GSX-S1000 range finally gets a proper sport-touring upgrade
Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 has been offering a solid, well-priced litre-class roadster option for six years now, since its launch in 2015. The original line-up had both naked and half-faired versions – but the faired ‘F’ model lacked a bit in terms of proper sport-touring abilities.
You had a front fairing and small screen – but the pillion seat was fairly tiny, and there wasn’t much in the way of long-distance comforts. Stuff like hard luggage was difficult to fit, and there was definitely a gap in there for a machine more like the Kawasaki Z1000 SX – a full fairing with decent protection, big torquey engine, and comfortable accommodation for rider and pillion.
And now the Hamamatsu firm has done a proper job, with the new 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT. It takes the 152bhp 999cc GSX-R1000-based engine, and the GSX-R based frame and running gear from the new naked GSX-S1000 launched earlier this year, and adds all the touring goodies you could want.
So you get a big old fairing with loads of LED headlights up front, a 19-litre fuel tank, wide rubber-mounted handlebars, extra comfy rider and pillion seat, plus optional hard luggage.
On the electronics front, there’s an impressive suite of rider aids – up/down shifter, cruise control, Bluetooth phone link, rider power modes, ABS and traction control, all accessed via a huge 6.5” LCD TFT colour dash.
The 43mm USD KYB front forks are fully adjustable, while the rear shock only has preload and rebound, and the GT gets the same Brembo monobloc four-piston calipers up front as seen on naked GSX-S1000. There’s an all-new extra-strong subframe on the GT too, to take the extra loads of a touring bike: pillion, hard luggage and the like, and the GSX-S1000 GT wear specially-designed Dunlop Roadsmart 2 tyres, with a beefy 190-section rear.
All this touring kit does mean a bit of a weight penalty – the new GT weighs in at 226kg ready to ride. What’s not too heavy is the price though: £11,599 is a decent price nowadays.
The new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT will be in the shops in November, in Metallic Black, MotoGP Triton Blue and a darker Reflective Blue colour schemes.