Suzuki GSX-S1000GT unveiled: naked roadster gets the Grand Tour treatment

Suzuki have unveiled a new sports touring version of their recently updated GSX-S1000 called the GT. The new bike uses the same 150bhp K5 GSX-R engine as the naked bike but wrapped in a new set of touring plastics with a comfortable, upright riding position.

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The bike will be a sportier (and cheaper) alternative to the Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT and will replace the GSX-S1000F as the Japanese firm’s long range road option.

Rider comfort is the order of the day – not only does the rider get that screen and bodywork to hide behind, the bars and footrests have added rubber to reduce vibration.

You also get a new seat designed for comfort, a lightweight assisted clutch and cruise control to make hours in the saddle as carefree as possible.

Suzuki have also put a lot of emphasis on the bike’s pillion provision with a large comfy looking seat and new rear grab rails to hold onto, too.

Unlike the standard GSX-S released earlier this year, the GT gets a 6.5-inch full colour TFT dash with full smartphone connectivity giving GPS maps and the ability to make and receive calls, control music and even access your calendar – should you want to.

You also get LED lighting all round and Suzuki’s SIRS intelligent riding system electronic suite.

The main point of difference between the GSX-S and the new GT is the large screen and fairing to give the rider protection from the wind and the elements for long-range comfort, although the standard bike’s 19-litre fuel tank remains so a similar range of 194 miles should be expected.

Suzuki say the new windscreen, fairing and mirrors have been honed for aerodynamic efficiency to reduce rider fatigue with hours of testing in the wind tunnel.

And if that’s not enough for you, you can take the bike’s touring capabilities to the next level by adding an even bigger screen from the options catalogue and colour matched hard luggage capable of storing a full-face helmet.

The KYB suspension and Brembo brakes of the standard GSX-S remain, which means 43mm upside down manually adjustable forks and a preload and rebound adjustable rear shock. The radial Brembo brake calipers bite into 310mm twin front brake discs and a 240mm single rear and have standard (non-leaning) ABS.

Instead of the GSX-S’s three-spoke wheels, the GT gets lightweight cast aluminium six-spoke units shod with the latest Dunlop Roadsport 2 tyres with a bespoke internal construction tailored to the bike.

The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT is available from November this year in a choice of three colours; light blue, metallic blue or black starting at £11,599. This will put it in direct competition with the popular Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX and is £800 more than the outgoing GSX-S1000F.