In recent times, adventure bikes have become the number one choice for riders looking for a decent travel companion. Both conventional touring bikes and sport-tourers have taken a back seat to these incredibly versatile machines. Riders aren’t just choosing these bikes for their versatility, though; they are also gravitating to these bikes because of their more comfortable upright ergonomics.
Manufacturers have certainly realized this and have responded by rolling out several tall sport-tourers that are far better suited to long-distance travel than most ADVs. Just like their automotive counterparts, these crossovers are only getting more popular, and it is easy to see why. These bikes balance comfort and speed better than pretty much any other kind of motorcycle, but only one adds good old-fashioned value to the mix.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+: A Highway Tourer With A Wild Side
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ doesn’t make you choose between comfort and control – it has them both
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GX+ Nails Comfort, Speed, And Value
MSRP: $18,749
The GSX-S1000GX+ is one of the many value-oriented Suzukis currently on the market. Unfortunately, most consumers don’t seem to see it that way, and this impressive crossover gets consistently overlooked. The value proposition here is not immediately apparent, and those unfamiliar with high-end motorcycles like this might balk at the price tag and walk away. But in reality, all its direct competitors cost more.
The Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE LT is the most like-for-like alternative. It offers a similar assortment of high-end features – including electronic suspension – all for a similar price. It is still technically more expensive, and it is also both less powerful and significantly heavier than the Suzuki.
If performance is really what you are after, then the Ducati Multistrada V4 S should be on your radar. It is around $10k more expensive, but it is most certainly a premium offering that justifies its price tag. BMW makes the most popular bike in this space in the form of the S 1000 XR. It offers a lot of value, but if you were to get it to the same level of specification as the Suzuki – or the Kawasaki, for that matter – the price will go up a fair bit.
Here’s Why This Touring Motorcycle Is The Most Balanced Choice In 2025
Few motorcycles on the market are able to balance performance, features and comfort like the GSX-1000GT+
The GSX-S1000GX+ Has A Familiar Engine
Power: 150 Horsepower
This inline-four was initially developed for the K5 gixxer way back in 2005. While the basic architecture is still there, it is in a vastly different state of tune. Over the years, it has been reworked and optimized for midrange performance and features in several value-packed models. It has also been modernized in an effort to make it as efficient as possible—crucial for any modern bike that needs to comply with emissions regulations all over the world.
Somehow Euro5+ Compliant
It is a small miracle that Suzuki was able to get it through modern emissions testing, including the ultra-strict Euro5+ regulations. That said, it still isn’t 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 flip side, nothing is quite as smooth, a genuinely desirable characteristic for a touring model.
10 Powerful Inline-Four Motorcycles That Are Not Sports Bikes
The most powerful inline-4 motorcycle here is a gorgeous-looking Italian naked bike with 208 horsepower.
The GSX-S1000GX+ Has A Neat 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 may expect for a tourer, it has great wind protection, but these days luggage is not always a given, and that is not included. The point of difference is its high-spec semi-active electronic suspension. It is one of the most innovative motorcycle features to be developed in recent history.
But it remains expensive to manufacture and is a big part of why the bike costs as much as it does. Constantly adjusting to different road conditions, altering the level of damping and rear preload to optimize comfort, it is an impressive feature that can truly transform your riding experience.
All That And More
It also gets an IMU, which means safety features like cornering ABS and lean-sensitive traction control are also present. Ride modes, cruise control, a quickshifter, and a big 6.5-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity round out a truly impressive package. All these features are becoming relatively common on modern motorcycles, and it is easy to take them for granted. The reality of the matter is that there really isn’t anything currently on the market with this level of specification for this price.
Suzuki has found a way to offer us a pretty amazing deal. It certainly is not perfect, though, and will only appeal to a select group of buyers. Even though it undercuts the opposition, it simply doesn’t offer the same premium levels of fit and finish as some of its competitors. In essence, it still feels like a budget bike with all sorts of additional features, as opposed to a genuine premium offering. At this end of the market, that might be a dealbreaker. For the rest of us, this is just a great sport-tourer that offers tremendous bang for the buck.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
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Chassis |
Twin-spar aluminum |
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Front Suspension |
Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-damped with remote, electronically controlled tuning |
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Rear Suspension |
Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped with remote, electronically controlled tuning |
|
Weight |
511 lbs (excluding side cases) |