The Sport-Tourer that feels light-footed and strong on long journeys

Traveling on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to reduce stress, and in the fast-paced world we live in, it’s one of the few things that slows everything down. While traveling on a motorcycle has never gone out of style, the type of motorcycle we use has certainly evolved over the years. From cool adventure bikes that can go almost anywhere to luxurious full-dress touring bikes, there is something for everyone. But if you’re looking for something light on your feet, a sports tourer might be for you. A certain Suzuki presents itself as one of the most balanced options in this class, offering serious long-distance potential in addition to its agile handling.

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

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ feels light-footed and strong during long rides

MSRP: $14,399

The GSX-S1000GT+ is definitely a new motorcycle. This more touring-friendly version has been around since 2022, but the bike’s basic architecture dates back well beyond that. This doesn’t make it the most comfortable or powerful option, but it is certainly proven and offers great value. However, there are a few other high-value options competing in this area that are worth considering.

Kawasaki has the Ninja 1100SX. It also uses a repurposed platform that has been heavily updated. While the name may be a Ninja, this is no sports bike. It is a true sports tourer that features a powerful inline-four engine, which has been reworked to optimize mid-range performance. It doesn’t offer the same dynamic handling as the Suzuki, and luggage is optional.

If you’re looking for something a little more modern, the Yamaha Tracer 9 – a true middleweight – is a great option. Although it uses less power than the inline-fours, it packs a ton of midrange punch from its triple. The Honda NT1100 is another step down in performance, but can add an extra layer of convenience with its DCT transmission.

The GSX-S1000GT+ delivers sportbike performance whenever the mood strikes

Power: 150 hp

At the heart of the beast you’ll find the old K5 GSX-R1000 engine, an inline four that could once produce 180 horsepower in that groundbreaking sports bike. Naturally, in its current form it has been extensively reworked in an attempt to circumvent emissions laws and improve mid-range performance. Even in this “mild” state it still packs 150 horsepower, more power than any other touring bike under $15,000, and more than enough power to make a few modern sport bikes seem sluggish.

The art of repurposing in the right way

Almost every manufacturer has a drivetrain that has been around for a while. It is in the interest of profitability to get the most out of an engine. No one does this better than Suzuki, with a number of old engines still in production. While this practice may be frowned upon in some quarters, the value proposition offered is undeniable.

Suzuki recouped its research and development costs long ago, so most price increases are only incremental compared to how much more we’d have to pay for a completely new bike. A bike that would probably have less power and fewer features. By extending the life of certain models, Suzuki can pass the savings on to the customer.

The GSX-S1000GT+ has all the necessary technical features

With extra wind protection and revised ergonomics, the GSX-S1000GT+ is a comfortable touring car. While certainly not as luxurious as some of the premium touring cars, there is more than enough adjustability for most riders to find a comfortable driving position. What sets it apart from the other bikes competing in this space is its sportbike chassis, which makes cornering much more fun. The suspension may not be from one of the more luxurious brands, but it is compliant, adjustable and effective.

As far as equipment goes, Suzuki has made sure to include virtually everything a modern rider would ever need. It gets ABS, traction control, riding modes, cruise control, a quickshifter and a large 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. It’s important to note that it doesn’t have an IMU, which means nothing is lean sensitive. The latter helps keep the price aggressive.

More value for money

The feature that sets it apart from its rivals are the saddlebags, which are standard equipment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly touring car, you’d hope it comes with luggage, but that’s not always the case. Most manufacturers leave this particular feature on the options list, knowing full well that some riders prefer aftermarket solutions. This has the added benefit of keeping the price of the bicycle low, even if it is only a superficial price reduction.

As with any value-based product, you just don’t get everything. These days, even budget-friendly middleweights are getting IMU-based features, and some riders will want that extra safety net, but for more experienced riders, these features aren’t expressly necessary. Overall, the GT+ is a fun, fast motorcycle that costs a lot less than almost any other bike of the same level of specification. The value proposition here is undeniable and any shortcomings are virtually negligible. It certainly won’t appeal to everyone, but if you’re looking for a proven sports tourer, it should be on your radar.

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications