Suzuki reveals early-release 2016 GSX-S1000

Bike among many shown to dealers at Las Vegas meeting

Though Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. introduced a number of new and updated 2015 models at its Las Vegas dealer meeting in early October, the OEM saved an early-release 2016 model for the finale of its dealer presentation.

The 2016 GSX-S1000 is a naked bike inspired by the GSX-R line. It’s powered by a 999cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. It features angular radiator shrouds that give it an aggressive image and aid in cooling, along with a three-mode traction-control system and finely tuned fuel injection with 10-hole injectors feeding the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system. In addition to the base GSX-S1000, an ABS model will be offered, along with a full fairing GSX-S1000F. Suzuki said the bike will be available in Metallic Triton Blue, however additional colors, pricing and dates of availability won’t be announced until later.

“Back when the original GSX was developed it was really their idea to put together a sport bike that would have a wide power range, nimble handling, as well as great durability, and that is exactly what Suzuki achieved, and that philosophy definitely lives on in this motorcycle,” Suzuki motorcycle product specialist Lorraine McKiniry told media at the Las Vegas event. “The project concept for this bike is this — this is the spirit of the GSX-R but ready for street.”

Though the 2016 GSX-S1000 was released to drum up excitement for the future, Suzuki also took the wraps off various 2015 machines, with one of the most popular among dealers being the GSX-S750.

“I love the new GSX series, the 750 and the 1000, the F and S models. I think it’s going to be an awesome seller for us,” Paul Wood of Action Powersports in Tulsa, Okla., told Powersports Business.

The GSX-S750 is powered by a 749cc four-cylinder fuel-injected engine and its throttle bodies feature the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve System. The GSX-S750 has an upright seating position, and it will be available in Metallic Matte Black for $7,999. The special GSX-S750Z will include Metallic Triton Blue and Pearl Glacier White bodywork, gold-anodized outer fork tubes, red anodized fork adjuster bolts, a red shock spring and a blue chain for $8,149.

“I think the new 750 naked’s going to work in our market,” said Bob Kee of Desination Cycle in Kerrville, Texas.

The following are details from Suzuki on other 2015 models introduced at the meeting:

V-Strom 650XT ABS

New for 2015, Suzuki presents the V-Strom 650XT ABS. Twelve years after the birth of the V-Strom series, and following the introduction of the V-Strom 1000 ABS, the V-Strom 650XT ABS evolves from the top seller in the 650cc to 800cc dual-sport class — the V-Strom 650 ABS — and expands its versatility with Suzuki’s unique reverse spoke rims, a wider range of accessories and more adventurous styling. Its distinctive front end incorporates a beak-like front cowl that extends into the front fender — it resembles the 1000cc big brother.

The new V-Strom 650XT ABS is available in a Metallic Matte Fibroin Gray color, for a suggested retail price of $10,399. 

GW250/GW250F

The 2015 Suzuki GW250 takes a different approach to the “small bike” market by delivering big on features, size and performance, keeping fun factor high and the price low. Riders can choose the new GW250F full-fairing version in a Pearl Nebular Black color. It features a windscreen, a headlight housing and full-fairing bodywork. The GW250 version has a new Candy Cardinal Red look and fairing-less naked-bike appeal for 2015.

Both versions feature first-rate components, all at an entry-level price. Suzuki fuel-injection technology feeds the 248cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine, delivering user-friendly power focused on strong low-to-mid rpm performance. The six-speed transmission gives riders complete control of the power delivery for confident cruising at freeways speeds and on city streets. The longer chassis delivers a comfortable ride, and the contoured seat is low to accommodate a range of riders, plus it’s roomy and comfortable for a passenger, too.

Suggested retail price for the 2015 Suzuki GW250 is $4,099, and for the GW250F is $4,499.

DR-Z70

The Suzuki DR-Z70 returns to the off-road lineup in 2015. The 2015 DR-Z70 features a three-speed auto clutch transmission mated to a friendly 67cc four-stroke engine. Parents will appreciate the keyed ignition to ensure the bike only starts when they want it to start, and kids will appreciate easy to use push-button, electric starting — with a kickstarter, too.

Available Champion Yellow, the DR-Z70 retails for $1,799. 

DR200S

The 2015 Suzuki DR200S is significantly updated to make it a much more versatile and more stylish DualSport motorcycle. Leading off the changes is the bike’s racy RM-Z-inspired styling, featuring a newly shaped seat that integrates excellently with a redesigned fuel tank. This updated saddle delivers better performance when carving corners in the dirt, and more comfort for the commute. Special attention was paid to make the 2015 DR200S a better fit for a wider-range of riders with its ergonomic changes. The DR200S now has a 3.4-gallon fuel tank that delivers an estimated 105 mpg.

The 2015 Suzuki DR200S is available in two colors: Champion Yellow and Solid Black, both for a retail price of $4,499.

KingQuad 500 AXi

Redesigned for 2015, the Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi moves to the top of the extremely competitive mid-cc utility ATV class. Starting with the compact 493cc liquid-cooled engine, Suzuki engineers incorporated a new, twin-spark-plug cylinder head for improved combustion efficiency. A multi-hole injector in the Suzuki fuel-injection system delivers a much finer spray, which further increases combustion efficiency.

A new Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system and new catalytic convertor mean the enhanced engine releases cleaner emissions. Finally, a redesigned inner structure of the exhaust silencer gives the updated KingQuad 500 AXi a more robust riding experience as the engine clears its exhaust more efficiently. All combined, these enhancements help give the engine smoother operation throughout the rev range, producing excellent performance in the mid- to high-rpm range.

The look of the machine is updated for 2015 as well. A rugged front bumper design and new speedometer cover complete the updates to this mid-cc class leader. A new left-side cover allows easier access for checking engine oil level.

The Suzuki KingQuad 500 AXi, assembled in Rome, Ga., is available in Terra Green, and Flame Red for $7,399, and in True Timber XD3 Camouflage for $7,999. The KingQuad 500 AXi Power Steering model comes in Terra Green, and Flame Red for $8,299 (reduced by $500), and True Timber XD3 camouflage for $8,699 (reduced by $300).

Pricing reductions

Along with the KingQuad price reductions already mentioned, Suzuki has also lowered the MSRP on models across the board, which many dealers appreciated.

“I think that the concept of getting our MSRP pricing into a more realistic realm will help drive consumer demand. I think that’s a huge move,” Kee said.

Prices reductions are as follows: Boulevard C90T at $12,899 (reduced by $1,000), Boulevard C90 B.O.S.S. at $12,389 (reduced by $1,000), GS-R600 at $11,199 (reduced by $500), SFV650 at $7,699 (reduced by $450), Boulevard M50 at $8,599 (reduced by $200), Boulevard C50 at $8,199 (reduced by $200), Boulevard C50T at $9,399 (reduced by $200), Boulevard S40 at $5,499 (reduced by $200) and RM85 at $4,099 (reduced by $100).

See for yourself

Watch video of Larry Vandiver, Suzuki’s vice president of sales and marketing, introducing the 2016 GSX-S1000 to dealers at youtube.com/powersportsbusiness.