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Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head

Two of Japan’s best-performing 1,000cc naked bikes go head to head in this spec-sheet showdown.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Jun 16, 2022
Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head

For many big bike aficionados, owning a supersport can be quite a handful, especially if you ride your bike on a daily basis, or cover great distances while out touring. Luckily, the hyper naked segment is bustling with choices, and offers no shortage of high-performance models that are loaded with tech. When it comes to the 1,000cc Japanese naked bike class, it’s arguable that the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Yamaha MT-10 are among the best.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000, recently updated for the 2022 model year, is better than ever, and now features a much-needed suite of updates. Meanwhile, the Yamaha MT-10, although launched in a new version abroad, continues to be the Tuning Fork Company’s biggest, most powerful Master of Torque yet. Today, let’s take a look at the finer details of these two bikes and see which one is best for you.

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Performance

Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head
Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head

Of course, when talking about this class of motorcycles, performance is king. Both the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and Yamaha MT-10 share genes with their supersport siblings—the GSX-R1000 and YZF-R1 respectively. For starters, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 runs a 999cc inline-four engine with a traditional 180-degree crankshaft. This gives it the sound of an unmistakable superbike, and the linear power delivery associated with the inline-four engine. With 150 horsepower on tap, the GSX-S1000 is by no means a docile machine.

On the other hand, the Yamaha MT-10 cranks things up a bit in the performance game with a 999cc inline-four engine with a crossplane crankshaft. Just like the YZF-R1, the MT-10 benefits from an uneven firing order which gives the engine a lot more torque lower in the rev range. This translates to faster acceleration, a guttural exhaust note, and an incredible top-end rush. The MT-10 packs just a bit more peak power at 158 horsepower, but gobs of torque at 111 Nm. 

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Features

Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head
Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head

When it comes to features, the new-generation Suzuki GSX-S1000 pulls away from the latest iteration of the MT-10 we have locally available. Suzuki has blessed the 2022 GSX-S1000 with a full battery of electronic rider aids consisting of IMU powered gizmos like cornering ABS and traction control. It gets a fully digital display, allowing the rider to easily toggle between settings, and select from multiple riding modes with relative ease.

The MT-10, on the other hand, comes with the bare essentials when it comes to rider aids. It gets non-cornering-sensitive ABS, a rudimentary traction control system, and three riding modes. This results in a ride that’s a lot more raw and unhinged, with the MT-10 allowing you to do wheelies even when traction control is switched on. However, this means that the MT-10 could be less forgiving when things get a bit dicey. 

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Price

Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head
Suzuki GSX-S1000 versus Yamaha MT-10 - Head to head

When it comes to pricing, it’s clear that the Suzuki GSX-S1000 touts better value for money overall. With a price tag of P710,000, it’s P90,000 cheaper than the MT-10, and boasts more modern features. That being said, what the outgoing Yamaha MT-10 lacks in technology, it makes up for in character. Considered by many to be one of the most soulful liter-class naked bikes out there, the MT-10 instantly turns heads thanks to its exhaust note and killer styling. For some, its P799,000 price tag is well worth it.

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