Page 17 - June Edition.cdr

“Despite its aggressive posture, the 2024 GSX1100
is surprisingly comfortable.”
These aids are subtle and
customizable via the handlebar-
mounted selector.
While the electronics suite isn't
quite as expansive as the GSX-
R1000R's, it's more than sufficient
for a sport naked. Importantly, it
doesn't intrude unless you push the
bike hard—ideal for riders who still
want a visceral, analog-like
experience.
Ergonomics & Comfort: Built for
Long Hauls and Daily Grinds
Despite its aggressive posture, the
2024 GSX1100 is surprisingly
comfortable. The seat is wide and
firm enough for long-distance rides,
and the pegs are placed in a slightly
relaxed position compared to full-
on sportbikes.
Over a 300km test ride from
Johannesburg to Clarens, I
experienced little fatigue. The
windscreen deflects enough air to
reduce pressure on the chest
without creating turbulence around
the helmet. Heated grips come
standard, and cruise control is
included—both luxuries that add
daily rideability.
Pillions have a small but usable
seat, and optional hard luggage
mounts allow for weekend touring if
you choose. It's not a sport tourer,
but it flirts with that territory just
enough to make longer trips
enjoyable.
F u e l E c o n o m y & R a n g e :
Surprisingly Efficient Muscle
Suzuki claims a combined fuel
consumption figure of 5.9L/100km.
In real-world use, I averaged
6 . 2 L / 1 0 0 k m a c r o s s m i x e d
riding—spirited highway runs,
urban commutes, and some stop-
start traffic.
With a 19-litre fuel tank, the
GSX1100 delivers a practical range
of about 300km. For a motorcycle
LHR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE
with this level of performance,
that's impressive. Suzuki's lean-
burn fuel mapping and dual-injector
system clearly play a role here.
Technology Features: Smart,
But Not Overdone
Suzuki has been cautious about
technology overload on this bike.
Yes, there's a modern 5-inch TFT
screen, but it's not flashy or
distracting. Navigation can be
mirrored via a smartphone app, but
the interface is clean and utilitarian.
Keyless ignition, USB-C charging,
a proximity sensor, and auto-
cancelling indicators round out the
smart features, but thankfully,
there's no bloated infotainment
system or touchpad to fiddle with.
The bike's software is OTA (Over-
The-Air) update ready, meaning
future enhancements to the
electronics package can be
downloaded at the dealership or via
mobile app.
Soundtrack: The Symphony of
the Inline-Four
Perhaps the most intoxicating
aspect of the GSX1100 is its sound.
Unlike modern Euro-fours that
sometimes feel overly muffled or
synthetic, the Suzuki's inline-four
barks with authority.
At idle, it hums with mechanical
intent. Climb past 6000 RPM, and it
snarls—clean, crisp, and full of old-
school energy. The exhaust note
under acceleration is thrilling, a
perfect mix of turbine whine and
four-cylinder growl.
It's addictively mechanical, free
from fake pops or over-engineered
backfires. It reminds you that this is
a machine built for riders, not
algorithms.
Verdict: A Worthy Heir or a
Hollow Tribute?
The 2024 Suzuki GSX1100 is not
17
just a tribute bike. It's not nostalgia
for nostalgia's sake. It's a full-
fledged, high-performance
machine that blends the best of the
old and new.
It offers exhilarating power, poised
handling, refined ergonomics, and
just enough tech to keep modern
riders happy without alienating the
purists. Importantly, it doesn't try to
out-GSX-R the GSX-R—it's an
entirely different beast, tailored for
those who want attitude with
usability.
Whether you're a returning rider
looking for a high-displacement
road weapon, or a younger
enthusiast drawn to retro-modern
appeal, the GSX1100 delivers an
emotional experience that many
bikes today lack.
Final Thoughts: A Modern Classic in
the Making
The 2024 GSX1100 doesn't chase
trends. It confidently stands apart,
offering something rare: a bike
with a soul. It's not a track
monster. It's not a touring sofa. It's
a powerful, road-focused machine
designed to be ridden hard, often,
and with a smile.
In an era of increasingly sanitized,
tech-heavy motorcycles, the
GSX1100 reminds us why we fell
in love with motorcycling in the
first place. LHR
JUNE 2025