The Sport-Tourer that offers speed, stability and everyday comfort

Within the touring motorcycle category, sport touring motorcycles have seen significant growth, especially among riders who want the performance of sport bikes without sacrificing touring comfort. You get engines tuned for speed and responsive handling that makes twisty back roads a blast, while the chassis and suspension remain firm and predictable even when you’re cruising at highway speed.

The trouble is that most lean too far to one side, chasing performance at the expense of comfort, or opting for comfort while losing some of the fun factor. Suzuki has figured out how to thread that needle with its flagship sports tourer. They took a legendary superbike engine, wrapped it in smart aerodynamics and added real touring comfort that works in the real world. Let’s see how they did it.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ is the Sport-Tourer that offers speed, stability and everyday comfort

Suzuki has spent decades building bikes that are fast, reliable and affordable. Think machines like the GSX-R1000, GSX-R750 and the Hayabusa, all legends in their own right and known for their serious performance. With the GSX-S1000GT+, Suzuki has taken that same sports bike DNA and turned it into a touring package. You get a proven inline-four engine, electronics that work quietly in the background, and real two-seater touring power with solid wind protection. It’s fast, comfortable and keeps things simple in the best way.

Starting price of the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ is $14,399

At $14,399, the GSX-S1000GT+ is one of the best deals in the sport-touring world. Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000SX costs $13,999, but you don’t get the same level of technology or performance. Compare that to BMW’s R 1250 RT, which starts around $22,645, and Suzuki’s pricing strategy looks even smarter.

Even against Honda’s NT1100 DCT, priced at $11,899, the Suzuki makes a strong case. The Honda is a solid value, but the GSX-S1000GT+ gives you about 40 more horsepower and a sportier personality for only a little more money. What really seals the deal is that Suzuki supplies color-matched hard side cases as standard. On many competing bikes you’d have to spend another $1,000 to $1,500 just to add luggage.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ has a superbike heart with a touring soul

Suzuki gave the GSX-S1000GT+ an inline-four engine taken directly from the GSX-R1000, an engine that has earned its reputation on race circuits around the world. Instead of chasing maximum power at sky-high revs, Suzuki has tuned it for the kind of power you actually use every day. The liquid-cooled 999 cc inline four delivers powerful mid-range torque. On an open stretch of highway the bike shows its full personality, pulling hard and reminding you of its superbike roots.

Inline-Four power that will keep you smiling mile after mile

Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber design helps the engine achieve a compression ratio of 12.2:1, ensuring efficient use of every drop of fuel. The result is roughly 150 horsepower, more than enough to transport you, a passenger and luggage with ease. Torque is equally impressive at 79.6 pound-feet, meaning passing on a two-lane road is effortless. Instead of downshifting, just accelerate and let the engine’s reserves of power do the work.

The transmission is a six-speed gearbox combined with a bi-directional quickshifter, an assist and slipper clutch and Suzuki’s low-speed assist. Together they make shifting smooth and predictable. The ride-by-wire throttle system adds precision, while three selectable power modes let you customize the motorcycle’s response. All three modes provide full power but change throttle mapping. Finally, with a claimed fuel economy of about 45 miles per gallon and a five-gallon tank, you can comfortably travel more than 200 miles before stopping for gas.

The chassis balances agility with touring stability

Suzuki built the GSX-S1000GT+ around a twin-spar aluminum frame and aluminum swingarm that draws directly from its GSX-R superbike heritage. The difference is that this setup is tuned for stability and comfort rather than tracking aggression. Furthermore, Suzuki has kept it simple by skipping electronic suspension, but you still get a fully adjustable system.

KYB supplies the hardware with a 43mm inverted fork that allows you to precisely adjust preload, compression and rebound damping. Out back, a link-type monoshock works with the aluminum swingarm to smooth out bumps before they reach you. Braking duties are handled by Brembo monobloc calipers up front, which engage 310mm floating discs with serious stopping power.

The seat height is 31.9 inches, making the GT+ accessible to a wide range of riders. The mode also makes it easier to maneuver in tight spots, whether you’re reversing into a parking space or driving through a busy parking lot. The 17-inch wheels, fitted with sport-touring tires, give you the grip and stability you need for both canyon carving and long highway rides.

Smart Touring Tech takes the experience to the next level

Modern touring bikes are expected to have plenty of technology to make long rides easier, and Suzuki made sure the GSX-S1000GT+ delivers. The bike is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, a package of electronics that makes your ride smarter and safer. One of the highlights is Smart Cruise Control, which allows you to drive at a relaxed pace on the highway and still upshift or downshift with the Bi-directional Quick Shift System without canceling your set speed.

Safety is built in with a five-mode traction control system. While there’s no six-axis IMU for cornering assistance, the ABS settings can be adjusted to your preferences. You can mix and match riding modes with different levels of ABS and traction control until you find the setup that suits you.

Features for smarter, safer and smoother journeys

Front and center of the cockpit is a 6.5-inch full-color TFT screen. Connect your smartphone via Suzuki’s mySPIN app and you can manage navigation, calls and music directly from the dashboard. There is also a USB connection, so your devices stay charged while you drive. Finally, the GSX-S1000GT+ also looks good. The sharp fairing, aggressive LED headlights and sleek bodywork give it a sporty touch even when parked. Comfort has not been considered either, with a supportive seat and footrest placement that keep your legs relaxed. Integrated luggage rounds out the package, making the GT+ a machine you can enjoy all year round.

Sources: Suzuki bicycles