Test fleet: Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

It's always a bit weird riding a different bike when you've been riding the same one for a long time. I was sorry to part with the Kawasaki Versys 1000 S Grand Tourer, but excited to ride Suzuki's new GSX-S1000 GT. I liked the look of it; I liked the idea of having 150bhp again (the Versys had 118bhp); and I had fond memories of riding the GSX-S1000F a few years back. In between running the original GSX-S and the Versys, I had a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX, which is the new Suzuki's main rival, so I felt I was in a good position to compare the new GSX-S with the previous model, as well as with its closest competitor.

Making the Transition

But you get used to things, and the Versys was like a comfy pair of old slippers to me. During my first ride of the Suzuki, I missed having heated grips (riding in January makes them a necessity for me), so that will be the first thing I get fitted to the GT. I missed having an adjustable screen (another accessory I might have to procure), and I missed having a top box. While my GT has very stylish and color-coordinated hard panniers (big enough to take a full-face helmet) fitted, there's something just that bit more handy about a top box as it's sitting flat, rather than on its side, so you can just open it and chuck things in. BUT I do think top boxes are hideously ugly things, so I'll settle for the panniers on longer trips and probably order a tank bag from Suzuki for everyday use.