By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Suzuki GSX-S1000 (WDG0) vs Yamaha MT-09 (RN29)
Suzuki GSX-S1000 vs Yamaha MT-09: which one's easier to live with every day.
Hold the throttle wide on the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and it's still building power as the tach swings toward the top. The Yamaha MT-09 is at license-losing speed before you've noticed.
So which one do you buy?
The GSX-S1000 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: GSX-S1000
On a winding road, the GSX-S1000 comes out a touch ahead. It's down to more feel through the bars and a sportier chassis. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
What makes each one tick
GSX-S1000
The GSX-S1000 lopes through scenic bends and charges once the road opens up; swapping pace mid-ride doesn't upset it. The missing quickshifter is the one feature that genuinely annoyed. On frost-glazed pavement at dawn, the inline-four answers a cracked throttle without a jolt. On the Angeles Crest Highway, it holds a committed lean across patchy, low-grip asphalt, and each surface change passes without complaint. The rear brake tightens its line.
Nils rode the GSX-S1000 in 2015, and in Andalusia in 2018 (NastyNils Testride).
MT-09
The MT-09 goads you into revving past any sane limit and pitching it at corners you'd meant to take gently. In tight sections it flicks from side to side the way a purpose-built supermoto does. At full throttle, shifting up fast, the transmission never fumbles a gear. Fast sweepers don't settle it, and the bars need short, constant inputs to hold a clean line. Tidy panels hide a feral streak.
Nils rode the MT-09 in 2016 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The MT-09 has the lower wet weight: 414 lb (188 kg) vs 461 lb (209 kg).
- The GSX-S1000 makes more peak power: 150 hp (110 kW) vs 115 hp (85 kW).
- The GSX-S1000 makes more peak torque: 80 lb-ft (108 Nm) vs 65 lb-ft (88 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not their thing
As first bikes, both are a stretch. Starting smaller isn't a step down.
On commuting and running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
GSX-S1000
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Screams To The Redline
- Stock Exhaust Sounds Serious
- Composed On Broken Pavement
- Fits You Straight Away
- Happy At Any Pace
Trade-offs
- No Quickshifter Fitted
- No Electronic Suspension
- Thin Paint, Early Corrosion
MT-09
Strengths
- Smooth, willing triple
- Serious low-end pull
- Flicks like a supermoto
- Surprising highway composure
- Flawless gearbox and finish
Trade-offs
- Not a comfort upgrade
- Supermoto-level touring comfort
- Nervous in fast sweepers
- Soft, underdamped stock suspension
- Snatchy throttle response
Known problems to check before you buy
GSX-S1000
- Front brake caliper fluid leak (Recall 15V-788) Recall 15V788000 A surface treatment on the Brembo calipers could enter the piston bore, damaging the seal groove and causing brake fluid to weep. A safety recall was issued in late 2015 for affected VINs to replace both front calipers.
- Ignition lock sticking Some owners report the ignition lock becoming stiff or difficult to turn, requiring lubrication or eventual replacement.
MT-09
- Excessively aggressive throttle response causing jerky on/off transitions The ECU's fuel mapping creates abrupt power delivery during throttle transitions. In A and Standard modes, small throttle movements cause disproportionate power changes. Fuel cut functionality above ~4,500 rpm shuts off injectors during deceleration, then reapplies fuel abruptly when RPM drops — creating a pronounced jerk. Most problematic at low speeds in urban riding. Yamaha partially addressed this with a revised ECU map for 2015, and offered free reflash to 2014 owners. Some 2014 units shipped with improved mapping. Aftermarket ECU flashing (2 Wheel DynoWorks, vcyclenut, Ivan's Performance) available for ~$350 USD.
- Throttle position sensor malfunction causing hesitation, surging, or stalling TPS wiring or connectors may become damaged, loose, or corroded, sending faulty or no signals to the ECU. Symptoms include hesitation, surging, stalling, or poor performance. Can trigger fault codes.
- Intermittent engine cutout at idle and during low-speed deceleration Engine cuts out at traffic lights, during slow maneuvering, or when decelerating to a stop. The ECU reduces fuel supply too aggressively near idle. Related to throttle body synchronization issues in some cases. Problem can worsen in hot weather.
- Stock front fork and rear shock lack adequate damping for performance Front fork too soft in compression and rebound for the bike's power and weight. Rear shock loses damping control under aggressive use. Dive under braking is excessive. Rear end feels unsettled over bumps. Multiple aftermarket suspension companies (K-Tech, Öhlins, YSS, Nitron) offer complete replacement units, indicating strong market demand for upgrades.
- O2 sensor failures when exposed to heavy rain or pressure washing The O2 sensor is vulnerable to water ingress. Heavy rain, deep puddles, or pressure washing can cause sensor failure, triggering engine warning light and poor running. The sensor's position makes it susceptible to road spray. At low constant throttle, O2 sensor cycling between lean/rich creates lumpy engine running. Solutions include O2 sensor eliminator, Power Commander, or ECU flash that disables O2 sensor cycling at low RPM.
What they share
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Peak power at
- 10,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
Where the spec sheets split
| GSX-S1000 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) | 32.1 in (815 mm) |
| Wet weight | 461 lb (209 kg) | 414 lb (188 kg) |
| GSX-S1000 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | 847 cc |
| Engine | Inline-four | Inline-three |
| Power | 150 hp (110 kW) | 115 hp (85 kW) |
| Torque | 80 lb-ft (108 Nm) | 65 lb-ft (88 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,500 rpm | 8,500 rpm |
| Top speed | 145 mph (233 km/h) | 130 mph (210 km/h) |
| GSX-S1000 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 US gal (17 L) | 3.7 US gal (14 L) |
| GSX-S1000 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 310 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear tire | 190/50-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 57.5 in (1460 mm) | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GSX-S1000 | MT-09 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
