A2 supernaked lacks fun factor
SUZUKI’S NEW GSX-S950 can be restricted to 47bhp from its 94bhp full-power form, allowing learners to have a proper big bike that they can unleash once through their test.
We tested the bike in A2-legal 46.6bhp trim to see what’s on offer and immediately the GSX-S sounds like it will rip your head off, with a fantastic supernaked, snarling exhaust note. The power is initially impressive but once past 6000rpm, it tails off. Torque is good in the low and mid-range, so if you are restricted to an A2 licence, you won’t feel short-changed. Getting it converted back to full-power is a simple and cheap ECU remap.
The GSX-S950 is £1000 less than its 1000 sibling but there are a few bits missing. Instead of the 1000’s five traction-control modes, the 950 has three, with no power modes nor quickshifter. You still get ABS as well as LOW-RPM Assist and an LCD dash.
The cheaper Tokico radial calipers have all of the stopping power of the 1000’s Brembos while the KYB forks are a lower spec and lack any adjustment. But the shock is identical and the suspension overall can cope with spirited road riding.
The overriding problem is that the GSX-S feels like a solid and secure supernaked minus its power, not an agile and light fun middleweight. And at £10,150, it costs a lot more than a Triumph Trident 660 (£7395, 78.9bhp), Honda CB650R (£7399, 92bhp), or Yamaha MT-07 (£6902, 72.4bhp).
I struggle to see many new riders wanting to spend that amount of cash on their first bike and, even then, it only works for a very small slice of the market.