New Motorcycle Review: 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT and GT+

Putting the

By Erin Sills, WRN Co-Chairwoman, Photos by Kevin Wing
Motorcycle Reviews, Sport Tourer Reviews, Suzuki Motorcycle Reviews /

Race Track Meets the Road

When the invitation came to test ride the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, I leapt at the chance to combine two of my favorite things about motorcycling—sport touring and the Suzuki “liter bike” (1000cc) platform. I have a special place in my heart for Suzuki’s liter motorcycle because my first dedicated land speed race bike was a 2010 GSX-R1000. I never set a record on that bike, but you can’t deny how beautiful it was on the Bonneville Salt Flats with the custom wrap sporting my company’s name and logo.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Suzuki has a long-standing history with its 1000cc platform. Here is my 2010 GSX-R1000 (left) on the Bonneville Salt Flats and its all-new cousin, the 2022 GSX-S1000GT+ (right).

Fast forward a dozen years, and the sport-touring version of Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 roadster also does not disappoint. For the rider who wants superbike performance with long distance touring comfort, this is the motorcycle for you.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT GT+
The gorgeous angles of the 2022 GSX-S1000GT and GT+ are undeniable. Both bikes are available in Metallic Reflective Blue and Glass Sparkle Black. The color-matched locking side cases are a $1170 accessory item, but standard on the GT+.
I’m 5 feet 7 inches tall and have a 31.5-inch inseam. The GT+’s 31.9-inch seat height allows me to easily “flat foot” both feet while sitting on the bike.
I’m 5 feet 7 inches tall and have a 31.5-inch inseam. The GT+’s 31.9-inch seat height allows me to easily “flat foot” both feet while sitting on the bike.

History of Performance

In the United States, we call multi-day asphalt travel riding “sport touring,” but in the rest of the world it’s known as grand touring (GT). The GSX-S1000GT+ begins with the base GSX-S1000 motorcycle, then adds a wind-tunnel-developed fairing and windscreen and ergonomic creature comforts to make longer distance traveling a pleasure.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Blasting through corners on the S1000GT+ is so much fun! It performs like a sportbike with great suspension and quick acceleration.

GSX-S1000 GT+ Engine and Performance

The GSX-S1000GT+ engine is based on the GSX-R1000 design that my beloved race bike had, but over the last dozen years Suzuki has made some significant improvements to the power and performance.

Suzuki GSX-S1000 engine
Suzuki has beefed up the horsepower on its 999cc in-line four-cylinder liter bike, claiming max power of almost 150 horsepower at 11,000 RPM.
I found the bike incredibly smooth through the entire RPM curve and especially liked the low-end torque coming out of the tighter turns. The Suzuki also has a bi-directional quick shift (no need to use the clutch when upshifting or downshifting) which is standard on both models and definitely adds to the sportiness of the ride.
I found the bike incredibly smooth through the entire RPM curve and especially liked the low-end torque coming out of the tighter turns. The Suzuki also has a bi-directional quick shift (no need to use the clutch when upshifting or downshifting) which is standard on both models and definitely adds to the sportiness of the ride.

Suzuki commissioned custom tires from Dunlop for the GSX-S1000GT+ and made the wheels lightweight by using cast aluminum. All of these details contribute to the “sport” part of the GT+’s great sport-touring ride.

Travel and Touring on the GSX-S1000 GT+

While definitely a sporty ride, the GT+ is also an incredibly comfortable ride. It will make a great bike for long distance travel, as the riding position is relatively upright and the hand positioning is relaxed. Also, while the GT’s windscreen provides plenty of protection, the GT+ (shown below) adds an extra 2.75 inches of height to protect the rider.

Suzuki GSX-S1000 windscreen
I found both the stock windscreen and the taller GT+ windscreen (shown here) provided ample protection.
Two up Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
The pillion seat is 34.2 inches off the ground while the rider seat height is 31.9 inches. This tall position makes it very easy for a passenger to see down the road and enjoy a comfortable reach to the foot pegs.

One of the features that makes the GT+ earn its moniker as a grand touring bike is all the thought that Suzuki put into the side case design. With 36 liters of storage space, the cases easily fit a full-face helmet or extra jacket. With all that capacity one might expect them to be heavy, but I found them light and easy to remove for around-the-town riding.

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT side cases saddlebags
Side cases are available as an optional accessory for the GT and come standard on the GT+. Their 27 liter-capacity offers plenty of storage and are large enough to fit most full-face helmets.
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT saddlebag blue
The lids of each side case are painted to match the body panels and like most bikes these days, they use the same key as the ignition.
The side cases are also very easy to remove for around-the-town riding and the bike looks great with or without them.
The side cases are also very easy to remove for around-the-town riding and the bike looks great with or without them.
The GT+ has a 5 gallon gas tank to accommodate those longer mileage days with fewer gas stops. Suzuki claims a potential 35mpg, which means a 170 mile range between fills.
The GT+ has a 5 gallon gas tank to accommodate those longer mileage days with fewer gas stops. Suzuki claims a potential 35mpg, which means a 170 mile range between fills.

Other Styling and Ergonomics

While some sport touring bikes opt for a rounded aesthetic, Suzuki’s GT and GT+ are very angular, which adds to their sporty and aerodynamic look.

I love the aggressive, almost “mean” look of the front of the bike which employs small but strong mono-focus LED lights and very angular turn signals.
I love the aggressive, almost “mean” look of the front of the bike which employs small but strong mono-focus LED lights and very angular turn signals.
Both the clutch and the brake levers are smooth to actuate and easy to adjust, which can accommodate smaller hands if needed.
Both the clutch and the brake levers are smooth to actuate and easy to adjust, which can accommodate smaller hands if needed.
The GT is the first model Suzuki has used the popular TFT display (Thin Film Transistor) on that many bikes are employing now. The 6.5 inch full color screen is easy to see and provides a plethora of information. It also shifts automatically between day and night color modes.
The GT+ is the first time Suzuki has used the popular TFT display (Thin Film Transistor) that many bikes are employing now. The 6.5 inch full color screen is easy to see and provides a plethora of information. It also shifts automatically between day and night color modes.
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
The bike connects easily to the rider’s phone via Bluetooth and leverages Suzuki’s mySPIN connectivity to control things like music, phone, and navigation. It can even access your smartphone’s calendar and reminder functions to keep you on schedule.
All information is readily available and easily controlled using the navigation arrows at the riders left thumb.
All information is readily available and easily controlled using the navigation arrows at the riders left thumb.
18_corner carving

WRN Recommendation

Pack your bags and plan your riding journey because the Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT and GT+ are comfortable for long distance with sportbike handling. Built on the powerful base GSX-S1000 platform, the GT+ version adds wind protection, storage capacity, and a more upright seating position that make it an ideal week-long road-tripping machine. This motorcycle is perfect for the rider who wants superbike performance with long distance touring comfort.

Specs at a Glance: 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT and GT+
Engine Size: 999cc
Seat Height: 31.9 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Wet Weight: 498 pounds (not including side cases)
Colors: Metallic Reflective Blue and Glass Sparkle Black
MSRP: $13,149 (GT); $13,799 (GT+)

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