Back in 2005 one motorcycle that rose to fame and fast became one to covet has to be the Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5.
And that 999cc four-cylinder engine can trace a heritage forward all the way to the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT, the new sport touring bike that folks are getting all excited about.
There’s no major rework in the latest model, however, and it’s all but identical to the 2015 model, the GSX-S1000F. In fact, this has become a trend for Suzuki in the past few years, what with the latest Hayabusa, for instance, carrying over most of the essential mechanics from previous models.
Of course, the added electronic tech and major restyles have made the models seem like completely new takes on the older themes.
But there it is, in the current economic climate who wants to overspend when there’s a perfectly functional template already to be had. The 2022 GT will bring, however, minor inlet, exhaust and camshaft reconfiguration. And the gadgets are all-new. The frame and front forks are carryovers.
The new GT 150HP is a high performance 993cm3 four-stroke liquid-cooled inline four-pot that delivers, apparently, like a superbike. It’s been thoroughly updated to increase power output while minimising vibration.
The end result being a blitsvinning machine that can cruise like a touring bike. With a broad and smooth torque curve it delivers consistently, with plenty krag to spare, through the range.
What is brand new is the rear subframe, sorted to carry the seat unit and luggage carriers.
The 36-litre saddlebags themselves are a good reason to get this bike, they’re so sleek and handsome.
The GT’s fairing is new as is the windshield, which has been extended both ways to provide a little more protection. Handgrips are 23mm wider for more steering leverage.
However, it’s the tech that most heralds this new generation. Here’s where the modernity really shows. The dash contains a 6.5-inch colour screen with smartphone connectivity.
Driver aids such as cruise control help with stamina on the open road and the low RPM assist system helps prevent stalling on the pull off.
There are three drive modes, an easy start system, five mode traction control and more. Then, really cool LED lights all round keep the GT in the thoroughly modern vibe.
With regards to SA’s strict homologation laws, Suzuki expects the GT’s to go through in the first quarter of 2022, which means the first one should land in the second quarter. Homologation is the process of certifying that the bike is roadworthy and matches the required criteria for import.
If previous models are one to go by, the new Suzuki should be do pretty well indeed.