The Suzuki GSX Series is a range of sport touring motorcycles from Japanese motorcycle giant, Suzuki.
Two flagship models include the GSXS 1000 and the GSXR 1000, both of which are powered by 4-stroke engines.
The GSX series dates back to the 1980s, but these two key models are newer. The GSXS 1000 began production in 2015 and was given a facelift and update in 2017.
The GSXR 1000 began production earlier in 2001 and is currently in its fifth generation.
They are often compared in multiple ways.
This article compares “Suzuki GSXS 1000 Vs. GSXR 1000″…
Table of Contents
What Do The S & R Stand For?
The S stands for “Street Sport” and the bike was primarily marketed to more experienced riders aged 40 and up.
The R stands for “Racing” which indicates its somewhat higher specifications in terms of horsepower and overall performance.
What Is The Best Buy?
It’s hard to pin an objective title of “best buy” because ultimately it does depend on your preference as a rider.
If you’re prioritizing power and performance, then the GSXR 1000 is definitely the better of the two.
It’s also a more expensive bike, however, and is therefore built for the more “serious” rider.
The GSXS 1000 is a more casual standard kind of bike that you can use more for everyday riding.
It’s not a “racing” specification.
When you take these into account, only then will you be able to decide which of them is the better buy for you.
Racers, track enthusiasts, and those who want more speed and power will definitely find the most value in the GSXR 1000.
Others will prefer the GSXS 1000.
Which One Lasts Longer?
Both bikes could easily last up to 100,000 miles or more if they are properly taken care of by their owners.
However, the GSXS 1000 tends to be the one that, on average, lasts longer because it is more typically employed as an everyday model.
Its cheaper price tag and toned-down features make it a great option for more relaxed riding.
That type of riding typically means that there is less wear and tear, and less chance that the bike will get totaled.
The GSXR 1000 is a high-performance model, and many owners buy it with racing and speed in mind.
The average life of a sportbike is only about 20,000 miles because of that ever-present risk of totaling the bike while being used in high-performance situations.
Which One Holds Its Value Better?
With a lower starting price and tendency to be used in less risky riding situations, it is undoubtedly true that the GSXS 1000 is better at holding its value than the GSXR 1000.
The latter starts with a higher MSRP, with the 2021 model having a base MSRP of $15,799.
With the GSXR 1000 being more likely to be involved in accidents and thus needing more maintenance and repairs, it makes it automatically less likely to hold value when compared with the GSXS 1000 bikes.
Buying Parts: Which One Is Cheaper?
As the higher specification of the two bikes, riders should expect to pay more for parts for the GSXR 1000.
When you put the two bikes side by side, you see quite a lot of difference in the choice of parts, as well as base value.
For example, the brakes.
The GSXS 1000 uses standard twin disc brakes, but the GSXR 1000 uses Brembo radial-mount monobloc calipers with T-Drive discs.
When you’re replacing any of these parts, brand names like Brembo add quality but also add a heftier price tag.
Just about every element of the GSXR 1000 is an upgraded version of the GSXS 1000.
The latter uses an aluminum twin-spar frame, the former a twin-spar aluminum perimeter frame; the latter uses halogen lights upfront, whereas the latter has LED lights front and rear.
And so it goes on.
Replacement parts on the R 1000 are therefore pricier.
Which One Is Faster?
Up to about 60mph, the two bikes are actually fairly similar in their performance, but once you cross the 60mph line, the GSXR 1000 really shows its superiority in speed.
Both are equipped with a 4-cylinder 999cc engine, but the horsepower output has a stark difference.
The R 1000 outputs a maximum of 199hp at 13,200rpm to only 148hp at 10,000rpm on the S 1000.
The low-end torque is what helps the S 1000 initially keep up with its Suzuki sibling, but eventually, it starts to lag behind.
Are Both Models Still Being Made?
Both the GSXS 1000 and the GSXR 1000 are still in production.
The former is expecting an updated and refreshed version of the bike for the 2022 model year.
Its current 2020 specification is available with an MSRP of $11,099 plus a $395 destination charge.
The MSRP on the 2022 model has not yet been announced.
The newest version, once released, will catch up to the current R 1000 in some respects, such as the Brembo monobloc brake calipers, which will become standard on the S 1000 in the 2022 model year.
The GSXR 1000 was refreshed for the 2021 model year to include all of the features we have mentioned above.
It has a higher MSRP of $15,799 with a $395 destination charge added on top.
What Are The Biggest Differences In Those Two Models?
The most obvious differences, as we have touched on above, are in the performance metrics.
The GSXR 1000 has much greater horsepower and a greater top speed, and greater overall torque of 117Nm compared to 108Nm on the S 1000.
The S 1000, however, does have better low-end torque which is what helps it keep up with the R 1000 at lower speeds.
The R 1000 is, therefore, different, like a pure speed and power machine.
Another key difference is efficiency.
The S 1000 is far more fuel-efficient than the R 1000, getting as much as 47 mpg fuel consumption rating (20km/l). The R 1000, on the other hand, can only manage 33mpg (14km/l).
That makes the S 1000 more economical in fuel consumption as well as in MSRP.
If you want to spend less for decent performance with efficiency built-in, then the S 1000 is a good choice.
In dimensions, there are some differences, too.
The GSXR1000 is 202kg and the S 1000 is 209kg.
The S 1000 is longer too, 2115mm compared to 2075mm on the R 1000.
The height of the R 1000 is greater, however, measuring 1150mm compared to just 1080mm on the S 1000.
The S 1000 has greater ground clearance at 140mm to the R 1000’s 130mm clearance.
You might expect the “racing” bike to be lower to the ground, though.
One more area of difference is in some of the onboard technology.
The GSXR 1000 comes with added tech such as advanced suspension technologies, Brembo calipers, cutting-edge digital engine management, an electronically controlled steering damper, and full LED lights front and rear.
The S 1000 doesn’t have any of these features, though it’s not without plenty of good features of its own.
What Do The Reviews Say?
What’s clear is that the racing enthusiasts don’t especially like the GSXS 1000 because they find it lacking.
That’s not surprising, however, since the S 1000 is not marketed to that racing.
Negative comments on the GSXS 1000 focus on its lack of pace and speed, but praise the low-end torque, as well as the onboard electronics, digital displays, and overall handling.
The more passionate superbike fans tend to be more negative about the S 1000, referring to it as a stripped-down or emasculated version of a greater bike.
These opinions are overall quite niched, though.
For the GSXR 1000, positive comments focus on its motorsport performance credentials.
Its great speed and power make it competitive, but it’s also very nimble.
Riders particularly praise the narrower seat that allows a more agile performance when taking sharp corners.
The negatives look mostly at its large turning radius, which is unusual for a more motorsport-oriented bike.
Which One Is Better In Motorsport?
The GSXR 1000 is the best option for those looking for a competitive motorsports bike.
Its greater power and agility make it the natural option, but that should also not surprise anyone.
The GSXS 1000 is still a powerful and agile bike, but it is simply not built with the track in mind.
It’s more of a “track-look” but with street use firmly in the mind of its creators.
Those looking for the motorsport edge should certainly choose the GSXR 1000.
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