't out yet on the 2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS or any of its kin. You can have it in Metallic Triton Blue for 2016 in the U.S. market.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, "As much as I like the 1000F's cousin, the street-fighting GSX-S1000, I have to agree with my wife that anything calling itself a 'tour bike' needs to be able to carry more than a pack of smokes and a cellphone. This model has many of the same great features common to this model family, and so it's a good bike, it just needs some baggage to meet its purpose as a tour bike.”

She Said

"I dunno. I'm not very impressed. The passenger seat isn't a seat. It's an ornament; you don't use it, it's just for show. With no storage, I'd be hard-pressed to imagine this as any kind of touring bike. With price out of consideration, I'd probably go for a 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT for a tourer or the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS for a sport bike. I feel like Suzuki put a spin on their heritage GSX-R bikes to go up against the popular Ninja 1000 as a street performer."

Specifications

Drivetrain:

Engine:

four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline-four

Displacement:

999 cc

Fuel System:

Suzuki fuel injection

Starter:

Electric

Ignition:

Electronic ignition (Transistorized)

Transmission:

Six-speed constant mesh

Chassis:

Suspension Front:

Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear:

Link type, coil spring, oil damped

Brakes Front:

Disc brake, twin

Brakes Rear:

Disc brake

Tires Front:

120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless

Tires Rear:

190/50ZR17M/C (73W) tubeless

Dimensions:

Overall Length:

83.2 inches

Overall Width:

31.2 inches

Wheelbase:

57.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Seat Height:

31.8 inches

Curb Weight:

460.7 pounds

Details:

Fuel Tank Capacity:

4.4 gallons

Color Options:

Metallic Triton Blue

Warranty:

12-month unlimited mileage, limited warranty.