Suzuki Eyes BMW With Its GSX-S1000GX+ Adventure Sport

Suzuki has revealed its latest addition to the GSX-S family with the 2024 GSX-S1000GX+. Designed to be a blend of the best of the GSX-S and V-Strom worlds, this adventure sport aims to be a machine that does it all. The brand has taken things a step further too, fitting new tech to the bike that’s never yet been seen on a Suzuki model. Pricing will start at $18,499 and the street bike will come in a Pearl Matte Shadow Green color.

One of the hallmark elements of the new GX+ is the inclusion of Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system. Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension (SAES) was developed using Showa EERA suspension technology and an SFF-CATM fork and BRFC-lite link-type rear shock. The EERA tech processes all pertinent ride information so the suspension system can react instantly to changes in road conditions. Suzuki has added programs such as Floating Ride Control and Velocity Dependent Control that allow riders to select between hard, medium, and soft settings. The SAES system is also integrated with the bike’s ride modes to optimize performance.

Adjustability settings for compression and rebound are electronically controlled front and rear while preload adjustment is tied to the system at the rear only. Riders will be able to adjust spring preload on the fork manually, however.

In addition to the new suspension setup, Suzuki has also enhanced its assistance systems with a new Road Adaptive Stabilization function which automatically intervenes to ensure a smooth ride when it senses uneven road surfaces.

When a rider encounters such an uneven surface, the SRAS system kicks on the Suzuki Floating Ride Control system to adjust suspension settings in order to provide as smooth a ride as possible. It also adjusts the responsiveness of the Electronic Throttle Valve so throttle response remains controlled. It has high and low intervention settings and fully deactivates when smooth conditions return.

Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System is also updated with the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha program, which is designed to manage a number of more specific rider aids. These systems include traction control, power modes, roll torque control, lift limiter, active damping control, and road adaptive stabilization. This means more settings, more configurability, and more precise intervention across a broad variety of riding conditions.

Despite the shiny new tech on the GX+, it’s a GSX-S family member through and through. It shares the same 999cc mill and frame as the GSX-S1000GT+, which we found to be brimming with engine character (no surprise considering the powerplant is based on the 2005-06 GSX-R1000 engine). It handles well and is notably comfortable, all features we expect to be as good, if not better, on the GX+.

It also shares the new 6.5-inch TFT LCD instrument display, which is a no-brainer considering all the information and settings riders will have at their disposal.

Suzuki is marketing the GX+ as a “Sport Crossover,” blending the best of sport and adventure-touring, so it’s no surprise the GX+ comes with 25.7L side cases standard. It also features a three-position adjustable windscreen. Designers tailored the fairing shape for optimal aerodynamic performance and to provide riders with a full complement of LED lighting.

Check with your local Suzuki dealer for the earliest availability.