2022 Suzuki GSX S1000GT review - do you *really* need that adventure bike?

The adventure bike is dead! Well, the colossal sales of them may suggest otherwise, but shh… Suzuki's made a sports tourer! Let's talk about that! It's the GSX-S1000GT and it's blooming lovely. It's a sub £12k bike with 150hp, relaxed ergos, a proper chassis and all the electronics you could ever really need. It's mega. Find out why in this walkaround and riding impressions review. Apologies in advance to any elephants.
------
📸 Follow me on Instagram: / timrodie
🚗 Check out my car channel: / timrodiedrivesstuff

[@louismasters5531]

Hi I have one of these bikes and have now done 3700 miles on it I have been riding for 50 years and can safely say its one of the best bikes i have owned. It does have faults but that engine makes up for them big time louis masters

[@FrankBonessa]

The reflective blue and black wheels is excellent. My candy daring red with bronze wheels looks brilliant. Love this bike.

[@3kdn]

The best do it all bike i have bought in the last 25 years and for the price it is unbelievable. I changed the tyres to Michelin Road pilot 5's after my first service...Even more smiles! 3000 miles i have done since April no problems at all and still makes me smile like the first day i picked it up. If i had to pick fault at all, it would be the paint. gained one or two tiny stone chips on the wheels which is annoying and the brake pedal black paint wore through after about 800 miles. And i don't bother with the My Spin App, the phone side and music side of the app is fine but the sat nav side has room for improvement.

[@majordelays4909]

What a funny part of production to save money on. Bit shortsighted

[@RacerJuan42]

It sure is nice to see ST bikes appearing to make a comeback! Adv bikes are fine, but they’re not for everyone, and I hope manufacturer’s are seeing a market opportunity for a more sport bike like touring platform in their lineup.

[@martincawley5145]

Excellent vid and review. And, as an owner of one of these, I have to say I concur with your observations 100%! Thing is with this model, if Suzuki act on user feedback, it is only going to get better and better - and it's pretty damn good now. Can never be described as a "drop dead gorgeous" bike, but I am still bloody glad I have one in my garage - it is just a pleasure to ride.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

Ugliest colors I don't know why nobody offers red anymore or at least two tone Ducati bikes hot 🔥 red. My old Hayabusa two tone red and black real good looking now the only Japanese Superbike that offers red is the boring cbr100rr.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

Suzuki has a history of understated colours on its "sports-tourers"... the Bandit 1200/1250, the GSX1250FA... black, blues, occasionally dark red, sometimes silver... and never any graphics.

[@soulrebelno1]

Bōshi, Danniella Westbrook, love it! I had a look at the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT the other week while getting my Suzuki SV650 serviced. I plan on getting a demo, and hope to buy a new one in the not too distant future, because I want a second bike. The SV is going nowhere, though! The looks have grown on me and I really like them, now. I was talking to the mechanic about the brakes, and he said things improve a lot when you put decent pads in them. The tyres and the short gearing can also be easily rectified if it really bothered me, not sure yet. I was also looking at the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, but the K5 engine, the dash which can display maps, the price, plus you get a 3-year warranty, has sold it for me. I think the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT has a better around package. I had a Yamaha Ténéré 700, and it was a great bike, with a peach of an engine, but just not the bike for me. What spoiled the enjoyment, like all adventure bikes, it was just too top-heavy, so you felt like you could drop the thing at any time. I don't see the point in having an adventure bikes if you're not going to go off-road. Also, why spend all that money. If you're going touring, then buy a sports tourer, it's a much nicer bike to ride.

[@Geshmaal]

I really like both this style of sports tourer and adventure bikes. I think you can ask yourself whether you need extra ground clearance, a big front wheel and blocky tyres the same way you can ask if you really need a 150bhp detuned sport bike engine, it's all down to the riding you do!

[@highestsprings]

Love this bike. Good blance between long distance capabilities and every day country lane hits. Engine is buzzy and willing. Just all around fun with just enough kit to keep it relevant. Quick shifter is brilliant, Suzuki keeping it going with the sport tour in line 4.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

Bought a GT+, loving it. She may not be the prettiest thing but her personality is all-day beautiful.

[@shermanyang2315]

Nice review! Love the detail describing how it feels to ride with good sense of humor :D

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

First of all, I'd like to thank you for telling us how tall you are. I am 6'1" and I was having doubts about these types of bikes. Haven't had a chance to go and sit on the Suksuzki yet. A few weeks ago I sat on the kawasaki ninja 1000sx. I think I could get used to it.

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Charlie - in my car videos (I have a car channel) all I get is people saying "you don't need to tell us how tall you are in every video" 😂

[@MaxPowerFilthcrud]

I'm also 6'3" and that information is pure gold. I have rather long legs so I'm always after an info whether a bike might fit me.

[@Oscar240z]

I love this bike but at 6’3” I’ll keep my adventure bike with its high seat option as its very kind to my long legs and knees! For young, short or yoga lovers the GSX is great!

[@stevenw354]

what bike is that?

[@thijshagenbeek6554]

Yes, you need this bike. Of everything i've ridden, this is for me a gold standard. Its so bloody simple and yet so well equipped you just cant go wrong. Not to mention 6 YEARS of manufacturers guarantee.

[@timrodierides]

It's such a good buy isn't it?

[@thijshagenbeek6554]

@@timrodierides For me it was a double wammy, the best deal on my old bike, and a great price for the one I bought. Suzuki is really stepping up.

[@stephenbrown9400]

It is a great sounding package and i would consider as a next vehicle if Suzuki where to chuck in the hard cases. 12k and cruise is a plus point, some if your negatives, rubber, handling and so in could be tweaked, a different screen could be sought. Who needs that adventure bike, not many who have them in their pristine condition and shy away from a drop of water. Your vids are honest, helpful and enjoyable.

[@AndygsxrK]

I am 6ft 3 and I have had mine for 3 weeks now done over 500 miles on it very impressive bike wind buffing is a pain but if you sit further back it blows over your head and your mpg increases

[@ericlenertz6967]

I'm glad to see this, my vstrom 1050 was stolen last week. Looking to switch to this bike. As a fellow 6ft 3 man, I am skeptical due to the wind and buffeting that may hit me more now. Would love to chat more if you can

[@AndygsxrK]

@@ericlenertz6967 Just coming up to 1000 miles on it now the standard screen isn't to bad but they are producing taller screens made by different companies now which seem to cure it .we the last few days of having higher than normal temperatures here in the UK I was glad to have a bit of wind blown at me

[@carlsitler9071]

Suzuki and Kawasaki seem to give the best bang for the buck. My Bandit 1200S is still in the backyard (ready for new ignition packs). I bought a new 2018 Ninja 400 for $3150 ($4500 out the door) and traded it last year for a 2014 Triumph America and $500. The Bonneville is twice as comfortable (exactly like my Fat Boy) and half as fun. I would own that Suzuki GT in a heart beat. ❤️ 💓

[@777geeman]

I'm looking at carbon edition at three thousand more. Took the same bike as reviewed here for run through the mountains and i felt the same about the bumps like the front was not quite soft enough and that I'm used to shaft drive and the pads and rubber brake definitely should be swapped out. I did thoroughly enjoy otherwise. Thanks for your review

[@genedhallinc]

Funny you mentioned Super Duke GT, I'm thinking about trading mine for the Suzuki. Been riding GSXRs since 1986 and have wished for this bike Tobe built.

[@IanTed]

If my back could cope I’d be tempted, the K5 engine was a classic…

[@andymanandyman3369]

I have a bad lower back and buggered shoulder and have had this bike on a long test ride and you sit very upright and I was fine, indeed I loved it and it will be my next bike. Try one, I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[@stevenw354]

Thanks for opening the throttle some

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Always amusing!

[@Navillus2273]

Did you try and adjust the suspension to improve the dampening? You did not mention it is fully adjustable.

[@eriklarsson3528]

High quality review! Keep it up and more on the "busa"??

[@timrodierides]

Thanks Erik! Yup more on the Busa is coming, I deleted a lot of footage by accident so need to record some voiceover 🥱

[@milodebruin4821]

I like it. Especially since most are saying it's a little sporty.

[@mats3188]

The best and funiest bike i ever drive.Thats why i just get one . But i recomended the comfort sadel .that make the bike even better 😊👍

[@speeddragon99]

I agree. Realy good bike and i replace stock seat to more comfortable 1.

[@grahamjay4155]

Cheers, another quality review. My first love will always be full on Sports Bikes but I've been tempted to do a bit of touring in recent years. Allthough it doesn't have that punchy engine I'd probably choose the Kawasaki Z1000SX (looking back through your past videos I can't a review so it would be interesting to hear your thoughts)similar price, cruise as standard, adjustable screen ect ,and for me a much better looking machine.

[@alainpaquin627]

You're right, the Ninja 1000 SX has the adjustable screen and the heated grips as standard that the GSX-S1000GT doesn't have as standard. Personnally, I bought the GSX-S1000GTA (larger screen & hard cases). This is why there are so many makes & models, to please all tastes...🙂

[@dylanm5609]

@@alainpaquin627 where did you buy this? I’ll be buying mine in the USA?

[@alainpaquin627]

@@dylanm5609 I bought it @ Profil Moto in Beloeil, QC, Canada. Not that many in dealerships in Canada.

[@befreetoride979]

Tim I’m looking for a bike that will tour occasionally and be a great scratcher on the backroads. It’s between the GSX GT and a KTM 890 SMT. Which would you choose and why? Thx

[@nickstoic2944]

Beautiful motorcycle. I would be interested in one if they would replace the pushbike style handle bars with a motorcycle type. The pushbike handle bars make these nice bikes look very cheap and outdated.

[@robertprosser6856]

Apparently the engine on this bike has the same block as the K5 but the internals are a much lower spec.

[@anxiousappliance]

I think if they had these internals in 2005 they would have fainted from the pure magic of it all.

[@gerokatseros]

So wonderful review! How does it compare to yamaha tracer 9 GT wich is a little cheaper but also has electronic suspension , heated grips and paniers? or even the standard tracer 9 which is even cheaper

[@CheezSorce2]

Rode a Super Tenere about a week ago, couldn't wait to get of it, soft high travel suspension just didn't work on the street for me. My buddy took my FJR, lots of mods so not stock and he raved about it. He was a distant and disappearing image. The FJR doesn't work for him as his legs are just too long. Adding the GSX to the Garage would be a nice compliment.

[@cubax599]

Love this bike but lol how do heated grips cost 400?? I`ve been putting 3M sticker heated grips kit on various bikes for years. The kit retails for 45(!) pounds, comes with a cool plastic switch and heats up reliably(plus you can keep the oem grips on). What is going on ?

[@DEK426]

Always said the k5 with straight bars would be the best bike ever made..

[@Supernova12034]

My only concern with this, and even with the ninja 1000 is these inline 4's are a bit weak down low...I love me some bottom end grunt!

[@anxiousappliance]

Don't think a liter bike will leave you wanting more.

[@leadsolo2751]

I'm torn between this and a VStrom 1050XT - I may want to go light offroad and need a bit more travel on the suspension, also wouldnt wanna be scratching that beautiful underside - Thanks for helping me decide

[@steveizett3340]

I am also considering this and the vstrom 1000xt, what did you end up buying?

[@robertprosser6856]

Suzuki always offer great value for money not to mention the discounts they offer👍

[@stevenw354]

I can't even find this bike or hardly any new bikes right now in the States

[@robertprosser6856]

@@stevenw354 no such issues here in the UK.

[@MotovlogUK]

Great review. Wish they'd have put a Top Box on it as an option. No really a 2 up Tourer without that

[@brianmathew09]

Great bike but...wishful thinking on the 150HP without an exh. and a reflash

[@robertprosser6856]

I think a lot of the euro restrictions damp the bottom end of modern bikes.

[@barrylouth7490]

Hyabusa follow up video ?

[@TheDCDuncan]

Do you want to be named after a particular Japanese hat or just hats in general? I am awaiting delivery of my own GSX-S1000GT time is passing so very slowly just now.

[@timrodierides]

Any hat will do! Enjoy it - I know a few people have been waiting a while for theirs to arrive, but it'll all be worth it.

[@BranlandadventuresGaming]

The mirrors look like antlers.

[@williamrae9954]

134bhp...it'll cost you a full exhaust system,an air filter and an ECU unlock for 150bhp!

[@RPMx-lj7ty]

What "old school" stands for?

[@MM-qv5lf]

Looks like you are in mode B, I think it would have been better to review the power and engine in mode A, at full power.

[@timrodierides]

I used mode A as well, probably just didn’t show it. It was a few years ago, sorry!

[@MM-qv5lf]

@@timrodierides Oh I see, I thought you forgot it in B mode, sorry my bad. :) Good review btw.

[@wombal177jim]

its bike you sort of grow with as you grow enough said

[@AlanH450]

I was wondering why there seems to be less and less bikes out there with a shaft drive? Were the sales just not there? Does anyone care? It's just when i hear GT, I think shaft (hah!).

[@IanTed]

They sap power and add weight, I’ve just swapped out a GS for a Multistrada, modern chains don’t need much maintenance just make a mess of your rear wheel if you add too much lube.

[@AlanH450]

@@IanTed whilst I agree with your points, I think they are a tad overstated. I mean shaft drives require an oil change every year, that's it. And as for sapping power, I used to ride a k1300r BMW, and that thing was ballistic. If there was sappidge, I didn't feel it. Perhaps that's the issue? More a case of public perception/inclination?

[@jonathans6179]

@@AlanH450 Probably notice the reduced efficiency in the average fuel consumption but agree be good to see more shaft drive bikes out there. Always struck me as quite 'elegant' compared to the usual chain drive.

[@majordelays4909]

Bikes not being purchased/upgraded often enough denting profits ?

[@robertprosser6856]

The fairing looks too busy like lots of random plastics quickly glued together.

[@darrenbutler9261]

Great engine in this bike but decat and get it remapped and wow . Got mine done by Sam at Moto Hub in Stoke on Trent . He's at top bloke and the difference he made to my bike was amazing

[@williamrae9954]

134bhp from the shop, 150 opened up...same if you buy a GSX-S950, costs the same for 150bhp from 86

[@anxiousappliance]

Has nothing to do with the cat - but I'm sure neighbors thank you daily.

[@darrenbutler9261]

@@anxiousappliance The before and after readings on the dyno say otherwise . Maybe check your facts?

[@anxiousappliance]

{Put the cat back on and do another flash, and tell me about 1HP.

[@darrenbutler9261]

@@anxiousappliance I suppose I could do but my neighbours just love the noise

[@dcasteaux9181]

Have test ridden the GSX. Not for me: simply too cramped and that seat not up to the job. And forget touring with a pillion.

[@davidhardstaff8110]

I've a first gen gsxs1000, it's a brilliant bike and I've toured on it. But I have a tiger as well for pillion. Would love a sports tourer with a decent pillion seat. This hasn't.

[@jonathans6179]

Perhaps you need a GSX1250FA / Bandit 1200 with some fairing. Plenty of torque, plenty of room for two up riding and cheap to buy now :)

[@davidhardstaff8110]

@@jonathans6179 👍

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

According to Michael Mam in his 900 mike review, his wife finds it to be not only decent, but comfortable.

[@davidhardstaff8110]

Doobleyoo. She's tiny, my Heather's 5.10 and very long legged. Needs a decent sized pad and leg room, when we go out it's all day not a brum to the shop or cafe.

[@PwnstarUK]

What about the gsxs 1000 how do they compare?

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

Different riding position, TFT on naked, GT is heavier (fairing and bigger subframe), I haven't seen it confirmed, but I'm curious if there aren't some air box tuning differences...

[@ralphwarom2514]

I mean. Its the same bikebm butbwithbwind protection.

[@Thomo_qld]

Needs bigger fuel tank and shaft final drive that's what put me off

[@clemfandango9534]

Lack of IMU and cornering ABS matters a lot to some people. Me included. It’s saved my skin before. Ninja 1000 has this. So I’d buy the Ninja.

[@B1964G]

Yes because before we had these on bikes we were all crashing every 5 mins, try learning to ride properly instead of relying on electronics

[@dewainet543]

I learned the Kawasaki has a black box on it for insurance. Not a fan

[@alrightdave6135]

But any model before 2021 has a serious handling flaw.

[@randombanditdad3754]

So you can't ride a bike safely without help then 😂

[@inked-96]

It really doesn't. You should never rely on electronics to save you.

[@randombanditdad3754]

Its not a sports tourer there is no top box

[@timrodierides]

You can probably get one...

[@robertprosser6856]

Fcuk me £400 for a carbon fibre mudguard!

[@alexmorgan3435]

The fairing is so ugly. £400 for heated grips is talking the piss!!!! Is the rear tyre a 150 width?

[@gerokatseros]

190 is the back

[@scottanderson4175]

lol I’ll keep my GS 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@timrodierides]

The GS is the answer to everything, to be fair. Excellent thing

[@scottanderson4175]

@@timrodierides yes it is shockingly good 😐

[@SuperSelby1]

"Call me a hat in Japanese... or something" . Ok. Just following instrucions boushi.

[@brianjonathancarroll6998]

,

[@vn3801]

Another reviewer by a tall guy saying wind blast. Derrrr why mention we all now aftermarket is avail....

[@timrodierides]

Because when you buy the bike it doesn’t come with an aftermarket screen. You’re really not terribly bright are you?

[@vn3801]

@@timrodierides I don't understand your reply. Of course aftermarket doesn't come on a bike. Really is me who's not so bright...

[@vn3801]

If need an adventure bike the the GSX S1000GT isn't it. The preface of this video is defunct

[@timrodierides]

My point is that 90% of people who need an adventure bike probably don't. Thanks for watching!

[@richardcerritelli9657]

It's ugly colors save my money I want a Ducati Street Fighter 4 v