Gilding the Gsx

GILDING THE GSX

FROM SUZUKI'S ACCESSORY DIVISION COMES A NEW TOURING STANDARD

ONE THING THAT SUZUKI LEARNED IN ITS REsearch into standard-style motorcycles is that owners like to personalize their bikes. So. when the new GSX1100G was in the planning stages. an extensive range of accessories was designed right along with it.

“The l 100 was meant to be more of a multi-purpose bike.” says Mike Clark of Suzuki’s accessories division. “It can be sporty or sport-touring; its backto-basics styling should appeal to a broad range of riders. Therefore, it was especially important to offer accessories that would allow the customer to tailor the bike to suit his needs.”

Given its already excellent long-range comfort, it seems natural to give the GSX more of a touring bent. Leading the way, literally, is a full fairing, colormatched to the GSX's maroon or silver paint scheme. This mounts to the frame, relocates the stock turnsignals, and offers louvered vents and two locking storage bins.

At $ 1200, the full fairing may be a bit beyond some GSX owners' budgets, so Suzuki offers a low-cost touring windshield. Priced at $214. it's made of Lexan and mounts to the bike's handlebars. And though it's made by National Cycle, it’s not a universal part; instead, it’s built to Suzuki’s specifications.

So, too, w'as the touring seat, though in this case the manufacturer is Travelcade. Retailing for $130, the seat is of dual-bucket configuration, and is meant to improve the GSX’s already exemplary long-range comfort, particularly for the passenger.

Moving rearward, Suzuki offers a set of Krauser hard saddlebags. Priced at $660. the lockable bags are similar to those offered as options on the 750 and 1 100 Katanas.

With the saddlebags in place, it’s hard to find a handhold for lifting the GSX onto its centerstand, so Suzuki offers one for $30. The so-called centerstand grip folds in when not in use. A combination luggage rack/sissy bar is also available, priced at $214. It’s painted silver to match the bike's engine and trim, and features a padded passenger backrest.

Additionally, there are two types of vinyl tank covers (one with a pocket, one without), plus engine-case guards, a range of soft luggage and color-matched helmets.

So important are accessories in marketing the GSX that Suzuki says it has purposely kept the prices as low as possible: in the case of the fairing. that means a profit margin that is virtuall\ negligible. Consider it an in vestment in the GSX's future.