Traveling on a motorcycle is one of the very best ways to reduce stress, and in the fast-paced world we live in, it is one of the few things that slows everything down. While traveling on a motorcycle has never gone out of style, the kind of motorcycle we use has certainly evolved over the years. From rugged adventure bikes that go almost anywhere to luxurious full-dress touring bikes, there is something out there for everyone. But, if you are looking for something light on its feet, a sport tourer might be for you. A certain Suzuki presents itself as one of the most balanced options in this class, offering some serious long-ride potential to go along with its nimble handling.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Suzuki. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
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The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Feels Light On Its Feet And Strong On Long Rides
MSRP: $14,399
The GSX-S1000GT+ is, by no stretch of the imagination, a new motorcycle. This more touring-friendly version has been around since 2022, but the basic architecture of the motorcycle dates back a lot further than that. As a result, this is not the most comfortable or the most powerful option, but it is certainly proven and offers a lot of value. There are, however, a few other value-packed options competing in this space worth consideration.
Kawasaki has the Ninja 1100 SX. It also makes use of a repurposed platform that has been heavily updated. While it might be a Ninja by name, this is no sports bike. It is very much a sport tourer that boasts a powerful inline-four engine, which has been reworked to optimize midrange performance. It doesn’t offer the same dynamic handling as the Suzuki, and the luggage is optional.
If you are after something a little more modern, then the Yamaha Tracer 9 – which is a genuine middleweight – is a great option. While it is down on power compared to the inline-fours, it offers heaps of midrange punch from its triple. The Honda NT1100 is another step down in terms of performance, but it is able to add a layer of convenience with its DCT transmission.
The GSX-S1000GT+ Offers Sport Bike Performance When The Mood Arises
Power: 150 Horsepower
At the heart of the beast, you will find the old K5 GSX-R1000 engine, an inline-four that was once able to produce 180 horsepower in that game-changing sports bike. Naturally, in its current guise, it has been extensively reworked in an effort to skirt emissions laws and improve midrange performance. Even in this “mild” state of tune, it still has 150 horsepower, more power than any other tourer under $15k, and more than enough power to make a few modern sports bikes look slow.
The Art Of Repurposing The Right Way
Pretty much every manufacturer has a powertrain that has been around for a while. It is in the interests of profitability to get as much out of any engine as possible. Nobody does this better than Suzuki, with several old engines still in production. While this practice might be frowned upon in some circles, there is no denying the value proposition on offer.
Suzuki has recouped research and development costs a long time ago, so most price increases are only incremental compared to how much more we would need to pay for a completely new bike. A bike that would likely have less power and fewer features. By extending the lifespan of certain models, Suzuki is able to pass the savings onto the customer.
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The GSX-S1000GT+ Has All The Necessary Tech Features
With added wind protection and revised ergonomics, the GSX-S1000GT+ is a comfortable tourer. While it certainly is not as luxurious as some of the premium tourers, there is more than enough adjustability for most riders to find a comfortable seating position. What sets it apart from the other bikes competing in this space is its sports bike chassis, which makes corner carving that much more fun. The suspension might not be from any of the fancier brands, but it is compliant, adjustable, and effective.
In terms of features, Suzuki made sure to include pretty much everything a modern rider would ever need. It gets ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, a quickshifter, and a big 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity. It is important to note that it does not have an IMU, which means nothing is lean-sensitive. The latter helps keep the price aggressive.
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More Bang For Your Buck
The feature that sets it apart from its rivals is its saddlebags, which are standard equipment. If you are in the market for a budget-friendly tourer, the one thing you would hope it has is luggage, but that is 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 bike down, even if it is just a superficial price reduction.
Like any value-based product, you simply don’t get everything. These days, even budget-friendly middleweights are getting IMU-based features, and some riders will want that added safety net, but for more experienced riders, those features are not expressly necessary. Overall, the GT+ is a fun, fast motorcycle that costs a lot less than pretty much any other bike with 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 are in the market for a proven sport tourer, it simply needs to be on your radar.
Chassis, Suspension, And Weight Specifications
|
Chassis |
Twin-spar aluminum |
|
Front Suspension |
Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil-damped |
|
Rear Suspension |
Link type, single shock, coil spring, oil damped |
|
Weight |
498 lbs |