Among the touring motorcycle category, sports tourers have seen significant growth, especially among riders who want sport bike performance without giving up touring comfort. You get engines tuned for speed and responsive handling that make twisty backroads a blast, while the chassis and suspension stay planted and predictable even when you’re cruising at freeway pace.
The tricky part is that most lean too far one way, chasing performance at the expense of comfort, or dialing in comfort while losing some of the fun factor. Suzuki figured out how to thread that needle with its flagship sport tourer. They took a legendary superbike engine, wrapped it in smart aerodynamics, and added genuine touring comfort that actually works in the real world. Let’s dive into how they pulled it off.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Is The Sport-Tourer That Delivers Speed, Stability, And Everyday Comfort
Suzuki has spent decades building bikes that are quick, reliable, and great value. Think of machines like the GSX-R1000, GSX-R750, and the Hayabusa, all legends in their own right and known for delivering serious performance. With the GSX-S1000GT+, Suzuki took that same sports bike DNA and reshaped it into a touring package. You get a proven inline-four engine, electronics that quietly work in the background, and real two-up touring ability with solid wind protection. It is fast, it is comfortable, and it 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 comes in at $13,999, but you do not get the same level of technology or performance. Compare that to BMW’s R 1250 RT, starting 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 includes color-matched, hard-shell side cases as standard. On many rival bikes, you would need to spend another $1,000 to $1,500 just to add luggage.
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The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Packs A Superbike Heart With Touring Soul
Suzuki gave the GSX-S1000GT+ an inline-four engine straight from the GSX-R1000, a motor that has earned its reputation on racetracks around the world. Instead of chasing peak horsepower at sky-high revs, Suzuki tuned it for the kind of power you actually use every day. The 999 cc liquid-cooled inline-four delivers strong midrange torque. Out on an open stretch of freeway, the engine shows its full personality, pulling hard and reminding you of its superbike roots.
Inline-Four Power That Keeps You Smiling Mile After Mile
Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber design helps the engine achieve a 12.2:1 compression ratio, ensuring efficient use of every drop of fuel. The result is roughly 150 horsepower, more than enough to carry you, a passenger, and luggage with ease. Torque is equally impressive at 79.6 pound-feet, which means passing on a two-lane road is effortless. Instead of downshifting, you simply roll on the throttle and let the engine’s reserves of power do the work.
The transmission is a six-speed unit paired with a bidirectional quickshifter, an assist and slipper clutch, and Suzuki’s low-RPM assist. Together, they make gear changes smooth and predictable. The ride-by-wire throttle system adds precision, while three selectable power modes allow you to tailor the bike’s response. All three modes provide full horsepower, but change the throttle mapping. Finally, with a claimed fuel efficiency of about 45 miles per gallon and a five-gallon tank, you can comfortably cover more than 200 miles before stopping for fuel.
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The Chassis Balances Agility With Touring Stability
Suzuki built the GSX-S1000GT+ around a twin-spar aluminum frame and an aluminum swingarm that comes straight from its GSX-R superbike heritage. The difference is that this setup has been tuned for stability and comfort rather than track aggression. Further, Suzuki kept things simple by skipping electronic suspension, but you still get a fully adjustable system.
KYB supplies the hardware with a 43 mm inverted front fork that lets you fine-tune 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 is handled by Brembo monobloc calipers up front, gripping 310 mm floating discs with serious stopping power.
The seat height sits at 31.9 inches, which makes the GT+ approachable for a wide range of riders. The stance also makes it easier to maneuver in tight spots, whether you’re backing into a space or easing through a crowded parking lot. Its17-inch wheels, wrapped in sport-touring tires, give you the grip and stability you need for canyon carving and long freeway rides alike.
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Smart Touring Tech Elevates The Experience
Modern touring bikes are expected to come with plenty of tech 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 lets you settle into a relaxed pace on the freeway while still being able to shift up or down 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 match your preferences. You can mix and match ride modes with different levels of ABS and traction control until you find the setup that feels right for you.
Features For Smarter, Safer, And Smoother Journeys
Front and center in the cockpit is a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display. Connect your smartphone through Suzuki’s mySPIN app, and you can manage navigation, calls, and music right from the dashboard. A USB outlet is also included, so your devices stay charged while you ride. Finally, the GSX-S1000GT+ looks the part, too. Its sharp fairing, aggressive LED headlights, and sleek bodywork give it a sporty edge even when parked. Comfort hasn’t been forgotten, with a supportive seat and footpeg placement that keeps your legs relaxed. Integrated luggage rounds out the package, making the GT+ a machine you can enjoy year-round.
Sources: Suzuki Cycles