Suzuki has announced additional models to its 2023 product line, including the sport-touring Suzuki GSX-S1000GT/GT+ models, plus three Boulevard models: the M109R B.O.S.S. muscle cruiser and the C50 and C50T. The announcement comes on the tail of Suzuki’s unveiling of an all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, in November. The new engine will power the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (and Adventure variant) and the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.
2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT/GT+
Announced as Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year, the Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ (the ‘+’ denoting the model with standard saddlebags, whereas the base GT model goes without) returns for 2023 with all the features that merit its MOTY status and a new color choice for the GT+.
As we said in our Road Test Review of the GSX-S1000GT+, the GSX-S engine is a “gem with no rough edges.”
The GT is powered by the same 999cc in-line Four as the GSX-S1000, which churned out 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 9,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno.
“From cracking open the throttle above idle to twisting the grip to the stop, power comes on cleanly and predictably,” our reviewer wrote.
Both the GSX-S1000GT and GT+ have throttle-by-wire enabling the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which is monitored on the 6.5-inch TFT display and includes three ride modes (Active, Basic, and Comfort) that adjust throttle response and power delivery, 5-level traction control, cruise control, and Suzuki’s Easy Start, Low RPM Assist, and Bi-Directional Quick Shift systems.
The GSX-S1000GT+ returns in Glass Sparkle Black and a new Metallic Triton Blue starting at $14,099. The GSX-S1000GT continues for 2023 in Metallic Reflective Blue starting at $13,349.
2023 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S.
The 2023 Suzuki M109R B.O.S.S. features a liquid-cooled 1,783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54-degree V-Twin engine with 120mm bore and 90.5mm stroke. In Rider’s Road Test Review of the 2015 M109R, the reviewer said the bike had a “dual-personality motor; a typically torquey cruiser initially, it then morphs into a heckuva strong sport mount.”
The M109R has a 46mm inverted fork with 5.1 inches of travel, a hidden single-shock rear suspension, Twin floating disc-brakes with dual-piston calipers in the front and a single-disc rear brake with a single dual-piston caliper, and a low-profile 240/40 x 18 rear tire, the widest ever used on a Suzuki motorcycle.
The M109R’s engine is wrapped with aggressive blacked-out styling with slash-cut mufflers, drag-style bars, a supplied solo seat cowl with a 27.8-inch height, a headlight nacelle that’s uniquely Suzuki, and a 5.2-gallon fuel tank. The bike comes in at 764-lb wet weight.
The 2023 Suzuki M109R comes in a deep red and black or bright blue and black paint scheme starting at $15,599.
2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50/C50T
The 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 and C50T feature a liquid-cooled 805cc 45-degree V-Twin with the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) electronic fuel-injection system and a 5-speed gearbox with shaft drive.
Link-type rear suspension is shaped to mimic the hard-tail lines of a traditional cruiser, connecting a truss-style swingarm and a single shock absorber with seven-way spring preload adjustability, providing 4.1 inches of smooth and responsive suspension travel, and a telescopic front fork delivers 5.5 inches of travel.
Both bikes have wide, buckhorn-style handlebars, 27.6-inch seat height, and spoke-style chrome wheels with large valance fenders. The C50T offering white-wall tires, leather-texture saddlebags with chrome studs, and a removable, height-adjustable windshield.
Both the Boulevard C50 and C50T have a 4.1-gal tank, and the C50 comes in with a wet weight of 611 lb (644 lb for the C50T).
The 2023 Suzuki Boulevard C50 comes in Candy Daring Red or Solid Iron Gray starting at $8,909. The C50T comes in Pearl Brilliant White paint with subtle blue graphics starting at $15,599.
At the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, Suzuki unveiled an all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine that will power two new models – the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (and Adventure variant) and the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.
Suzuki says the 2023 GSX-8S is a “brand-new naked middleweight streetfighter with a robust engine, an agile chassis, a suite of electronic rider aids, plus stunning looks.”
The compact 776cc parallel-twin engine is mounted in a new rugged steel frame design, uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque production, and is equipped with Suzuki’s exclusive Cross Balancer system to minimize vibration. The bike also features the ride-by-wire electronic throttle control system, Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), and the Bi-directional Quick Shift system.
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S also comes with Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) with a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector, the four-mode Advanced Traction Control System, ABS, and Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
New exposed seat rails are engineered to support the rider and, when combined with the 3.69-gal fuel tank with a narrow rear section that flows into the seat, contribute to the GSX-8S’ slim appearance and stripped-down look.
Suspension is provided by a KYB inverted fork with a 130mm stroke with stable damping characteristics in the front that make the bike suitable for both sports riding and long-distance rides and dedicated link-type mono-shock KYB suspension with mechanical preload adjuster in the rear.
Stopping power comes from Nissin radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers mated with 310mm outer diameter floating-mount dual discs. The rear brake has a 240mm outer diameter disc and uses a single-piston pin-slide caliper.
The cast-aluminum wheels feature a new lightweight design and are shod with a new generation of Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires (120/70ZR17 in the front; 180/55ZR17 in the rear), and Suzuki says the tapered aluminum handlebars provide a “sporty yet comfortable upright riding position and feature a wide enough grip to contribute to positive control when steering.” And at a height of 31.9 inches, the seat has been designed for solid support for the rider toward its rear edge.
The bike has a 5-inch color TFT LCD multi-function instrument panel, vertically stacked LED headlights in hexagonal housings topped by an LED position light, and LED turnsignals and taillight.
All combined, the GSX-8S comes in at a curb weight of 445 lb and offers styling that Suzuki says creates “an appealing new mass-forward, aggressive look that is slim, compact, well-balanced, and ready for action.”
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S comes in three colorways, each featuring unique logos and graphics that help identify the sport’s newest performance motorcycle and that first appeared on the 2022 GSX-S1000.
Buyers can select from Suzuki’s Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White, or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 / Glass Sparkle Black paint scheme. Pricing and availability hasn’t been announced as of publication.
For more information or to find a Suzuki dealer near you, visit SuzukiCycles.com.
At the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, Suzuki unveiled an all-new 776cc DOHC parallel-Twin engine that will power two new models – the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (and Adventure variant) and the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.
Filling the gap between the venerable V-Strom 650 and V-Strom 1050 models, the V-Strom 800DE is aimed at riders who want a middleweight adventure bike that is fully capable both on-road and off-road. It has a 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims front and rear, and the longest suspension travel and most ground clearance of any V-Strom model.
Like other V-Strom models, the V-Strom 800DE has angular bodywork with a pronounced beak that’s inspired by Suzuki’s ’80s-era DR-Big dual-sport. Like the GSX-S1000, mono-focus LED headlights are vertically stacked with a position light, and the V-Strom 800DE is topped by a small, height-adjustable windscreen.
The new 776cc parallel-Twin engine uses a 270-degree firing order for strong torque character and is equipped with Suzuki’s Cross Balancer system to minimize vibration. Throttle-by-wire enables the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with different engine maps.
The V-Strom 800DE is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) that includes traction control with a trail-oriented Gravel mode, ABS with two levels of sensitivity plus the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel, a bi-directional quickshifter, and Suzuki’s Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems.
A tubular-steel mainframe, a bolt-on tubular-steel subframe, and cast aluminum swingarm are designed to be both light and strong. The compact parallel-Twin allows the chassis to be slender between the knees and to position the rider’s weight farther forward for optimal control.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension includes an inverted fork and a rear shock with 8.7 inches of travel front and rear, and ground clearance in 8.75 inches. Dual 310mm floating front discs are squeezed by 2-piston Nissin calipers and a single 265mm rear disc is squeezed by a 1-piston Nissin caliper. The clutch and front brake levers are adjustable for reach, and the shift lever and rear brake pedal are also adjustable.
The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels require tubes and roll on Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour tires in 90/90-21 and 150/70-R17 sizes.
In the cockpit, the V-Strom 800DE has a wide, tapered handlebar with handguards, a full-color 5-inch TFT display, a USB port, and a windscreen that has three levels of adjustment in 0.6-inch increments (hex key is required). A lightweight resin luggage rack has built-in passenger grab handles and accommodates Suzuki’s accessory top box. A mesh radiator guard and a skid plate are standard equipment.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE will be available in two colorways: Champion Yellow No. 2 with gold rims or Glass Matte Mechanical Gray with black rims. The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure, which features black-anodized 37-liter, side protection bars, and a large aluminum skid plate, will be available in Glass Sparkle Black with gold rims. A full line of dedicated accessories will also be available. Pricing and availability are TBD.
For more information or to find a Suzuki dealer near you, visit SuzukiCycles.com.
Following the Suzuki announcement in June of select 2023 sport, dual-sport, supermoto, and off-road motorcycles and its recent announcement of updated V-Strom 1050 models, the company has released information on more sport, street, and adventure bikes that are returning for 2023. Included in the lineup are the high-performance sport GSX-R series, the street-tested and agile GSX-S series, the SV650 standard, V-Strom 650 adventure bikes, and the Burgman 400 scooter.
Read Suzuki’s press release below for details and pricing.
2023 Suzuki GSX-RSeries
GSX-R1000R – At the pinnacle of the GSX-R product line of high-performance motorcycles, the 2023 GSX-R1000R’s engine combines high-performance engineering with performance and tractability. Traction control, launch control, and a bi-directional quick shifter help deliver an unparalleled sport riding experience.
The GSX-R1000R offers Showa BFF and BFRC-Lite suspension components delivering a suspension feel that helps riders rule any track day or mountain pass. Up-front, stainless-steel brake lines, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc brake calipers grasp a pair of 320mm Brembo T-drive floating brake rotors for strong stopping power with outstanding braking response and lever feel.
The GSX-R1000R continues its reign as the best liter-class supersport offering excitement with a proven combination of stellar reliability, durability, usability, and overall high performance with excellent racing potential. All delivered in a striking package augmenting the GSX-R’s 35+ year legacy of championship-winning sportbike performance.
Key points of the 2023 Suzuki GSX-R1000R include:
A compact inline four-cylinder engine produces an exciting powerband thanks to the Suzuki Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system.
Advanced electronics, like Launch Control and the Bi-Directional Quick Shift System, augment riding performance.
Twin-spar aluminum frame with adjustable swingarm pivot carrying Showa Balance Free Front Fork (BFF) and rear shock for confident high-performance handling.
Stainless steel brake lines feed the ABS-equipped Brembo 4-piston front calipers for extraordinary stopping performance and lever feel.
Superb wind protection and aerodynamics with an LED headlight and Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) ducts.
Advance and distinctive LED position lights.
For 2023, the GSX-R1000R rules the street or track in three color options. A historic Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Mystic Silver paint scheme evocative of Suzuki’s MotoGP bikes, a stunning Metallic Matte Black and Glass Sparkle Black, or a Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue paint scheme. MSRP is $18,199. Visit the Suzuki website for more details.
GSX-R1000 – In 1985, Suzuki revolutionized the sportbike category with the introduction of the original GSX-R750, and then created another milestone in 2001 with the introduction of the GSX-R1000. The GSX-R1000 features the lightweight chassis of the GSX-R750 and a 988cc inline four-cylinder engine design.
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-R1000’s inline 4-cylinder engine provides power delivered smoothly and controllably across a broad rpm range. Like the original GSX-R1000, the 2023’s compact, light, and strong chassis deliver precise high-performance handling and excellent suspension feel combined with stellar braking control. All combined to help riders conquer a racetrack or a country road with confidence. Advanced electronic rider aids such as Traction Control and a Bi-Directional Quick Shifter augment the riding experience while the distinctive, aerodynamic GSX-R bodywork offers styling that continues to turn heads.
Equipped with Showa’s Big-Piston Fork plus Brembo T-drive rotors and Monobloc brake calipers, the GSX-R1000 help deliver the sort of performance and confidence a sport rider’s favorite canyon road ride or local track day demand.
For 2023, the GSX-R1000 is available in Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue or Metallic Matte Black No. 2 and Glass Sparkle Black liveries. MSRP is $16,149. Visit the Suzuki website for more details.
GSX-R750 – On the road or on the track since 1985, the GSX-R750 features a pairing of 750cc performance with the lightweight, compact chassis of a 600cc Supersport, complemented by technologically advanced suspension front and rear. The 2023 GSX-R750 is the latest expression of the GSX-R’s original concept.
The 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750 is available in Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Mystic Silver, Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue or Glass Sparkle Black and Glass Matte Mechanical Gray. MSRP is $12,849. Visit the Suzuki website for more details.
GSX-R600 – The 2023 GSX-R600 underscores the GSX-R’s tradition of blending championship-winning track performance with impeccable handling.
The GSX-R600’s compact, four-cylinder engine reacts with vigor when a rider demands it, while its supremely refined suspension and brakes provide precise, responsive confidence-inspiring handling. The superb ergonomics enhance rider control and comfort, and the iconic GSX-R bodywork delivers an agile look.
The GSX-R600’s race-ready look isn’t manufactured, it’s the byproduct of the GSX-R’s multiple decades of producing road racing dominance. The Suzuki GSX-R600 is designed for riders considering a mid-size supersport bike at home, on the track, or on the street.
Key features for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-R600 include:
Iconic, GSX-R styling with three distinctive paint schemes.
Fuel-injected, 599cc, 4-cylinder engine delivering championship-delivering power from idle to redline.
Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) lets the rider adjust the power delivery.
Twin-spar aluminum frame and Showa Big Piston Fork deliver exceptional handling.
Paint options include Pearl Brilliant White and Metallic Matte Stellar Blue, Glass Sparkle Black and Glass Matte Mechanical Gray, and Suzuki’s historic Metallic Triton Blue and Metallic Mystic Silver paint scheme. MSRP is $11,699. Click here for more details.
2023 Suzuki GSX-S
GSX-S1000 – The 2023 GSX-S1000 now aims to deliver greater controllability, agility, and power while complying with worldwide emissions standards. The GSX-S1000’s physique comes in a tight and striking package.
The GSX-S1000’s styling features include stacked LED headlights housed in a minimalistic cowling that resides between a pair of MotoGP-inspired winglets protruding from the angular radiator shrouds.
Riders can keep that power of the GSX-R-based engine under control with the electronic Ride-by-Wire throttle bodies and the latest version of the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) that smooths shifting and engine braking.
There’s more GSX-R DNA in the chassis with its aluminum, twin-spar frame design, and superbike-braced swingarm. The suspension features a fully adjustable, inverted KYB fork and easy-to-adjust rear shock. Stopping performance is stellar via the dual, ABS-equipped, radial-mounted, four-piston Brembo front brake calipers and 310mm floating rotors. Wider than the prior generation model, the cast-aluminum handlebar provides a comfortable reach and the proper leverage to hustle the GSX-S1000 through the corners and maneuver in tight city streets and traffic.
The 2023 GSX-S1000 has the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.) in its corner. Make this bike your own using the three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the five-mode (and OFF) Advanced Traction Control System. Give your clutch hand a rest with the Bi-Directional Quick Shift system. Suzuki’s popular Easy Start and Low RPM Assist systems get the fun started without any hassle.
The 2023 GSX-S1000 comes in Metallic Triton Blue and the new Glass Sparkle Black. MSRP is $11,499. Visit the Suzuki website for more details.
2023 Suzuki SV650 and V-Strom 650 Adventure Series
SV650/SV650 ABS – Since the first SV650 launched in 1999, this iconic middleweight has seen continual improvements while still embodying the sporty ride, precise feel, and riding versatility and prowess only a provocative, mid-sized V-twin roadster delivers.
The 2023 SV650 and SV650 ABS use an entertaining and refined engine delivering torquey middleweight performance, low emissions, and outstanding fuel economy. This enjoyable V-twin mill is mounted in a trim and lightweight chassis delivering a keen and spirited riding experience.
For 2023, the SV650 is available in Glass Sparkle Black and Solid Iron Gray bodywork, while the SV650 ABS features Metallic Reflective Blue bodywork.
Both SV650s’ great looks and sparkling performance deliver sportbike-like handling, exceedingly great value, and riding versatility that a broad range of riders continues to embrace, whether they are new to the sport, growing their riding skills or avid road racers; the confidence-inspiring Suzuki SV650 is their ideal ride.
Key features of the 2023 Suzuki SV650/ABS include:
Suzuki EFI system with Low RPM Assist makes takeoffs smooth and pleasant.
Steel trellis-style frame blends low weight and strength for nimble handling.
Slim bodywork is aesthetically pleasing while aiding comfort and maneuverability.
Dual 4-piston front brake calipers and compact ABS** system (SV650 ABS) help provide great stopping performance.
V-Strom 650XT Adventure – Point the iconic Suzuki DR-BIG-inspired beak of the V-Strom at the horizon as the 37L quick-release aluminum panniers, rugged accessory bar, handlebar cross-brace, and mirror extensions are standard equipment. Finished with deep, Glass Sparkle Black paint, the 2023 V-Strom 650XT Adventure performs on tubeless-spoke wheels with blue-anodized rims conveying style, strength, and performance.
Loaded with intelligent features and ready for any adventure, the V-Strom 650XT Adventure continues the V-Strom legacy of offering a fun, agile, adventurous motorcycle providing unmatched versatility. The engine delivers stellar performance and great fuel economy while achieving worldwide emission standards. Suzuki’s proven engineering delivers a bike with low weight and a trim chassis, creating a V-Strom 650XT Adventure that does so many things so well, this bike could be called the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles.
V-Strom 650XT – Riders love the Suzuki V-Strom 650XT for its unique merger of a lightweight chassis coupled with an exciting liquid-cooled, 90-degree, 650cc, V-twin engine. A merger that creates a perfectly balanced motorcycle capable of delivering excitement, comfort, and confidence on every ride.
V-Strom 650XT riders see it delivering on motorcycling adventure while bringing a big dose of intelligence and versatility. The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT comes in a Pearl Brilliant White livery and is complemented by hand guards, a lower engine cowl, as well as spoke-style gold-anodized wheels mounting tubeless radial dual-sport tires.
V-Strom 650 –The Suzuki V-Strom 650 is the perfect motorcycle for riders looking for versatility, real-world performance, and exceptional value. The 2023 V-Strom 650’s perfect blend of V-twin performance in a strong, yet lightweight chassis that delivers thrilling rides and cost-effective fun like no other adventure tourer on the scene today.
The 2023 V-Strom 650 rocks Suzuki’s beautiful Pearl Vigor Blue and Metallic Matte Sword Silver paint complemented with black accents giving this model runway-level attractiveness. The beak-style fairing, with vertically stacked headlights, augments the V-Strom 650’s aerodynamic prowess while protecting the rider in style. Light and strong 10-spoke cast wheels shod with Adventure-spec Bridgestone Battlax 19-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless radial tires are great for all-around performance.
Already the leader in its category, the 2023 Suzuki Burgman 400 continues with a host of styling, technical, and feature updates galvanizing its reputation as the Elegant Athlete of the scooter world. The Burgman 400’s slim and sharp styling features a new Solid Iron Gray paint scheme combined with blue wheels and seat stitching that pay classy homage to Suzuki’s on-road championship heritage.
The Burgman’s nose and tail blend sophisticated styling with full LED function, as the dual headlights have integrated position lights, while the rear combination taillight elegantly blends with the smooth bodywork. Functional design is brought to the well-thought-out instrument panel. Riding range and real-time fuel consumption indicators also may help the rider conserve fuel.
The Burgman’s strong and responsive 400cc engine has a revised camshaft profile and a dual-spark technology ignition system achieving worldwide emissions standards while offering impressive fuel economy and highway riding power.
Similar to systems used on Suzuki’s V-Strom 650 adventure tourer and GSX-S750 street bikes, the Burgman features a rider-selectable Traction Control system offering the rider peace of mind and excellent road-holding ability in a variety of road conditions. Suzuki’s Easy Start System is a standard Burgman feature, so a simple, momentary press of the starter button starts the engine, while the fuel injection maintains a steady, smooth idle under all conditions.
The large-diameter 15-inch cast front wheel helps increase stability while enhancing the Burgman 400’s visual appearance and carries a pair of 260mm disc brake rotors. The 13-inch rear wheel has a 210mm hydraulic disc brake for reliable stopping control. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) monitors wheel speeds and hydraulic pressure hundreds of times per second to help provide stopping power that matches the available traction.
For the past 32 years, Rider has selected a Motorcycle of the Year. With the exception of two years when we made a People’s Choice selection by popular vote among readers (the Honda F6B in 2013 and the BMW R 1200 RT in 2014), it has been up to the Rider editorial team to choose a winner based on our collective experience with the year’s eligible contenders.
We ride as many of the new or significantly updated motorcycles released over the past year as possible, and we evaluate them within the context of their intended use.
Since we announced last year’s winner, we’ve tested cruisers, baggers, sportbikes, adventure bikes, naked bikes, minibikes, sport-tourers, luxury-tourers, cafe racers, standards, dual-sports, and even an electric dirtbike for kids.
Narrowing down such a diverse range of motorcycles into a single “best” isn’t easy. Our goal is to identify the one that best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.
We haven’t always hit the mark. The BMW K1 we selected as our first MOTY in 1990 proved to be a flop, and the forkless Yamaha GTS1000 we selected in 1993 was the answer to a question no one asked.
Even if some of the selections we’ve made don’t stand the test of time, we stand by them because they were impressive motorcycles within the context of their eras. Others are easier to defend, like the 2001 Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, the 2002 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS, and the 2017 Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight Touring lineup.
For 2022, there were more than 60 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one ultimate winner.
Winner of Rider’s 2012 MOTY award, BMW’s top-of-the-line luxury-tourer got its most significant update yet for 2022. Its ultra-smooth 1,649cc inline-Six makes 160 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque, its full suite of electronic rider aids was upgraded, and it has a huge 10.25-inch TFT, an air-conditioned smartphone compartment, and other new comfort and convenience features.
Competing head-to-head with the Kawasaki Versys 650LT, the all-new 650 ADVentura is powered by a 649cc parallel-Twin that makes 60 hp and 41 lb-ft of torque. It has an adjustable windscreen, a TFT display, LED lighting, a slip/assist clutch, standard ABS, Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires, and hard-shell saddlebags. At $6,799, it undercuts the Kawasaki by $3,200.
The range-topping Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak’s 1,158cc Grandturismo V4 cranks out 170 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque, and its apex-strafing game gets elevated with a new Race mode and revised quickshifter. It’s equipped with a full electronics package (including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection), Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 suspension, Brembo Stylema calipers, and more.
The spiritual successor to the air-cooled Evo-powered Sportster, the all-new Nightster is a performance cruiser built on Harley’s modular liquid-cooled Revolution Max engine platform, in this case with a 975cc V-Twin with variable valve timing that produces 90 hp. Classic styling cues include a peanut “tank” (actually an airbox cover), a round air intake cover, and exposed rear shocks.
Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and a step-over motorcycle, the all-new Honda Navi borrows the fan-cooled 109cc Single and CVT transmission from the Activa 6G scooter and the Grom’s popular design language. The 8-hp Navi weighs just 236 lb, has a 30-inch seat height, and is priced at just $1,807, making it an ideal gateway to the world of motorcycling.
Indian’s Challenger bagger, powered by the liquid-cooled PowerPlus 108 V-Twin that makes 108 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel, was Rider’s 2020 MOTY. Touring capability gets a boost on the Pursuit Limited (or Dark Horse), which adds fairing lowers, a tall adjustable windscreen, a Touring Comfort seat, heated grips, and a trunk with an integrated passenger backrest.
Known as “The Beast,” the 1290 Super Duke R added “Evo” to its name and was updated with WP Semi-Active Technology (SAT) suspension available with six modes and automatic preload adjustment, a revised throttle-by-wire system, and more. Its 1,301cc V-Twin cranks out 180 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque, and its electronics allow riders to tame or unleash The Beast as they see fit.
The Classic 350 brings back the styling that made the Royal Enfield Bullet – built from 1931-2020 – such an iconic bike and pairs it with a 349cc air-/oil-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, fuel-injected Single with a 5-speed gearbox. Available in nine color-style combinations and priced as low as $4,599, the Classic 350 is the embodiment of simple, fun, affordable motorcycling.
Triumph completely revamped its Tiger 1200 adventure bike platform for the 2023 model year, shaving off 55 lb of weight, bolting in a 147-hp Triple from the Speed Triple, and equipping it with a new chassis and upgraded electronics. Five variants are available: the street-focused GT, GT Pro, and GT Explorer and the off-road-ready Rally Pro and Rally Explorer.
At the top of Yamaha’s Hyper Naked pecking order is the MT-10, a descendent of the FZ1 that was Rider’s 2006 MOTY. This “Master of Torque” is powered by a 160-hp crossplane inline-Four derived from the YZF-R1. It was updated for 2022 with new R1-derived electronics, upgraded brakes, revised styling and ergonomics, a new TFT display, and more.
And the 2022 Motorcycle of the Year Winner is…
SUZUKI GSX-S1000GT+
Here at Rider, we’re big fans of performance. That’s an often overused and general term, but it encapsulates so much of what we love about motorcycles. Powerful, thrilling engines. Strong, responsive chassis – everything from the frame to the suspension, brakes, and tires. And these days, electronic rider aids that allow responses to be tailored to different conditions or rider preferences.
We’re street riders. We may do the occasional track day or school, but it’s usually to help us sharpen our skills so we can ride more confidently and safely on the street. We want performance that is exciting yet still manageable on public roads.
At the same time, we like to go the distance. Rider was started in 1974 just as the touring segment was taking off, and motorcycle travel has been one of the magazine’s hallmarks. We’ve tested thousands of motorcycles over the years, and we gravitate toward bikes that are comfortable, reliable, and versatile yet still get our performance juices flowing.
Our 2021 Motorcycle of the Year was the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, an adventure-style sport-tourer that’s lighter and more affordable than traditional heavyweight sport-tourers like the BMW R 1250 RT, Yamaha FJR1300, and Kawasaki Concours 14 – every one of which has worn Rider’s MOTY crown at some point. In fact, eight of our 32 previous MOTY winners have been sport-tourers.
And now, make that nine. The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ (the ‘+’ denoting the model with standard saddlebags, whereas the base GT model goes without) delivers all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable MSRP of $13,799. It checks all the right performance boxes while also being practical and providing – as George Carlin would say – a place for our stuff.
The GSX-S’s 999cc inline-Four is adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5, a bulletproof, championship-winning engine. Tuned for street duty, it churned out 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 9,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno.
As we said in our road test in the July issue, “The GSX-S engine is a gem with no rough edges. From cracking open the throttle above idle to twisting the grip to the stop, power comes on cleanly and predictably.”
The GSX-S1000GT+ is equipped with the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which includes three ride modes that adjust throttle response, power delivery, traction control, cruise control, and other systems. It has the best up/down quickshifter we’ve ever tested, and thanks to its street-tuned, sportbike-spec chassis, the GT+ offers predictable handling, unflappable stability, and impeccable smoothness.
Touring amenities include comfortable rider and passenger seating, 25.7-liter side cases that can accommodate most full-face helmets, and a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity via Suzuki’s mySPIN smartphone app. With its angular sportbike styling, the GSX-S1000GT+ looks as fast as it goes, and the side cases can be easily removed for an even sportier look.
As we concluded in our road test, “The GSX-S1000GT+ strikes an excellent balance between performance, technology, weight, comfort, and price. Life is good when the scenery is a blur.”
Congratulations to Suzuki for the GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 Motorcycle of the Year!
From the MotoGP circuit to her recent about-face into sustainability, Suzuki has been more than a little busy – and now, we’ve just had notice that the Japanese bike marque could be punting out a new engine.
The updates will likely put her next host smack into the likes of Yammie’s MT-07, KTM’s 790/890, Aprilia’s RS660/Tuono660, and other units in the middleweight sector – so let’s dive under the proverbial hood and get into it.
According to a report from RideApart, the piece being tested is a parallel-twin engine, and it’s been seen in the chassis of what appears to be some kind of new SV650.
This wouldn’t be a bad idea; Suzuki’s SV650 has been stealing hearts across the county for years due to her bulletproof build, her torquey personality, the low seat height and even lower bang-for-buck qualities.
One thing’s for sure – if they’re going to put a parallel into an SV650, they better do something about the name, and stat.
Parallel650 would be laughable.
Expect this bike, when debuted, to bean out a rough 700-800cc’s, which translates to more than 75 pretty ponies.
Like what you see?
Be sure to check back for updates; drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.
This 2023 motorcycle buyers guide highlights new or significantly updated street-legal models available in the U.S. So far, only a few 2023 models have been announced, mostly adventure bikes, and we’ve had a chance to test several of them. We include a couple of 2024 teasers too. We will continually update the guide as new models are available, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back often.
Organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer, our guide includes photos, pricing, key update info, and links to first looks and – when available – first rides, road tests, and video reviews of each motorcycle.
2024 Can-Am Origin
OK, we’ve gotten a bit ahead of ourselves with this one since the earliest you can buy it will be mid-2024. At the annual Club BRP event in August2, Can-Am unveiled two all-new, all-electric motorcycles – the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster (below). Detailed specs won’t be provided until mid-2023 (at Can-Am’s 50th anniversary celebration), but both will be powered by BRP’s all-new, proprietary Rotax E-Power technology, said to provide “highway-worthy speeds with plenty of horsepower and torque.”
The Can-Am Origin has rally-style bodywork, fork guards, and spoked wheels, in diameters that appear to be 21 inches in front and 18 inches out back, common sizes for off-road tires. The final drive is enclosed, and Can-Am reps would not reveal whether power is sent to the rear wheel via chain (used on nearly all dual-sports) or belt (used on many production electric bikes).
The Can-Am Pulse has the muscular stance of a streetfighter, with racy-looking cast wheels shod with sportbike rubber and a sculpted “tank” that keeps the bike’s profile in line with conventional gas-powered motorcycles. The Origin dual-sport (above) and Pulse roadster share key design elements: distinctive LED headlights, large TFT displays, edgy white and gray bodywork, a bright yellow panel covering their battery packs, inverted forks, single-sided swingarms, single-disc brakes front and rear, and solo seats. Rear cowls may cover pillion seats; passenger footpegs are not visible on either machine, but production versions will likely have passenger accommodations.
The 2023 CFMOTO 800 ADVentura is powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve 799cc parallel-Twin borrowed from the previous-generation KTM 790 Adventure and makes a claimed 95 hp and 57 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with throttle-by-wire, it has two ride modes (Sport and Rain) and cruise control. It has a chromoly-steel frame, fully adjustable KYB suspension, J. Juan triple-disc brakes with cornering ABS, and a 7-inch TFT display.
The base-model 800 ADVentura S (for Street) has cast wheels and an MSRP of $9,499. The up-spec 800 ADVentura T (for Terrain, shown above) has spoked wheels, a quickshifter, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a steering damper, a skid plate, crash bars, handguards, and a centerstand. MSRP is $10,499. They should be available in late 2022 or early 2023.
Designed for the track only, the 2023 KTM 450 SMR has a 449.9cc liquid-cooled, SOHC Single putting out a claimed 63 hp, and the engine weighs just 59.5 lb, nearly a pound lighter than the previous model. In addition to the features riders already love about the KTM 450 SMR (read our review of the 2021 model here), the 2023 model includes a redesigned Pankl Racing Systems 5-speed gearbox and a new Quickshift sensor on the shift drum for clutchless upshifts, which can be disabled through the handlebar switch.
Other updates for the 2023 KTM 450 SMR include a revised shock mount, redesigned high-grade aluminum CNC-machined triple clamps offering increased grip surface, altered longitudinal and torsional flex and frame-wall thickness, suspension updates, revised ergonomics, and more. KTM is still only listing the 2022 model pricing of $11,999.
Harley-Davidson and its LiveWire brand have introduced the second all-electric model, the 2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar, which is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than the LiveWire ONE.
The street-tracker is said to produce 80 hp and weigh less than 440 lbs, yielding a 0-60-mph time of just 3.5 seconds. City range is said to be 100 miles, and highway range will be significantly lower.
LiveWire offered 100 serialized “Del Mar Launch Edition” models (shown above) with an exclusive paint scheme and a unique wheel design for $17,699, but all were sold out in the first 18 minutes. Those who missed the opportunity can get their name on a waiting list for when regular production models ($15,000) are available in the spring of 2023.
The 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 brings scrambler styling to the Himalayan adventure bike platform, which was updated for 2022. It’s powered by an air-cooled 411cc single-cylinder engine carried in a Harris Performance chassis. Royal Enfield says the Scram 411’s versatile geometry and comfortable ergonomics give the lightweight bike a unique combination of on-road agility and capability on trails. It’s available in nine different color/style configurations, and MSRP is $5,099.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom1050 has a liquid-cooled, 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin. When we tested the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, it made 96 hp at 8,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno. The 2023 V-Strom 1050 has a 6-speed gearbox with higher 1st and 6th ratios, an updated throttle-by-wire system, a new ABS control unit, a new CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring system, and a new 32-bit ECM (Engine Control Module).
The new V-Strom 1050 also includes many features previously only available on the XT models, including a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) electronics suite – which includes ride modes, cornering ABS, multimode traction control, cruise control, and braking systems that compensate for hill starts, slope, and load – as well as an up/down quickshifter, a new 5-inch TFT display, a new windscreen, and more. Pricing has yet to be announced.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and 1050DE Adventure share the same engine as the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom, as well as the new and updated features of the V-Strom (see above) and will replace the previous V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure models.
However, the DE models are more geared toward off-road adventures, featuring a 21-inch front wheel with a tube-type rim for maximum durability, a 17-inch tubeless rear wheel, and Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires. They also add a new Gravity (G) traction control option in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel, their own dedicated chassis geometry and suspension system, a longer swingarm, and other adventure motorcycle-specific offerings. The DE Adventure adds a set of 37-liter aluminum panniers with an anodized silver finish that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Pricing has yet to be announced.
The folks in Hinckley have been busy. They’ve shaved 55 pounds off the new 2023 Triumph Tiger 1200, given it a 147-hp Triple, and equipped it with an all-new chassis and electronics. Five variants are available: the street-focused GT ($19,100), GT Pro ($21,400), and GT Explorer ($23,100) and the off-road-ready Rally Pro ($22,500) and Rally Explorer ($24,200).
Suzuki’s 2022 lineup included the standard V-Strom 1050 and the up-spec V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure, with the Adventure version featuring aluminum panniers, fog lamps, and heated grips.
For 2023, the V-Strom 1050 returns with numerous updates, and the V-Strom 1050XT and V-Strom 1050XT Adventure will be replaced by the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure.
Previously available only on the XT models, all V-Strom 1050 models now feature a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) electronics suite, which includes ride modes, cornering ABS, multimode traction control, cruise control, and braking systems that compensate for hill starts, slope, and load. Supporting these electronic systems are an updated throttle-by-wire system, a new ABS control unit, a new CAN (Controller Area Network) wiring system, and a new 32-bit ECM (Engine Control Module).
Other changes common to all V-Strom 1050 models include an up/down quickshifter, a new 5-inch TFT display, a new windscreen that’s hand-adjustable to 11 different positions over a 2-inch height range, a new 12-volt power outlet under the passenger seat, revised mirrors, and revised LED turnsignals and taillight.
The standard V-Strom 1050 features a new dual-height seat (33.7/34.5 inches), while the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure models feature a new fixed-height seat (34.6 inches).
Inside the engine are new sodium-filled exhaust valves, which reduce temperature in the combustion chamber for improved flow efficiency and durability. The 6-speed transmission has higher ratios for 1st and 6th gears that smooth the shift action into second and higher gears and contribute to smooth operation of the quickshifter.
V-Strom 1050 models use durable steel sprockets and feature a new stronger and longer O-ring drive chain. Under the bike is a new cowl that protects the oil filter, exhaust header, and engine, as well as a more sure-footed centerstand.
All V-Strom 1050 models are powered by a liquid-cooled, 1,037cc 90-degree V-Twin. When we tested the 2020 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT, it made 96 hp at 8,500 rpm and 66 lb-ft of torque at 6,300 rpm on Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno. The 1050XT has a 5.3-gallon fuel capacity, and during our 2020 test, we averaged 49.8 mpg and 264 miles of range.
2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure
Joining the standard V-Strom 1050 are the new V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure, which are geared toward more off-road-oriented adventures. The DE models feature a 21-inch front wheel for rolling over obstacles with a tube-type rim for maximum durability. The 17-inch rear wheel is tubeless, and the DE models are shod with Dunlop Trailmax Mixtour adventure tires.
To improve control and handling off-road, the DE models have unique features in the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), including new Gravel (G) traction control and the ability to switch off ABS at the rear wheel. They also get their own dedicated chassis geometry with a longer wheelbase (62.8 inches vs. 61.2 on the standard V-Strom 1050), longer rake (27.3 degrees vs. 25.4 degrees), more trail (4.96 inches vs. 4.33), more ground clearance (7.5 inches vs. 6.5), and a handlebar grip that is 1.6 inches wider.
To further enhance their off-road capabilities, the DE models get a dedicated suspension system with unique spring rates, damping force valving, and piston settings. The adjustable 43mm inverted fork and rear monoshock also have more suspension travel than the standard V-Strom 1050, with 6.7 inches of front travel (vs. 6.3) and 6.6 inches of rear travel (vs. 6.3).
For added stability, the DE models also have a longer swingarm with 10% more torsional rigidity. They also feature a new three-piece front fender assembly that combines the effectiveness of a conventional fender with the protection of fork guards like those used on a motocross bike.
To maximize visibility during off-road riding, the V-Strom 1050DE and V-Strom 1050DE Adventure have a unique smaller windscreen, which is more than 3 inches shorter and slightly narrower than the V-Strom 1050 windscreen. The wider handlebar on the DE models is cast in thicker tubing from a softer grade of aluminum than the V-Strom 1050 handlebar, which allows more flex and better shock absorption.
The DE models feature a new, more durable fixed-height seat (34.6 inches) with a new bottom shape that increases rigidity while reducing weight by 1.5 lb (a 37% reduction in mass). According to Suzuki, the rider and pillion seats provide a comfortable upright riding position, and the sides of both seats are covered with high-grip texture material to help the rider and passenger stay connected to the motorcycle.
Given their higher stance, the V-Strom 1050DE and the V-Strom 1050DE Adventure feature longer, model-specific sidestands and centerstands. They also feature a new engine protector made of 3mm-thick aluminum plate that shields the front and bottom of the frame, exhaust header, and engine from trail debris.
Unique to the V-Strom 1050DE Adventure are a set of 37-liter aluminum panniers with an anodized silver finish that attach to powdercoated, stainless-steel carriers. Constructed from 1.5mm-thick aluminum plates with strong, no-pierce rivet technology, the panniers feature hinged lids that stay in place when open, internal and external tie-down points, keyed stainless-steel latches, and quick-release hardware. Built to be waterproof with rubber-sealing lids, the panniers have powdercoated interiors that avoid transferring aluminum stains to cargo.
The 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 will be available in Metallic Reflective Blue / Metallic Matte Black with black wheels, the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE will be available in Pearl Vigor Blue / Pearl Brilliant White with blue rims, and the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE Adventure will be available in Champion Yellow No. 2 / Metallic Matte Sword Silver with gold rims.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. For more information, visit the SuzukiCycles.com.
TTS Performance has collaborated with KarDesignConcepts to bring you the ultimate ‘Busa – and considering the former is a specialist in superchargers, you can imagine the pony power to play with in the final project.
For this kit, the two teams took a factory ‘Busa and added forged engine parts and a full-system Brocks exhaust to a TTS Rotrex supercharger conversion package, bumping the power up from 187bhp to a stunning 370bhp, or 375hp.
The masterminds also added CF winglets, CF intercooler tank vents, a CF drive cover and a revalved front suspension with titanium clippers.
All of this rides on 330mm StopTech front discs (and a lightweight TTS rear disc), with the report from Top Speed pointing out the obvious perk of a build like this: “What’s even more impressive is the fact that everything is tightly wound together and the Hayabusa appears rather normal from most angles.”
“To achieve this, TTS has housed the intercooler under the stock fuel tank while directing the air via carbon fiber ducts integrated in the fuel tank.”
Naturally, the SuperBusas will also feature carbon wheels. A single-sided swingarm, and a taller windscreen to keep aerodynamics playing nicey-nice.
Curious what this kit will cost you?
According to TTS, you’re looking at $35,500 USD, which excludes the price of the bike; given the teams’ prerogative to make only 40 of these beautiful beasts, we’re expecting the limited run to run out soon, so be sure to head over to their website and take a gander at what’s left.
Drop a comment below letting us kow what you think, and as ever – stay safe on the twisties.
Suzuki is helping sport-tourers make a comeback. With the rise of adventure bikes over the past decade, sport-tourers got shoved aside, relegated to the dark corners of showroom floors. Development cycles stretched out, and model updates became few and far between. That’s a shame. Not everyone wants a motorcycle with a 19-inch front wheel, a 34-inch seat height, and a jungle gym’s worth of crash bars.
As the name implies, sport-tourers combine go-fast performance and touring prowess into a single package. What’s not to love about a superbike engine tuned for the street, a chassis built for both speed and comfort, and ergonomics that won’t make you cry uncle after an hour in the saddle? With their 17-inch wheels shod with grippy radials, sport-tourers love to lean, and modern electronic rider aids help keep things in check.
Enter the new-for-2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT ($13,149) and GSX-S1000GT+ ($13,799), the latter distinguished by its color-matched side cases. Color options are the Metallic Reflective Blue of our test bike or Glass Sparkle Black. The GT is built on the same platform as the GSX-S1000 naked sportbike we tested recently. But unlike the GSX-S1000F that was in Suzuki’s lineup until 2020, which was little more than a GSX-S1000 with a fairing bolted on, the GT is a true grand tourer.
Look Good, Feel Good
The GT’s bodywork is distinctive and angular, with a wedge-shaped front fairing that juts sharply forward and houses a V-shaped LED position light and a pair of mono-focus LED headlights (for low beam, only the right lamp is illuminated). Attached to the top of the fairing are mirrors perched on the ends of long stalks and a nonadjustable windscreen. Lower fairing panels keep the radiator and much of the engine hidden, and they are vented to pull hot air out and away from the cockpit.
GEAR UP: Helmet: Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Jacket: Scorpion Optima Gloves: Scorpion Havoc Pants: Scorpion Covert Pro Jeans Boots:Sidi Gavia Gore-Tex
Two-up comfort was an important consideration in the GT’s development. All the rider and passenger touchpoints – the handlebar, footpegs, and rear grab handles – are rubber-damped to minimize vibration. Compared to the GSX-S1000F, the handlebar is 0.9 inch wider and 0.6 inch closer to the rider, allowing for more steering leverage and a nearly upright seating position. The wide, slightly dished rider’s seat sits 31.9 inches off the deck and is comfortable enough for long days in the saddle. A sporty amount of cornering clearance necessitated high placement of the footpegs, sacrificing some legroom, and they are positioned just below the rider’s hips.
Seat height for the passenger is 34.2 inches, and the 2.3-inch boost in height provides a better view over the rider’s shoulders. Large grab handles allow the passenger to hold on securely to the bike rather than just a strap on the seat or the rider’s hips. Both the front and rear seats have thick, supportive foam and are covered in a slightly grippy weather-resistant material.
To accommodate the added weight of a passenger and luggage, the GT has a trellis-style subframe that provides both strength and visual flair. The GSX-S1000GT+ comes standard with side cases that hold 36 liters (and up to 11 lbs) on each side, and they’re large enough to fit most full-face helmets. The saddlebags are easy to open, close, lock, remove, and reinstall, and they are keyed to the ignition. The only downside is that they cannot be left unlocked for quick access.
Paying the $650 premium for the GT+ is money well-spent. High-quality, lockable, removable, weatherproof saddlebags are undeniably convenient and practical. And buying the cases and necessary hardware as standalone accessories will set you back more than $1,000.
To further enhance the GT’s touring ability, Suzuki gave the bike a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display, all-new switchgear, and Bluetooth connectivity. The TFT has a large analog-style tachometer, a digital speedometer, and a fuel gauge on the left side, as well as an array of bike and trip info on the right. It also has a sensor that automatically switches the background from white in bright light to black in low light.
Buttons on the left switchgear allow the rider to adjust settings and navigate menus. Installing the Suzuki mySPIN smartphone app and pairing via Bluetooth provides access to contacts, phone, maps, music, and calendar functions, which are displayed on the TFT screen. You’ll need a Bluetooth helmet headset to make/receive calls, listen to music, or hear turn-by-turn directions. A USB port on the dash provides on-the-go charging for devices.
In Thrust We Trust
Like the GSX-S1000, the GT is powered by a 999cc in-line Four adapted from the GSX-R1000 K5 (2005-2008). It’s been retuned to make the engine more suitable for the street, but there’s still plenty of heat in the kitchen. On Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno, the GSX-S1000 churned out 136 hp at 10,200 rpm and 73 lb-ft of torque at 9,300 rpm. Updates to the engine include new camshaft profiles, new valve springs, new throttle bodies, a revised airbox, and a Euro 5-compliant 4-2-1 exhaust. Together, they result in an extra 2 hp at the peak and smoother horsepower and torque curves.
The GSX-S engine is a gem with no rough edges. From cracking open the throttle above idle to twisting the grip to the stop, power comes on cleanly and predictably. Slaloming back and forth on a series of curves with grace and confidence requires accurate additions and subtractions of fuel and air, and the Suzuki mixes them perfectly. Using a throttle-by-wire system, turning the right grip directly activates the throttle position sensor, which sends instantaneous signals to a servo motor that precisely moves the throttle plates. Throttle response is further enhanced by a long, tapered intake tract that is narrower at the bottom where the 10-hole injectors are located.
The GT’s throttle-by-wire also enables the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System, which includes three ride modes (Active, Basic, and Comfort) that adjust throttle response and power delivery, 5-level traction control, cruise control, and Suzuki’s Easy Start, Low RPM Assist, and Bi-Directional Quick Shift systems. ABS is also part of the electronics package, but with no IMU, neither it nor the TC are lean-angle adaptive. The 6-speed transmission has a cable-actuated slip/assist clutch. Gear changes using the quickshifter are fast and smooth, and clutch action is light with predictable engagement. Both the clutch and brake levers are adjustable for reach.
Being derived from a Superbike championship-winning sportbike like the GSX-R1000, the GSX-S1000GT has a massive twin-spar cast-aluminum frame that surrounds the engine and attaches to a cast-aluminum swingarm. KYB suspension – a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork and a link-type rear shock that’s adjustable for preload and rebound – is taut yet comfortable.
Brembo 4-piston radial-mount monoblock front calipers are mated to fully floating 310mm rotors, and they offer strong power and precise feedback. A Nissin 1-piston rear caliper squeezes a 240mm disc. The GT rolls on six-spoke, 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels shod with Dunlop Roadsmart 2 sport-touring radials that deliver reliable grip and neutral cornering behavior.
On the Road Again
Suzuki hosted a two-day press launch for the GSX-S1000GT+, with a test route that started and ended at its U.S. headquarters in Brea, California. Back-to-back 300-mile days gave us a chance to thoroughly evaluate the GT in a wide range of conditions, including traffic-choked freeways, wide-open highways, and tight, technical backroads. We followed that up with more miles on a test bike over several weeks on home turf.
The qualities that impressed us about the GSX-S1000 – impeccable smoothness, predictable handling, unflappable stability, and linear power delivery – carry over to its GT sibling. Likewise, its braking and suspension components and electronic rider aids were selected to deliver sporting performance without inflating the retail price.
Where the GT really stands out is its rider and passenger comfort, cruise control, instrumentation and connectivity, and, on the GT+, stylish and useful saddlebags. Weighing in at 521 lbs with its 5-gal. tank full, the GT+ is much lighter than open-class sport-tourers like the BMW R 1250 RT (615 lbs), Yamaha FJR1300ES (644 lbs), and Kawasaki Concours 14 (691 lbs). It weighs more than the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT (503 lbs) but makes significantly more rear-wheel horsepower (136 vs. 108). With its cornering ABS and TC and semi-active suspension, the Tracer 9 GT also costs $1,200 more than the GSX-S1000GT+ ($14,999 vs. $13,799).
If the GT has one notable shortcoming, it’s the nonadjustable windscreen. Though Suzuki says it and the bodywork were developed in a wind tunnel, airflow over the windscreen hit me square in the chest and created a lot of turbulence around my helmet. Of course, the size of the rider plays a role in aerodynamics (I’m 6 feet tall), but the lack of height adjustability means you get what you get. Suzuki makes an accessory touring windscreen ($169.95) that is 2.75 inches taller and has a more vertical pitch near the top, but one was not available during our test.
Other available accessories include heated grips, a two-tone rider’s seat with a suede-like cover embossed with the GSX-S GT logo, axle sliders, ring-lock tankbags (small and large), tank pads and protectors, and wheel rim decals.
We’re glad to see Suzuki helping bring the sport-touring class to its former glory. The GSX-S1000GT+ strikes an excellent balance between performance, technology, weight, comfort, and price. Life is good when the scenery is a blur.
2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Specs
Base Price: $13,149 (GT) Price as Tested: $13,799 (GT+ w/ 36L side cases) Warranty: 1 yr., unltd. miles Website:suzukicycles.com ENGINE Type: Liquid-cooled, transverse in-line Four, DOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl. Displacement: 999cc Bore x Stroke: 73.4 x 59.0mm Compression Ratio: 12.2:1 Valve Insp. Interval: 15,000 miles Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ throttle-by-wire, 40mm throttle bodies x 4 Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.6 qt. cap. Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch Final Drive: O-ring chain CHASSIS Frame: Twin-spar cast aluminum frame & swingarm Wheelbase: 57.5 in. Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/3.9 in. Seat Height: 31.9 in. Suspension, Front: 43mm inverted fork, fully adj., 4.7 in. travel Rear: Single linkage shock, adj. spring preload & rebound, 5.1 in. travel Brakes, Front: Dual 310mm floating discs w/ 4-piston radial monoblock calipers & ABS Rear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston caliper & ABS Wheels, Front: Cast, 3.5 x 17 in. Rear: Cast, 6.0 x 17 in. Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17 Rear: 190/50-ZR17 Wet Weight: 521 lbs (as tested) Load Capacity: 405 lbs (as tested) GVWR: 926 lbs PERFORMANCE Horsepower: 136 hp @ 10,200 rpm (rear-wheel dyno) Torque: 73 lb-ft @ 9,300 rpm (rear-wheel dyno) Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gals. Fuel Consumption: 35.5 mpg Estimated Range: 178 miles