The overlooked Sport-Tourer that offers comfort, speed and value

Lately, adventure bikes have become the number one choice for riders looking for a decent travel companion. Both conventional and sport touring bikes have taken a back seat to these incredibly versatile machines. Riders not only choose these bikes for their versatility, but they also choose these bikes for their more comfortable ergonomics.

Manufacturers have certainly realized this and have responded by introducing several large sports tourers that are much better suited to long-distance travel than most ADVs. Like their automotive counterparts, these crossovers are only becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. These motorcycles offer a better balance of comfort and speed than almost any other type of motorcycle, but only one adds old-school value to the mix.

In order to provide you with the most current and accurate information, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Suzuki bicycles. While the opinions are ours.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ offers comfort, speed and value

MSRP: $18,749

The GSX-S1000GX+ is one of several value-oriented Suzukis on the market today. Unfortunately, most consumers don’t seem to see it that way, and this impressive crossover is consistently overlooked. The value proposition here isn’t immediately apparent, and those unfamiliar with these types of high-end motorcycles may not like the price tag and walk away. But in reality, all of its direct competitors cost more.

The Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is the most comparable alternative. It offers a similar range of high-end features, including electronic suspension, all for a similar price. Technically it’s still more expensive, plus it’s both less powerful and significantly heavier than the Suzuki.

If you’re really looking for performance, then the Ducati Multistrada V4 S should be on your radar. It’s about $10,000 more expensive, but it’s certainly a premium offering that justifies the price tag. BMW makes the most popular bike in this area in the form of the S 1000 XR. It offers great value, but if you were to get it at the same specification level as the Suzuki – or the Kawasaki for that matter – the price will rise quite a bit.

The GSX-S1000GX+ has a familiar engine

Power: 150 hp

This inline-four was originally developed in 2005 for the K5 gixxer. While the basic architecture is still there, it is in a very different state. Over the years it has been reworked and optimized for mid-range performance and features in several high-value models. It has also been modernized in an attempt to make it as efficient as possible, which is crucial for any modern bike that needs to meet emissions regulations around the world.

Somehow it complies with Euro5+

It’s a minor miracle that Suzuki has managed to get it through modern emissions testing, including the ultra-strict Euro5+ regulations. That said, it’s still not the most fuel-efficient motorcycle in the world. This is not unusual for an inline-four motorcycle, and part of the reason why most manufacturers are moving away from the configuration. On the other hand, nothing is as smooth, a truly desirable feature for a touring model.

The GSX-S1000GX+ has a handy party trick

Even though the Hayabusa remains the most expensive bike in the lineup, this is the bike that Suzuki has thrown the kitchen sink at in terms of features. As you would expect from a touring car, it offers excellent wind protection, but luggage is not always a given these days and is not included. The point of difference is the high-quality semi-active electronic suspension. It is one of the most innovative motorcycle features developed in recent history.

But it remains expensive to produce, and it’s a big part of why the bike costs so much. Constantly adapting to different road conditions, changing damping levels and rear preload to optimize comfort, it’s an impressive feature that can truly transform your driving experience.

All that and more

It also gets an IMU, which means safety features like cornering ABS and lean-sensing traction control are also present. Driving modes, cruise control, a quickshifter and a large 6.5-inch TFT dashboard with smartphone connectivity round off a truly impressive package. All of these features are becoming relatively common on modern motorcycles, and it’s easy to take them for granted. The reality is that there is really nothing on the market at the moment with this level of specification at this price.

Suzuki has found a way to offer us a pretty awesome deal. However, it is certainly not perfect and will only appeal to a select group of buyers. While it undercuts the competition, it simply doesn’t offer the same high-quality level of fit and finish as some of its competitors. Essentially it still feels like a budget bike with all kinds of extra features, as opposed to a truly premium offering. On this side of the market, that could be a deal breaker. For the rest of us, this is simply a great sports tourer that offers tremendous value for money.

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications