GT touring at its finest
Every few years motorcyclists like to change things up, the time eventually comes to buy something new, some trade up, others trade down and others completely change their lifestyle aspect and buy something completely different. In my personal capacity, this time had arrived, and it was time to decide what I wanted. I followed the same path that so many have before me have trod, looking at my finances, the aspect of biking that I wanted to pursue, and my lifestyle. Now doing what I do for a living I had the opportunity to ride a host of machines to see what would suit me. Superbikes were off the table for comfort reasons, but I still love the way they look. The type of riding I had planned involved a pillion with reasonably long rides and a big clunky cruiser just wouldn't do.I liked the riding position on an adventure bike but my pillion doesn't really like being dirty all the time, so an adventure machine was out as well. I then rode the GSX S1000 from Suzuki and believed I had found what I was looking for in a naked supersport. 1000cc+, sports styling, upright riding position light handling, and a somewhat comfy pillion position.....Perfect!
Related: Suzuki GSX S1000 (2022) Review
I had found the bike to buy and was poised to sign on the dotted line and then the GSX S1000 in GT guise pulled into my driveway and ruined it all. What an absolutely brilliant piece of kit, if there was ever a bike that perfectly suited me this was it. I don't want to wax lyrical about the GT, but suffice to say this ticked all the boxes for what I wanted and needed from a bike.
Styling
At first glance, the GT looks like a sportbike, but on closer inspection you start to see the small differences, The mid-height screen with its slight upward swoop, the rubber-mounted handlebars, and the mid-mounted foot controls. Once you add the colour-coded panniers the GT transforms in front of your eyes into a proper sports tourer. Draped in Metallic Reflective Blue the machine looks the business with a wide 19l fuel tank that offers a comfortable cutout for the knees. The GT is equipped with smart LED lighting front and rear as well as rather comfortable rider and pillion seating. The panniers allowed for a lot of packing space but came ever so slightly short of swallowing an adventure-style helmet but will very easily take the weekend luggage of two adults.
Tech
The GT is one of the most advanced bikes that Suzuki makes with a raft of new tech. Starting upfront and Centre a new 6.5” colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity is your new dashboard. You will also find a USB charging port for any device that needs power. Familiar favorites such as Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) with its ride-by-wire throttle are present but are now joined by Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) and Suzuki Ride Mode Selection (SDMS) which all work together and allow the rider to completely customise their riding experience. You will also find Suzuki's one-touch start and low RPM Assist features as well as the very handy Cruise control functionality.
Suzuki had also kindly fitted aftermarket heated grips which were a welcome addition during the cold winter rides, but it did look a little like an afterthought and the system only had 1 setting, roasted hands or off.
Engine and drivetrain
The GT is powered by the tried and tested K5 engine displacing 999cc, which has been refreshed and is now Euro 5 complaint. It pumps out 115kW and 102Nm through a 6-speed transmission that is equipped with a fantastic multi-directional quick shifter that is super smooth. Equipped with dampened KYB suspension front and rear the GT offers a sublime ride that is sporty in the twisties, and it doesn't rattle your bones on long open stretches. The aforementioned rider assist systems make for a wonderful riding experience that is hard to compare to.
Let's ride
Tipping the scales at 226kg, the GT is no featherweight but is much lighter than other sport-tourers, and you can feel it in the chassis. The GT is no slouch when you ask it to change direction quickly and will do so with very little input from the rider. Even two up, the GT very rapidly reaches highway speed and beyond and comfortably sits there with the cruise control engaged. The wind protection is superb even with the upright riding position, air is channeled neatly around the rider and pillion. The true test is when the corners arrive and you are able to attack a curving road. The GT proved to be very agile and surefooted with the rider aides keeping the bike in check even with the extra weight on board.
Pro's and Con's
- Comfortable riding position
- Mid-height screen blocks wind perfectly
- Great tech
- Colour coded panniers
- Excellent quick shifter
- Smooth linear power delivery
- Mirrors are slightly out of reach when seated and riding
Model and Price
Suzuki GSX S1000 GT - R 249 900
* Price correct at time of publication and subject to change at any time
Verdict
After a particularly long day of riding, my pillion and I sat down and discussed the pros and cons, and yes we both came away feeling confident that this is going to be our next machine. It is difficult to describe the feeling when you finally find what you're after. If you find yourself in a similar position, I cannot recommend the GSX S1000 GT more. It is near perfect at everything it is made to do and comes in at a brilliant price to boot. If sports touring is where your heads at, and you enjoy sharing the road with your special someone then the GT must be on your to-ride list.
