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Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head

Do you have a 1,000cc naked bike in your wishlist? Read on to learn more about these two beasts from the east.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Aug 02, 2022
Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head

A 1,000cc big bike, regardless of make or model, is the ultimate goal for many new motorcycle enthusiasts. Many inexperienced motorcycle fans are captivated with a bike's displacement figure, and few would disagree that a 1,000cc naked bike is on the cutting edge of practical road-focused performance.

While displacement is not the sole metric by which performance is assessed, it can be argued that the 1,000cc class of naked motorcycles is jam-packed with it. Having said that, let's take a closer look at two of Japan's most popular liter-class naked bikes: the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Honda CB1000R.

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Performance

Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head
Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head

Big bikes, especially naked sportbikes with 1,000cc engines, are all about performance. Now, let's look at the engines of these two bikes. To begin, the Honda CB1000R features a superbike-derived engine. The Honda CB1000R is powered by an edition of Honda's 998cc inline four-cylinder engine, which was first seen on an earlier model of the CBR1000RR sportbike. The CB1000R has been adjusted to generate a respectable 143 horsepower. From a performance standpoint, this retro-styled naked sportbike is a very approachable vehicle.

Suzuki's liter-class super naked bike comes in only slightly ahead of the Honda in terms of horsepower. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 is powered by a 999cc inline four with a typical 180-degree crankshaft. This gives it the distinct sound of a superbike, as well as the linear power delivery associated with an inline-four engine. The GSX-S1000 is far from a gentle machine, with 150 horsepower on tap.

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Yamaha MT-10 versus Honda CB1000R - Head to head

Features

Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head
Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head

The Honda CB1000R is a straightforward liter-class bike in terms of features. The CBR1000R lacks the very complex technology seen in its European counterparts, but it does include electronic rider aids including riding modes, traction control, and ABS. A full LED headlamp and a fully digital instrument cluster are also included. Other than that, the CBR1000R has a pretty barebones feature set, which makes it appear a bit long in the tooth when compared to its competitors.

In terms of pure technological capability, the new-generation Suzuki GSX-S1000 surpasses the CB1000R. A full complement of electronic rider aids, including IMU-powered gadgets like cornering ABS and traction control, will be available on Suzuki's GSX-S1000 in 2022. With a completely digital display, the rider may switch quickly between settings and pick from a variety of riding styles.

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Can you ride a supersport bike on a daily basis?

Price

Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head
Honda CB1000R versus Suzuki GSX-S1000 - Head to head

It is obvious that the Suzuki GSX-S1000 offers superior value for money overall when it comes to cost. It costs P710,000, which is more than P150,000 less than the CB1000R. When it comes to a balanced mix of performance and technological features, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 is a bit pricier than the Kawasaki Z1000R, but it outperforms the lean green machine in technological sophistication. The Honda CB1000R, on the other hand, is definitely the more elegant option, coming in at P865,000. This model may be suitable for someone who isn't really seeking an outright performance machine, but rather, a stylish, powerful bike that can draw attention everywhere you go.

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