[asaulo1]

okay, here's a ride review of my new 2022 glass sparkle black GSXS 1000 GT+ after having ridden it almost 300 miles over the weekend. First long ride was a trip to Ojai, Ca. over some boring freeway and somewhat curvy roads on the 150. First things first, comfort/ergonomics. Ergo suits me quite well with the handlebar falling right in place. For comparisons sake, I currently ride a 2018 BMW GS1200, 2023 Triumph Street Triple RS as well as a couple of other bikes. The only thing that strikes me as odd for a sports touring bike is the leg position on the GSXS GT. Pegs are quite higher than what I was expecting. Seat is quite decent given the width and space given for your tush to move around. I definitely have to angle myself a little bit after more than an hour of riding. Speaking of riding, the engine on it is quite the gem of the package. I understand that it is basically a K5 engine from years past GSXRs but it does feel a bit modern with it's smoothness as well as the ride by wire feature. Since we're talking about ride by wire, electronics are so so on the bike. I appreciate the cruise control however not having a 'set speed' indicator is kind of a weird ommission to the overall package. I do, however, like the feature where rolling off the throttle a bit (counter twist, I guess) turns off the cruise control. No fiddling with touching the clutch or brake lever to disengage. I love the TFT dash and the controls/switchgear. It's no BMW by any stretch but intuitive enough to operate even on the move. The only caveat is that the D-pad is kind of small and have a little difficulty pressing it when you have winter gloves on. Speaking of winter, how come heated grips are an option. Shouldn't it be standard on a 'touring' bike? The suspension - it's quite compliant albeit a bit on the firm side. I am around 160 lbs without gear so I assume there's a little bit of adjusting especially on the rear preload that I need to look into. I love having paniers on the bike and they are quite roomy. I guess having a shorty exhaust helps the space allocated for the paniers. Overall, I love the bike so far and can't wait to put in more miles. As you've seen on my other posts, there's 4 of us in our crew that have gotten it. The value of the bike is up there given the price and features that the bike comes with. Let me know your thoughts. Here's a quick video of our ride up to Ojai as well as some pics. Cheers!

 

[Redlinez]

Thanks for the review. All I can say is, nothing compares for the money except the Ninja 1000. I didn't want another black bike and preferred the looks of the Suzuki, so it was a no brainer for me. I wonder what bike is truly the "bike" above the GSXS1000GT? Everything has its negatives, and this bike had so few for me and for the price, I don't think anyone can go wrong.

 

[asaulo1]

I wonder what bike is truly the "bike" above the GSXS1000GT? Everything has its negatives, and this bike had so few for me and for the price, I don't think anyone can go wrong.

For me, I would say it's my 2018 BMW R1200GS. It truly is one of those bikes that punch way above what it's level. It's so agile for it's weight and has the punch to keep up with sport bikes on the twisties. not only is it comfortable even with a pillion, it has the utility to be like our support vehicle on long rides with the top box, i bring the air pump, first aid kit, etc. I can truly say that even after a couple of hours riding it, you still feel you can go on for another couple. The GSXS GT is a different beast where sport meets touring which makes it quite unique.

here's a link of me playing with my sport bike buddies on some of our local twisties

 

[asaulo1]

Also, I forgot about the quickshifter on the GSXS GT+. it's super smooth and makes in town riding easier. All you have to do is get it in first and you're almost in semi auto mode. I have quick shifters on both the GS and the Street Triple and the QS on the GSXS GT is way smoother. I don't hesitate using it even on the 1-2 shift as compared to the GS1200, I only use it after 2nd gear as it it quite jerky from 1-2. Same in the downshift. The street triple rivals it in smoothness but the GSXS GT has it beat in the downshift area. Another value point for the GSXS GT+!

 

[Redlinez]

I was gonna say BMW, but considering the cost and cost to own, I would still recommend the gsxs1000gt. Unless money isn’t an issue, then by all means, get a BMW.

 

[West Coast Suzuki]

Give it time. After a few thousand miles you won't have any regrets with this bike. The transition from a Triumph triple to a BMW RS to the Suzuki GT is something that takes a minute, but in time makes it hard to go back. I like your photos from the Rock Store and the main drag in Ojai.

 

[Butchy]

Great write up. I’m coming off a GS1250 and it’s taking some time to get used to the peg height. It’s been a while since I‘ve ridden something more on the sport side of things. It’s worth the trade off but was I hoping for a just a little more leg comfort. I tend to have to do the stand up stretch while riding. Loving the bike so far.

 

[Bruce00]

Nice write up. This is my first Suzuki, so I have nothing to compare it with. I looked at a BMW RT, but around here they aren't even close to the same price point. For the price point, there was nothing close around here. I bought mine at a multi manufactures bike dealer. I looked at the bike I bought last Sept, and the sales man (Friend I've known for yrs) told me they don't have a market for this bike, as they cater to the sport bike crowd (He implied the GSX S1000GT came with their shipment of GSXR's) and they sell Honda Goldwings to the touring customers. He told me to come back after the first of the year. My OTD price was less than sticker on Feb 2023
My first ride on mine was just under 200 miles and I was in agony by the time I got home. Second ride was 125 miles (With a larger windshield) and didn't feel nearly as bad, I think a set of offset risers will help a bunch. Maybe a seat too. But Iam 70 and have been riding big touring bikes for the last 15 yrs, just was needing a lighter bike.
So far, Iam enjoying the bike, the QS is the cats azz, haven't wound the motor past 6K, but sure Iam going to like it!
The info screen is sharp, the MySpin app is........well, no need to get into that. But it sure is a shame that Google maps/Waze will not work with it
The only issue I have with the bike is being a 2022 and NOT have self-cancelling turn signals, but Iam sure I can get over it

 

[aschuhjr]

Bought mine last year in cheyenne WY and rode it strait to the dealership in Bismark ND for its first 600 mile service. I'm loving it so far. My only complaints are the windscreen isn't great and the my spin app. I'm praying that the folks at suzuki will give us an update for that thing. I've almost just given up on it.

 

[Bruce00]

Bought mine last year in cheyenne WY and rode it strait to the dealership in Bismark ND for its first 600 mile service. I'm loving it so far. My only complaints are the windscreen isn't great and the my spin app. I'm praying that the folks at suzuki will give us an update for that thing. I've almost just given up on it.

I sent an email to the US dealer for WRS in Fla, as they don't list our bike on their website. Promptly received a reply and ordered the smoke touring shield and had it within a week. The stock shield had the wind hitting me right in the face and now the wind is over my head

 

[FreePenguiny]

Nice write up. This is my first Suzuki, so I have nothing to compare it with. I looked at a BMW RT, but around here they aren't even close to the same price point. For the price point, there was nothing close around here. I bought mine at a multi manufactures bike dealer. I looked at the bike I bought last Sept, and the sales man (Friend I've known for yrs) told me they don't have a market for this bike, as they cater to the sport bike crowd (He implied the GSX S1000GT came with their shipment of GSXR's) and they sell Honda Goldwings to the touring customers. He told me to come back after the first of the year. My OTD price was less than sticker on Feb 2023
My first ride on mine was just under 200 miles and I was in agony by the time I got home. Second ride was 125 miles (With a larger windshield) and didn't feel nearly as bad, I think a set of offset risers will help a bunch. Maybe a seat too. But Iam 70 and have been riding big touring bikes for the last 15 yrs, just was needing a lighter bike.
So far, Iam enjoying the bike, the QS is the cats azz, haven't wound the motor past 6K, but sure Iam going to like it!
The info screen is sharp, the MySpin app is........well, no need to get into that. But it sure is a shame that Google maps/Waze will not work with it
The only issue I have with the bike is being a 2022 and NOT have self-cancelling turn signals, but Iam sure I can get over it

I’ve never had a bike with canceling turn signals.

 

[dekker]

I’ve never had a bike with canceling turn signals.

I had them on a BMW F800ST they worked on a set time period. They were a pain, especially when waiting to turn right as they would keep switching off, so you had to switch them on again. Then they would still be blinking after you had turned so you had to remember to switch them off manually which kind of defeats the object of automation.
There were many situations where you had to cancel as people would think you were turning when you were not, resulting in angry horn blaring.
If you've managed to read all this post then I think you will have got the idea.

 

[Bruce00]

With a 3 axis sensor for the abs the bike knows when it's leaning, hence the self canceling. Oh wait Suzuki didn't put a 3 axis sensor, only 2 axis...welcome to 2022🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[Bruce00]

I had them on a BMW F800ST they worked on a set time period. They were a pain, especially when waiting to turn right as they would keep switching off, so you had to switch them on again. Then they would still be blinking after you had turned so you had to remember to switch them off manually which kind of defeats the object of automation.
There were many situations where you had to cancel as people would think you were turning when you were not, resulting in angry horn blaring.
If you've managed to read all this post then I think your will have got the idea.

I had a 2006 Road King with a counter on the turn signals (25 or 30 I forgot) and I know exactly what your talking about. What a pain...... The Harley touring lineup went with the 3 axis sensor across the entire lineup in 2008, 16 yrs ago🤣😂😂🤣

 

[asaulo1]

Bought mine last year in cheyenne WY and rode it strait to the dealership in Bismark ND for its first 600 mile service. I'm loving it so far. My only complaints are the windscreen isn't great and the my spin app. I'm praying that the folks at suzuki will give us an update for that thing. I've almost just given up on it.

Got the Suzuki touring windscreen yesterday. Installed and took it for a quick 40+ mile ride. Makes wind noise a lot tolerable. I can now open my helmet visor a little bit and not be deafened by wind noise. Overall, well worth the price of admission.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scrubby13]

Got the Suzuki touring windscreen yesterday....

I've heard the OEM touring screen is very hit or miss depending on rider height. How tall are you? I'm assuming since you like it you don't experience much buffeting?

 

[asaulo1]

I've heard the OEM touring screen is very hit or miss depending on rider height. How tall are you? I'm assuming since you like it you don't experience much buffeting?

I'm 5'6 so it fits me quite perfectly. No wind buffeting where I can actually keep my visor a smidge open on hot days which I do on my GS. Also. makes comm work with my buddies a lot easier when it's not loud with the wind noise