SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT (2022 - on) Review

Highlights

  • Best Suzuki for years
  • Effortlessly quick, comfy and exciting
  • A hell of a sports tourer for the money

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 150 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Medium (498 lbs / 226 kg)

Prices

New £12,499
Used £8,500 - £12,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

You could say the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT sports tourer motorcycle is simply a collection of parts pinched from other models. That’s partly true, but they’ve taken simple idea and executed it so brilliantly, it has the makings of an instant classic.

It’s an honest-to-goodness road bike-shaped sports tourer, with styling that finally moves the game on for them, even if its looks are greatest hits of well… you decide.

Unlike the adventure bikes and tall roaders that have taken the place of sports tourers in recent years, the GSX-S1000GT doesn’t have dual-purpose tyres, dirt bike wheels or long travel suspension.

The Suzuki is for smiley Sunday morning tarmac and big road trips, just like the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX it’s gunning for. We could just be seeing the return of the sports tourer here and that’ll be music to the ears of many.

Effortlessly quick, comfortable, practical and reassuring: the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is an impressive package

Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT is a bike you just hope will be as good as it seems and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s effortlessly quick, comfortable, practical, reassuring and thanks to its K5-derived engine, exciting, too - exactly what a sports tourer should be.

Its crisp colour dash, quickshifter, cruise control, smooth grunt and peachy throttle will make journeys, near and far a breeze and even better is the price. It isn’t exactly loose change, but is superb value for the all the metal, tech and performance you get for your money.

Brakes are slightly wooden, but work well and its tyres could be better, but they’re minor and easily fixable blemishes on Suzuki’s best bike in a very long time.

Watch: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT video review

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The GSX-S1000GT uses the same basic chassis layout as the current GSX-S1000 (and the version before, including the ‘F’): a twin spar ali frame (with a new subframe and pannier mounts) and swingarm, fully adjustable KYB forks, Brembos and a basic rear shock with preload and rebound damping adjustment.

Suzuki sportsbikes always handle sweetly and the GT is no exception. It’s stable, unflappable at full lean and lives for fast A-road and motorway curves.

It hunkers closer to the tarmac, compared to other all-rounders, so a sports tourer like the GT is more stable and precise at speed and has a lower seat, making it easy to get your feet down.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT ridden on the launch in Scotland

Its smoother bodywork creates far less of an ear-blasting wind roar, too. The screen is non-adjustable but does a great job of keeping off the elements and there’s also a 70mm taller touring screen available (£193). Heated grips are also a £395 extra.

It’s also supremely comfortable with a natural stretch to its high and wide bars. Legroom is generous, rider and pillion seats are plush and you’re nicely isolated from vibes, thanks to rubber-mount bars and rubber-topped footpegs.

During the GT’s launch riding some of the best roads in Scotland, wet and dry, the GT is a joy. We saw an indicated 43mpg on the dash (Suzuki claimed 46mpg), which should give a full to dry tank range of 180-miles.

There's very little not to like about the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT - it's the best bike the company has built in years

There’s very little not to like about the GSX-S1000GT – it’s properly sorted and well thought out, but there are two minor niggles.

Firstly, the ABS robs feel from the Brembos, although they still work well. Secondly, its new cast ali six-spoke wheels are shod with Dunlop Roadsport 2 rubber and although wet and dry grip is acceptable, fitting a set of the latest-generation sports touring tyres (Dunlop’s RoadSmart 3 included) would greatly enhance ride quality and help the Suzuki roll into corners more sweetly.

There’d be even more grip and confidence for the rider, too.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

It goes to show how right Suzuki got the K5 engine in 2005 years ago, because it’s still a cracker in 2021 and suits life in the GT perfectly.

It’s also the same motor that powers the 2021, Euro5-updated GSX-S1000, complete with its smoother power curve and meatier midrange.

Better still, Suzuki have finally got rid of the on/off jerkiness its the ride-by-wire throttle, even in the most direct of its three power maps. Bravo.

The bombproof 999cc inline four makes 150bhp, which means it’s blisteringly fast when you rev it hard and is accompanied by a naughty noughties’ superbike snarl from its neat, stubby pipe.

The K5 engine in the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

But it’s also tuned for low down grunt, so it’s long-legged and flexible, making top gear overtakes a piece of cake.

A ‘slip and assist’ clutch lightens the lever for town work and its slick, standard issue up/down quickshifter helps it glide through the gears at any speed.

Cruise control is also included in the price - a must for a tourer and the GT comes with ABS and five stage (plus ‘off’) traction control.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT has cruise control and five engine modes

There’s no IMU gyro to control the rider aids, but apart from the extra slice of safety that would give you in an emergency, the GT’s more basic system is more than capable enough, even in really tricky conditions.

It also has a low rpm anti-stall system and one-start starter button, too.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The GSX-S1000GT’s build quality and attention to detail are excellent, as new. MCN’s online owners’ reviews for the GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models (the same basic bike as the GT) are gushing with nothing but nice things to say about reliability, but they report paint can be thin in places and you’ll need to keep an eye on the fasteners in the winter.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The GT’s main rival is the Ninja 1000SX and on paper they’re close.

The Kawasaki’s 1043cc, 140bhp inline four has slightly less power and it’s 9kg heavier but has 4lb-ft more torque, the same electronic spec and undercuts the Suzuki by £200 in its base colour scheme.

Unlike the GT the Ninja 1000SX has an IMU for cornering traction control/ABS, a remote rear preload adjuster and height-adjustable screen.


Suzuki GSX-S1000GT vs Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX video

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

It doesn’t come with every bell, whistle and designer chassis label, but for the price the GSX-S1000GT is well equipped with rider aids, cruise control, KYB forks, Brembos and Suzuki’s best dash yet.

The 6.5-inch screen on the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

Its 6.5in colour TFT displays 21 pieces of information, plus set-up menus and sat nav graphics, shown via Suzuki’s mySPIN app. Power maps, TC level, cruise control and dash functions are all controlled via the switchgear block, but buttons are small and tricky to operate with thick gloves.

A full range of accessories are available, including panniers, which will be the most popular option.

Specs

Engine size 999cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 16v, inline four
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 226kg
Front suspension KYB 43mm USD forks, fully adjustable
Rear suspension Single shock, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
Front brake 2 x 310mm discs, Brembo four-piston radial caliper. ABS
Rear brake 240mm disc, single piston caliper. ABS
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/50 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 46.3 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £200
New price £12,499
Used price £8,500 - £12,000
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 150 bhp
Max torque 78 ft-lb
Top speed 145 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 193 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

  • 2022: Suzuki GSX-S1000GT introduced (in dealers at the end of ’21) to replace the GSX-S1000F. Engine, chassis and electronics are identical to 2021 GSX-S1000 with full fairing, cruise control, a comfier riding position and a new subframe to take optional pannier.
  • 2023: Price hike to £12,499.

Other versions

None.

MCN Long term test reports

MCN Fleet: Is it Hit or Miss for the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

MCN Fleet: Is it Hit or Miss for the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT

As I wave goodbye to the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, it’s with sweet sorrow that I reflect on a brilliant eight months of biking, a period that’s also seen me ride further and for longer than I have in a great many years. And I’m crediting the Suzuki’s superb suitability for all of this.  Having racked u

Read the latest report

Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT (2022 - on)

8 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT (2022 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT (2022 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Engine: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Equipment: 4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
4 out of 5 bernd.habich@gmx.de
Yesterday 08:26 by Bernie

Year: 2023

Annual servicing cost: £200

Fast, furious and comfortable. With Conti Road Attack 4 and other brake pads a very entertaining tourer. I owned a z1000sx and it is a truck compared to the GT. The engine of the s1000XR i testrode is dead in the first part of the revrange and has too much power in the upper revrange on roads. The GT offers usable power, without getting boring (like the z900 does) .

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The faster you go the better the GT get's. When the roads get narrow you have to work with the handlebars. For a tourer it is fast and fun to ride.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is a gem. Power down low. Extreme punch in the midrange. And an inline four kick in the peal of the revrange. Very fast and entertainig.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Cheap plastic parts everywhere. But better built than the early suzuki's. Reliability should be Suzuki like.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I've got mine very cheap and the service is cheaper than that for my triumph street triple.

Equipment 4 out of 5

No IMU. Bad tires. Brakepads too soft. Good sporttouring tires make the GT another bike.

4 out of 5 GT front end set up
15 September 2023 by Gman

Year: 2023

out of the box the GT doesn't handle the best but with tree simple cost affective changes you can make the GT do what you want it to in sports or touring. step 1 drop the yokes 10mm simple & free 10min work & adds more feeling to the front end. step 2 get the suspension set up properly to you £40.00 at alpha suspension Leeds step 3 put some good rubber on i use road 6

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

some say the breaks could be sharper but i like the progressive fee you get, i don't want to go over the handle bars every time i slow down. a friend has an MT10 & every time you touch them it feels like the front wheel is going to lock up.

Engine 4 out of 5

good engine but could do with a 7th gear, but I'm sure they could have put the new GSXR 1000 engine instead & just tuned it to have more torque.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

bike feel good & had nothing fall off yet, had no problems but not had the bike that long, only time will tell.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

only had 1 service so far & it was what i expected but note some dealers want to charge you more for the same service if you didn't buy your bike through them. which i think is just a rip off, its the same service (i hope your listening Padgetts). one down side i don't think the panniers are worth the extra Suzuki want for them when you can get aftermarket for half the price.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Myspin not the best, it useable but having to have your phone unlocked all the time your using it does kill your phone battery. i do like the bi directional quick shifter

Buying experience: very good the lads at Powerslide Derby couldn't do enough for me.

5 out of 5 MY HONEST EXPERIENCE OF THE NICEST BIKE OF 2022
06 February 2023 by carrie parker . WAYNE MAR-MAR PARKER

Year: 2022

BEST FEATURE IS ,LOOKS, COMFORT,USEABILITY,TORQUE ,THE QUICK SHIFTER IS A DREAM , FANTASTIC LIGHTS ,THE PAINT WORK IS DELICIOUS ,I CANT THINK OF ANY THING WRONG WITH THE BIKE . APART FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FAIRING WHERE THE FRONT WHEEL FLICKS DEBRIS UP AND MARKS THE BODY WORK .IV'E RECOMENDED THE BIKE TOO ALL MY FREINDS AND TOO ANYONE WHO WHO WAS THINKING OF BUYING ONE , EVERYWHERE I STOP OTHER BIKERS COME UP TOO MEE AND SAY THERE WAITING FOR THEIRS .

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

RIDE QUALITY WAS GREAT STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOP , NO HARSHNESS , BUT AS I RIDE 1 UP IVE TAKEN ALL THE PRELOAD OFF THE FORKS AND REAR SHOCK , AND SPED THE COMPRESSION AND REBOUND UP ON THE FORKS , THIS HAS LOWERED THE BIKE FOR MEE, AS IV'E GOT SHORT LEGS , SPED THE REBOUND UP ON SHOCK TOO AND GET READINGS FROM THE REAR TYRE , NOW ITS PLUSH AS ANYTHING. BRAKES ARE FINE FOR MEE AS I DONT REALLY USE THEM MUCH , BUT MOST PEOPLE ON THE FB GROUPS MOAN ABOUT THE STANDARD BRAKES AND TYRES ALOT , EVERYTIME I RIDE THE BIKE, IT JUST BRINGS A MASSIVE SMILE TOO MY FACE ,AND JUST WANT TOO RIDE IT MORE AND MORE AS IV'E ALLWAYS SAID ITS HOW A BIKE MAKES YOU FEEL THAT COUNTS .

Engine 5 out of 5

ENGINE IS JUST FANTASTIC AND SMOOTH, IN A MODE ITS SPORTS BIKE FAST ,PAIRED WITH THE QS IT JUST LINKS UP THE SPEED ,UP AND DOWN THE GEARBOX ,BUT I WOULD NOT SAY ITS MENTAL, YOU STILL FEEL TOTALLY IN CONTROL ,I TOOK A DUCATI V4 MULTISTRADA OUT FOR A TEST RIDE AND THOUGHT IT WAS BONKERS , BUT WHEN I TOOK IT BACK, AND ROAD OFF ON MY GT , I THOUGHT WOWW THIS IS SO MUCH BETTER , IT JUST FELT TIGHTER AND SMOOTHER , AND AS IF I HAD MORE CONTROL OVER THE RIDE , WHICH MADE MEE THINK ,WELL DONE SUZUKI .

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

SO FAR IV'E DONE 4500 MILES ,AND THE WORSE THING TOO HAPPEN TOO MEE WAS I HAD A REAR PUNCTURE .THE BUILD QUALITY AMAZED MEE CONSIDERING ITS PRICE COMPARED TOO OTHER BIKES ,I SAID TOO MY WIFE STRAIGHT AWAY ALL THE COMPONENTS ON THE BIKE DONT LOOK CHEAP AND SUZUKI HAVE MADE IT THAT WAY, ALL THE CAST ALLOY PARTS LOOK WELL FINISHED OFF COMPARED TO THE SAME PARTS ON EXPENSIVE BMW'S , NO CORROSION NO RUST , ONLY DISCOLOURING IS ON THE EXHAUST DOWN PIPES ,

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

THE STANDARD TYRES LASTED 3 THOUSAND MILES AND I NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM, HAD FULL TRUST IN THEM ,AND THEY NEVER MISSED A BEAT, IN WET AND DRY .IM GETTING ABOUT 50 MPG , IM TRYING SOME THING NEW, TO TRY SAVE THE TYRES FROM BURNNING OUT , IM RUNNING IN THE C MODE ON TC2 ,WHAT THIS DOES ,IT TAKES AWAY ALL THE RUSH AND TORQUE ,BUT STILL GOES FLAT OUT, I JUST SEE THIS AS GIVING MY FREINDS AHEAD START SO I CAN CHASE THEM DOWN .

Equipment 4 out of 5

FAVOURITE FEATURE IS THE QS, I REPLACED THE OE TYRES WITH THE MICHELIN ROAD 6'S , WHICH FEEL GOOD BUT IVE NOT NOTICED THAT THEY FEEL ANY BETTER THAN THE OE DUNLOPS , THE DASH IS GREAT ALL DIGITAL , IVE PLAYED AROUND WITH ALL THE SETTINGS AND ARE ENOUGH FOR THIS BIKE , IVE USED THE SAT NAV AND ITS ADEQUATE, ITS GREAT FOR KNOWING WHOS CALLING YOU WHEN LINKED TOO YOUR PHONE AND BEING ABLE TOO TALK TOO THEM ,ITS MY FIRST BIKE WITH ALL THE TECH ,

Buying experience: BOUGHT FROM DEALER GREAT EXPERIENCE , PAID THE 12000 , THEY WENT OUT OF THERE WAY TOO GET MEE A TEST RIDE ,AND TOO BEE FAIR THE FIRST TIME I EVER SAW THE BIKE I SAID I WANT IT .

2 out of 5 maybe good on a track, awful as a sports tourer
05 December 2022 by bikenut

Year: 2022

regret buying . if you are after a sports bike then maybe OK but not a sports tourer or mileage machine . Quality is poor compared to Honda and Kawasaki alternatives

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Ride is reasonable but not silky smooth ..see engine comments. can be very buzzy

Engine 2 out of 5

In a sports bike this is a great engine . In a sports tourer it is awful. Torque is via gears so revs higher than its competition . an NT1000 or Ninja 1000SX show how a good tourer engine should be .

Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5

Cheap plastics , cheap fastenings. Bike looks a mess after a ride and corrosion has already started. If you dont stay on top of this and deep clean after every ride you soon have a bike that looks awful

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

running costs ok but put aside money for regular new chain

Equipment 4 out of 5

You get a fair bit of kit but the screen is unadjustable , no remote preload , and panniers are on the small side

Buying experience: Good but the buzz around its launch clouded my judgement . If you want a more relaxed GSXR for saturday low mileage blasts then choose this . If you want quality ,long mileage comfort get something else . The build quality has put me off Suzukis

5 out of 5
25 November 2022 by Rider M

Version: GT+

Year: 2022

Absolutely love this bike. Lightweight for a tourer, comfortable, all the tech I need, and fast.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Could use a 55 profile back tire as the flatter profile doesn’t feel as easy to lean over. Brake pad replacement for the front brembos is apparently fantastic but I have yet to do so. Factory pads don’t feel fantastic but work perfectly fine with slightly more pressure than expected.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is the star here. Power everywhere and smooth as butter while still being so exciting. Puts a smile on my face every time. Predictably fast as shit when you want it to be.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Build quality feels amazing for the price. Solid and smooth as butter

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Value proposition is insane for what you get and the quality of the bike.

Equipment 4 out of 5

An IMU with cornering traction control would be a nice addition and the smartphone connectivity app is a nightmare to use. But other than that I love the rider and traction modes and the quickshifter is AMAZING. The tft dash is absolutely top of the line, I love it. Side bags are spacious and look great on the bike. Remove in seconds with great handles.

5 out of 5
14 November 2022 by Adrian

Version: Plus

Year: 2022

Absolutely the love the bike. Handles well and engine is a complete dream (drop down behind the screen and open her up in 2nd for ear to ear grinning!). MySPIN is rubbish and the bike definitely benefits from better rubber and brake pad material but other than that it’s amazing!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Different tyres and pads delivers significant benefits!

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Doesn’t need MySPIN as really don’t feel it adds any my thing particularly valuable. Smart phone mounted to the bars delivers much better apps!

Buying experience: Bought from dealer via the Suzuki web page. Had to wait for delivery but dates were adhered to and dealer has been great!

3 out of 5 Disappointed
30 May 2022 by aardvark

Year: 2022

disappointed. Quality is poor , protection is naff and engine needa another gear , too revvy for cruising long distance

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Brakes have no feel . Why no cornering IMU ? ride is OK but NOT for a pillion. Seat is too small

Engine 4 out of 5

Engine is powerful but always feels like it needs another gear . not good for touring . This is more a poor mans sportsbike than a sports/tourer

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

fasteners furring already, cheap plastics and the chain is a rotten mess . Have used XCF but unless you clean this bike daily it will rot before your eyes

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

cheaper than competition but i now know why

Equipment 4 out of 5

Good but no cornering IMU

Buying experience: OK though as new not much of a deal. Now for sale as so disappointed . Will be going back to the Ninja 1000sx

5 out of 5
20 April 2022 by Shurm

Year: 2022

Wanted a sporty bike that I could also use for longer trips a few times a year. Fits the bill just right and has enough toys to keep you happy as well, plus it sounds fantastic !!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
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