Suzuki launch touring ready GSX-S1000GX+ complete with panniers for 2024

Building on their already impressive GSX-S1000GX sports tourer, Suzuki have introduced the ‘GX+ to their lineup for 2024.  

The new variant retains the same plush yet sporty semi-active suspension, excellent all-day comfort and superbike troubling 150bhp from its 999cc inline four engine.

With the new model, Suzuki have attempted to redress the existing platform’s primary shortfall in the form of two 36 litre, colour matched panniers, each capable of swallowing a full-face helmet.

There’s still no backlit switchgear though and whilst weather protection is up to scratch, adjusting the screen requires breaking out a tool kit rather than thumbing a switch. 

With an OTR price of £15,599, Suzuki’s premium ‘tall-rounder’ is hardly an insignificant investment. But for customers seeking the carrying capacity the ‘GX+ offers, it represents a potential saving of £175 versus the cost of speccing genuine panniers to the standard model.

For those looking to purchase through a finance agreement, the addition of panniers as part of the standard specification provides better value too – adding it all as part of your PCP deal instead of an additional purchase.

Coming in at £589 over the similarly spec’d, ultra-popular Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, the GSX-S1000GX+ loses its undercutting advantage.

The Yamaha comes equipped with adaptive cruise control, a centre stand, semi-active suspension and slightly smaller 30-litre panniers. On top of that, the Tracer offers a larger seven-inch TFT dash, radar linked brakes and optional genuine accessory top cases. 

The Yamaha isn’t entirely dominant in a game of Top Trumps however, its panniers fail to match the volume of the Suzuki’s by six litres a side and its 890cc CP3 triple motor suffers from a noticeable power deficit of 33bhp.

Posing as the more premium rival, BMW’s S1000XR churns out another 12.3bhp over the Suzuki. That said, against a lofty £18,050 asking price when equipped with the touring pack, the GSX-S1000GX+ provides considerably greater value than its Bavarian competitor, all whilst supplying well-proven reliability, premium build quality and superb performance.