SUZUKI has finally released all the details on the 2021 update to the GSX-S1000, after teasing us all with a short video earlier this month that left us all guessing how in-depth the 2021 update will be. The answer is: a fairly drastic makeover.
New updates for 2021 include Euro 5 engine updates, a new (and comprehensive) sharp style with stacked LED headlight, new electronics (with quickshifter and auto-blipper), a larger fuel tank and wider set handlebars.
2021 Suzuki GSX-S1000 | Engine updates
Aside from the obvious drastic style update (which we’ll get to), Suzuki has updated the 999cc inline-four motor to be Euro 5 compliant. With a touch more peak power than the outgoing model, now sitting at 152 PS (150 bhp) peaking at 11,000 rpm, plenty of focus has been placed on the delivery of power in the low to mid rev ranges to enjoy a broader spread of torque which you'll notice with normal riding.
Updated internals include a new intake and exhaust camshaft with revised cam profiles, new valve springs, clutch, airbox, and new exhaust retaining the recognisable aggressive grunt, yet stuffed with an additional catalytic converter for emissions reasons.
New rider aids & electronics
Updated electronic throttle bodies, with a new ride-by-wire throttle, advances the electronic suite past the previous model, with a host of rider aids & options updated in 2021 for increased performance. The Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with three modes (A through C), will all aim to boost controllability by adjusting the sharpness and immediacy of the delivery of power to the rear wheel, with an assist function added to the slipper clutch, and the Suzuki Clutch Assist system - which aims to prevent the rear tyre locking up under heavy downshifts.
Also thrown in this year are a quickshifter and auto-blipper, a new traction control system with five modes, and Suzuki low-rpm assist. All the selections being made through an updated LCD dash, yanked from the GSX-R1000!
Style updates
When it comes to the style for this year, you’ll have noticed the bodywork and lighting unit has been entirely redesigned - it's a striking departure from the previous headlight unit. Stacked LED headlights, aggressive lines and ‘mass forward’ demeanour take the flagship naked to a new level.
These new mono-focus hexagonal LED lights are said to display a wide, bright light, with the stacked units topped by LED position lights and creating a new futuristic vision for the GSX-S1000.
Streetfighter looks with LED lights all around, you can pick from metallic triton blue, a new mechanical matte grey, and stealthy gloss black - all finished with textured radiator shrouds, side panels with urban camo-inspired design, and MotoGP inspired winglets.
Chassis
Composed of a twin-spar aluminium chassis and mated to a 2016 GSX-R1000 swingarm for sporty and agile handling, the GSX-S1000 is all about handling well on the road - especially with the electronics updates, and focus on the low and mid range power curves. Controlling the bike (and carving up the road) should be a touch more comfortable, as a result of new 23mm wider handlebars, which are also set 20mm closer for a touch more comfort when riding.
Speaking of comfort, fully adjustable KYB forks with a preload and rebound adjustable rear shock have revised settings from the previous iteration, plus 310mm front discs paired with Brembo monobloc calipers and a larger 16-litre fuel tank.
Price & availability
Rounding things up, the 2021 GSX-S1000 is set to land in dealers from the end of June, with an RRP of £10,999 - have a look on the Suzuki site for the full rundown.
Looks like we were pretty spot on when we saw the teaser earlier this month, then! Engine tweaks to improve the low and mid-range power was also seen in the latest Hayabusa updates, and I definitely called the quickshifter and auto-blipper being thrown in, plus the little winglets!
For me this new style is absolutely spot on, what do you think of it? Let us know on the Visordown social media, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
