NINE years after its launch, the GSX1100F is still a capable sports tourer that's chosen by many long-distance riders but the upstart TDM is a better tourer much of the time.
The Yamaha's new seat is lower than the old model's and it's comfortable for all-day riding, while the low footrests ensure even the lankiest of legs don't get cramped. It looks high up, but even a 5ft 3in rider found no problem with it.

Like the GSX, it's built for comfort with speed. You can't fault the GSX's comfortable armchair feeling, but after a long journey it's just as satisfying to arrive on the TDM, which looks like it should be more of a challenge, even if it isn't.
The Yamaha's slick-looking redesigned fairing offers plenty of protection from the elements on the upper body, but the lower legs and feet get wetter than on the Suzuki.
The GSX's massive fairing gives the lower half of the rider's body almost complete protection from the elements. The only complaint is with the screen, which gets noisy at higher speeds. When you move the button on the bars which controls the electrically adjustable screen's height the wind noise gets louder as the screen gets higher.

The TDM also suffers from a noisy screen, but it is quieter than the old model and works well enough to cause no problems at a steady 100mph for as long as the petrol tank will let you go. You can expect to cover around 150 miles between fill-ups on the TDM, with the GSX pushing 170 miles, which gives it a slight advantage.
Both bikes will cruise all day at 100mph, but the Suzuki's second advantage comes when overtaking, as it has real stomp from 2000rpm to 10,000rpm that's almost as strong as Kawasaki's cruise missile ZZ-R1100. The motor is buzzy but the power delivery progressive, and the bike dispenses with A-roads in a more relaxed manner than the Yamaha twin.
Our test GSX1100 came fitted with optional Givi panniers which were excellent, while there's a neat Krauser K3 pannier option for the Yamaha for £280 which looks stylish and holds a full-face crash helmet.

Both bikes will carry throwovers without causing any handling problems. And both have useful bungee hooks.
Passengers on the TDM may find their wrists aching after a short time. The comfortable seat and low footrests are let down by the side-mounted grabrails.
Under braking or acceleration, the passenger simply cannot hold on properly. The GSX's grabrail is more sensibly placed behind the pillion. The handling of neither bike is significantly changed two-up unless you're carrying a real heavyweight.
The GSX improves with two turns of the pre-load adjuster on the rear shock to stop it grounding out, while the TDM is fitted with a clever system, operated by a simple-to-use lever under the seat, which engages a second spring on the shock to increase the spring rate. The TDM is a much more stylish alternative to the GSX1100F that does everything almost as well and sometimes better, and it's loads more fun than the staid Suzuki.