There’s lots of good, but it’s not for everyone
When it comes to the new GX, there is no getting away from the fact the fundamentals are good. The 999cc motor has loads of character and means that this is a faster tall-rounder than a Versys 1000 or Tracer 9 GT+
– it’s genuinely quick. The electronics are (mostly) clever and the riding position is comfortable and lets you smash big miles in the saddle. The ride quality is very impressive too, though you do pay for that with handling that definitely isn’t as sharp as its lower sports-touring GSX-S1000GT brother.
As a comfortable crossover bike, the GX is on the money with a good seating position and relaxed ergonomics. We were impressed with the bike on its foreign launch last year, but once you start to cover miles the lack of screen adjustment is frustrating. Vibrating mirrors and having to pay more for creature comforts like a centrestand and heated grips are less than ideal on a bike billed as a top-rate product.
It’s obviously been a difficult job for Suzuki to place the GX in the market without compromising the GT and with this in mind, it feels like they decided to concentrate on ride quality rather than handling. This means the semi-active suspension system is a welcome addition, but is best for flowing riding. If you want a touring–based Suzuki to ride hard, the GT is the better bet.
But if you want a more relaxed, practical Suzuki to waft around on and one that likes to carry a passenger, there is much to recommend it especially if you’re up for sorting a few of the bike’s foibles; aftermarket tyres, screen and brake pads would work wonders. The problem the GX has is that its two man rivals are pretty sorted straight from the showroom…
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