Super review, great info and feel......... Some of us think a centre stand is a chunk of metal bouncing around we just don't want on our motorcycle but rather in the workshop where it belongs.
For the money - if it physically fits a rider - this looks to be a top choice. Some of the issues about missing features are really moot at the price-point, and honestly sound like a bit of old-man whining (and I'm in the age category). The SX, GT9, V85, NT11000 and a couple more are all quite good, none of which would be a bad choice. It's truly great to see high-value options that make sense and will do that thing we all aspire to: a smile on the face.
Nice fair review. It's a decent bike for a first effort but still a bit rough around the edges & needs some further polishing without getting (much) more expensive. Personally I can live without a centre stand & don't find the lack of an IMU a bid deal but from a marketing point of view I think it probably is. However regardless of that, the lack of a remote preload adjuster is a big deal on a bike like this & is just an annoying & unnecessary omission imo. Hopefully easily fixed next year if Suzuki have any sense.
Yeah I agree, same on the the suzuki m109r only pre load adjustment lol .. I put it on 4.. for 77kg .. does bounce me off the seat a bit high speed bumpy rds lol
Thanks chaps for your review, I recently went to a Suzuki dealership here in Perth Western Australia with the view of buying this bike to replace my ageing FJR only to find out that panniers are not available until possibly mid 2023 lol 😂, can’t call the bike a tourer if you can’t provide the full kit. Off I trotted to Yamaha to collect my Tracer GT.
As a prospective buyer, I find this a good contender. I love the looks, the electronics are fine for me, the engine could do with another 10-15 HP, and I'm not sure about the tank capacity, but I'll probably say now it needs to be 19-20L or more. I remember riding the predecessor, but decided against it due to a snatchy on/off throttle. That would again be a deal breaker. I'll go ride it when it comes to Oz. Cheers.
Handlebars are the tiebreaker between this and the Kawasaki. Suzuki let's every old fella on the sales floor, buy higher bars, only for them to replace the stock ones once they experience that K5 in motion.
(sigh) Look at the bottom of the motorcycle and tell me where a center stand is supposed to go. Yes, I know the utility is a CS (current ride is currently sitting in garage on its CS awaiting the return of its front wheel). This bike has, essentially, a sport bike frame from a decade ago. The GT isn't likely to get a center stand until it gets a new frame. Perhaps another portable solution can be found in the meantime that is offered directly through Suzuki.
Who needs 3-ply when you have a toothbrush to co-op? Kwak is better (suspension is v good), but then it does cost more, but Suzuki has the sweeter engine. Why Suzuki never offered a semi-active suspension option is strange in this segment.
Suzuki are truly the masters of motors and gearboxes, however, even though I am a bit of a Suzuki fanboy, I must concur that a sports tourer without a center stand is an oxymoron. Hopefully the aftermarket will sort out such a glaring omission! Yes, I know, it's the catalytic converter that is in the way, but still it's an unfortunate trend that would most likely put me off from buying one if I was looking for a tourer...
It's not about the luggage, but rather about the ease of chain maintenance, puncture repair, tyre change, plus the bike takes up less space in the garage when it's on the the main stand. All bikes, with the exception of out-and-out sports bikes, should be fitted with one as standard, as was the case "back in the day".
@@pauljoyquilter359 You're missing my point. Your bike stand that's in the garage isn't going to help you when you have a puncture in the middle of nowhere. It's a lot easier to fix the puncture when you can get the wheel off the ground. And the same goes for cleaning and lubing your chain on a long tour when you don't have access to a stand.
It’s Suzuki’s OEM heated grip electrical cable. IDK why isn’t routed behind the twist grip as I’ve done with my aftermarket grips. It’s a very easy fix and I don’t even get to see the cable at all. Oh, and much cheaper.
For good sake! Close the visor when you speak, have you even listen to the sound in this video? A big channel as yours, I espect better. Cheers from old Grumpy.
Yeah its smooth but at the same time its boring. If you are on a budget a 1st timer trying a 1000cc looking for a tourer all around this might be your choice
The dude at the end should have done the whole review, really excellent. Although the other guy, yeah, I hope this isn't your day job mate. Very lazy and awkward.
To moan about a lack of a "centre stand" is nit picking who wants the extra weight most riders own a paddock stands now days. Also, most riders adjust there suspension once and leave it it takes all of 5mins so not having a "preload adjuster" isnt a deal breaker. TC, Rider aids.. Meeh don't need them just more stuff to go wrong...
Enjoying the comments here. I enjoyed the brakes least, this on a UK model. Wooden, required too much pressure, lacking feel and feedback. Like it had pads made of mahogany. Nasty suspicion it needs better pads AND master cylinder. The ludicrous cost of the heated grips, panniers (too small anyway) and NOT INCLUDED pannier fitting kit plus no top case rack finished it off.
I can't figure out what possesses, especially Japanese, manufacturers to design motorcycles that are meant for adults to look like cartoon characters .... Then again, I'm also at a loss as to why every ADV bike has to look like a bird 🤔
They tune the intakes, and the K5s have a lovely raspy sound as the revs rise. Hard to hear a pipe when you're riding, and the general public doesn't really care.
If this doesn't prove Suzuki is a hasbeen company, then nothing will. Models well past their shelf life (SV650 anyone) and then a case of pure plagiarism in this GT, and rather than improve on the SX failings (eg Centre Stand), they cut corners like adjustable windshield, IMU etc. Neeves gets it spot on, and basicall says it feels out of date before it's even got going.
Yamaha have been left behind, a Tracer 900 isn't a touring bike, I can assure you of that, there would be less anal bleeding if you spent a afternoon in a gentleman's sauna...time a retuned MT10 motor was dropped in a sports-touring bike...want power,go Suzuki, overall, go Kawasaki, automatic, go Honda,shaft-drive,new Guzzi?
Just had the 1000km service done today. It’s an absolute weapon that harks back to the mid naughties superbikes. And it’s such a good road bike.
Super review, great info and feel.........
Some of us think a centre stand is a chunk of metal bouncing around we just don't want on our motorcycle but rather in the workshop where it belongs.
I just did my first service in my garage and wow I have to say I'm very impressed with this machine. It's a beast!
For the money - if it physically fits a rider - this looks to be a top choice. Some of the issues about missing features are really moot at the price-point, and honestly sound like a bit of old-man whining (and I'm in the age category). The SX, GT9, V85, NT11000 and a couple more are all quite good, none of which would be a bad choice. It's truly great to see high-value options that make sense and will do that thing we all aspire to: a smile on the face.
I think a decent “solo” sport tourer vs a two-up. Love the motor!
Awesome! Thanks for all the entertainment
Nice fair review. It's a decent bike for a first effort but still a bit rough around the edges & needs some further polishing without getting (much) more expensive. Personally I can live without a centre stand & don't find the lack of an IMU a bid deal but from a marketing point of view I think it probably is. However regardless of that, the lack of a remote preload adjuster is a big deal on a bike like this & is just an annoying & unnecessary omission imo. Hopefully easily fixed next year if Suzuki have any sense.
Another thing is the gearing, who the hell is gearing a "sport touring bike" like that? It rews like a 250cc.
Reducing preload increasing sag actually makes for a harsher ride.
He is on the R540
Why the middle finger though😥
Yeah I agree, same on the the suzuki m109r only pre load adjustment lol .. I put it on 4.. for 77kg .. does bounce me off the seat a bit high speed bumpy rds lol
Thanks chaps for your review, I recently went to a Suzuki dealership here in Perth Western Australia with the view of buying this bike to replace my ageing FJR only to find out that panniers are not available until possibly mid 2023 lol 😂, can’t call the bike a tourer if you can’t provide the full kit. Off I trotted to Yamaha to collect my Tracer GT.
Ninja 1000sx rules.
As a prospective buyer, I find this a good contender. I love the looks, the electronics are fine for me, the engine could do with another 10-15 HP, and I'm not sure about the tank capacity, but I'll probably say now it needs to be 19-20L or more. I remember riding the predecessor, but decided against it due to a snatchy on/off throttle. That would again be a deal breaker. I'll go ride it when it comes to Oz. Cheers.
Handlebars are the tiebreaker between this and the Kawasaki. Suzuki let's every old fella on the sales floor, buy higher bars, only for them to replace the stock ones once they experience that K5 in motion.
Do another endurance race on a GSXS1000 😁
Great bike.
My 1290 R quick shifter is butter smooth,up and down.(Even at low RPM)
Don's official name should have been Donovan's Fourie.... Missed a tap in there, lads
(sigh)
Look at the bottom of the motorcycle and tell me where a center stand is supposed to go.
Yes, I know the utility is a CS (current ride is currently sitting in garage on its CS awaiting the return of its front wheel).
This bike has, essentially, a sport bike frame from a decade ago. The GT isn't likely to get a center stand until it gets a new frame.
Perhaps another portable solution can be found in the meantime that is offered directly through Suzuki.
So the dash does come in black!
Who needs 3-ply when you have a toothbrush to co-op? Kwak is better (suspension is v good), but then it does cost more, but Suzuki has the sweeter engine. Why Suzuki never offered a semi-active suspension option is strange in this segment.
Because they don't want to charge what it would take to recoup the overhead of equipping such kit.
whats it like compared to the mt10 mate ?
Suzuki are truly the masters of motors and gearboxes, however, even though I am a bit of a Suzuki fanboy, I must concur that a sports tourer without a center stand is an oxymoron. Hopefully the aftermarket will sort out such a glaring omission! Yes, I know, it's the catalytic converter that is in the way, but still it's an unfortunate trend that would most likely put me off from buying one if I was looking for a tourer...
Learn to load your luggage...at an angle. You will be ok.
It's not about the luggage, but rather about the ease of chain maintenance, puncture repair, tyre change, plus the bike takes up less space in the garage when it's on the the main stand. All bikes, with the exception of out-and-out sports bikes, should be fitted with one as standard, as was the case "back in the day".
I have several bike stands (front wheel chock types) in my garage - so the lack of a centre stand is no biggie for me.
@@pauljoyquilter359 You're missing my point. Your bike stand that's in the garage isn't going to help you when you have a puncture in the middle of nowhere. It's a lot easier to fix the puncture when you can get the wheel off the ground. And the same goes for cleaning and lubing your chain on a long tour when you don't have access to a stand.
With a centre stand you can't lay them over as far.
Very nice,but only for the few who can afford these beauties.....
Can someone please tell me way does people or most people for that matter not like kawasaki.
What's with that awkward wire routing above the switchgear @ 3:54.. that's just asking for something to snag it and destroy it
It’s Suzuki’s OEM heated grip electrical cable. IDK why isn’t routed behind the twist grip as I’ve done with my aftermarket grips. It’s a very easy fix and I don’t even get to see the cable at all. Oh, and much cheaper.
Looks good, pity about the tiny rear seat and plastic overdose. Never mind all the ride mode games, where's the center stand.
I think you buy this cos you don't two up, you are on a budget and you prefer blue than green.
You’ve just described me!😊
No cuz it's an excellent sport/tourer that goes like hell.
@@FrankBonessa wish I had the $$
Was looking for a sports tourer & I tot the Kawasaki has better build quality. Brought home a Ninja 1000SX on 10 Dec 2022.
3 ply bog roll, priorities
I'd save nearly R100k and get a z900. It has similar performance... but sure, would need a windscreen/fairing adding.
I did just that. went on a 3k mile trip on my Z900 a couple weeks ago. no windscreen needed. use Shad 3P hard cases. fantastic.
For good sake! Close the visor when you speak, have you even listen to the sound in this video? A big channel as yours, I espect better. Cheers from old Grumpy.
Audio quality is terrible in this day and age 👎
Yeah its smooth but at the same time its boring. If you are on a budget a 1st timer trying a 1000cc looking for a tourer all around this might be your choice
The dude at the end should have done the whole review, really excellent. Although the other guy, yeah, I hope this isn't your day job mate. Very lazy and awkward.
take a happy pill dude.
To moan about a lack of a "centre stand" is nit picking who wants the extra weight most riders own a paddock stands now days. Also, most riders adjust there suspension once and leave it it takes all of 5mins so not having a "preload adjuster" isnt a deal breaker. TC, Rider aids.. Meeh don't need them just more stuff to go wrong...
I mean, those are things that Suzuki easily could have included. if they want to beat out the Ninja 1000, they have to include things like that.
Bit crap for a touring bike. Sooner or later a puncture is bound to come up.
Most riders own paddock stands but they don't want to take them when they go touring.
I'd love it to have a center stand.
None adjustable screen
Single headlight ruins the look
Enjoying the comments here. I enjoyed the brakes least, this on a UK model. Wooden, required too much pressure, lacking feel and feedback. Like it had pads made of mahogany. Nasty suspicion it needs better pads AND master cylinder.
The ludicrous cost of the heated grips, panniers (too small anyway) and NOT INCLUDED pannier fitting kit plus no top case rack finished it off.
I can't figure out what possesses, especially Japanese, manufacturers to design motorcycles that are meant for adults to look like cartoon characters .... Then again, I'm also at a loss as to why every ADV bike has to look like a bird 🤔
They still have whoowaaait people in SA? God help you..
Not even one proper engine rev so we have an idea of what it sounds like .
Be an adult and take one for a test ride.
Like all Euro5 bikes.... no real sound.
They tune the intakes, and the K5s have a lovely raspy sound as the revs rise. Hard to hear a pipe when you're riding, and the general public doesn't really care.
If this doesn't prove Suzuki is a hasbeen company, then nothing will. Models well past their shelf life (SV650 anyone) and then a case of pure plagiarism in this GT, and rather than improve on the SX failings (eg Centre Stand), they cut corners like adjustable windshield, IMU etc.
Neeves gets it spot on, and basicall says it feels out of date before it's even got going.
Yamaha have been left behind, a Tracer 900 isn't a touring bike, I can assure you of that, there would be less anal bleeding if you spent a afternoon in a gentleman's sauna...time a retuned MT10 motor was dropped in a sports-touring bike...want power,go Suzuki, overall, go Kawasaki, automatic, go Honda,shaft-drive,new Guzzi?
my MT10 used to run out of fuel in 90 miles. Not much use as a touring bike.
First comment
YOU DO NOT OIL MODERN CHAIN DRIVES.
Deal breakers
No shaft drive.
No center stand
No electronic suspension
No adjustable windshield
No electronic IMU
I don’t want any of those things on this bike. Buy a Goldwing
You shaft drive guys are really funny.
I have a ninja 1000sx. I think it is better. Taller gears also.