~ Auto Buzz ~: Suzuki Announces Early-Release 2016 Models

We’re not even halfway through the 2015 calendar year, and many motorcycle manufacturers are revealing their 2016 models. Well, Suzuki isn’t going to miss out on the party. The TU250X returns at last year’s price with new colors, while an old favorite, the Bandit 1250S ABS, reenters the Suzuki model line after being announced at Intermot last year as a 2015 model but failing to make an appearance in America until now. The real excitement for Suzuki fans, however, will most likely be around the new GSX-S1000 family.

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000, GSX-S1000F, And GSX-S1000F ABS Preview

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000

All in the Family

Suzuki created a family of three models based on the “K5” generation (2005 – 2008) GSX-R1000 engine. The 999cc inline-Four with its long stroke has been popular with riders since its original release because of the mill’s low- and mid-range focused torque that suits performance street riding. This power was further optimized through cam profiles and timing, while 10-hole injectors and the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve take care of the fuel delivery and emissions.

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000 First Ride Review

To handle the vagaries of street pavement conditions, the GSX-S1000 family features Suzuki Advanced Traction Control System and its three modes to put the engine’s power to the ground instead of into spinning the rear tire. From the handlebar-mounted switch, the rider has a choice of three settings (plus off) to suit their riding style and road conditions. Throw in a chassis designed for streetable comfort in addition to performance, and even shorn of its track-focused racing roots, the GSX-S has the credentials to generate some serious speed.

The new twin-spar aluminum frame assists the 43mm KYB inverted front fork and the rear monoshock in walking the tightrope between superbike performance and real-world comfort. The fully-adjustable KYB fork allows the rider to tune preload, compression and rebound damping. The shock utilizes a cam-style preload adjuster and adjustable rebound damping. Speed attenuation is handled by Brembo radial-mount monobloc calipers with ABS offered on two models.

2016 Suzuki GSX-S1000F ABS

Aggressive, naked styling with an angular radiator shroud and a single headlight add to the in-your-face look. A fully faired version is available in the GSX-S1000F, and it builds on the GSX-S1000’s aggressive stance by adding an integrated dual-headlight and swoopy windscreen. A Renthal Fatbar harkens to the superbikes of previous generations while giving the rider strong leverage and an upright riding position.

Discuss this at our Suzuki GSX-S1000 Forum

The S1000 is available in Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Fibron Gray at an MSRP of $9,999. The GSX-S1000 ABS and GSX-S1000F ABS sport Metallic Triton Blue and Sparkle Black/Pearl Mira color schemes and will retail for $10,499 and $10,999, respectively. Go meet the new family in your motorcycle neighborhood Suzuki dealership in late September/early October.

Return of the Bandit

2016 Suzuki GSF-1250S ABS

The 2016 Suzuki Bandit 1250S ABS has all the features that made previous generations of the Bandit so popular with riders. Starting with the hanging-out-in-the-wind, 1255cc liquid-cooled inline-Four that is tuned for peak torque in the lower, more street-usable rpm range, the Bandit has a muscular style. The engine uses digital closed-loop fuel-injection to carry its broad power delivery into the higher rpm for tank-draining, open-road cruising. The 6-speed transmission contributes to this broad-ranging utility, allowing for urban performance and highway comfort.

Intermot 2014: 2015 Suzuki Bandit 1250S ABS

The half-fairing offers long-haul rider comfort, as does the upright standard riding position. The air within the cockpit is smoothed via a vent below the headlight which reduces turbulence and gives cooling airflow for the rider. Additional rider comfort – though of a different variety – is offered by the adjustable seat height, ranging from 31.7 to 32.5 inches.

And God smiled down on the return of the Bandit 1250S ABS.

The steel-tube chassis balances the dual goals of sporty handling with touring stability and comfort. The 43mm standard fork and the rear shock are both preload and rebound adjustable. Braking comes courtesy of dual 310mm front discs and four-piston calipers. Since ABS is in this Bandit’s name, its incorporation should be obvious. The included centerstand is a welcome feature.

The 2016 Suzuki Bandit 1250S ABS will be available in late July/early August with a MSRP of $9,899 in either Red or Black.

2016 Suzuki TU250X

The retro Suzuki TU250X returns with its classic styling and a new Metallic Orange/Black color combination. The 249cc, air-cooled Single is unchanged for 2016, as is its $4,399 price. (Unfortunately, the fact that it is not coming to California is also unchanged.) The TU250X features an easy-going demeanor and a low 30.3 in. seat height that should be comforting to shorter and newer riders. Look for the TU250X in dealerships in late July.