[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!

 

[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+!

 

[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

 

[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