You could say the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is simply a collection of parts pinched from other models. That’s partly true, but they’ve taken simple idea and executed it so brilliantly, it has the makings of an instant classic.
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It’s an honest-to-goodness road bike-shaped sports tourer, with styling that finally moves the game on for them, even if its looks are greatest hits of well… you decide.
Unlike the adventure bikes and tall roaders that have taken the place of sports tourers in recent years, the GSX-S1000GT doesn’t have dual-purpose tyres, dirt bike wheels or long travel suspension.
The Suzuki is for smiley Sunday morning tarmac and big road trips, just like the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX it’s gunning for. We could just be seeing the return of the sports tourer here and that’ll be music to the ears of many
Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT is a bike you just hope will be as good as it seems and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s effortlessly quick, comfortable, practical, reassuring and thanks to its K5-derived engine, exciting, too - exactly what a sports tourer should be.
Its crisp colour dash, quickshifter, cruise control, smooth grunt and peachy throttle will make journeys, near and far a breeze and even better is the price. It isn’t exactly loose change, but is superb value for the all the metal, tech and performance you get for your money.
Brakes are slightly wooden, but work well and its tyres could be better, but they’re minor and easily fixable blemishes on Suzuki’s best bike in a very long time.
The GSX-S1000GT uses the same basic chassis layout as the current GSX-S1000 (and the version before, including the ‘F’): a twin spar ali frame (with a new subframe and pannier mounts) and swingarm, fully adjustable KYB forks, Brembos and a basic rear shock with preload and rebound damping adjustment.
Suzuki sportsbikes always handle sweetly and the GT is no exception. It’s stable, unflappable at full lean and lives for fast A-road and motorway curves.
It hunkers closer to the tarmac, compared to other all-rounders, so a sports tourer like the GT is more stable and precise at speed and has a lower seat, making it easy to get your feet down.
Its smoother bodywork creates far less of an ear-blasting wind roar, too. The screen is non-adjustable but does a great job of keeping off the elements and there’s also a 70mm taller touring screen available (£193). Heated grips are also a £395 extra.
It’s also supremely comfortable with a natural stretch to its high and wide bars. Legroom is generous, rider and pillion seats are plush and you’re nicely isolated from vibes, thanks to rubber-mount bars and rubber-topped footpegs.
During the GT’s launch riding some of the best roads in Scotland, wet and dry, the GT is a joy. We saw an indicated 43mpg on the dash (Suzuki claimed 46mpg), which should give a full to dry tank range of 180-miles.
There’s very little not to like about the GSX-S1000GT – it’s properly sorted and well thought out, but there are two minor niggles.
Firstly, the ABS robs feel from the Brembos, although they still work well. Secondly, its new cast ali six-spoke wheels are shod with Dunlop Roadsport 2 rubber and although wet and dry grip is acceptable, fitting a set of the latest-generation sports touring rubber (Dunlop’s RoadSmart 3 included) would greatly enhance ride quality and help the Suzuki roll into corners more sweetly.
There’d be even more grip and confidence for the rider, too.
