Tag Archives: 1000 cc

Travel test: Suzuki GSX-S1000GX

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Durmitor National Park in Montenegro has fired up my imagination for years. With its jaw-dropping karst landscapes, turquoise mountain lakes and deep canyons, it’s easily one of Europe’s most breath-taking nature parks. But it’s not exactly around the corner. “Ideal for a sporty touring bike adventure,” I suggested at the editorial table. Suzuki liked the idea too and that’s how I ended up blasting my way to the Balkans on a GSX-S1000GX.

Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX is their answer to the ever-growing crossover segment: a mix of the comfort and long-travel suspension of an adventure bike with the sharp handling of a road-focused 17-inch-wheeled naked.


Suzuki gave the GX a sharp, angular design. It’s clearly part of the same family as the GT. With its twin stacked headlights and narrowed “side eyes”, I think it’s a seriously good-looking bike. The finish is top-notch and the cockpit feels clean and calm thanks to the absence of exposed cables or awkward gaps.

The GSX-S1000GX is Suzuki’s first motorcycle equipped with adaptive suspension. Judging by the way they showcase it in the brochure, they’re clearly proud of it. But it doesn’t stop there: the GX is packed with electronic rider aids. Suzuki bundles them under the name S.I.R.S. or Suzuki Intelligent Ride Systems. Listing them all would take too long. Best to hop on, ride, and discover them as you go.

My plans take me to the Croatian coast in two days, though I hadn’t accounted for the fact that half of Germany and Austria would be heading in the same direction at the exact same time. The result: massive traffic jams. But also: perfect conditions to Continue reading →

Review: BMW S 1000 R

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After the release of the new BMW S 1000 RR in 2019, we were looking forward to the launch of the updated BMW S 1000 R. Its predecessor already had some years on the clock: in 2014 it appeared in showrooms for the first time, as a direct descendant of the then RR.


Of course the design of the new S 1000 R is the first thing that catches the eye. The rather classic headlight makes you frown less than the one on the previous generation. The bike looks shorter and more muscular (although it’s actually three centimeters longer). Just one glimpse is enough to know that this bike goes hard.


BMW logically started off from the all new RR when developing their supernaked. The 1000 cc engine has been revamped to broaden the torque band, just like its predecessor. The RR’s ShiftCam technology was thrown overboard too. The philosophy behind these adjustments is that the RR must excel on the track, while the R has to show its best performances on the street – and therefore the highest revs are visited less often than with the RR.

BMW also invested in Continue reading →

Review: BMW S 1000 XR

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With the arrival of the 2020 BMW S 1000 XR, we say goodbye to the first generation XR. That bike received very nice reviews and Jean even named it his favorite test bike in 2015. But when I got to ride it last year, I wasn’t really convinced. OK, the engine was awesome and the suspension very good, but the bike felt aged due to its outdated dash, it vibrated a lot and a stubborn quickshifter spoiled all the fun. Curious to see if they fixed this for the 2020-version. I was very eagerly looking forward to this test.

BMW puts the S 1000 XR in their Adventure family. Strange, because the ’S’ in its name clearly points out the sporty DNA. The extensive standard equipment shows that touring is definitely within the possibilities. So in which category does this powerhouse really belong? Adventure, Sport or Touring?

Equipment

First let’s start with the dull part of this review: all the bells and whistles you can find on this top of the line machine. Dynamic ESA, lightweight cast wheels, adjustable windscreen, small storage compartment, LED-lighting, TFT-display, Connectivity, integrated pannier attachment points, Pro riding modes, ABS Pro, hill start control, traction control, engine brake settings: it all comes as standard.

Our test bike was further equipped with some of the well-known – and actually indispensable – BMW option packages that make that this S 1000 XR basically has anything you could want on a motorcycle. Quickshifter, automatic height setting, cruise-control, keyless ride, heated grips, center stand, GPS-holder, USB-port … The list continues for a while and – another BMW habit – adds up to the price until you’re well over budget.

Sport?

The solid pricetag luckily offers a lot of motorcycle in return. The XR is rightfully Continue reading →