Type-approval documents have revealed that a new Suzuki GSX-S1000F is on the way, with a name change to GSX-S1000T.

Suzuki’s GSX-S1000 range has always flown slightly under the radar in the naked sports and sports touring categories, which is a shame as they are very good bikes, with a lot to recommend them.

Both the GSX-S1000 (naked) and the GSX-S1000F (‘F’ for faired) shared the same chassis and engine - a 1000cc in-line four-cylinder derived from the 2005 GSX-R1000 K5 engine, producing 150bhp. Not only was it powerful, it was absolutely bullet-proof. I can attest to the latter having thrashed an ‘F’ model in endurance racing over several thousand miles with no problems whatsoever.

When the GSX-S1000 was given a facelift in readiness for the 2022 model year, it was clear that the ‘F’ wouldn’t be lasting long in its current form. Now, type-approval documents have been filed for the new GSX-S1000T, the ’T’ meaning Touring. Both bikes will continue to share chassis and engine, which now produces 2bhp more with a 1000rpm higher rev limit. Torque sits at 79.6lb.ft. and the engine is Euro5 compliant.

Naturally, the ’T’ - no images have been released as yet - will be fully faired, with two screen height options, the lower of which will be an inch and a half higher than the ‘F’. Expect the new bodywork to be more angular and aggressive than the outgoing model, matching the styling of the naked version. It is likely that an LED headlight will be fitted.

Weight of the ’T’ will be increased over the previous ‘F’ model. The GSX-S1000F was a mere 8.8lb heavier than its contemporary naked version, while the GSX-S1000T will be 26lb heavier than the new naked model. That should mean that the touring comfort of the ’T’ will be a lot better than the ‘F’, indicating, as it does, larger bodywork for better rider protection.

Expect an official announcement of the GSX-S1000T in the near future.