You might recall our overview of Suzuki‘s new V–Strom 800. The identical 776cc parallel-twin, with the identical tune, is discovered within the topic of this overview.
We weren’t shy once we advised you we fell in love with this new parallel-twin from Suzuki. Housed within the GSX–8R, it gives the identical characterful, satisfying efficiency. The GSX–8R, nevertheless, is unquestionably a distinct beast.
This would possibly greatest be described as a cushty, comparatively upright sport bike. There are a number of in the marketplace today, together with from Honda, Aprilia, Triumph, and Kawasaki.
These bikes could be all the things from snug commuters and tourers, to aggressive canyon scratchers, and monitor day weapons. In some methods, that is the class the place the Holy Grail is discovered, i.e., the one do–it–all motorbike.
Along with the V–Strom household, this new engine can be discovered within the bare GSX–8S. It’s the GSX–8R that actually caught our consideration, nevertheless, because it appeared to offer an ideal mixture of the V–Strom ergonomics and wind safety with the light-weight look and efficiency of a unadorned bike. We additionally assume it’s the greatest wanting bike within the group.
Right here is how Suzuki describes the GSX–8R options:
Key GSX-8R Options• Propelled by Suzuki’s new-generation 776cc parallel-twin engine, the GSX-8R is upgraded with SHOWA’s SFF-BP fork and matching shock for agile and positive dealing with.• GSX-8R riders get pleasure from distinctive ergonomics. Effectively-placed foot pegs, a well-padded seat, and solid aluminum separate handlebars place the rider in a sporty using place shielded from wind sounds and buffeting by the modern full fairing and wind tunnel-developed windscreen.• Sharp dealing with is a Suzuki custom, so the GSX-8R makes use of SHOWA’s SFF-BP inverted entrance fork and matching rear shock for exact efficiency.• The ABS-equipped** NISSIN® radial-mounted 4-piston brake calipers with twin 310mm entrance brake rotors present positive and linear stopping energy.• Dunlop’s RoadSport 2 radial tires (120/70ZR17 on the entrance; 180/55ZR17 on the rear) are designed for the GSX-8R to ship agility and grip.• The GSX-8R’s parallel twin makes use of a 270-degree firing order for robust torque manufacturing and is supplied with Suzuki’s patented Cross Balancer system for easy operation and an exciting exhaust word.• Suzuki’s Clutch Help System (SCAS) smooths shifting and engine braking with the usual Bi-directional Fast Shift system.• The GSX-8R makes use of the Suzuki Clever Trip System (S.I.R.S.) suite of digital rider aids that features a three-mode Suzuki Drive Mode Selector and the four-mode Superior Traction Management System* plus the Simple Begin & Low RPM Help programs.• Riders will hold tabs by way of the GSX-8R’s full-color 5-inch TFT instrument panel.
Though the above quote is Suzuki advertising and marketing hype, I concur with most of it. The most important change, maybe, from the opposite bikes sharing this engine is the Showa suspension discovered on the 8R.
We will affirm that the inventory suspension is superb on this bike. Sure, it’s largely non-adjustable except rear spring preload, however Suzuki has finished a exceptional job combining cheap road-going compliance with adequate stiffness and suggestions … even on monitor days. Extra about that beneath.
I had the GSX-8R from Suzuki on the similar time we had KTM’s glorious new 990 Duke. I even rode these two bikes back-to-back on acquainted twisty roads. The comparability confirmed to me how nicely the 8R handles.
As we said in our overview of the KTM 990 Duke, it was top-of-the-line dealing with bikes we’ve ever examined. On acquainted twisty roads, the GSX-8R was nearly its equal. I famous gentle understeer on nook exits aboard the 8R, however I finally remedied this with extra spring preload on the shock and a small (roughly 2mm) elevating of the forks within the triple clamps. I weigh near 210 kilos with gear, so a smaller, lighter rider is likely to be pleased with the bike’s steadiness as delivered. For reference, the bike comes inventory with the rear preload set at place 4, and I moved it to place 5.
The engine is nearly good for tight, twisty roads. Throttle response is superb with no jerkiness when opening a totally closed throttle. The three maps provided are labelled A, B and C, with B the usual place (full energy, however softer supply) and A being probably the most responsive throttle place. Energy supply in C is sort of delicate and is designed for low traction conditions (rain, and so on.).
It’s simple to regulate the traction management settings from extra intrusive to much less intrusive. You possibly can even flip traction management off (one thing you can’t do on many bikes).
Though the dealing with is superb as mentioned, the inventory tires discover their limits when the rider tries to push laborious on a twisty street or racetrack. The Dunlop RoadSport 2 tires will, maybe, not disappoint the typical rider, however riders attempting to take advantage of the dealing with limits of the 8R will need one thing stickier and extra communicative.
The bike has nice stability in a straight line and on excessive pace sweeping turns. It turns in nicely with little effort, however by no means feels twitchy or nervous. Suggestions by way of the chassis from the tire contact patches, notably the entrance, is superb. This can be a key to gaining confidence in corners, and the Suzuki actually excels right here.
The usual fast shifter on the six-speed transmission works extraordinarily nicely for upshifts from second gear on, however is much less easy on downshifts, the place some riders should want to make use of the clutch.
The brakes are glorious. Superb energy and really feel from the entrance brake specifically. The pads don’t present a lot preliminary chew, however supply very progressive, controllable energy.
The suspension, as we said earlier, is surprisingly good in inventory type. Damping appears very subtle, and the Showa items displayed little or no stiction. Providing a fairly snug journey for commuting/touring, the bike nonetheless holds up surprisingly nicely when pushed laborious on a twisty street, and even at a monitor day.
The ergonomics are one other massive plus level for Suzuki with the GSX-8R. Honda used to attempt to discover the right, snug seating place on its VFR 750, discovering the best steadiness between touring and sport. Suzuki does an excellent job with the GSX-8R on this regard. Certainly, once I first street the take a look at bike from Suzuki headquarters to MD’s workplace, I used to be struck by how snug the bike was.
Engine efficiency is identical discovered on the V-Strom 800, i.e., providing surprisingly robust torque from low-end by way of the mid-range and energy that slowly tapers off at larger rpms. Vibration is a non-issue in distinction to many different parallel-twins.
The wind safety can be glorious. Designed to maintain wind off the rider’s chest, the entrance fairing provides a number of the cleanest, buffet-free air at helmet degree that we’ve discovered on any bike.
Though the GSX-8R doesn’t have a very massive gasoline tank (3.7 gallons), gas financial system is superb and you must be capable of journey at the very least 150 miles earlier than needing to discover a gasoline station.
Should you get the impression I appreciated the Suzuki GSX-8R, you’re proper. In truth, you may be studying rather a lot about this motorbike, as a result of I purchased one and am already within the means of modifying it.
Though our take a look at unit was a 2024 mannequin 12 months, the just lately introduced 2025 mannequin is an identical, apart from out there colours. The 2025 GSX-8R carries a U.S. MSRP of $9,669. Check out Suzuki’s web site for added particulars and specs.
You possibly can skip to the top and depart a response. Pinging is presently not allowed.
