Page 16 - June Edition.cdr

Test Riding the 2024 Suzuki GSX 1100:

Power Meets Precision

By Staff Writer]
Introduction: A Legacy Reborn
The Suzuki GSX1100 needs little introduction to seasoned motorcyclists. Its roots run deep into the
1980s, when it roared into the market as a raw, powerful, no-nonsense superbike. Revered for its
straight-line speed, air/oil-cooled torque, and aggressive presence, the original GSX1100 became a cult
icon. Fast-forward to 2024, and Suzuki has done something bold: they've revived the GSX1100
nameplate for the modern age. But this isn't just a cosmetic throwback—it's a reimagination that merges
vintage soul with modern engineering.

Styling: Retro Roots with a more linear, and impressively GSX1100 handles with surprising
Modern Edge responsive. grace. It feels composed in corners
and stable at high speed, with a
T h e 2 0 2 4 G S X 1 1 0 0 i s Twist the throttle, and the GSX1100
unmistakably inspired by the responds with a roar that's deep neutral steering feel that's rare in
original Katana-era design and mechanical—no artificial this segment. This isn't a flickable
language. It has sharp, angular exhaust notes here. It builds power supersport, but it's far from
bodywork that nods to its steadily but forcefully, with a meaty sluggish.
predecessors while embracing midrange and an exhilarating top I tested the GSX on a winding
2 1 s t - c e n t u r y a e r o d y n a m i c end. It's not hypersport quick like a mountain pass near the Cape Fold
r e fi n e m e n t . T h e t w i n L E D GSX-R1000R, but it's brutally Belt, where switchbacks and long
headlamps are housed in a square effective in real-world riding, where sweepers exposed both its agility
nacelle reminiscent of the 1983 torque trumps peak horsepower. and poise. The chassis never felt
GSX, while the sculpted tank, In testing, the GSX1100 launched unsettled, even when pushing hard
minimalist tail section, and flat seat from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 into decreasing-radius turns. The
scream old-school muscle bike. long wheelbase (1460mm) aids
seconds and pulled cleanly all the
But don't mistake this for mere way to its electronically limited top stability, and the wide handlebars
nostalgia. Every line on the 2024 speed of 260 km/h. The six-speed give you excellent leverage.
GSX1100 serves a function. The gearbox is precise, and the At city speeds, it remains
fairing improves wind deflection. standard bidirectional quickshifter manageable. The low seat height
The mirrors are bar-end mounted is among the smoothest I've (810mm) and wide steering angle
and aerodynamic. And the new experienced on a Japanese inline- help in traffic and parking lot
bronze and matte gunmetal paint four. maneuvers, making it more usable
scheme—accented by subtle Three ride modes (Standard, than its aggressive silhouette
Suzuki badging—adds a premium Sport, Rain) allow for throttle and suggests.
feel that previous GSX generations power delivery adjustment. I found Braking & Electronics: Modern
could only dream of.
Standard to be the most natural for Control Meets Muscle Bike
The cockpit is a blend of analog and daily use, while Sport turned the Attitude
digital. A large central tachometer GSX into a proper backroad beast. The GSX1100 sports dual 320mm
pays homage to its heritage, while front discs with Brembo radial
a TFT panel beneath it offers real- Chassis & Handling: Big Power, calipers and a 260mm rear disc
time telemetry: traction control Big Control with a Nissin caliper. Braking
status, lean angle, ride mode, p e r f o r m a n c e i s
Suzuki has equipped the 2024
quickshifter use, and more. excellent—progressive yet
GSX1100 with a fully adjustable
Engine & Performance: 1100cc KYB suspension setup: 43mm powerful, with minimal fade even
of Refined Fury under heavy use.
inverted forks up front and a link-
At the heart of the 2024 GSX1100 type monoshock in the rear. It rides Suzuki's advanced IMU-based
sits a liquid-cooled, 1100cc inline- on lightweight 17-inch cast wheels traction control system operates in
four that Suzuki claims produces wrapped in sticky Bridgestone tandem with ABS, wheelie control,
150 horsepower and 105 Nm of Battlax Hypersport S22 tires. and cornering brake control
torque. Unlike the old air-cooled Despite its size and power, the
screamers, this mill is smoother,

LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE 16 JUNE 2025