2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT First Look

Admin · September 22, 2021

Suzuki has released the new GSX-S1000GT for the 2022 model year. The new sport-tourer reflects styling from the GSX-S1000 launched earlier this year, adding a tall shield, a fairing, and a longer seat. (Suzuki/)

Way back in June we brought the first technical details of a new sport-touring Suzuki that would join the lineup for 2022 as a sister to the updated GSX-S1000. Now that bike has been launched in Europe and the US as the GSX-S1000GT to replace the old GSX-S1000F.

Suzuki has become a master of the art of repackaging existing components into convincing new models, saving R&D costs while maintaining a modern range of bikes. The 2021 GSX-S1000 was a great example, carrying over most of its mechanicals from its predecessor while adding a much-improved style and a veneer of high-tech gadgetry to meet the expectations of riders in the third decade of the 21st century. The recipe remains the same for the new 2022 GSX-S1000GT and GSX-S1000GT+ models.

Related: 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 First Look

The 2022 GT’s engine is also the same 150 hp, Euro 5-compliant four-cylinder seen in the recent GSX-S1000. (Suzuki/)

In June, we called the bike the GSX-S1000T—that’s the GT’s internal designation and the title on the type-approval documents that betrayed its existence—but other than that our information at the time was right on the money.

The engine in the 2022 GSX-S1000GT is the 150 hp (152PS, 112kW) four-cylinder that was used in its predecessor and in the latest GSX-S1000 naked bike, hitting that power peak at 11,000 rpm and matching it with 79.66 pound-feet (106Nm) of torque at 9,250 rpm. It might not be the latest or most powerful 999cc four on the market, but the motor’s roots lie in the legendary 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 engine. It sits in the same alloy beam frame that’s used on the GSX-S1000 (and the old GSX-S1000F, for that matter), with inverted 43mm KYB forks and Brembo radial calipers at the front.

A fully adjustable, 43mm inverted KYB fork up front attaches to a twin-spar aluminum frame. Taller shield is exclusive to the GT; dual Brembo brakes up front come standard with ABS. (Suzuki/)

The big change comes at the back, where there’s a new bolt-on seat subframe under completely new tail bodywork, adding more luggage and passenger-carrying potential than the naked GSX-S can offer.

A new trellis-style subframe creates attachment points for the side cases and a platform for the long (and grippy) passenger seat. (Suzuki/)

While the styling isn’t going to be to everyone’s taste, it’s clearly a more modern look than the old GSX-S1000F offered, with sharp creases and angles replacing the curves and bulges of its predecessor. Neither bike could be called beautiful, but the new GT is definitely closer to current trends.

Although the fuel tank area is carried over directly from the naked GSX-S1000, the GT gets an all-enveloping front fairing as well as a longer, more comfortable seat. Up front, modern LED headlights are mounted unusually far forward, right on the leading edge of the nose, surrounded by black plastic. From some angles the effect is similar to that of the current Yamaha R1, where you barely notice the lights at all and the front has a race-style appearance, but from others the Suzuki’s headlamps, sitting under angry-looking, slanted “eyebrows” of LED strip marker lights, look a little unusual.

Related: Suzuki GSX-S1000Z

New modern LED headlights sit far forward at the bottom edge of the front fairing. (Suzuki/)
A brand-new TFT display is the focus of the cockpit, and can support smartphone connectivity. New cast aluminum handlebar is rubber mounted to dampen vibes. (Suzuki/)

Electronics are inevitably another focus of the Suzuki’s updates, and the GT gains a new 6.5-inch color TFT dash (the first Suzuki to do so) to replace the old LCD unit, and it includes smartphone connectivity via the Suzuki mySpin app. That means you get info about calls, navigation, contacts, music, and even an appointment calendar on the display if required, all synced to your phone.

The GSX-S1000GT also receives the full ride-by-wire suite made up of power modes, adjustable traction control, quick shifting, and more. (Suzuki/)

Elsewhere, the multiple riding modes, altering power delivery and output as well as rider aid settings to suit riding conditions and preferences, are the sort of tech we’re used to seeing these days, and there’s a bidirectional quickshifter as standard. The GT also gets cruise control and Low RPM Assist, which helps prevent embarrassing stalls when pulling away.

You’ll have to upgrade to the GSX-S1000GT+ trim to snag those quick-release 36L side cases; the base model comes naked. (Suzuki/)

At 226 kilograms (498 pounds) the GT is 11 kilograms (24 pounds) heavier than the model it replaces, hinting at its more serious touring intentions, and the new subframe allows the fitting of quick-release panniers that are optional on the GT model, but come standard on the GT+ (at least in the States). It’s still lighter than its closest competitor, Kawasaki’s Ninja 1000SX, which comes in at 514 pounds, as well as being more powerful than the Kawasaki. In Europe, the 2022 GSX-S1000GT will carry a price tag of 11,599 pounds sterling, which is nearly identical to the Kawasaki’s, and the bike is set to reach European dealers in November as a 2022 model-year machine. No pricing has been released for the US models just yet, but when the GT reaches US Suzuki dealers in early 2022, it’s also likely to cost somewhere very near the Ninja’s $12,599 MSRP.

The GSX-S1000GT comes shod with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires as standard equipment. (Suzuki/)
There’s also a completely new tail with passenger grab rails and new LED lighting out back. (Suzuki/)
The GSX-S1000GT will be available in two colors: Metallic Reflective Blue (shown)… (Suzuki/)
…and the Glass Sparkle Black option. (Suzuki/)