Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist

Style and tastes may have changed, but there’s certainly no ambiguity about what a sportstourer should be able to provide – and that’s why the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is now a 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist.

It’s not only an excellent sporting proposition – the superb front-end one of the prized features – but it’s also very solid at the touring caper as well.

In words, it’s nailed its remit, and that all comes at a dazzling sub-$20K price point – so no heart palpitations at the cash register.

In terms of market positioning, Suzuki’s aim is often somewhere in the middle in terms of price and spec – the updated V-Strom 1000 range yet another a case-in-point – and that’s exactly where the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT finds itself.

Yamaha Tracer GT aside, that makes the Suzuki somewhat of an outcast in the local sportstouring arena, with much more powerful machines and others that are tech heavyweights, have rip-snorting top-ends or plusher seats.

But it’s all about putting it all into context and, while it’s not the lightest, fastest or most powerful sportstourer, the GSX-S1000GT is simply bigger than the sum its parts. There’s no magical recipe, but it still positively jumps out of its skin.

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The Suzuki will grab the attention of riders who enjoy the full spectrum: from lazy highway touring to hooking in on your favourite bit of twisty road. And even commuting, as the beefy bottom-end from the GSX-R1000-derived engine is simply brilliant. There’s still a decent hit at the top-end as well, which shows that the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT has the ability to do it all.

If huge swathes of technology are your lifeblood, the Suzuki will probably leave you feeling short-changed, but what the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT does well in our books is providing just enough tech without pushing the overload envelope.

A bi-directional quickshifter – on top of an already buttery-smooth six-speed gearbox – multiple ride modes, cruise control and switchable traction control just about sees out the tech package. Not light on but not bursting at the seams either. That’s undoubtedly commensurate with the retail price.

Its long-haul ability is focussed on a screen with more than adequate protection, handlebars that are not fatigue-inducing, and a decent seat.

We’ve already alluded to the price, and it is – gong, please – $19,090 ride away. Panniers, heated grips and even a centrestand are not included in the price, but all are available in the accessories catalogue.

If you give the nod to all three, you’ll be forking out about $23k, which still represents a fairly shrewd investment – and a lot more comfort and convenience in one fell swoop.

There are two liveries: Metallic Triton Blue or Metallic Reflective Blue.

We scrambled to get a spin on the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT before we had to begin the serious BOTY selection meetings, and we’re glad we’re did.

We got former bikesales editor Mark ‘Mav’ Fattore to throw a leg over it, and this was his verdict: “Sure, it’s not going to knock your socks off like the supercharged H2 SX or present absolute premium highway credentials, but it’s a damn fine example of doing everything very well. And that’s a recipe which will make many people very happy.”

If the weather is dodgy on our BOTY ride in north-east Victoria, there could be a scramble for the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT’s keys. But eight riders into one bike doesn’t go…

Price: $19,090 ride away
Engine: 998cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder
Output: 152hp (112kW) at 11,000rpm, 106Nm at 9250rpm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 226kg (wet)
Seat height: 810mm
Fuel capacity: 19 litres

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