Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+

Superbike derived performance paired with the latest technology and all-day comfort allows the GSX-S1000GT+ to deliver next level sports touring experience for both rider and pillion. 

ENGINE

The high performance, 999cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four cylinder engine that powers the GSX-S1000GT+ has been engineered to perform optimally in all types of riding conditions, whether touring over long distances or out for a sporty run, all while meeting Euro 5 emissions standards.

Power and satisfaction

The engine delivers superbike-levels of performance but combines it with measures to minimise vibration to make riding over long journeys more comfortable and less tiring. Smooth, consistently powerful output throughout the engine’s rev range enhances the riding experience both at the low to mid-range engine speeds commonly used in daily riding, and through the mid to high-range used when travelling long distances on the motorway or on sporty solo rides.

A variety of electronic control technologies offer fine control over power output characteristics that enable the rider to match the way torque comes on when opening the throttle to the type of ride or riding style at any given time. This includes offering the excitement of powerful acceleration and all-round performance to support enthusiastic sports riding when desired.

Powerful resonance

The 4-2-1 exhaust system is tuned to deliver powerful resonance for aural pleasure, while at the same time producing a gentler note both rider and passenger alike can enjoy on long touring runs. The design also features clean, sharp looks that befit a luxury sports tourer. Designed to deliver overall performance while satisfying Euro 5 emission standards, it features a new chamber structure, with the introduction of a second catalytic converter inside.  The collector is now marginally longer and the Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) system positioned differently to boost performance and meet emissions targets.

Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS)

The slipper clutch partially disengages to mitigate the effect of engine braking when downshifting to decelerate. By helping to prevent the rear tyre from hopping and providing smoother deceleration, this function enables the rider to shift down with greater confidence and maintain better control when entering corners.

This SCAS introduces an assist function that leverages precision-engineered ramps to force the clutch boss and pressure plate together and efficiently transfer torque to the rear wheel under acceleration, all while using softer clutch springs. The resulting benefit is the realisation of a far lighter clutch lever operation. This reduces rider fatigue in situations that require frequent clutch lever operation.

Hard luggage as standard

With their spacious 36 litre capacity, these standard side cases also feature a compact design that integrates seamlessly with the GT+’s sharp, futuristic looks. Each can accommodate a full-face helmet and features a quick-release key mechanism for easy mounting and removal. Meanwhile a 19 litre capacity fuel tank combines with the engine’s excellent 46.3 MPG fuel efficiency to bring the rider greater peace of mind by giving the GT+ superior touring range. 

Performance and comfort

Agility, comfort, and riding pleasure were all design goals for creating this sports touring chassis. Every aspect reflects a focus on great handling and control in real-world conditions, such as riding with a pillion or carrying luggage, and to minimise rider fatigue when touring for long distances. Another major goal was to build the chassis to deliver the aggressive performance capabilities of a superbike-derived powerplant when heading out for sporty rides.

Sport touring ergonomics

An upright riding position provides all-day-riding comfort, while wide-set rubber mounted handlebars and aluminium footrests with rubber inserts reduce vibration and fatigue. As well as aiding comfort, the handlebar position offers high levels of control and feel. Rider and pillion seats feature a sporty and attractive new design, covered in a material that provides positive grip. The rider’s seat is also shaped to offer freedom of movement when enjoying a sporty ride. Special effort went into designing the thickness, shape and size of the pillion seat to maximise passenger comfort, and into designing the new grab bars at the back of the seat for comfort and ease of use.

Wind cutting aerodynamics

The GT + windscreen focuses on maximising wind protection to deliver relaxing comfort worthy of a sports touring riding experience. At the same time, the designers were also concerned with keeping the form as compact as possible and making the screen attractive. Development involved repeated rounds of wind tunnel testing and analysis, with the design refined at each stage until it achieved just the right overall balance to satisfy both goals. In addition to deflecting wind away from the rider’s head, folds introduced along the sides also help shield the rider’s shoulders from the wind. The result is comfort, reduced stress from exposure to the cold and other elements, and reduced fatigue on long rides.

Adjustable KYB suspension

The 43mm KYB inverted front forks give a ride that is sporty-yet-plush. They have fully adjustable damping, rebound, compression and spring preload. The link-type rear suspension with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload settings contributes to enhancing agility and stability. From low through high speeds, the handling is neutral and the rider feels an immediate sense of confidence-building stability. At the same time, the GT+ delivers high levels of performance, responding faithfully under the heavy loads of high speeds.

Premium stopping power

The GT+ boasts radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers, each with four opposed 32mm pistons biting 310mm floating discs for strong stopping power. While tyres are custom developed Dunlop SPORTMAX Roadsport 2 radial tyres, these benefit from an updated internal structure custom engineered to perform optimally on the GSX-S, as well as an optimised tread pattern with a new compound that enhances positive grip in wet conditions, warms up faster, and wears better.

Cruise control system

Cruise control is a convenient system that allows the rider to maintain a set speed without operating the throttle. This helps reduce fatigue when touring long distances, particularly when travelling at constant speed on motorways. The chosen setting appears on the colour TFT instrument screen and the speed can be easily adjusted upward or downward using the plus or minus switch on the left handlebar. Cruise control can be set at speeds between 18mph to 112mph when riding in second gear or higher. The handy resume function re-engages the system and accelerates to the most recent speed setting after cancelling.

Bi-directional Quickshift System

The bi-directional quickshifter enables the rider to shift up or down without operating the clutch. As standard equipment, this feature enhances the riding experience and reduces fatigue. When activated, the system automatically interrupts power delivery when accelerating just long enough to unload the transmission, thereby producing smoother, almost uninterrupted acceleration when the rider shifts up. 

When decelerating, without manually blipping the throttle or using the clutch, the system automatically opens the throttle valves just enough to increase rpm and match engine speed to the next-lower gear ratio. The result of this hands-free automatic blipping function combines seamlessly with engine braking to create a highly satisfying experience when the rider downshifts.

Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) and Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS)

The GT+ is equipped with STCS with a selection of five modes (plus off). The fine incremental control over settings allows the system to better fit the riding conditions in which the machine finds itself, whether riding alone or with a pillion, whether carrying luggage, or riding in inclement weather. This in turn instils greater confidence in the rider, regardless of experience, while reducing stress and fatigue.

SDMS fully leverages the electronic throttle control system to offer a choice between three modes that deliver different power output characteristics to match the road conditions, or preferred riding style for any given outing. The settings for each of the three modes were tuned and thoroughly tested to maximise the GT’s capabilities as a sports touring machine, and to build in the flexibility to adapt well to changing weather, road and riding conditions and make the overall GT experience more enjoyable.

Colour TFT display

The GT’s instrument cluster adopts a new-generation 6.5inch full-colour TFT screen. The large, multi-function display features a scratch-resistant surface, an anti-reflective coating that improves visibility in bright light, as well as the ability to connect to smartphones. Readouts include: speedometer, RPM indicator, tachometer, average fuel consumption (1 and 2), riding range, instant fuel consumption, cruise control setting, SDMS mode, odometer, traction control mode, dual trip meter, quickshifter (on/off), gear position, fuel gauge, water temperature, 12hour clock, ambient temperature, rider-passenger intercom, smartphone battery level, smartphone connection status and voltmeter.

Smartphone connectivity

The 6.5-inch TFT multi-function display is designed to support the smartphone connectivity features of the new Suzuki mySPIN app. In contrast to competing products that employ systems developed for use in cars, the GT+ adopts hardware and software designed specifically for motorcycle use. As such, Suzuki mySPIN works seamlessly on the TFT screen to enrich the functionality of smartphone connectivity. The result is a smart cockpit environment that blends riding and vehicle status updates, such as the speedometer and tachometer readouts, with pertinent information, communication and entertainment from the rider’s smartphone.

Suzuki MySpin

By installing the free mySPIN app on their phone, the rider can access an array of useful functions from the five bundled apps. The apps used are developed for motorcycles, with the screen mirrored on the cluster’s TFT screen to present a familiar look and intuitive feel to the switches on the left handlebar when accessing features and content, or to change settings while riding. Functions supported by the included apps are as follows: contacts, phone, maps, music and calendar.