By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Suzuki GSX-S750 (MY2017) vs GSX-S1000 (WDG0)
Suzuki GSX-S750 vs GSX-S1000: which one to buy, and what actually separates them.
Deep into the braking zone before a tight bend, the Suzuki GSX-S750's lever bites progressively and its light controls won't wear out your hands. The Suzuki GSX-S1000's brakes keep hauling, stop after stop.
So which one do you buy?
The GSX-S1000 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: GSX-S1000
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the GSX-S1000. That comes from harder acceleration. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
What makes each one tick
GSX-S750
The GSX-S750 sits you upright with a slight sporty lean, and its clutch takes almost no pull. Wide bars snap it into corners. On the Angeles Crest Highway, its 470 lb (213 kg) doesn't show in how it changes direction.
Nils rode the GSX-S750 in Austria in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
GSX-S1000
Power on the GSX-S1000 keeps building right to the top of the rev range, and there's a scream waiting up there. Slowed down, it'll just flow. On track, the calipers keep scrubbing off speed lap after lap and don't complain. A dab of rear brake tightens its line mid-corner.
Nils rode the GSX-S1000 in 2015, and in Andalusia in 2018 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The GSX-S1000 makes more peak power: 150 hp (110 kW) vs 114 hp (84 kW).
- The GSX-S1000 makes more peak torque: 80 lb-ft (108 Nm) vs 60 lb-ft (81 Nm).
- The GSX-S1000 has the larger engine: 999 cc vs 749 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Long-haul comfort is a weak spot for both. If you tour, shop with that in mind.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Not built for this
Neither of these is a sensible first motorcycle. Learn on something smaller and lighter, then come back.
Nothing splits them on commuting and trips with luggage. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
GSX-S750
What owners say
Strengths
- Comfortable ergonomics and light controls
- Nimble, stable handling
- Strong value for money
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
Known problems to check before you buy
GSX-S750
- Crankshaft position sensor error Some owners report intermittent crankshaft position sensor errors causing the bike to refuse to crank. The sensor can become contaminated with engine oil deposits, requiring cleaning or replacement.
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.
What they share
- Engine
- Inline-four
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 310 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Wheelbase
- 57.5 in (1460 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| GSX-S750 | GSX-S1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 470 lb (213 kg) | 461 lb (209 kg) |
| GSX-S750 | GSX-S1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 999 cc |
| Power | 114 hp (84 kW) | 150 hp (110 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,500 rpm | 10,000 rpm |
| Torque | 60 lb-ft (81 Nm) | 80 lb-ft (108 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 9,500 rpm |
| GSX-S750 | GSX-S1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 US gal (16 L) | 4.5 US gal (17 L) |
| GSX-S750 | GSX-S1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 190/50-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GSX-S750 | GSX-S1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
