The Ducati Monster is an icon, and it isn’t difficult to see why. When it launched, it was the closest thing you could have to an affordable Ducati, and one that you could ride every day, even in traffic. Plus, thanks to the success, the naked inspired a whole set of motorcycles that endeavor to be like it – premium, desirable, yet approachable.
Suzuki saw that the Monster was a great template (as did many others) and came up with its own version, the SV650. This is a naked bike similar to the Monster. So similar, in fact, that it even looks like it, with the round headlamp and contrasting exposed trellis frame. While the SV has remained the same over the decades, the Monster has evolved to the point where it is once again a premium product that will make people hesitate. In that time, Suzuki has whipped up a new naked bike that undercuts the Monster while getting you more for the money.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000 Is The Suzuki Naked Bike That Rivals the Ducati Monster At A Lower Price
Like most of its range, Suzuki has three different displacements for its naked bikes. There is the 650 cc V-twin, the 776 cc parallel twin, and the 999 cc inline four. In a strange twist, any of these three engines could be a suitable rival for the Ducati Monster. The 650 cc is in philosophy, the 776 cc is in the same class, and the 1000 cc is in the same price bracket. Since we’re not being brand loyal, it is the GSX-S1000 that gets the nod, and it is the Suzuki naked bike that rivals the Ducati Monster at a lower price.
Suzuki GSX-S1000 Price: $11,989
Suzuki has pulled off the same trick that a lot of other manufacturers are today – repurposing old components to help build new models, thus reducing R&D cost significantly. This translates to savings for the buyer. That is exactly what has happened with the GSX-S1000: it has an old GSX-R engine that is detuned to offer more torque and meet current emissions norms, and the result is a really affordable liter streetfighter that can compete with any other one, with massive value its strongest point. That base price is over $2,000 less than the Monster+, for reference.
An Uber-Reliable Superbike Engine Powers The GSX-S1000
The GSX-S1000 uses an old GSX-R engine, and it has the same tune as it does in the other current models it powers, the GSX-S1000GT sport tourer and GSX-S1000GX crossover. There is no fancy firing order; this is an old school screamer that loves revs. That is reflected in the power and torque figures. Even after being watered down for a street bike, it makes 150 horsepower at 11,000 RPM, and 78 pound-feet at 9,250 RPM. Get it to the midrange and beyond, and you’ll fly along with a massive grin on your face.
There is modern tech on this old engine, giving it a great combination of reliability and tech. The features include a by-wire throttle, low-RPM assist system, one-touch start, three power modes, and five-level traction control. The power modes do not change the peak power output like we’re used to from bikes today; they merely change the throttle response. This is paired with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch.
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The Chassis Is Also Superbike-Sourced
Where everyone else is now seeking lower cost and less weight through steel trellis frames, Suzuki has retained an old-school twin spar aluminum frame for the GSX-S1000. Like the engine and gearbox, it is a carryover from an old GSX-R liter sport bike, so its ability, especially at speed, is beyond reproach. It has a lighter subframe compared to the tourers it shares the chassis with, because it doesn’t have to worry about a pillion and luggage.
KYB supplies the 43 mm inverted forks and the link-type rear single shock. Full adjustability is available at both ends. The brakes are Brembo units at the front: twin 310 mm discs paired with radial four-piston fixed monobloc calipers, while at the rear, Nissin is chosen for the 240 mm disc and single piston caliper. ABS is standard, but unfortunately, not switchable. 17-inch alloy rims and tubeless tarmac tires round out the chassis components.
Suzuki GSX-S1000 Dimensions
The GSX-S1000 measures 83.3 inches in length, 31.9 inches wide, and has a 57.2-inch wheelbase. This is an advantage in the city, and it makes it match up well with the likes of the Ducati Monster. The seat is nearly 32 inches high, which is standard for this class of motorcycle. The biggest issue, though, is the 472-pound curb weight. This is considerably higher than the Monster’s 395-pound figure (wet without fuel).
The Feature List Focuses On The Basics
Suzuki updated the GSX-S1000 in 2025 and gave it a 5-inch TFT display, but inexplicably left out Bluetooth and navigation. Even as a value product, this is slightly disappointing by 2026 standards. It’s the same story with the basic electronic aids we mentioned above, although you can argue that just traction control is enough for the performance on offer. Elsewhere, there are two colors available, blue and red.
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Suzuki GSX-S1000 Competition
The Ducati Monster used to be one of the last remaining throwback Ducatis, with the Testastretta 11-degree V-twin running the Desmodromic valvetrain. Now, you get the new V2 engine for saving weight and improving long-term ownership. Even with the new engine, it is massively down on power and torque compared to the Suzuki. However, it claws back points by being nearly 100 pounds lighter. It has better brakes, a six-axis IMU, and a two-way quickshifter as standard, too. All that comes at a price, though, so you have to pick your battle.
Elsehwere, the GSX-S1000 is priced in a very interesting place. It sits smack in the middle between the premium middleweight nakeds and the value liter nakeds. You could look at the Kawasaki Z900 ($9,999) or Yamaha MT-09 ($10,899) if you desired more features and less weight with less power. If you were willing to pay more for more, then those same manufacturers have the Z1100 and MT-10 available (both $14,999).
The GSX-S1000’s natural sparring partner is the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, priced at $10,999. It uses a steel trellis frame, has premium suspension and braking components, and outdoes the Suzuki’s performance in international markets. However, in the US, it is detuned to meet noise and emission norms and makes under 130 horsepower.
Suzuki GSX-S1000 Vs Ducati Monster
|
Model |
Suzuki GSX-S1000 |
Ducati Monster |
|
Price |
$11,989 |
$12,995 |
|
Engine |
I4 |
90° V-twin |
|
Displacement |
999 cc |
937 cc |
|
Power |
150 HP @ 11,000 RPM |
111 HP @ 9,250 RPM |
|
Torque |
79.6 LB-FT @ 9,500 RPM |
69 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
|
Curb Weight |
472 pounds (wet) |
395 pounds (wet) |
Source: Suzuki Cycles