Suzuki has officially unveiled the 2021 iteration of its litre-class naked – the GSX-S1000. The naked streetfighter has received a complete makeover and also, it now more powerful and more modern than ever before! Its previous iteration was particularly lauded for its beginner-friendly approach and a cracker of an engine borrowed from the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000. The updated version builds on that foundation but now looks meaner. When other naked streetfighters are trying hard to breach the ‘200PS’ mark, Suzuki has stuck to its philosophy of bestowing us with a ‘practical powerhouse’.
More details
Even its official teaser got us excited because it revealed a few elements and we knew that it was going to be a thorough overhaul.
Looks
Visually speaking, we think that Suzuki has hit the nail hard and smooth. Some people found the older version’s styling a bit too conventional and this one dials things to 11 on the radical scale. The first and foremost thing everyone is bound to notice is how different the front end looks. That has to do majorly with the way Suzuki has stacked the vertical LED headlight unit.
The headlight unit is surrounded by a sharp, and chiselled body-coloured cowl. And also, did we mention that it has gained WINGLETS? They look cool while at the same time, make the bike more aerodynamically efficient but more importantly, they look cool!
Specs and features
Coming to the specs now, the engine, similar to its predecessor, is based on the GSX-R1000 K5, although it has received upgrades to comply with the newest emission norms. The bike now utilises a BS6-compliant 999cc motor generating 152PS and 106Nm, 2PS more but 2Nm less than the previous model. The six-speed gearbox has been carried forward, but it now features a bi-directional quickshifter and a slipper clutch. According to Suzuki, there’s an overall increase in torque, along with more linear power delivery.
The electronic rider aids include Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) that brings features such as Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, five-mode Suzuki Traction Control System, bidirectional Quick Shift System, ride-by-wire Electronic Throttle System, Low RPM Assist, and Suzuki Easy Start System. The 2021 model also gets a new exhaust system and Suzuki Clutch Assist System. The instrument console is new, but it’s still a LCD screen, and no TFT has been used.
The 2021 Suzuki GSX-S1000 is sprung on a fully adjustable USD front fork and a (preload and rebound-adjustable) monoshock, both from KYB. Its stopping power comes from twin 310mm front discs with Brembo Monobloc callipers and a single rear disc. The bike rolls on 17-inch alloys shod with Dunlop Roadsport 2 tyres.
The 2021 Suzuki GSX-S1000 has been unveiled in three colours, Metallic Triton Blue, Glass Matte Mechanical Gray, and Glass Sparkle Black. The new GSX-S1000 will be almost certainly launched in India, possibly sometime in the second half of 2021. Prices are expected to be around ₹ 13-14 lakh (Ex-showroom).