2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: The Porsche 911 of Sport Touring Motorcycles - In-Depth Review

[@mikejacklyn1221]

I’ve had this bike since last August. Such a fun machine and easy to ride. I live in Nova Scotia and made the trek to Nashville this summer. Highway miles while not the most fun were handled with ease on this bike. My butt was a bit sore so may look at seat options next season. Rode the tail of the dragon and other fun roads and the handling is amazing and confidence inspiring. I had a snapjack for chain maintenance which worked great. Love this bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@chorseundgrd]

Sargent seats are great. I use one on my S1000RR. Saved the bike for me. So comfortable for all day riding and touring. Easy installation as they sell the whole seat and not just a wrap and pad.

[@dalefischer1103]

I have a 22, and I love it! Got the heated grips. 3 heat settings, works great. Got the touring wind screen..works great! Love this bike. Especially since I'm almost 70.

[@PaulKind3d]

just got mine for my 50th bday. Hopefully will still have it when i hit 70.

[@吳宗哲-g3s]

Just stumbled upon this great video. I acquired my GT just two weeks ago, and I did a 700 km (sorry I don't live in the US) trip right after getting the bike. It is the best. I have a GSX-S150, used to own an S750, and SUZUKI always excels at cornering on a naked bike. A lot of confidence and fun. One thing that surprised me is that they've fixed the snatchy throttle on-off response. It is now buttery smooth, which was a problem on the S750 and pre-2022 Katana/S1000. However, I do have 2 problems with this bike, one of them is inevitable, and the other one is a long-standing issue on SUZUKI bikes. I live in a country that is really hot and wet, not an ideal place to own a 1000cc bike. It is not the bike's fault, but the thermal issue is a real problem that I need to take care not to get heatstroke and burn my legs. To be fair, it is not the hottest-running bike, a KTM or Ducati can easily surpass it. The other issue is the brakes. They're Brembo, which I appreciate, and they stop well, but the feeling is the worst. Almost half of the lever's stroke is empty, and when riding at higher speeds, it's hard to get the precise stopping power you need to enter the corner. Most, if not all, SUZUKI bikes have such a wooden brake feeling. These issues wouldn't deter me, though. I really love the appearance, I love the SUZUKI blue, and I love the fairing yet having a street bike position. It is a dream bike of mine. I'm not a native English speaker, so if there are any ambiguities in my words, please let me know.

[@RideSafeNSmart]

Im not sure if i have got used to them or if the brakes have bedded in but i dont find the brakes a bother anymore. Ps. Great english!

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

I just recently acquired a suzuki vstrom800 and the brakes are minty bud

[@richie4421]

Great review! I’m taking delivery of this bike today and super excited ❤

[@pauljobson554]

Just a suggestion to add to the excellent informative video format; could you put a tape across the handlebars on the bikes as sometimes there is restricted access to backyards etc. and that information is often hard to find. Keep up the great work!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm not sure if I'll add that, but feel free to ask me which bike you want to see that on, and I can try to get that to you in the comments. Or better yet email me if it's something specific like that.

[@blainethurlow5483]

@@PeterLoweOne I think he means a measuring tape, for handlebar width? But I dunno.

[@RayneOfChange]

Have this bike since July 2022 and I have no complaints. Love the ride and look. Conforable and fast when you need it to be. Great looker as well. Ppl are always asking what kind of bike it is cuz its sexy af!!!! Suzuki you did an amazing. Bike of the year winner also!

[@RideSafeNSmart]

I had a 2021 Mt09 prior to this which I loved but I would say that feels like a 1275 mini cooper s and agree this is more like a nice 911. Great review, if you arent sure go ride one!

[@blainethurlow5483]

Good overview. You're a natural born salesman, you sold me on it already.

[@patrickoakes7850]

Excellent review Peter.You think of all considerations. Great bike.

[@AfterMath342]

Very comprehensive review. Go Canada! Much appreciated information.

[@BlackArroToons]

Good point about going to one store with lots of items to buy with a motorcycle. Once I have the bike loaded with groceries on the back, can't risk going into other stores with all that on there.

[@anythingbutwheelswithdanmi6040]

I love everything about this bike with the exception of the chain, I am in the market for a bike like this but I’m probably going with the concours.

[@mehmetturkmen9264]

This is the best review I have ever seen !.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe!

[@Sprocket01]

I took delivery of mine on Aug 25 and have put almost 4000km on it so far. Basically a month on the incredibly comfortable saddle. Love the bike! Two small details that weren't included, but I really like: - The display can automatically switch from day to night mode thanks to a photo sensor - The consumption can be displayed in MPG while keeping everything else in metric. I do this because, liter/100km makes no sense to me. Why didn't you take it out for a ride to show it in action? IMO talking about features only and not taking the bike out really falls short of an "in depth review".

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I really appreciate it. I often get asked about why I didn't take out certain bikes for a riding review, and it boils down to a few different things. First, not every bike is a demo bike that can be ridden for a video. So when the option is to do a video like this, or no video at all, I choose this every time. Second, if I do a riding review, I can't cover some of the things that I do in this video. You can disagree on what an in-depth review is, but I would argue that there are different ways to go in depth, and I think this video still qualifies. At the end of the day, great riding reviews are just a click away, and my hope with these videos is just to provide some well rounded information to those who are interested. I don't think that people should watch only my reviews and no one else's. So my hope with these videos is to add information that isn't covered in the dozens of other riding reviews.

[@ronleon62]

I love the bike too but think the seat is horribly uncomfortable.

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

​@@ronleon62horribly uncomfortable compared to what?

[@blandrooker6541]

Just hit 10K miles, my only real complaint is the seat. Corbin has a replacement, but it looks ugly. Wish they had just a pilot seat replacement, but they only have the full seat and it's all one unit, front to back last I checked. I swapped the brake pads for EBCs, and got the touring windscreen from Suzuki, easy to do, 4 screws and you're done. All in all, great value for your money, couldn't be happier 👍

[@flarue3678]

Sargent has a single seat available as of 10/2023 that actually looks cool.

[@PaulKind3d]

@@flarue3678 they have the driver/passenger now as well, i agree it looks really nice and sergeant makes excellent saddles that are way comfy. Did my DR with one and i love it.

[@888jackflash]

Biggest question for me is to buy this bike in the Spring, or a Yamaha MT-10SP (?) I have owned many bikes.. currently a Yamaha FJR1300 and a veteran GSF1200 Bandit, both carefully Sport-modded. I have had the Bandit across the US multiple times, (it has 175,000 miles, yes I have rebuilt it).. and so I fully appreciate the value of a Sport bike that can Tour. HAVE YOU RIDDEN AN MT-10, AND HOW DOES IT COMPARE? (yes, I recognize the MT is more Sporty, but I could mod it, I'm a tech).

[@PeterLoweOne]

I expect to review the 2024 MT-10SP in the coming months. I'll be able to give my thoughts on it then. Feel free to subscribe. I expect to like that bike a lot.

[@888jackflash]

Great! I have been doing plenty of research... have spoken with guys who have ridden both. The Clear Winner: The MT-10, for it's sheer fun.@@PeterLoweOne

[@Banditmanuk]

I still prefer a sports touring machine like this compared to the Adventure Bike/touring. Seat to footpeg comfort is key to distance touring, hence the popularity of the taller bikes. Being tall myself I really dislike that manufacturers tend to narrow the seats to make it easy for shorter folks to reach the floor. This makes the seat uncomfortable on longer trips. The narrow seat put me off buying this bike.

[@squiretomasie7003]

Great review! Thank you.

[@AlanWatson-x2k]

Hey Peter, Fantastic In-Depth Review. Brilliant. Best bike I have ever had, Superb Handling, I am a Mode B Man. mode A is for the sport boys. It is quick! You didn't mention Reliability much but i have had three suzuki Bikes and ALL have been "Bulletproof" for me, they leave BMW, Triumph etc behind in their exhaust far, far better value for money and never spends any time back at the dealer being fixed - like your average overrated, over expensive German! Suzi really have this Bike spot on!! Problem with the average Biker they suffer from Xenophobia and they have this death wish to spend twice as much that they need to to end up with an inferior bike? It's Bizarre. The nearest to this Bike, not as good for me when i looked at it - Classy and nice but not the value or the power was the Kawa. Good bike. Great review thanks.

[@blainethurlow5483]

I've owned many bikes in 40 years. Suzukis and Kawasakis have treated me very well. YMMV.

[@txman951]

Really well done video review. Thank you.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching and thanks so much for the kind words!

[@txman951]

@@PeterLoweOne forgot to say....subscribed

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice Suzuki and review, thanks. I tend to leave my high beams on during the day time to really catch the eyes of other drivers, but not sure if it's always necessary unless it's a cloudy day or a storm. At night, low beams of course.

[@AyaWetts]

Would be cooler if they had a shaft on it... really hate chains if doing long distance. Going to lose so much carrying around everything around for chain maintenance with you. If you are just doing short range touring where you don't need to worry about the chain, then its probably fine.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah. I mentioned in another comment, shaft drive would add weight and cost, while robbing some power from the rear wheel. It's always a balance with a bike like this.

[@flarue3678]

I travel up to 1,000 miles on a single trip without stopping to lube or adjust my chain. People love to complain about chain maintenance without actually knowing how much modern chains can function without stretching or needing lubrication. Plus, shafts fail too, just ask BMW and their 140,000 plus bike recall.

[@AyaWetts]

@@flarue3678 you can go really far if you want... I prefer doing the 600 mile maintenance Honda says to do. You can do it with a chain, sure... you can tour on a Honda Grom if you want... plenty of stuff can be done, but I prefer something better.

[@terryanderson8354]

Are there any top case options for this? I’d like my occasional passenger to have the support and grab bars. Not sure why the front brake lacks feel either??

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

The bike is a sport bike, your leaned slightly forward, im not sure is a back.rack would make sense for the passenger as they shouldnt be leaning that way, but im sure aftwrmarket will have something

[@careudtpms]

CAREUD TPMS protects you with smooth and happy motorbike travel!

[@RapRapKun]

You mentioned ktm, would it be possible to have some love for husqvarna maybe in the future? Amazing review as always!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've got Husqvarna lined up! I may have a couple up as early as next week. Thanks for watching!

[@tf3834]

Thanks for the great videos. I would be interested in your opinion and a comparison of the engines in the GSX-S1000GT and the Versys 1000. Which one is more versatile and suitable for a normal 50 year old rider for regular riding without the need to kill yourself? I like to drive briskly, but I rarely go over 150 km. Thanks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I think that Suzuki compares more closely with the Ninja 1000 SX than the Versys. The Versys is a little bit more casual in its approach. Think of the Versys as more of a Sport oriented SUV, while the Suzuki would be a bit more Porsche 911. Both more than capable of meeting most people's performance needs, but definitely a different class.

[@Jeffrey_t_e]

The Versys has an IMU for cornering ABS and cornering lights. The Versys has an electronic suspension and an adjustable windscreen. The Suzuki has none of these.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@Jeffrey_t_e Right. But the Ninja 1000 SX would be the closer competitor to this. The Versys 1000 is much bigger physically than this bike and the Ninja 1000SX.

[@Jeffrey_t_e]

The OP asked about a comparison to a Versys - I was just answering his question.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@Jeffrey_t_e gotcha. Sorry about that. I don't get context when I quickly grab a comment from my phone's notification. My apologies.

[@Carl-B]

Well, about the tires. They are fine when you mostly drive in nice weather and temperatures 15C+ If you live in my area and you get a lot of rain and colder weather they arent as well thought out. In rain you feel the tires searching for grip and making the machine feel less agile, this is due to the harder compound. Generally the Michelin road 5/6 are much much better for riders in my area, softer compound and great on wet surfaces. And no, I am far from a bike snob.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm a big fan of the Michelin Road 6 tires too. But they don't come stock on the mainstream bikes that I review. That's what I recommend as replacement tires for a wide variety of bikes, but they are a bit pricey.

[@johnbellamy5005]

what would be a better buy for in city and long distance riding. Susuki GSX-S1000GT 2024 or Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX 2024? Love to hear your honest opinion. I am thinking of getting either one but want to make a good choice. I am 6'2 and wanting a sprot tourer that doesn't cost a lot.

[@brewski13]

I've owned both. The Suzuki will likely be a bit more comfortable with your height. They are both excellent bikes. The Ninja is just a tad bit better overall in my opinion, but they are very close.

[@paulconnell1309]

Good review. Adventure bikes are a pain for people like me with short legs. Most are not ridable. Can you fit a crash helmet into the luggage?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oooh. Good question. I'm almost positive that you can. The next time I look at this bike, I'll give it a try. I'll have this bike back on video again this Spring for sure.

[@arvincheech]

all i can say is the brakes are spongy and it doesn't have a 6 axis Imu...other than that,it's a great bike.

[@johnkrajovan5412]

Demo’d the bike. A 911 with no windshield. The wind blast on my upper body was a horrendous. Honest opinion. It was a deal breaker. I wanted this bike really bad, but the wind protection was a deal breaker. Get aftermarket shield to remedy the problem you say? I’m not investing $15,000 just to make that change. The GX was better at wind protection, but the gas tank splayed my legs so much it was uncomfortable.

[@ramblinjay3816]

Dang i want this bike. Im taking a harley 48 cross country in 8 days lol.

[@ramblinjay3816]

I ended up buying this bike lol. i got a 2024.

[@Argo-F-Ur-Sef]

Your reviews are great. However, I’d love to see your first impressions riding it. You talk features but we miss how well they actually work in the real world experience.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I absolutely plan to do more riding reviews, but there are a few reasons that I do what I do. First of all, riding reviews are all over the internet, and if I do that, will I offer something different enough that it will be worth watching over other riding reviews? Second, for many of these bikes, they're brand new and not available for me to put kilometers on them. So if the two options available to me are to do a review like this, or none at all, I'll choose to do this every time. Thanks for your support!

[@jihigh482]

​@@PeterLoweOneWhat I actually love about your reviews is that the bike is front and center during the whole review. To each their own but I'm not too interested in looking at the road while someone talks and breathes loudly in a microphone so please, whatever you do, don't abandon this format. Having a visual idea of what one would look like when sitting on the bike is very, very important to me so thank you for showing that as well Keep up the good work

[@michaellondon824]

What's with this i hear about timing chain noise,and have you heard on Suzuki fixing this issue?

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Too bad Macleans is in Canada and I'm in the SE US, can't just swing by, haha.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@jeffgehman8344]

Does the dash display DTE / range? I haven't been able to see it in pics / vids so far. Thank you.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yes. I'm 95% sure. I'll have to get that on camera.

[@mikejacklyn1221]

Yes fuel range is an option to view.

[@kevingilbaugh6278]

And when it registers zero, you still have 20 miles left.

[@korazon3spinado]

Would the new vstrom 800 re be a good cheaper option to this one?

[@nativeoutdoors1780]

Its cheaper but doesnt compete in terms of performance and features. But its an awesome bike that is worth it, i bought the de version of the 800 and i love it, wish it had cruise control but that may come out aftermarket soon. But the bike itself is super comfortable and awesome bike for much cheaper, like 5 grand cheaper

[@korazon3spinado]

I was interested in the re model. Pretty sure it has enough power

[@mikebarnett339]

What windscreen is that?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I believe it's the stock screen. I want to call it the touring one, but off the top of my head, I can't remember what it's called.

[@joseorellana7923]

would you prefer this or the 1000sx?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Tough choice! I've liked the Ninja for a long time, but this one is a little more raw... Refinement vs. excitement? You take one, I'll take whatever is left. Neither one of us lose!

[@fredorico41]

​@@PeterLoweOne I just bought a 2023 ninja 1000sx, I'm really happy with it 🇦🇺🍺

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@dryogi4055]

But their colors suck, two shades of blue and black. Really? Thanks for the video.

[@davidvannoord]

Would be better with shaft drive

[@PeterLoweOne]

For a touring bike, maybe. But for a sport bike, that would rob power and add weight and expense.

[@svpearlsailacapegeorgesail4758]

This price point it’s probably not going to happen. BMW is 5-10k more

[@flarue3678]

Sportbikes don’t need shafts. Modern chains can do thousands of miles without any maintenance.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@PeterLoweOne]

You're way too fast! 🤣

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

@@PeterLoweOne 😁😁

[@heretohear8662]

The single low-beam headlight would literally keep me from buying this bike.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Ouch. Tough reason to miss out on a great bike, but to each their own. Headlights are all about good beam pattern to me. If I can see, in happy. This bike seems to have great lighting to me, but I haven't ridden it at night.

[@Jeffrey_t_e]

Leave the high beams on all the time during the day. Problem solved. Many other bikes have only one light on for the low beam. Tracer, Tiger...

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

Copy of the Kawasaki Concours…

[@PeterLoweOne]

No. This competes with the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX

[@redhytech]

#1 con,, it is a bitch to clean. lots of nooks and crannies. #2 the fucking headlights.. they suck balls on dark roads. I live out in the country(no street lights). the head lights do not light up the road in front of the bike,, they work great far ahead of you. but small animals will run out on the road in front of you. #3 the saddle bags are very cheaply made.. very thin plastic. #4. the MySpin app doesn't work,,, not that it doesn't work good,, it just doesn't work at all. the bike does have Bluetooth for your phone, but WHY? I bluetooth to my helmet from my phone/iPod, don't need it in my dash. the bluetooth isn't very strong. I put my phone in my back pocket and it will not connect to the bike. If I put my phone in my jacket chest pocket it connects but if I turn wrong it will lose connection. #5 the quickshifter,, it sucks. the quick shifter works on the up shift,,but you don't need it for up shifting if you know how to ride. it doesn't work so good on down shifting. most times you still need the clutch to get it to down shift. in al fairness it does work sometimes. #6 it is NOT a K-5... it is restricted. they killed the power. #7 the TIRES... why the fuck would they go with cheap ass Dunlaps... I paid $16,000 for my GT the tires do NOT last. for 16K they could have put a set of Perilli Angle GT on it. #8 it sucks on DIRT roads. I went on a ride and ended up taking a side route on a dirt road... NOT fun.. over 10 miles on a rocky dirt road,, damn thing beat the Hell out of me(lol).

[@PeterLoweOne]

It sounds like your headlights may be out of adjustment.

[@redhytech]

@PeterLoweOne I put a set of driving lights on it. They are 3/4"LED lights mounted where the reflectors were on the front wheel. It made a world of difference. The gsx-s1000gt is a good bike, but it does have some flaws.

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

Yeeesh guess I’ll be leaning more towards the Kawasaki 1000sx after reading this

[@redhytech]

@@MarvFitBikesKicks when i bought my bike I couldn't find a NINJA 1000 SX anywhere. I went to the dealer to buy a Ducati Monster but I didn't like it. I got lucky and seen the GSX-S1000 GT Plus in the showroom. if I could have found a Ninja i would have gotten one.

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

@@redhytech damn man sorry to hear you’re having such a hard time with your bike. It’s a big purchase