LONG LEGS

Suzuki GSX-S 1000GX - There's a new tech-laden tall-rounder in town from Suzuki, which aims to build on the success of the firm's wellreceived GSX-S1000GT sport tourer

- Ross Mowbray

Suzuki's been busy of late; probably busier than it's been in years, creating an ever-growing range of downright desirable and exceedingly usable bikes that have big appeal to bikers far and wide-and the newly-released GSX-S1000GX looks to be poised to keep the good times going.

Based on the GSX-S1000 and in turn the GSX-S 1000GT, with a peachy 150bhp inline four motor to match, the new GX is all about delivering superbike levels of performance in a tall-rounder, more comfort-oriented package. That sounds like a winner to us.

While it shares plenty with the sportier GT, the new model has one big difference. It comes kitted out with the Suzuki Advanced Electronic Suspension. That's right. The GX comes kitted out with the firm's first electronic suspension system as well as the new Suzuki Road Adaptive Stabilisation and Suzuki Floating Ride Control System. That alone is enough to make it worth a look, never mind the Brembo brakes, longer-travel Showa springs and masses more technological trickery. There's no doubt the £14,499 bike's a big deal for the factory, but how does it actually go on the road? We spent a couple of days munching miles to find out.

It's a comfortable place to be. The riding position is sort of sporty with a focus on getting the rider over the front end; but with the bars 38mm higher and 43mm closer and the seat 15mm higher than the GT (there is an optional low seat, too), it feels a little easier to stretch out and get comfortable for those longer stints in the saddle. Not quite full-on sport tourer and not quite adventure bike, just a nice middle ground that makes sense for this kind of bike.