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2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA Comparison Review Photo Gallery

The Suzuki GSX1250FA features an Inline Four with hefty bottom end.

See photos of the 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA in action in this 2011 Suzuki GSX1250FA photo gallery. Read more in the 2011 Road Sport Shootout.

The powerband proves quite manageable, and the Suzuki gets pegged as “easiest” to ride.

Test riders ranked the Suzuki engine at the bottom in performance and character.

Bolstering the GSX touring capabilities, it tied with the Yamaha for the longest range at 191 miles. Its 38.9 mpg fuel efficiency almost topped the comparison too, a scant single mpg down on the thrifty FZ1.

Fit and finish doesn’t measure up to the higher-end bikes, and while we’ll credit the instrument console’s inclusion of a gear position indicator – overall it looks bland and dated.

The Suzuki feels the tallest geared, with comparable speeds coming at about 1000 revs lower than the other test bikes.

While the dual 310mm disc with four-piston Tokico calipers haul things down up front, they feel spongy and less powerful than the higher-spec competitors.

While it may feel tame by comparison, the Suzuki doesn’t want for power on the street, particularly down low.

The suspension components are notably the softest sprung of the lot. This leads to a plush ride on the freeway, enhancing the bike’s touring credibility (more on this later). But cram up the road with some tighter corners or high-speed sweepers and the soft chassis proves too lax.

The Suzuki engine proves quite street-friendly, and deceptively fast. Riders don’t need to ring its neck either.

Despite taller gearing the GSX is easy to launch, the hydraulically-operated clutch offering up silky engagement.

Where the other bikes exhibit more aggressive acceleration and, in some cases, intrusive engine braking, the Suzuki’s creamy motor doesn’t chug on decel.

A preload-adjustable 43mm fork, the only non-inverted unit in the test, falls behind when pressed hard. The Suzuki’s steel-tubed frame also gets unwieldy at higher speeds

Despite its faults, the Suzuki delivers big with comfort and its street-friendly engine.

The 1250FA’s $11,599 asking price is a full thousand more than the FZ1 and $600 more than the Ninja 1000.

The Suzuki's conventional suspension and brakes feel softer than the higher-spec units found on its comparison rivals.

The Suzuki features a torquey bottom and mid-range, but fall off up top. It's 93.8 rear wheel horsepower rank it at the bottom – 30 ponies down on the nearest rival, the 123.5 hp Kawasaki.