The twin-spar aluminium frame on the new GT is built to deliver nimble handling and great road holding ability that will go the distance, even when carrying a passenger and full loaded with gear. When viewed from the side, the main tubes run straight from the steering head to the swingarm pivot. This design helps achieve high rigidity and lighter weight than competitor models.

Newly designed subframe rails serve two benefits. Firstly, they provide more rigid and secure attachment points for the optional side cases. Secondly, the new design lowers the height of the seat rails, making it possible to increase the thickness of the pillion seat for greater passenger comfort.

The sturdy aluminium swingarm comes straight from the GSX-R1000. Ruggedly braced and with the appeal of its superbike looks, this swingarm features great road holding ability and the strength to withstand long rides, heavy loads, and the demands of sporty runs.

R&D to find the optimum riding position for touring led to angling the handlebar grips 14mm closer to the rider than on the previous GSX-S1000F. This enables the rider to have a more upright posture, which enhances comfort.

The new tapered handlebars are also lengthened to achieve a 23mm wider grip placement. In addition to making the bars more comfortable to hold, this gives the rider greater control over steering while requiring less effort to steer the bike.

The GT is equipped with top-of-the-line radial-mount Brembo monobloc calipers. The calipers each have four opposed ø32mm pistons acting on a ø310mm floating-mount disc for strong stopping power.

An antilock braking system (ABS) helps the rider stay in directional control even during hard braking. The system is programmed to monitor wheel speed and match stopping power to the available traction. The ABS control unit has a compact, lightweight design that contributes to the bike’s nimbleness.

The ø43mm KYB inverted front forks feature 120mm of travel with  fully adjustable damping, rebound, compression and spring pre-load settings.The link-type rear suspension boasts 130mm of rear wheel travel with adjustable rebound damping and spring pre-load settings that react efficiently to varying road surfaces to maintain an agile and stable feel.

The suspension settings were thoroughly tested and tuned to optimise to suit the new Dunlop SPORTMAX 2 tyres   achieving nimbler handling and improved steering into corners.

Aerodynamics and wind protection are of critical importance to meeting the high-speed touring demands of a grand tourer, both in terms of dynamic performance and comfort.

The GT’s new front cowl, windscreen and mirrors are all meticulously designed to contribute to achieving the requisite level of aerodynamic performance. Each component was analysed early in the development process to identify any issues. That was followed by repeated cycles of wind tunnel testing, analysis and refinement to ensure that all the pieces work together harmoniously to maximise wind protection and make the rider more comfortable by reducing sources of stress such as exposure to the cold and elements. This reduces fatigue when touring at high speeds and frees the rider to concentrate on enjoying the experience.

While aerodynamic performance was a given, design priorities for the GT’s new windscreen focused keenly on maximising wind protection to deliver relaxing comfort worthy of a grand touring riding experience. At the same time, the designers were also concerned with keeping the form as compact as possible and making the screen attractive. Development involved repeated rounds of wind tunnel testing and analysis, with the design begin refined at each stage until it achieved just the right overall balance to satisfy the development team’s goals.

In addition to deflecting wind away from the rider’s head, folds introduced along the sides also help shield the rider’s shoulders from the wind. The result is greater comfort, reduced stress from exposure to the cold and other elements, and reduced fatigue on long rides.

Additionally, rubber mounts introduced in the top bridge and handlebar brackets reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to the rider’s hands, thereby contributing to reducing fatigue and improving comfort. It is of particular benefit on long rides or when touring.

The aluminium pegs of both the rider and passenger footrests are covered with vibration-absorbing rubber.

This reduces the amount of vibration transmitted to the feet, which in turn lessens fatigue, especially on long rides.

Additionally, the footrests are positioned lower so they require less bending of the knees and ankles and thereby help provide greater comfort.

The rider and pillion seats feature a sporty and attractive new design that aims maximise comfort on long rides. Both are covered in a new skin material that provides positive grip. The rider’s seat is also shaped to offer freedom of movement when enjoying a sporty ride. Special effort went into designing the thickness, shape and size of the pillion seat to maximise passenger comfort, and into designing the new grab bars at the back of the seat for comfort and ease of use.