The new Suzuki GSX-S950 boasts the same sleek and modern styling as its larger 1000 predecessor. This isn’t surprising, considering it essentially shares the same engine, albeit with a slightly detuned power output. However, the GSX-S950 still provides an equally enjoyable and confidence-inspiring ride, with its spirited torque, easy handling, and the presence of Suzuki’s electronic riding aid systems. On paper it sounds amazing, so time to test it on the road.
Fastest A2 engine on the current market?
The current A2 licensing system used in Europe and the UK imposed limitations on various manufacturers. Legally, an A2-compliant motorcycle needs to be restricted to the 47.5hp and 35kW. The regulations only allow for the reduction of a motorcycle’s power from a maximum of 95hp and 70kW. This means that the 150hp (112 kW) GSX-S1000 cannot serve as the basis for an A2-compliant motorcycle.
However, the current A2 licensing system also creates attractive marketing opportunities. Limiting the more powerful new models to 70kW in the factory and delivering a lighter motorcycle, which is often available at A2 settings free of charge through dealerships. After legally riding with an A2 license and gaining full power privileges, it’s a simple adjustment to convert your own motorcycle to full power. And that’s precisely what Suzuki is doing with the new GSX-S950, a version with lower specifications of the well-known high-performance GSX-S1000. But according to Suzuki itself, the fastest A2 motorcycle on the current market.
Suzuki is targeting two markets with the GSX-S950. Naturally, the A2 market, for which it can be converted to 47.5hp (35kW). And newer or older riders who don’t necessarily need the maximum power but still find the GSX visually appealing or want to enjoy the latest Suzuki technology without paying the full $11,299 or £10,949. The GSX-S950 is already available for £10,499 or £10,499. In the Netherlands the difference is quite a bit bigger; €14,999 vs € 10.899, a good 4,00 cheaper.
Naked Streetfighter Stylish Sophistication
In terms of appearance, the GSX-S960 bears a striking resemblance to the GSX-S1000, it’s a typical naked bike, but with a touch of streetfighter flair. The LED headlight from the 1000 initiates the sleek, almost horizontal line towards the tail section, enhancing the streetfighter look. The GSX-S950 weighs only 214kg, thanks in part to the same aluminum chassis as the GSX-S1000, and also utilizes the same lightweight aluminum wheels. Additionally, the swingarm is derived from the GSX-R1000, improving the GSX-S950’s handling. The rear suspension can be manually adjusted to accommodate the load on the seat. With a seat height of 810 mm, even the shortest riders can sit comfortably and reach the ground with their feet. (Comparable to the Z900’s 820 mm) But the GSX-S950 is also comfortable for taller riders, thanks to the tank cutout present only at horizontal level, providing ample space for long legs and protruding knees. At 1.86 meters, I was comfortable on the motorcycle and could ride calmly and sportily for 3 hours without experiencing muscle pain. The luxurious seat from the Street Xtreme Package of this GSX-S950 not only looks very nice but also provides ideal comfort. It’s not too soft and offers sufficient support for full acceleration. Suzuki’s advantage in refining the GSX-S950 from the S1000 is that it instills a lot of confidence on the road. It smoothly handles corners and is relatively easy to maneuver, which is also beneficial for potential new A2 riders.
Of course, there are differences between the GSX-S1000 and the GSX-S950. The most noticeable difference is the upside-down fork with a diameter of 43 mm. The fully adjustable gold KYB 43 mm fork with 120 mm travel, featuring adjustable damping, rebound, compression, and preload, is not used in the new GSX-S950. Instead, a non-adjustable silver KYB fork with lower specifications will take over the front suspension. And in terms of personal preference, the silver upside-down fork looks less busy on the white and blue models compared to the gold one. However, on the Metallic Matte Black model, the gold fork is the detail that completes the picture. The adjustable rear suspension is tailored to the use of Dunlop Roadsport 2 radial tires, which are standard on the GSX-S950. The tires fitted on Suzuki’s streetfighter are sized 120/70ZR 17M/C (58W) front and 190/50ZR 17M/C (73W) rear.
Another difference lies in the brakes of the GSX. While the S1000 comes with Brembo brakes front and rear, the S950 features Tokico calipers at the front and a Nissin caliper at the rear. This switch in brakes may be a minimal downgrade, but for the average rider and/or fair-weather rider, this difference may not be noticeable. The front brakes provide ample stopping power and are easy to modulate. The handlebar and handlebar clamps are adapted to the GSX-S950 model, featuring a simpler and more affordable design. Whether this is noticeable while riding is questionable.
The Suzuki Traction Control System is also carried over from the GSX-S1000, but whereas the S1000 offers it in 5 modes (and off), the GSX-S950 offers it in “only” 3 modes (and off). The Multi Riding Mode is completely absent on the GSX-S950.
The GSX-S950 is available in three color options. Just like the S1000 in Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Matte Black, slightly adapted to the S950 model. Additionally, Suzuki has introduced a new color scheme in Brilliant/Pearl White with red accents.
Powerful Performance and Efficient Ride Experience
The GSX-S950 comes equipped with the exact same engine block as the GSX-S1000, but tuned down to a maximum of 95hp. So despite the name, the GSX-S950 still has a displacement of 999cc. According to Suzuki, you’re essentially getting an engine developed to win races; the 999cc four-cylinder is derived from the GSX-R1000. Combined with Suzuki’s ride-by-wire technology, the engine responds powerfully and smoothly to the throttle. Paired with its high torque, you’ll take off quickly at a green light.
The standard version delivers 95hp (70kW) with 92Nm at 6,500 rpm. The A2 version delivers 48hp (35kW) with 76Nm at 3,250 rpm. This makes the GSX-S950 one of the most torque-rich A2 motorcycles; pulling from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm is smooth. The A2 version is available at no extra cost and can always be returned to full power later on.
The GSX-S950 comes with a 19-liter tank. Under average usage, the 999cc engine seems to achieve approximately 1 in 18 fuel efficiency. With a full tank, you’ll have a range of 250-300km per tank refill. It’s not a touring bike, but it falls within the same range as equivalent models from other brands.
Electronics of Suzuki
Even in the available electronics, there is a difference between the GSX-S950 and the GSX-S1000. Of course, the GSX-S950 comes with a SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) package. With the GSX-S950, this package includes the following electronic supports. Naturally, it includes Ride-By-Wire technology for smooth and natural throttle response. Additionally, the GSX-S950 also features the Suzuki Traction Control System, but while the S1000 offers 5 modes, the GSX-S950 is supplied with 3 levels and off. Both models come with the Suzuki Easy Start System and the Suzuki Low RPM Assist System; which gently increases the engine speed when releasing the clutch lever when starting from a standstill or riding at low speeds to prevent stalling. The GSX-S950 also comes with a slipper clutch combined with the Suzuki Clutch Assist System but does not include a quickshifter. The Street Xtreme package also lacks this feature. The GSX-S1000 offers 3 riding modes, which are absent on the GSX-S950. On the A2 version, you won’t miss these. Considering the presence of the TCS mode, most people won’t miss them on the normal S950 either. Neither model has Lean angle-sensitive ABS, however, the GSX-R1000/R does have this feature.
The Suzuki GSX-S950 features an LCD display with easily readable information, integrated into a sporty and compact cockpit that contributes to the streetfighter look. A large part of the display consists of the digital tachometer, which runs around the left side of the display. Additionally, there is the gear indicator and traction control modes. On the right side, you’ll find the speedometer, engine temperature, clock, fuel gauge, average consumption, and estimated available distance, along with an odometer and a trip met
Accessory Package
The GSX-S950 I received from Motostore Barendrecht came equipped with the Street Xtreme Pack. This package includes a significant number of modifications to the motorcycle, taking into account what many riders often change on a standard model. The most notable features are the Yoshimura exhaust and the short license plate holder. In total, the Street Xtreme package consists of:
- Yoshimura R11 carbon/black exhaust muffler
- Short license plate holder with mini LED lighting
- Mini LED turn signals front and rear
- Design articulated mirrors
- Suzuki engraved bar-ends
- Duoseat cover
- Luxury seat with GSX-S logo
- Frame sliders and bobbins in black
Conclusion
While riding, I thoroughly enjoyed the GSX-S950. By reducing the maximum power of the GSX-S1000 to 70kW and then utilizing this power to the fullest in the GSX-S950 version, Suzuki delivers a motorcycle that can serve two markets. On one hand, you have an A2-compliant bike that is more powerful and spirited than the older GSX-S750, and on the other hand, a full-fledged motorcycle that hardly falls short of the GSX-S1000. The result, the GSX-S950, is a bike that delivers a mountain of torque and power between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm. Thanks to this range of torque, the GSX-S950 is easy to maneuver through corners; it easily leans into turns, is easy to correct, and has enough pulling power to blast out of corners. It’s a bike that invites fun on the right roads. And all this at a significantly lower cost than the S1000. If you’re not too concerned about the differences between the 1000 and the 950, then that’s a good reason to consider the GSX-S950.
Then again, worth adding is the newer GSX-8S, which is also A2-compliant, but for me, personally more fun to ride.
Engine
- Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
- Displacement: 998.6 cc / 60.9 cubic inches
- Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 59.0 mm
- Compression Ratio: 12.2:1
- Ignition: Electronic ignition
- Max Power: 95 hp / 70 kW @ 7800 rpm (48 hp / 35 kW for A2 license)
- Max Torque: 92 Nm / 67.8 lb-ft at 6500 rpm (76 Nm / 56 lb-ft for A2 license at 3250 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed, wet clutch with slipper clutch
Chassis
- Frame: Twin Spar aluminum frame
- Front Suspension: 43 mm KYB inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-filled
- Rear Suspension: Swingarm, coil spring, oil-filled, adjustable preload and rebound damping
- Front Wheel Travel: 120 mm / 4.7 in
- Rear Wheel Travel: 130 mm / 5.1 in
- Front Brakes: Dual 310 mm floating discs with Tokico 4-piston calipers
- Rear Brake: Single 240 mm disc with Nissin single-piston caliper
- Wheels: TRP 6-spoke cast aluminum
- Front Tire: 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
- Rear Tire: 190/50ZR17M/C (73W) tubeless
Dimensions
- Length: 2115 mm / 83. 2 in
- Width: 810 mm / 31,9 inch
- Height: 1080 mm / 42,5 inch
- Wheelbase: 1460 mm / 57,5 inch
- Seat height: 810 mm / 31,9 inch
- Ground clearance: 140 mm / 5,5 inch
- Weight: 214 kg / 472 lbs curb weight
- Fuel capacity: 19 Liter
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