You'll never go wrong with a Suzuki. Went back to one after years of issues with Ktm and Bmw. Have my Gsxs for 4 years now 23k miles with zero issues. This new one will be a contender when I trade up in a couple of years
Agree. Fanboy here, have a GSXS GT+ and a DR650. Id trust either to drive me anywhere. Same is true for their quads, cars and outboard motors. Suzuki puts what you need where you need it and though a detriment to some, they are late adopters of "new tech" upping their reliability factor by loads.
Twenty years ago 150bhp was a headline grabbing number, with that figure now well north of 200 many people sneer at such a "low" powered bike, after all many ADV bike now make that kind of power! But at the end of the day, the physics still remain the same, a 150bhp bike is always going to be bloody fast and more then enough for the road (most of the time lol).
150bhp, 200-ish kilos (x2.2 for lbs, so 440lbs) can do 0-60mph in about 3 seconds, and 0-100mph in about 6 or 7. Also the 200bhp newer bike seem to make the extra power higher up above the previous rev limit. It's not like they've got an extra 30bhp in the mid range. Although that would be amazing! :-)) Seriously good review. Real riding, covers all the stuff we need to know, and doesn't spend 5 minutes telling us the numbers and advertising baloney while we have shaky head cam :-))
My Vstrom1000 has 100hp and 100Nm….that’s plenty of power. I had an FZ1 many years ago, that had 145hp….that bike was “go to gaol” material 😅. I really like these bikes, looks like a great package.
This is a good sign. This won bike of the year, the VStrom 800 is on its way, with a new GSX 8S too. All new kit, all fantastic. Call me crazy but I think a new industry killing GSXR might be the next out from them. An entire new line up made to dominate the market again, as it once did. Good time to be a Suzuki fan! Long live their affordable and performance packed machines.
@@mrcintheuk4641 I think they are developing a Euro 5 version while they are no longer allowed to sell the existing Euro 4 models. This isn't the first time Suzuki has withdrawn from Moto GP and they also took a year off with the Hayabusa to come out with a new Euro 5 Hayabusa. If I know Suzuki, the new bike is coming and it's more so a matter of when and NOT if.
I used to own the predecessor to this model, a 2016 GSX-S 1000F. The only mod I made, and strictly for comfort, was to install 20mm bar risers. Great for long day mile eating highway rides, and bags of fun getting a knee down in the twistys. Fantastic all-around bike.
@@AuRowe I'm 5'10" with about an average 36" sleeve length. The 20mm risers were the ticket for me, my shoulders and back appreciated the extra bit of upright riding position.
My favourite sports-styled bike. I really like how Suzuki are keeping things so simple with their bikes and just giving you what is needed. That with the smoothness of the shifter and smooth power makes for a superb machine. Not silly money either....All things considered! A pleasure to ride!
Great first attempt at a proper Sports Tourer from Suzuki, totally agree on a great idea to fit a full Yoshi option, taller screen & sort those wooden brakes👍👍 Most of the other manufacturers have completely overlooked this sector, we don't all want to ride vibey lumpy twins offroad or pretend to be Charley Mcbooringman ! lol
Apart from a few tricky bits it's just the GSX1000F in a new dress. I have the 2021 F and I've ridden the GT and apart from the bit more grunt, TFT display and the dicky bits there pretty much the same. I fitted a full Yoshi system to my F and had it remapped. I prefer my F.
I demo'd the new Hayabusa, was nice but them went onto this bike, the power is so more usable. Its a beast. I settled and bought on a 2018 GSXS1000f, i love it!
Great Video!! I picked this bike up at the end of the season (Canada) and agree that the cruise control button on the right is too far away from the grip. However, I have just learnt to turn it on right away and leave it on so that if I want to use it, I just push set with my left hand. The indicators are definitely too close to the cruise up and down buttons and when turning left, my thumb always touches the cruise button... not engaging the cruise but, just feel it there. I absolutely love the looks of this bike so that is subjective to each their own... Front break feels like crap compared to my 2018 V-Strom 1000. I don't like how I have to use a spanner wrench for the rear preload... no handle... they cheaped out on that one. No IMU bothers me as well as its just nice to have for the "just in case" moment you would ever need it in a turn.
I've driven and repaired/rebuilt motorcycles all my life starting on dirt bikes when I was quite young. This bike is the best bang for our buck over ALL it's competitors (incl the Kawi N1000SX which I've test driven and wasn't impressed by the excess weight, wimpy suspension and lack of power for a liter bike..) at this time and a substantial upgrade to my Tracer. I love my Tracer's versatility and triple torque but it's time so I ordered one of these a few months ago after much research and test driving. My thanks to you for the great review Bruce!
For the snobbery around the Suzuki brand...the two best built absolute most brutal engines ever designed and produced in the history of motorcycling bar none are the 1) air/oil cooled gsxr1100 (also shared in the Bandit 1200) and the GSX1300R Hayabusa engine, period paragraph. Super flexible, super powerful, pure joy and bottom ends able to withstand mountains of horsepower not to mention total domination of drag racing platforms worldwide.
As you said Bruce brakes do feel a bit wooden, a change of brake lines and maybe pads should sort it. The Suzuki main rivals are the Kawasaki 1000sx and the new Yamaha tracer 900 gt plus, it would interesting to see what your think of the completion. As usual great review well done.
Solid bike for sure. It's the GSX-R1000 for the mature rider that's already "been there and done that" with full-blown superbikes on the street. Needless to say, I'm in love with my GT. It's the perfect bike for me as I enter my 40s all while still not quite ready for a full touring bike.
I’m in the same boat. Mid 40s, done with sports bikes and ADVs leave me cold. Got the Ninja1000sx and love it. The Suzuki wasn’t released when I got the Kwak else I would have definitely tried one out.
@@markharrison2484 I like the SX as well. I'm thinking of grabbing one for the lady who currently rides a GSX-R750 and also has a 636 Ninja. I can't quite get her to understand the whole sport touring thing yet, but I have a feeling that she'd adapt if I brought one home for her. She definitely likes the idea of putting all her stuff in my panniers when we're out though!
I’ve had several Suzuki machines in the past including the latest GSXR1000R with the yoshi system and your right there amazing and go well together with Suzuki. That GSXS GT sounds pretty decent too. Nice one!
So i own this bike and there are a couple things. The Suzuki mySPIN app is leaving much to be desired. It is nice that you can load a GPS route on your phone and it populates to the bikes digital screen. The in transit phone call answering is very handy. However if you try to use the app to find a route somewhere through the bike.. its garbage. Cruise control works nicely however initiating it is a little cumbersome, and requires you to do some reaching. That being said the bike is seamless when connecting to my phones BT and My Shoei helmet syncs with it allowing me to have multiple helmets connected to the bike and all audio through bike controls. Another item i struggle with on this bike is the ride height, I'm 5ft 8 inches and I feel like I'm tip toeing on the bike, and have to give it a solid lean if i want to flat foot on either side. The headlights, some folks might like an asymmetrical headlight setup, for me i feel it looks tacky on this bike, i have to have my high beams on in order for both headlights to be on, and that I feel is a great way to piss off vehicles on the road. She gets a solid 40 MPG when doing normal riding. The bikes gearing is definitely 2nd and 3rd gear when on the city streets, and 4th and 5th on freeway. I don't feel like i really get much advantage in 5th or 6th gear and the power seems to taper out, with the bike reaching top speeds around 160-170 mph based on rider weight.
That brake thing reminds me of my yamaha tracer 9gt Bruce i had done 12000 mi in twelve months used them in anger one day 50mph and to this day i still think they didn't work properly, won't tell what happened to the bike. 43 years without a accident, and I was a observer for 10 years. So stay safe Bruce and stick with the gs .stay safe.
A nice video.The bike is really powerfull but allso smooth and really easy to handle both in the city and on the highway I put a comfort saddle on and it was well worth the money.
Great review Bruce 👍 not had a Suzuki for years last one the mk1 1200 bandit, still sound great and great real world bikes ! And looks like you had good fun trying it out .😁
A lot of comments on the gt's front brake. Actually it's very powerful once you get past the initial mush. Gotta really pull it, but once it starts to bite it's impressive. High quality pads will do the trick.
Wish you would have tried the Honda NT 1100 manual with the QS love mine I did take the GSX out for a test ride thought it was more of a sports bike than a tourer and no top box option
Really surprised you put the Honda above this. Without riding either I expected the NT to be the underwhelming one. I guess that's the issue with IL4's. They have to be kept on the boil and that is not always possible. Enjoyed that vid ... on "my" roads.
I only have that view of the NT ‘after’ the event - during the test ride of the NT it felt quite underwhelming and not engaging. It was only through editing the footage that I realised how quick it was going, and through further riding of the nT during the next week I had it, I really started to bond with the bike
I still love this bike so much. Was amazing on a 4,600 mile cross country trip and plenty of power to play around. Its such a blast! Only other bike i would like now is some sort of ducati or the new 2025 gsxr coming out.
The Honda NT1100 has 100PS but this Suzuki has 152PS. Totally different ball game. A friend of mine has the Honda and it’s a nice bike but I couldn’t live with the over complicated switch gear.
Numbers mean very little in practice bud - nothing compares to actually riding the bikes and seeing for yourself. The problem with the Honda is it’s not engaging enough so I don’t think it truly promotes itself in a true reflection of how good it is 🤷♂️👍
Ohhh I bought some lovely bikes out of John's of Romford! I recognise most of the roads you were on! I really don't like the mirrors but if they work!!!! The bike sounds fab and looks good too. Top notch stuff Bruce! 👌
Great review as always Bruce. Appreciate channel sponsors are important but would be nice to see the Suzuki integrated nav and app as part of the review. 👍
It wasn’t very good bud, I tried it in the showroom when setting up, it just allowed you to use other satnav apps within the main Suzuki app - but Calimoto wasn’t one of them. Seemed a clunky ‘solution’ to be honest
Have had 2,,1100 s a 750 ,,2thousands and still have a K6GSXR 1000 and a 1200s bandit,, they are not cheap and are great 👍👍☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,, enjoyed watching the video bit sad the paniers are extra 1500 quid
Having had a few niggles with my 2021 SuperdukeGT (which I still love), this could be a contender for my next bike. A lot less money than the GT and hopefully none of the electrical gremlins I'm experiencing now.
Nice one, Pal👍🏻 I know you mention to us clan, you don’t fancy doing these. But YOU ARE SOOOOOO, so good at doing these reviews. From your natural presentation skills, how you articulate your thoughts. To audio and video quality. And of course, skilled editing 🔝🎬 And perfect length too. Prefer these 25min+ or longer. Love it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Forget yoshimura....the inline four needs a full exhaust built in your neck of the woods...Race Fit... especially a Gixer...best sou.d ever and performance
Couldn't find one for love or money in spring of 22. Dealerships were claiming six to eight month backorders. Opted for a 2016 R1200RS instead - but do want to test ride if only to compare and see what I might be missing.
Having ridden both, I feel the GT is more dynamic personally (in A mode especially), but the RS is typically BMW and feels more refined - despite being the boxer engine. Between the two I reckon I’d go GT - more for your money
good review thanks bud. now then, the brakes, did it have rubber hoses ? i found both hayabusa's i had and my current zzr had spongy brakes, until i kitted out the whole system ( that was 9 hoses on my zzr ! ) with braided hoses and that cured it ! turns out rubber hoses flex causing the spongyness. i routinely bin rubber hoses. 😁👍 much bettee feel now 😁
Aye they were standard hoses - the Gixxer’s used to have the same issue, but it wasn’t totally cured with braided lines, they’d still fade under heavy usage on track🤷♂️
Hey Bruce, have you thought about giving riding tours to places like Scotland? I was looking at packages from here in the states and it gets pricey once you have to rent the bike and such.
Hello bud, yes I do tours through my company ‘ChickenStrips’ - just updating the website now for 2023 dates. I don’t offer bike hire though, it’s for people to ride their own bikes. Check out Simon Weir’s website, he has routes and tours available to download from his website 👍
Suzuki's are good value for money ( bought my first one this year after years of premium brands, 40+ years) but their accessories are really expensive! I'm past the snobby thing.....
Own and love the bike. Despise the app. Too bad too, I would love to use all the things that the app offers. If it would just work like it's supposed to.
@@gerokatseros my wife did not like pillion seat on the GT. The GT is a much sportier ride but the NT has enough and is brilliant on long distance touring.
Hey thanks for the info stanleydragon9548!! I am looking hard at the GT for a tourer, and I can tell with my T-rex arms I would be leaning over the tank a little. 🤣🤣
@@phantomrider22 The GSX-S is a fairly sit up style bike right out of the box, but the risers make it more so. I found that the 20mm risers did the job nicely, and there were no issues with cables or wiring, everything worked perfectly in stock configuration. Go for the GT, you won't regret it.
How's the rear shock? The GSXS1000F was poor and benefited from being changed. I changed mine out for Nitron NTR1 and it transformed the bike. Perhaps Suzuki addressed it?
I bought mine with bags, all in for $14,700 US, CA tax, CA registration. It had 45 miles on it. I find it more sport than touring. I can rip this through the SoCAL twisties almost as fast as my sport bikes. It wants to haul ass and can do it. That is not what I bought it for, I wanted something I could ride all day. The engine, chassis, suspension, quick shifter are supreme. Coming from sport bikes, the wind protection and seating are great. The bags are good and easy to use and I think it looks scary and fast. I pass sport bikes with the bags on and I can only imagine what they are thinking (perhaps I need to reevaluate my $25,000 Ducati choice). But, the big but, the seat is good for about 100 miles and then I need a break. Not what I wanted from a touring bike. The seat seams to be more comfortable if you are hauling ass. Mabey because you are moving around. The breaks may be fine for touring but for sport riding they suck. The engine breaking with the in line four is nonexistent. So I try to relay on trail breaking but it is not there. The two things that would change on this bike would be a better seat. Also better break pads and steel braided break pads.
150 is for sales...on a chassis dyno they make around 132..with an exhaust ,tune/flash..around 138. Its plenty for a spirited ,fun ride..but nothing too thrilling
I like the slightly longer length (that was she... etc) of the review. From now on I am going to refer to all H's as Hondi's! 🤣 Seems a perfectly competent every day bike, but maybe not one I'd go for personally.
The exhaust sound didnt really come across on the video, id have believed you if you said it was a twin! Im not bothered about the gadgets, i only use my quick shifter when im taking the piss. I bet you could get much more mpg with a bit of moderation. I can get north of 52mpg out of a 12 year old K1300S, 45 seems disappointing!
I felt a fair bit of wind turbulence across my shoulders and helmet at motorway speeds, but I am fairly tall (6’3” and 20 stone/128kgs). Something like a touring or double-bubble screen should take care of that 👍
I was really waiting your review on this one! The only real percs I seen you mention that puts me more off is the engine character, do you think with a remap all that will goes away? That engine is the same on a 1000cc k5 and it's brilliant on it. The brakes well is a Suzuki nothing like braid lines and a master cylinder can do 😁 Top job like always master Bruce 🤣
Cheers Ricardo, everyone always says that about it being the K5 engine - my understanding is that it’s BASED on the K5, but is obviously a modern counterpart. I’m sure you could smoothen out the A mode characteristics with a proper remap 👍
Shame Johns has merged with another branch 😢 Nick is a top guy, bought many bikes from there and known them for years. Good bike too, lot of bang for your buck
I think Bruce is getting a bit more norty on the road? 😁 Took the GT out for an afternoon, the vibes and the front brakes put me off. Something strange and wrong going on up front. Brembo callipers so I guess it's the master cylinder or pad choice.
@@teapotone naughty but in a cheeky way? 😁 Deffo leaving The Badge further behind, which can only be good. Such a shame that Suzuki didn't quite knock it out of the park, didn't take it away mainly for not knowing (on a new bike) what fixing the brakes is going to involve.
Never mind the bike, always been scared of these Suzuki's. Any chance you could do a short video about "Nationals". I thought I understood but either I am wrong or most other motorist are. Great video but I will stick with electric.
12 minutes in and this looks like a bike for everything. Fast, comfy, entertaining. And looks nice to commute on and for sporty touring. I'm guessing somebody will work out the initial brake response and then there will be an easy fix for it. Maybe even just a pad change, or braided lines as you said? Overall it seems flipping great. Very tempting.
Yeah I’ve had a wee shot of a mates SX and it’s very similar - beautifully fast and smooth engine. I’d say the SX is less abrupt, he GT in A mode is VERY punchy with the throttle - loads of fun though
I really preferred the engine on this bike, but the brakes were not great, and the lack of lean-sensitive IMU swayed me toward the Ninja 1000SX. Thanks for the review Mate!
I wonder... i have this bike and positively LOVE the brake feel. I dont understand all the gripes with its braking... I feel no mush. Wonder if they adjusted/fixed the issue for 2024 as i dont notice the issue. How do you like your Ninja?
What I wouldn't do to have roads like that to ride here in the USA! Round-a-bouts are just coming here now and NOBODY can figure them out! Idiots are liable to stop half way into them... Lane splitting anywhere other than California freeways will get yo pinched off on purpose! I live in Florida now, am over 70 years old and cannot believe the way retirees from the north (who haven't driven 100k miles in their entire life} try to putt around! FYI, I ride a HD Ultra, a Gen2 Hayabusa, or a BMW 1150GS depending on my mood...
Just watched it, great to see the roads of my old stomping ground as a GPS and BSafe in and around Romford, Epping and then out my way out to Essex Clavering, Finchingfield, Dunmow and back to Johns
Couple of things, the seat does get more comfortable over time. I had to laugh out loud over the "all tits and no ass", but the GT+ version is sold with the panniers and saves about $400 under adding them separately. Only downside to that is here in the US the GT+ is sold without the bags and will be installed by the dealer as supply catches up. 4 months later, still waiting for mine...
@@Sunesen LOL I finally got my panniers last week, but in the meantime I ordered the touring screen from Suzuki USA and the heated grips are out of stock....
Thanks bud, I’ve only had a wee shot of a mates SX. It’s very smooth, very fast, but lacked the character for me that the GSXS has. I prefer the standard GSX-S1000 to the GT though
Very good review. Thanks a lot! I was decided on the Suzuki GSX1000S naked for daily use, 90% right around town, but suddenly the GT appeared on the horizon, the price difference is not so significant and I'll be 60 in a couple of year. In your opinion, how does she behave rightaround town compared to the naked version? How about the handling of this Suzuki in town. As I said, I'm gonna use it 90% in town so I'm not so sure if the GT it's gonna be worth. What's your opinion? I'm really confused! Any imput will be highly appreciated.Thanks in advance and saludos desde Gran Canaria. España
Hola! Personally I’d get the naked over the GT anyway - the naked just felt like it had a nicer engine that was much more usable throughout the gears and Rev range. (I’ve no idea if the GT engine is actually any different, but the two bikes certainly felt different to ride🤷♂️).
Some people think QS’s can damage the internals through improper use - I just sometimes like to change the traditional way, other times I like to use the QS 🤷♂️
You'll never go wrong with a Suzuki. Went back to one after years of issues with Ktm and Bmw. Have my Gsxs for 4 years now 23k miles with zero issues. This new one will be a contender when I trade up in a couple of years
Agree. Fanboy here, have a GSXS GT+ and a DR650. Id trust either to drive me anywhere. Same is true for their quads, cars and outboard motors. Suzuki puts what you need where you need it and though a detriment to some, they are late adopters of "new tech" upping their reliability factor by loads.
Twenty years ago 150bhp was a headline grabbing number, with that figure now well north of 200 many people sneer at such a "low" powered bike, after all many ADV bike now make that kind of power! But at the end of the day, the physics still remain the same, a 150bhp bike is always going to be bloody fast and more then enough for the road (most of the time lol).
The 2001 GSX-R1000 was putting down 140HP to the tire and that was game changing back then!
The gt is like 110hp at 8k rpm. At a liter bike with that torque, quite sporty and more than enough to have fun. 👍
150bhp, 200-ish kilos (x2.2 for lbs, so 440lbs) can do 0-60mph in about 3 seconds, and 0-100mph in about 6 or 7.
Also the 200bhp newer bike seem to make the extra power higher up above the previous rev limit. It's not like they've got an extra 30bhp in the mid range. Although that would be amazing! :-))
Seriously good review. Real riding, covers all the stuff we need to know, and doesn't spend 5 minutes telling us the numbers and advertising baloney while we have shaky head cam :-))
Crazy isn't it? I remember when a 700 was considered a big bike.
My Vstrom1000 has 100hp and 100Nm….that’s plenty of power. I had an FZ1 many years ago, that had 145hp….that bike was “go to gaol” material 😅. I really like these bikes, looks like a great package.
This is a good sign. This won bike of the year, the VStrom 800 is on its way, with a new GSX 8S too. All new kit, all fantastic. Call me crazy but I think a new industry killing GSXR might be the next out from them. An entire new line up made to dominate the market again, as it once did.
Good time to be a Suzuki fan! Long live their affordable and performance packed machines.
I also think a new GSX-R1000 is on the way.
My understanding is they announced they were no longer going to manufacture the GSX-R1000, along with withdrawing from MotoGP. 🤔🤷🏼♂️
@@mrcintheuk4641 I think they are developing a Euro 5 version while they are no longer allowed to sell the existing Euro 4 models. This isn't the first time Suzuki has withdrawn from Moto GP and they also took a year off with the Hayabusa to come out with a new Euro 5 Hayabusa. If I know Suzuki, the new bike is coming and it's more so a matter of when and NOT if.
I used to own the predecessor to this model, a 2016 GSX-S 1000F. The only mod I made, and strictly for comfort, was to install 20mm bar risers. Great for long day mile eating highway rides, and bags of fun getting a knee down in the twistys. Fantastic all-around bike.
How tall are you/ long arms? Lots of difference in opinion on my size (5'10) with overly lengthy arms
@@AuRowe I'm 5'10" with about an average 36" sleeve length. The 20mm risers were the ticket for me, my shoulders and back appreciated the extra bit of upright riding position.
@@stanleydragon9548 Thank you!
@@AuRowe You are welcome. 👍
My favourite sports-styled bike. I really like how Suzuki are keeping things so simple with their bikes and just giving you what is needed. That with the smoothness of the shifter and smooth power makes for a superb machine. Not silly money either....All things considered! A pleasure to ride!
Thanks Teapot. I took my Vstrom for a service a few days ago and I made the mistake of asking for a courtesy bike. I got the GT. Now I'm in love.
🤣👍
Great first attempt at a proper Sports Tourer from Suzuki, totally agree on a great idea to fit a full Yoshi option, taller screen & sort those wooden brakes👍👍 Most of the other manufacturers have completely overlooked this sector, we don't all want to ride vibey lumpy twins offroad or pretend to be Charley Mcbooringman ! lol
Look up head light test 😮
THE BRAKES; I had the same problem on my '07 Bandit, fixed it with different, higher quality pads, easy fix!
Apart from a few tricky bits it's just the GSX1000F in a new dress. I have the 2021 F and I've ridden the GT and apart from the bit more grunt, TFT display and the dicky bits there pretty much the same. I fitted a full Yoshi system to my F and had it remapped. I prefer my F.
I demo'd the new Hayabusa, was nice but them went onto this bike, the power is so more usable. Its a beast. I settled and bought on a 2018 GSXS1000f, i love it!
Love this man's enthusiasm. A red one will be in my garage this week. Looking forward to it immensely.
Great Video!!
I picked this bike up at the end of the season (Canada) and agree that the cruise control button on the right is too far away from the grip. However, I have just learnt to turn it on right away and leave it on so that if I want to use it, I just push set with my left hand. The indicators are definitely too close to the cruise up and down buttons and when turning left, my thumb always touches the cruise button... not engaging the cruise but, just feel it there.
I absolutely love the looks of this bike so that is subjective to each their own...
Front break feels like crap compared to my 2018 V-Strom 1000.
I don't like how I have to use a spanner wrench for the rear preload... no handle... they cheaped out on that one.
No IMU bothers me as well as its just nice to have for the "just in case" moment you would ever need it in a turn.
I've driven and repaired/rebuilt motorcycles all my life starting on dirt bikes when I was quite young. This bike is the best bang for our buck over ALL it's competitors (incl the Kawi N1000SX which I've test driven and wasn't impressed by the excess weight, wimpy suspension and lack of power for a liter bike..) at this time and a substantial upgrade to my Tracer. I love my Tracer's versatility and triple torque but it's time so I ordered one of these a few months ago after much research and test driving. My thanks to you for the great review Bruce!
For the snobbery around the Suzuki brand...the two best built absolute most brutal engines ever designed and produced in the history of motorcycling bar none are the 1) air/oil cooled gsxr1100 (also shared in the Bandit 1200) and the GSX1300R Hayabusa engine, period paragraph. Super flexible, super powerful, pure joy and bottom ends able to withstand mountains of horsepower not to mention total domination of drag racing platforms worldwide.
I ride an old 1980 GS 850G. Not nearly as powerful but the front brake is super friendly. A gentle squeeze generates a proportionate level of braking.
Really enjoyed Sean Connery’s take on this mo-ersayeecle. Fun vid.
As you said Bruce brakes do feel a bit wooden, a change of brake lines and maybe pads should sort it. The Suzuki main rivals are the Kawasaki 1000sx and the new Yamaha tracer 900 gt plus, it would interesting to see what your think of the completion. As usual great review well done.
Solid bike for sure. It's the GSX-R1000 for the mature rider that's already "been there and done that" with full-blown superbikes on the street. Needless to say, I'm in love with my GT. It's the perfect bike for me as I enter my 40s all while still not quite ready for a full touring bike.
I’m in the same boat. Mid 40s, done with sports bikes and ADVs leave me cold. Got the Ninja1000sx and love it. The Suzuki wasn’t released when I got the Kwak else I would have definitely tried one out.
@@markharrison2484 I like the SX as well. I'm thinking of grabbing one for the lady who currently rides a GSX-R750 and also has a 636 Ninja. I can't quite get her to understand the whole sport touring thing yet, but I have a feeling that she'd adapt if I brought one home for her. She definitely likes the idea of putting all her stuff in my panniers when we're out though!
@@MalShakur panniers, heated grips, cruise control and a quick shifter.
@@markharrison2484 Indeed!
Finally some competition for the Ninja 1000.
I’ve had several Suzuki machines in the past including the latest GSXR1000R with the yoshi system and your right there amazing and go well together with Suzuki. That GSXS GT sounds pretty decent too. Nice one!
Looks to be a cracking bike for the money.
Aye definitely, Suzuki always do make good value for money bikes 👍
I got a 2016 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and I love it. the only poo poo is there is some handlebar vibration yes.
So i own this bike and there are a couple things. The Suzuki mySPIN app is leaving much to be desired. It is nice that you can load a GPS route on your phone and it populates to the bikes digital screen. The in transit phone call answering is very handy. However if you try to use the app to find a route somewhere through the bike.. its garbage. Cruise control works nicely however initiating it is a little cumbersome, and requires you to do some reaching. That being said the bike is seamless when connecting to my phones BT and My Shoei helmet syncs with it allowing me to have multiple helmets connected to the bike and all audio through bike controls. Another item i struggle with on this bike is the ride height, I'm 5ft 8 inches and I feel like I'm tip toeing on the bike, and have to give it a solid lean if i want to flat foot on either side. The headlights, some folks might like an asymmetrical headlight setup, for me i feel it looks tacky on this bike, i have to have my high beams on in order for both headlights to be on, and that I feel is a great way to piss off vehicles on the road. She gets a solid 40 MPG when doing normal riding. The bikes gearing is definitely 2nd and 3rd gear when on the city streets, and 4th and 5th on freeway. I don't feel like i really get much advantage in 5th or 6th gear and the power seems to taper out, with the bike reaching top speeds around 160-170 mph based on rider weight.
That brake thing reminds me of my yamaha tracer 9gt Bruce i had done 12000 mi in twelve months used them in anger one day 50mph and to this day i still think they didn't work properly, won't tell what happened to the bike. 43 years without a accident, and I was a observer for 10 years. So stay safe Bruce and stick with the gs .stay safe.
I took mine for a ride today. The power and delivery is amazing.
A nice video.The bike is really powerfull but allso smooth and really easy to handle both in the city and on the highway I put a comfort saddle on and it was well worth the money.
Great review Bruce 👍 not had a Suzuki for years last one the mk1 1200 bandit, still sound great and great real world bikes ! And looks like you had good fun trying it out .😁
Thumbs up, probably one of the best reviews of this I’ve seen on TH-cam and I’ve watched a lot.
Thanks very much bud, glad you enjoyed it 👍
Love it @ Johns at Romford! Bought my first Raleigh mountain bike from here 30 years ago!
What a great ride! So peaceful looking in the small towns.
A lot of comments on the gt's front brake. Actually it's very powerful once you get past the initial mush. Gotta really pull it, but once it starts to bite it's impressive. High quality pads will do the trick.
I know I'm becoming an endangered species, a mixture of manufacturing costs and fashion, but a screaming inline four is still my favourite engine.
They do sound good when they’re screaming for sure 👏👍
Wish you would have tried the Honda NT 1100 manual with the QS love mine
I did take the GSX out for a test ride thought it was more of a sports bike than a tourer and no top box option
Really surprised you put the Honda above this. Without riding either I expected the NT to be the underwhelming one. I guess that's the issue with IL4's. They have to be kept on the boil and that is not always possible. Enjoyed that vid ... on "my" roads.
I only have that view of the NT ‘after’ the event - during the test ride of the NT it felt quite underwhelming and not engaging. It was only through editing the footage that I realised how quick it was going, and through further riding of the nT during the next week I had it, I really started to bond with the bike
I did pop back to the vid as I didn't recall you being thrilled by it. I guess as with all bikes it depends what you want and need. 👍
Aye absolutely, we’re all different 👍
I like the looks of the bike Bruce, seems like a decent bike. Nice to have a longer video, great video.
Thanks Curno,
Glad you liked the longer vid, been playing around with vid length of late to see what gets the best results 👍
another honest review teapot thank you
Steel braided lines would help that sponginess. That K5 Engine is an Anvil/Bullet proof.
I still love this bike so much.
Was amazing on a 4,600 mile cross country trip and plenty of power to play around. Its such a blast!
Only other bike i would like now is some sort of ducati or the new 2025 gsxr coming out.
The Honda NT1100 has 100PS but this Suzuki has 152PS. Totally different ball game. A friend of mine has the Honda and it’s a nice bike but I couldn’t live with the over complicated switch gear.
Numbers mean very little in practice bud - nothing compares to actually riding the bikes and seeing for yourself.
The problem with the Honda is it’s not engaging enough so I don’t think it truly promotes itself in a true reflection of how good it is 🤷♂️👍
NT1100 engine is like a tractor in comparison to the engine on this Suzuki.
No
Ohhh I bought some lovely bikes out of John's of Romford! I recognise most of the roads you were on! I really don't like the mirrors but if they work!!!! The bike sounds fab and looks good too. Top notch stuff Bruce! 👌
Thanks Murt 👍
Great review as always Bruce. Appreciate channel sponsors are important but would be nice to see the Suzuki integrated nav and app as part of the review. 👍
It wasn’t very good bud, I tried it in the showroom when setting up, it just allowed you to use other satnav apps within the main Suzuki app - but Calimoto wasn’t one of them.
Seemed a clunky ‘solution’ to be honest
Have had 2,,1100 s a 750 ,,2thousands and still have a K6GSXR 1000 and a 1200s bandit,, they are not cheap and are great 👍👍☘️☘️ from northern Ireland,, enjoyed watching the video
bit sad the paniers are extra 1500 quid
Glad it's not just me that thought the front of the bike was miles away. That cruise control seems odd.
Agree with you Bruce, the difference between buurp & baarp is night & day 😂😂
Having had a few niggles with my 2021 SuperdukeGT (which I still love), this could be a contender for my next bike. A lot less money than the GT and hopefully none of the electrical gremlins I'm experiencing now.
It’s proper rapid bud, hasn’t got the character of the KTM 1290 engine, but it’s buttery smooth and will make you grin like a lunatic 🤷♂️😉👍🤣
Going from the GSXS 1000F-19 Duke GT yep can confirm and also thinking about trading in.
Nice one, Pal👍🏻 I know you mention to us clan, you don’t fancy doing these. But YOU ARE SOOOOOO, so good at doing these reviews. From your natural presentation skills, how you articulate your thoughts. To audio and video quality. And of course, skilled editing 🔝🎬 And perfect length too. Prefer these 25min+ or longer. Love it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks very much Mike, that’s greatly appreciated bud 👍
Forget yoshimura....the inline four needs a full exhaust built in your neck of the woods...Race Fit... especially a Gixer...best sou.d ever and performance
Bro you super cool , i love people like you . Great interview with the bike
Bloody hell mate you were feeling flush filling the GT up at Jesmonds.. and that's the 2nd Suzuki you've ridden past my house now! 🤣🤣🤣
🤣👍
Never been on a fast sports bike, I’ll definitely would like to try one like that.
Ha Ha DO IT Bean’s! Nothing like a screaming in-line four at full chat 👊✊✊✊✊✊🤣👍
Couldn't find one for love or money in spring of 22. Dealerships were claiming six to eight month backorders. Opted for a 2016 R1200RS instead - but do want to test ride if only to compare and see what I might be missing.
Having ridden both, I feel the GT is more dynamic personally (in A mode especially), but the RS is typically BMW and feels more refined - despite being the boxer engine.
Between the two I reckon I’d go GT - more for your money
Bruce, please try a tracer9 gt. I think you'd like it. But you would look gigantic on it. It's a good real world bike and decent value.
I’d give one a go certainly, but have no connection with Yamaha UK or any dealerships that do them currently
Always look forward to your video's.....would love to road trip, get some grub and chat with you one day..
Very nice looking bike, I just love your honest reviews Bruce👍Awesome video as always mate!
Cheers Rab 👍
good review thanks bud. now then, the brakes, did it have rubber hoses ? i found both hayabusa's i had and my current zzr had spongy brakes, until i kitted out the whole system ( that was 9 hoses on my zzr ! ) with braided hoses and that cured it ! turns out rubber hoses flex causing the spongyness. i routinely bin rubber hoses. 😁👍 much bettee feel now 😁
Aye they were standard hoses - the Gixxer’s used to have the same issue, but it wasn’t totally cured with braided lines, they’d still fade under heavy usage on track🤷♂️
Hey Bruce, have you thought about giving riding tours to places like Scotland? I was looking at packages from here in the states and it gets pricey once you have to rent the bike and such.
Hello bud, yes I do tours through my company ‘ChickenStrips’ - just updating the website now for 2023 dates.
I don’t offer bike hire though, it’s for people to ride their own bikes.
Check out Simon Weir’s website, he has routes and tours available to download from his website 👍
Fair play the standard can looks decent,the factory one on a Gixxer looks like a dustbin nailed on the side of it.
🤣👍
Suzuki's are good value for money ( bought my first one this year after years of premium brands, 40+ years) but their accessories are really expensive! I'm past the snobby thing.....
Looks like a great all rounder mate 👍
I have heard that swapping the pads out fixes the break issue.
Own and love the bike. Despise the app. Too bad too, I would love to use all the things that the app offers. If it would just work like it's supposed to.
Im thinking your cruise control is faulty?
My GXS S1000GT cruise control works perfectly!
Nice to see your back making videos bud 😁
I’ve never been away mate? Have I missed something?
@@teapotone I mean it’s nice to see a video off you again that’s all 😁
👍
Still needs a top box for touring and better seat for two up
My wife hated the pillion perch on mine and I've now sold it. Awesome bike solo.
Interesting your comments on this GT and the NT1100. I've just sold my GT to buy an NT.
Can you explain why you did it? Did you buy the NT? is it better ? How do they compare engine wise ?
@@gerokatseros my wife did not like pillion seat on the GT. The GT is a much sportier ride but the NT has enough and is brilliant on long distance touring.
Nice bike there Bruce..hope you are well mate...
All good cheers Paul 👍
Great review!! I wonder it handle bar risers would make it a little more comfortable 🤔
They do. I put 20mm risers on my 2016 GSX-S 1000F, which was the version previous to the GT model, and they improved the comfort greatly.
Hey thanks for the info stanleydragon9548!! I am looking hard at the GT for a tourer, and I can tell with my T-rex arms I would be leaning over the tank a little. 🤣🤣
@@phantomrider22 The GSX-S is a fairly sit up style bike right out of the box, but the risers make it more so. I found that the 20mm risers did the job nicely, and there were no issues with cables or wiring, everything worked perfectly in stock configuration. Go for the GT, you won't regret it.
How's the rear shock? The GSXS1000F was poor and benefited from being changed. I changed mine out for Nitron NTR1 and it transformed the bike. Perhaps Suzuki addressed it?
Felt fine for me tbh
A cracking video and review, it certainly is a lovely bike in the flesh. I was tempted but the GSA is staying for now. 😀👍🏍
Cheers Chris 👍
Great review I’ve got a GT in my garage with only 70 miles on , can I ask what’s the rectangle on your bike jacket ? Thanks
I bought mine with bags, all in for $14,700 US, CA tax, CA registration. It had 45 miles on it. I find it more sport than touring. I can rip this through the SoCAL twisties almost as fast as my sport bikes. It wants to haul ass and can do it. That is not what I bought it for, I wanted something I could ride all day. The engine, chassis, suspension, quick shifter are supreme. Coming from sport bikes, the wind protection and seating are great. The bags are good and easy to use and I think it looks scary and fast. I pass sport bikes with the bags on and I can only imagine what they are thinking (perhaps I need to reevaluate my $25,000 Ducati choice). But, the big but, the seat is good for about 100 miles and then I need a break. Not what I wanted from a touring bike. The seat seams to be more comfortable if you are hauling ass. Mabey because you are moving around. The breaks may be fine for touring but for sport riding they suck. The engine breaking with the in line four is nonexistent. So I try to relay on trail breaking but it is not there. The two things that would change on this bike would be a better seat. Also better break pads and steel braided break pads.
14,700 all in on the 23 +?
"Not to the detriment of my ass". No, that's what governments are for. I could sit and listen to you all day. Thanks for a great video!
150 is for sales...on a chassis dyno they make around 132..with an exhaust ,tune/flash..around 138. Its plenty for a spirited ,fun ride..but nothing too thrilling
It’s mental. Are you sure you got it up high in the revs in 2/3rd?
@@teapotone i recall 11.500..at 11.8 it was all in and falling off the
Jesus - and you don’t think that’s ‘thrilling’?!
You must have ice in your veins! 🤣👍
I like the slightly longer length (that was she... etc) of the review. From now on I am going to refer to all H's as Hondi's! 🤣 Seems a perfectly competent every day bike, but maybe not one I'd go for personally.
Cheers Al, that’s a few folk who’ve said they like the longer vid length 🤔👍
Hondi’s for the win 🤣👍
The exhaust sound didnt really come across on the video, id have believed you if you said it was a twin! Im not bothered about the gadgets, i only use my quick shifter when im taking the piss. I bet you could get much more mpg with a bit of moderation. I can get north of 52mpg out of a 12 year old K1300S, 45 seems disappointing!
Windshield looks pretty small... Problems with buffeting on longer journeys?
I felt a fair bit of wind turbulence across my shoulders and helmet at motorway speeds, but I am fairly tall (6’3” and 20 stone/128kgs).
Something like a touring or double-bubble screen should take care of that 👍
Good review Bruce.
Thanks Lyn 👍
I was really waiting your review on this one! The only real percs I seen you mention that puts me more off is the engine character, do you think with a remap all that will goes away? That engine is the same on a 1000cc k5 and it's brilliant on it.
The brakes well is a Suzuki nothing like braid lines and a master cylinder can do 😁
Top job like always master Bruce 🤣
Cheers Ricardo, everyone always says that about it being the K5 engine - my understanding is that it’s BASED on the K5, but is obviously a modern counterpart.
I’m sure you could smoothen out the A mode characteristics with a proper remap 👍
I’ve got a K6 and it’s remapped and derestricted, 165.8 BHP at the back wheel and 84 torque, great engines.
The GSXS (I have a 2018) has different camming than the K6 so a remap alone won't turn the engine into a K6.
The worst thing about Calimoto is that's so great you can't really use the integrate turn-by-turn navigation with any vendor.
Shame Johns has merged with another branch 😢 Nick is a top guy, bought many bikes from there and known them for years.
Good bike too, lot of bang for your buck
Ah have they! I filmed this back in May and he’d mentioned there may be moved afoot.
He’s a top bloke 👍
Lost their Honda dealership round the corner so moved the Suzuki's to that shop.
@@teapotone Yeah he is, I’ve known Nick for years. Bought my first L1 GSXR-1000 from his Dad!
Think I’ll get one. The only other possibility is the Tracer GT - any thoughts?
Enjoyed that 👌
Thanks Jim 👍
Nearly bought one so close then i found out how shit the spread is on headlight compared to similar machines stopped me in my tracks
I don't know why but in that dark blue it just screams unmarked police bike to me
I think Bruce is getting a bit more norty on the road? 😁
Took the GT out for an afternoon, the vibes and the front brakes put me off. Something strange and wrong going on up front. Brembo callipers so I guess it's the master cylinder or pad choice.
Cheers Stewie, but what does ‘norty’ mean? 🤷♂️🤣
@@teapotone naughty but in a cheeky way? 😁
Deffo leaving The Badge further behind, which can only be good.
Such a shame that Suzuki didn't quite knock it out of the park, didn't take it away mainly for not knowing (on a new bike) what fixing the brakes is going to involve.
🤣👍
Never mind the bike, always been scared of these Suzuki's.
Any chance you could do a short video about "Nationals".
I thought I understood but either I am wrong or most other motorist are.
Great video but I will stick with electric.
Nationals are the national speed limit - either 60mph or 70mph depending on whether you’re on a road divided by a central ‘carriageway/barrier’ or not
12 minutes in and this looks like a bike for everything. Fast, comfy, entertaining. And looks nice to commute on and for sporty touring.
I'm guessing somebody will work out the initial brake response and then there will be an easy fix for it. Maybe even just a pad change, or braided lines as you said?
Overall it seems flipping great. Very tempting.
I thought that but then the headlights ruined it for me, I heard cruise control is troublesome.
And I’m happy with the ninja 1000 sx in the end
Yeah I’ve had a wee shot of a mates SX and it’s very similar - beautifully fast and smooth engine. I’d say the SX is less abrupt, he GT in A mode is VERY punchy with the throttle - loads of fun though
No I’ve not tried the Katana actually, but I have ridden a few Street’s and love’m 👍
Yes,SBS RST pads make a massive difference!
Yep absolutely, great pads 👏👍
I really preferred the engine on this bike, but the brakes were not great, and the lack of lean-sensitive IMU swayed me toward the Ninja 1000SX. Thanks for the review Mate!
I wonder... i have this bike and positively LOVE the brake feel. I dont understand all the gripes with its braking... I feel no mush. Wonder if they adjusted/fixed the issue for 2024 as i dont notice the issue. How do you like your Ninja?
Nice video, Bruce. How tall are you?
6’3”
@@teapotone Cool. I'm 6' 2" so this might fit me.
What I wouldn't do to have roads like that to ride here in the USA! Round-a-bouts are just coming here now and NOBODY can figure them out! Idiots are liable to stop half way into them... Lane splitting anywhere other than California freeways will get yo pinched off on purpose! I live in Florida now, am over 70 years old and cannot believe the way retirees from the north (who haven't driven 100k miles in their entire life} try to putt around! FYI, I ride a HD Ultra, a Gen2 Hayabusa, or a BMW 1150GS depending on my mood...
Gets a like just for that wonderful accent.
🤣👍
Quickshifter is standard equipment. At least here it is (sweden)
Have the first thumbs up from me :)
Cheers dude 👍
6:32 fiddler's hamlet ha ha. I hope Suzuki find their way again soon as they have been left behind slightly.
Just watched it, great to see the roads of my old stomping ground as a GPS and BSafe in and around Romford, Epping and then out my way out to Essex Clavering, Finchingfield, Dunmow and back to Johns
Couple of things, the seat does get more comfortable over time. I had to laugh out loud over the "all tits and no ass", but the GT+ version is sold with the panniers and saves about $400 under adding them separately. Only downside to that is here in the US the GT+ is sold without the bags and will be installed by the dealer as supply catches up. 4 months later, still waiting for mine...
I had a similar story, my panniers came in after 2 months and love them they fit snug and have lots of space. Lets me use this as a daily rider!!
My panniers came with the bike, but here 6 months later I'm still waiting for the touring windscreen and the heated grips. XD
@@Sunesen LOL I finally got my panniers last week, but in the meantime I ordered the touring screen from Suzuki USA and the heated grips are out of stock....
Great review yet again big lad 👍 if you had to choose would it be the Suzuki or the Kawasaki 1000sx??
Thanks bud, I’ve only had a wee shot of a mates SX. It’s very smooth, very fast, but lacked the character for me that the GSXS has.
I prefer the standard GSX-S1000 to the GT though
Very good review. Thanks a lot! I was decided on the Suzuki GSX1000S naked for daily use, 90% right around town, but suddenly the GT appeared on the horizon, the price difference is not so significant and I'll be 60 in a couple of year. In your opinion, how does she behave rightaround town compared to the naked version? How about the handling of this Suzuki in town. As I said, I'm gonna use it 90% in town so I'm not so sure if the GT it's gonna be worth. What's your opinion? I'm really confused! Any imput will be highly appreciated.Thanks in advance and saludos desde Gran Canaria. España
Hola!
Personally I’d get the naked over the GT anyway - the naked just felt like it had a nicer engine that was much more usable throughout the gears and Rev range. (I’ve no idea if the GT engine is actually any different, but the two bikes certainly felt different to ride🤷♂️).
@@teapotone ¡Muchas gracias! I'm gonna check them both this afternoon. Saludos
what are the advantages of turning the quickshifter off?
Some people think QS’s can damage the internals through improper use - I just sometimes like to change the traditional way, other times I like to use the QS 🤷♂️
I’d expect an adjustable screen with this kind of bike though 🤷♂️