GSX-S1000 GT, Sport tourers haven’t been the most popular segment of motorcycling, but they have gained in popularity since Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman introduced the mainstream world to adventure riding. Despite this, adventure touring bikes and sport tourers are often headed to the same destinations, and riding the same roads. With that in mind, I took the opportunity to spend a few days on the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT. I was curious: how would this bike perform for a motorcycle tourist who doesn’t want to hit the trails?
Family Legacy
The GSX-S1000 GT runs on a liquid-cooled four-cylinder motor that evolved from the old K5-series powerplant. That doesn’t mean it’s stuck in 2005. The GT has a ride-by-wire throttle, which controls three riding modes to adjust your power delivery. There’s also five-setting traction control, which can be turned off, and a standard bidirectional quick shifter. The gearbox is, of course, a six-speed, with a slip-assist clutch.
The GSX-S1000 GT’s engine is derived from a 2005 K5 four-cylinder. It’s not old and complex, but a modern, sophisticated design. This engine is tuned for street-friendly torque, not track-friendly horsepower. The engine’s power delivery is similar to Suzuki’s older four-cylinder engines, with ample torque in the low-to-mid range.
Electronics package and other features
The electronics package includes an easy-start button, which starts the engine with just the press of a button, and there’s a hill-assist system. Along with this, traction control and ABS are also standard. The bike has no IMU sensors, which keeps costs down, but also means that the electronic safety systems are less advanced than competitors.
Riding Experience
Suzuki has been producing four-cylinder sport bikes and tourers since the 1970s, so they know how to get it right. The GSX-S1000 GT has the same aggressive-but-comfortable stance seen in other Suzuki bikes. The bike’s power is always ready, and it’s more than I’d ever need on public roads. I was more than happy to unleash it on a clear and pothole-free road.
Needs Improvement
However, the seat’s lack of all-day comfort and the non-adjustable windscreen are drawbacks of the bike. The lack of a center stand also affects the bike’s practicality. The bike’s chassis performs excellently on good pavement, but the suspension feels stiff on rough roads.
Final Verdict
The standard GT model has an MSRP of $13,349. If you want a sport tourer, there’s hardly a better deal for the money. But, the middleweight adventure touring class can be a smart choice. Suzuki’s own V-Strom 800DE is less powerful than this bike, but has better performance on public roads.
Conclusion
The GT has a place in the modern motor world, especially for the serious traveler. But, if you’re considering buying one, consider whether the extra speed is worth the trade-off between the comfort and bad-road performance of a middleweight adventure bike.
FAQs
Q1. What is the engine displacement of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT?
A1. The Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT has a 999 cc 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine.
Q2. What is the power output and torque of the GSX-S1000 GT?
A2. The maximum power output is 150 hp, and the maximum torque is 106 Nm.
Q3. What are the key features of the GSX-S1000 GT?
A3. Key features include a ride-by-wire throttle, three riding modes, five-setting traction control, ABS, a 6.5-inch TFT screen, quick shifter, cruise control, and standard saddlebags3.
Q4. What is the fuel economy of the GSX-S1000 GT?
A4. The GSX-S1000 GT offers excellent fuel economy, achieving around 60 mpg or better when the throttle is gently controlled.
Q5. What is the fuel tank capacity of the GSX-S1000 GT?
A5. The GSX-S1000 GT has a five-gallon fuel tank, providing a good range for long-distance rides.
Q6. What are the safety features available on the GSX-S1000 GT?
A6. Safety features include ABS, traction control, stability control, and an engine check warning.