A litre-class Suzuki with sportbike DNA, adventure-tourer comfort, and tech never seen before on a Hamamatsu machine. Is this the best sport crossover for Malaysian riders?
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At long last, Suzuki has been on a roll with genuinely fresh bikes. The GSX-8S, GSX-8R, V-Strom 800DE and V-Strom 800RE have brought new frames, new engines, and new life to the brand.
The GSX-S1000GX, however, takes a slightly different approach. Instead of starting from scratch, Suzuki has gone back to its proven superbike foundations, then layered on advanced tech never before seen on one of its production motorcycles. And it works.
Malaysian riders have quickly started referring to it simply as “The GX.” Suzuki calls it a sport crossover, and that feels about right, a bike that sits halfway between the GSX-S1000GT sport tourer and the V-Strom 1050 adventure tourer. In terms of ergonomics and looks, it leans toward sport touring, but with adventure-ready touches.
Launched locally by AMI at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, the GSX-S1000GX has been one of Suzuki Malaysia’s headline models. It even bagged the Touring Bike of the Year at the Allianz–BikesRepublic.com Motorcycle of the Year Awards 2025, which tells you it isn’t just hype, this bike delivers.
Engine & Performance: The Superbike Heart
At the core of the GX is Suzuki’s legendary inline-four. The 999cc DOHC liquid-cooled engine makes around 152 hp and 106 Nm of torque, a power figure more than enough for Malaysian highways and spirited backroad blasts.
Derived from Suzuki’s K5 superbikes, the motor feels smooth and tractable but still has that addictive GSX-R DNA. It surges through the midrange with turbine-like pull, then snarls with a proper intake growl when revved out. Power delivery is broad and predictable, making long-distance touring a relaxed affair while still letting you enjoy aggressive acceleration when you feel like it.
The Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) deserves a mention here, lightening lever effort and making shifts smooth, it takes the edge off city riding and long-distance traffic slogs.
On the Road: The GX Experience
The moment you climb onto the GX, the ergonomics stand out. The tall handlebars and risers place you in an upright, commanding position, relieving almost all weight from your wrists. You sit on top of the bike rather than sunk into it, and while the slightly tall centre of gravity takes a ride or two to get familiar with, it quickly feels natural.
For a machine tipping the scales at 232 kg, the GX handles direction changes with surprising agility. Even in wet conditions, the chassis feels planted and stable, inspiring confidence through corners. The gearing is noticeably short, delivering strong, immediate acceleration in nearly every gear, perfect for overtakes and rolling throttle inputs. At highway speeds, you’ll find yourself wishing for a taller sixth gear, but the engine’s refinement ensures the ride remains smooth and comfortable over long distances.
I had the chance to stretch it from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru, and the GX felt at home on the open highway. It cruises effortlessly when you want to take it slow, but the moment you roll the throttle open, it surges forward with ease.
One quirk is the windscreen. Adjustments require tools and a bit of patience, but once dialed in, it effectively pushes airflow well above your helmet, even for taller riders. At higher speeds, particularly around 180–190 km/h, I did notice a faint wobble at the bars, likely amplified by the tall risers. Rider weight and setup may play a role here, but it’s worth noting.
Suzuki’s patented Low RPM Assist system deserves credit too. On a tall, heavy bike like this, the feature is a real ally in stop-and-go situations, helping the GX creep smoothly at low revs, perfect for navigating tight parking spots or crawling through city traffic.
And speaking of traffic, I took the GX into Kampung Baru on a Friday evening at peak hour. With brake lights glowing red all along the Federal Highway, the GX handled the congestion admirably. It does demand a degree of clutch-and-throttle finesse, but once you settle into the rhythm, the bike proves to be just as capable threading through heavy urban jams as it is blasting down the highway.
Tech & Rider Aids: Suzuki Steps Into the Future
Here’s where the GX really marks new territory for Suzuki. The Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension (SAES), developed with Showa, constantly adjusts damping in milliseconds based on road conditions and rider input. Whether it’s corrugations, potholes, or wet tarmac, the bike remains composed, soaking up hits you’d normally brace for.
Rider aids include:
- Three ride modes (Active, Balanced, Comfort)
- 7-level traction control (plus off)
- Wheelie control that works quietly in the background
- Selectable preload settings (solo, luggage, pillion, auto)
The electronics are easy to navigate via the TFT dash. While the interface looks more “functional Suzuki” than flashy Ducati or KTM, it gets the job done. Bluetooth connectivity and the mySpin app give riders access to navigation, calls, and music on the go.
Comfort & Touring Ability
With a 19-litre tank, expect 300 km or more between fuel stops if you’re gentle. The seat is plush enough for full-day rides, with an optional “premium comfort” seat available for those who want extra support. Pillion space is generous, and the rear rack plus tie-down points make it luggage-ready.
Long-distance touring feels effortless, the GX devours highways, then feels equally at home carving through winding B-roads. For Malaysian riders tackling routes like KL to Penang or even the East Coast, it’s the kind of bike that turns a long haul into a grin-inducing adventure.
Brakes & Handling
Twin 310 mm front discs with Brembo monoblocks provide strong stopping power, though the initial bite could be sharper. Riders used to the GSX-8R’s brakes may find themselves wanting softer pads for a more immediate feel. Still, the setup hauls the GX down confidently, even with its weight.
The 17-inch wheels and sport-touring tyres give it that planted, precise cornering feel. It’s not quite as nimble as a naked bike, but push it into a fast sweeper and the GX hunkers down beautifully.
Styling & Features
Visually, the GX looks modern and aggressive without being over-the-top. The blade-like bodywork and stacked LED headlights give it presence, while LED DRLs frame the front nicely. Options include panniers, heated grips, a centre stand, billet accessories, and multiple windscreen choices.
Verdict: Who’s It For?
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX is for riders who want one bike that can do it all, daily commuting, weekend scratching, long-haul touring, and even the odd gravel detour. It’s not a hardcore adventure bike, nor is it a pure sportbike. Instead, it’s that rare sweet spot in between.
At RM 89,900 on the road (estimated Malaysia pricing), it’s a serious investment. But for riders looking for comfort, cutting-edge suspension tech, and Suzuki’s bulletproof litre-four power, the GX is one of the most compelling sport crossovers available today.
In short: it’s a big, fast, tech-laden mile-eater that proves Suzuki still knows how to build motorcycles that stir the soul.
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