The thing about touring motorcycles is that there are so many different types of them. Almost as many as there are motorcycle types. You have your grand tourers, your baggers and cruisers (which could be tourers, too), and your ADVs. You also have your sport tourers: bikes meant for going the distance but getting you there through a faster, more fun route.
Among these, there is a fun Suzuki that strikes a lovely balance between sport and tourer. Of course, we’re talking about the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+. It’s got great ergonomics, a brilliant engine, and all the accessories you need to carry your baggage around, all straight out of the factory. Let’s dive into it.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Suzuki Cycles USA. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
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The GSX-S1000GT+ Is Built On A Proven Heart
Power: 150 HP
We’ll start off with the engine and how this particular 999cc inline-four traces its roots all the way back to the 2005 GSX-R1000 superbike. The R1000 dominated racetracks back then, and over the years, Suzuki has worked only to refine the engine for street use. It currently has 150 horsepower in a smooth manner, allowing slightly inexperienced riders to be even mildly ham-fisted with the throttle. The way a long-distance runner takes long, smooth strides, Suzuki has replaced the GSX-S1000GT+’s racetrack aggression with long-distance touring.
All of this means the engine is more than happy to cruise at 75 mph in top gear, but it also has the chops to barrel down the freeway given the chance. At the same time, Suzuki has boosted the mid-range for smooth highway overtakes. Many owners of the GT+ swear they’ve driven thousands of miles on these with just a little routine servicing at regular intervals.
Tech That Works, Not Tech That Fails
More often than not, touring bikes are loaded with tech, but more features just mean more things that can break. Suzuki has taken a slightly more barebones approach here while still giving you all the basics. The GSX-S1000GT+ has:
- A bright 6.5-inch TFT display
- Cruise control for relaxed highway stretches
- Ride-by-wire throttle with selectable riding modes
- Traction control and ABS for safety
- Smartphone connectivity through Suzuki’s app
It has all the bases covered, but it doesn’t drown you in unnecessary gizmos that add weight and complexity. Riders often praise the electronics for being intuitive and reliable.
Comfort Meets Control With Sporty Underpinnings
We all know how taxing two-up on a sports bike is. And with that reach to the handlebars, even sport tourers can be pretty unforgiving on the wrists. Suzuki, however, has made it easier for us with a fairly neutral, upright position. The rider’s seat is said to be plush enough for long rides, and the pillion seat is the same way. Don’t expect this to be a sofa on wheels, though. It still has a sporty edge, evident from the twin-spar frame and adjustable superbike-type suspension.
Factory-Fitted Luggage Boosts Comfort
Another thing that makes the S1000GT+ a sweet deal is the hard luggage that comes factory-fitted. These are color-matched to your bike, at least if you get the Pearl Vigor Blue paint scheme. The panniers should fit all your essentials, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer trip down the coast. The aftermarket scene isn’t bad either, with several options for tall windscreens, heated grips, and even touring seats.
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Reliability Riders Actually Talk About
Motorcycle forums are goldmines for real-world opinions. And when you search for “GSX-S1000GT+ reliability,” the tone is pretty unanimous. Riders describe it as “rock solid,” “zero drama,” “low maintenance,” and “built like a tank.” Here’s what you will usually hear owners say:
- No major mechanical issues even after 20,000+ miles.
- Servicing is simple and affordable compared to some European rivals.
- The bike won’t surprise you. It will start every morning, run cleanly, and it won’t chew through parts unexpectedly.
It Is So Easy To Live With
In the sport-touring community, names such as the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, the BMW R 1250 RT, or even the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX tend to dominate conversations. Most of them for the amount of gadgetry they bring with them. The GSX-S1000GT+, on the other hand, focuses on its duty. It’s meant to cover long distances faster than your average tourer, but it’s not supposed to tire out the rider. It isn’t trying to be the unique bike; it just wants to be ridden.
One of the other underrated aspects of the GSX-S1000GT+ is how easy it is to own. Suzuki’s global presence makes parts availability seem like a non-topic, and the service intervals are reasonable, too. Japanese bikes tend to attract lower insurance costs as well when compared to the more exotic Europeans, and the Suzuki is no exception.
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A Bike You Can Actually Keep for Years
Price: $14,399
Sport-tourers can be in a league of their own. But the S1000GT+ stands out on its own, not because it has the fastest engine or the best electronics, but because it’s a little bit of everything. The riding aids package is small but crucial, the electronics are sufficient, and the engine has been proving itself since 2005. Besides, with the super futuristic styling it has going for itself, the bike’s not going to look old even five years from now. The sub-$15,000 price makes it an achievable dream, too, unlike other liter bikes.