We have just seen the unveiling of the Suzuki GSX-S1000 (and in Europe, its underpowered sibling, the Suzuki GSX-S950), and now we get word that Suzuki is working on a touring version of the platform.
Spotted by the eagle eye of Ben Purvis at Cycle World, European homologation documents show a Suzuki “GSX-S1000T” is on the books (horribly rendered in a “five-minute photoshop” above) , and it could be a replacement for the Suzuki GSX-S1000F model.
The GSX-S1000F has been Suzuki’s full-fairing option to its GSX-S1000 naked bike approach, with the idea that the bike would be a sporty sport-tourer with a liter-bike capacity.
Not exactly a popular model, Suzuki has slowly learned that the GSX-S1000F makes a poor touring machine, thanks largely to its tough ergonomics, buzzy nature, and sport bike DNA.
As such, we can expect a number of refinements coming with the GSX-S1000T model, starting with those found on the 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 motorcycle.
This means a Euro5 compliant motor, basic traction control and throttle maps, LED lighting, and 150hp on tap.
Regulatory documents show a weight increase over the GSX-S1000, with the Suzuki GSX-S1000T set to tip the scales at 498 lbs wet (26 lbs more than the naked bike).
This makes sense though if the GSX-S1000T is going to have the accoutrements that touring riders expect from their machines.
Noticeable in the regulatory documents, the Suzuki GSX-S1000T comes with a wider and taller profile, surely indicative of the fairings and windscreen, which will fit the bike’s touring focus.
The is no word on pricing, but we do expect the bike to debut this year, as a 2022 model.
Our expectation is that the machine will slot nicely against bikes like the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, but with a fraction of the price tag.
If that’s the case, then Suzuki could have a real winner here, though we hope they don’t fall into the same mistakes they made with the GSX-S1000F machine.
Source: Cycle World
Comments