The Japanese automaker Suzuki is planning a touring version of its GSX-S1000, which is expected to release this year in October. The new S1000T shall be based on the racetrack-oriented guise of the upcoming S1000 and current S1000F, focusing on long-distance touring. The ‘T’ in its name stands for the touring genre. Suzuki also has expressed its plans of replacing the S1000F with the S1000T.
The release of the motorcycle is confirmed from the type-approval document filing by the company. The document does not portray the actual design of the S1000T. Rumors suggest that the technical specifications of the S1000T will be similar to the upcoming S1000.
The S1000T will be a fully-faired version of the street naked S1000 and will have some design specs that suit its touring nature. Otherwise, the S1000T will inherit the same 999cc 150 HP engine from the S1000.
The Styling And Design Specifications
Suzuki has completely evolved its new design language with the S1000T, and it is expected that the S1000T will intensify the evolution with newer elements. The first will be the full fairing on the T to reduce air drag. The S1000F, the model that S1000T will succeed, also has a fairing, but it will be extended further and wider in the new bike. Another addition shall be a tall adjustable windscreen for a seamless riding experience.
The bike's dimensions will increase in all three aspects due to the added windscreen, full fairing, and the increased length. However, the chassis framework of the bike will remain the same as the S1000, and so will the 57.5-inch wheelbase. This also indicates the wheelset, brakes, and suspension system of the upcoming S1000T will be similar to the S1000. The added windscreen in the new bike will increase its height to 47.8-inches as compared to the 42.5 inches of S1000. An optional high-windscreen shall also be available, which will increase the height by an additional 2.6 inches. The full fairing shall also make the S1000T wider than the current S1000F and upcoming S1000T. Given its touring bike nature, it is expected that the S1000T shall have a longer body. Furthermore, the new bike features an extended pillion to comfortably accommodate the second rider for longer journeys or carry a luggage backpack. This lengthens the new S1000T by an inch than the S1000’s 83.3-inch length.
The front end of the S1000T will also adopt the styling of the S1000, which means the wide dual headlight beaked fairing in front of the S1000F will disappear from the new bike. Instead, it will have a single hexagonal small LED vertically stacked unit in an angular fashion similar to the S1000.
The Upgraded S1000 Engine
The new S1000T will receive the same engine from S1000 but with some modifications for enhanced performance. The new bike is powered by a 999cc in-line four-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which produces 150 HP and 78 lb-ft of torque at 9250 RPM. The original 999cc engine fitted in the S1000 falls a tad bit short here with 145 HP. It is believed that the machine will receive some redesign for the intake and exhaust camshafts to reduce valve overlap, and a new airbox shall also be added to produce the additional 5 HP.
The bike will be controlled by a 6-speed transmission with slip and clutch assist. The company's special Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) may also appear in the new bike. This system enables the rider to select between three riding modes. It facilitates additional assistance to the rider, like ride-by-wire throttle, quick bi-directional shifter, low rpm assist, and traction control.
Bi-directional Quick Shift System will power the transmission system. Shifting up and down in a standard transmission involves five manual operations. However, the Bi-directional Quick Shift System reduces both to a single movement of the foot, minimizing rider fatigue by drastically lowering the number of operations necessary in instances where multiple gear shifts are required. In contrast, if the rider prefers to shift in the traditional fashion, they can turn off this functionality.
Suzuki’s Smart Electronic Features
Apart from the attractive LED headlight and taillight arrangement, the bike will also feature similar fashioned turn signals. Ahead of the handlebar, it has a clean and intuitive full LCD panel to display the rider information. The speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual trip meter, gear position, water temperature, riding range, lap time mode, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, Traction Control mode, SDMS mode, Quick Shift status, fuel gauge, clock, battery voltage, RPM indicator, and service reminder will all be displayed on this high-resolution display. Further, several LED indicators surround the screen for oil pressure warning, low voltage warning, ABS, malfunction warning, and high beam.
The SDMS or Suzuki Drive Mode Selector comes as an added advantage in different driving conditions. This system works in three modes, namely A, B, and C, which allow the rider to select a different level of throttle response and torque characteristics for various driving needs. The A-mode offers maximum throttle response and torque level, gradually decreasing with the B and C modes. In addition, the Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) monitors the speeds of the front and rear wheels, engine rpm, throttle position, and gear position continually to limit power output to prevent slipping if it detects an approaching loss of traction.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000T seems like an almost perfect choice for riders covering distances on the back of a motorcycle. The bike is designed to offer maximum facilities, comfort, and thrill to the rider in different driving conditions, like straight roads or winding climbs. Plus, the powerful engine and intelligent electronic features shall make the GSX-S1000T an ideal choice for enthusiasts.