2023 Suzuki GSX-8S | Better Than The Honda Hornet?

Is the new 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S better than the Honda CB750 Hornet? My first ride and review of the new Suzuki GSX-8S, in direct competition with the brilliant Honda Hornet.
Both naked middle weight sports bikes, with very similar specifications, but which one is the best. Both great motorcycles for your first big bike or even for experienced riders as well, light weight and nimble, they are great sporty and fun rides.
Lets find out which is best!
#suzukigsx8s #suzukigsx #hondahornet
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[@barney3417]

Tried the 8s and the Hornet back to back yesterday, enjoyed both but really enjoyed the low and mid range grunt of the S8. What made my decision was not the cost but the build quality and finish. The Hornet's frame is what I would say, old hat with the section that joins the sub frame looking a bit sub standard and cheap looking as does the swing arm which looks like it's off a 125!. The sub frame on the Suzuki is far better quality and as it can be changed if damaged is also a good addition. Having ridden motorcycles for over 50 years and owned a number of Honda's and Suzuki's I must say the finish on the Suzuki is the best I have ever seen on one and the fit and finish on the Hornet is nowhere near what I expected from a Honda. Before everyone starts saying but it's cheap thats why!! I would rather it was the same price as the Suzuki with more of Honda's reputation to quality maintained. So I bought the Suzuki !!!

[@alphacapo]

Suzuki still made in japan. The Honda is is built by second world cheap labor. In a Honda factory in Bum fuck Asia somewhere

[@ChPetru]

This guy is posting the same comment on all Hornet vs GSX8S videos, either looks for attention or he's paid by Suzuki marketing. Just check other comparison videos, his comment is there, saying more or less the same thing.

[@dolphinride5157]

@@ChPetru I don't think there is anything wrong with that. He is sharing his opinion and I find value in that.

[@JixuanLIU]

Both are excellent bikes. I've tried both and bought the 8s finally because I like its low Rev behavior better but that's me.

[@bobhirdes6725]

FACT: The Honda Hornet will whip the GSX8S in flat out drag race period end of story!

[@davidmax119]

Cannot remember which video, but The Ol' Man (Darcy) was singing your channel' praises recently. Well deserved in my opinion.

[@redangrevival]

🙌 thanks so much that is great to hear. Yes I have had some really nice support from him, great channel and people. Cheers

[@WTF1wr1ownage]

Receiving my hornet in yellow next month, was blown away by the versatility of the engine. Like you said it can be ridden comfortably slow but also blazingly fast (and the sound is awesome). The suzuki however does look nicer and I agree that blue colour is brilliant. I do believe honda nailed that hornet look though, with the sharp nose and wing-like body especially in yellow.

[@redangrevival]

Great choice in yellow 👌 I personally prefer the looks of the Suzuki just a bit. However I would buy the Honda! Such a brilliant bike and price. Enjoy

[@asanrushid4981]

Both are great bikes .However I prefer a Suzuki GSX-8S

[@redangrevival]

👍 it is so close. But as you say, so great to have two brilliant accessible bikes

[@asanrushid4981]

@@redangrevival By the way in Sweden GSX-8S is 96.900 sek, Hornet 750 is 95.000 sek. Suzuki is only 150 euro more expensive.

[@redangrevival]

@@asanrushid4981 That makes it a harder decision!

[@LiamSanti]

​@@asanrushid4981an easier decision in my book lol. Take the Suzuki.

[@simonthecarpenter4203]

Now this is how to do a review and not be shy on the comparisons to the Hornet, really good to listen to you views. Other KZbinrs who are worried about upsetting the apple cart sitting on the fence take note! Excellent stuff.

[@redangrevival]

🙌 Thanks so much, I really appreciate that and its great to hear. Cheers

[@michael37570]

Love your reviews, one of the best out there imo, you certainly do your homework on the specs too, very informative comparison against the Hornet. Well done for your cliff hanger of a conclusion and explaining the riding differences between these two bikes particularly the engine differences. Keep up the good work and best wishes.

[@redangrevival]

Hi, thanks so much thats great to hear 👍 Yup it does require doing some homework prior to riding! Cheers and all the best to you

[@seaninness334]

Great review RedAng. The low and mid range bikes are really offering a lot of choices now and their subjective appeal is really interesting.

[@redangrevival]

Many thanks, really glad you enjoyed it 👍 Yup its a really hot market atm! Churning out some lovely bikes

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

The GSX looks way better than the Hornet. More low/mid-range go, too. That's what I look for. I would happily own a GSX-8S. 1990 [Nick J]

[@redangrevival]

Yes I agree, the Suzuki does look much nice. Fair enough, the low down torque is amazing with this engine 👌

[@leadsolo2751]

A Very Honest Review - Thank You !!

[@redangrevival]

Thanks so much I appreciate that and really glad you enjoyed the review 👍

[@florme6494]

I think that is really well put. The Honda engine gives you more to explore. I’ve ridden both and although I chose the 8S, the Hornet has by far the best engine and fun factor. But I want to be excited when I see my bike in the garage. I want to see quality and good value when I’m not on it. But even then, my conclusion is hanging on by a thread because the Honda is that good and I see it becoming iconic. A wolf hiding in sheep clothing type of iconic. Looks + Performance = Shock.

[@naturalforlife6741]

Great perspective on these bikes. I also like to have a light flickable bike that I can enjoy over a longer power range.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks, glad you agree 👍 They are both great bikes, however the Hornet just tips it for me. Cheers

[@ruffleschips9055]

I prefer low end torgue because I like cruising at low speeds. I don't think it is fun to go so fast that I can't enjoy the view. Keep up the good reviews. You have a talent for expressing how a ride feels.

[@redangrevival]

Yup I definitely appreciate low end torque! I just quite enjoyed exploring the higher rev range of the Hornet, as it is not too fast. Many thanks I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍

[@Juan_E_Dewitt]

As a new rider who doesn't understand torque much, are you saying the Hornet is better at cruising at low speed? Because that's definitely my type of riding. I'm coming off a Vulcan 900 looking to get into the naked segment

[@ruffleschips9055]

@@Juan_E_Dewitt While you can ride at slow speeds on any bike, the cruisers are in their element at slow speeds and low rpm. They usually get their power at around 3500 to 4500 rpm. That doesn't mean they don't have a horsepower rating. I can slowly take off from a complete stop without revving up the engine, and it won't stall or lug the engine. Being in a too high gear doesn't seem to bother the engine. They seem to have a lot of available power even while idling. But some motorcycle engines can't seem to find power until they are revved to about 7500 rpm to 12,000 rpm. The engine tries to stall and lug, if you try to take off, at low rpm. I don't like them because it seems I always have to really rev the engine to do anything. But there are some bikes that have so much power that they have lots of low end torque, and keep on churning out the power up to 9000 rpm. I don't think of the Hornet as a cruiser. But if I wanted a light weight bike that is peppy, I would choose this bike over heavier bikes.

[@redangrevival]

@@Juan_E_Dewitt The Honda is easier at lower speeds. The Suzuki delivers its torque very low down so is great but feels fast for a new rider

[@andrewkoller9731]

I ve bought the honda, and it's a very fun to ride motorcycle!! The sound is awesome, it is very agile and progressive!!! The looks are better than expected if you choose the gray color! The review is great, by the way !! Very accurate and honest 👌

[@redangrevival]

A good choice I think 👍 Such greta value for money as well. Many thanks really glad you enjoyed it

[@lancerbiker5263]

As always, great review ! Definitely subjective as will depend on rider style. Aftermarket exhaust is always an option. Cheers 😎

[@redangrevival]

Hi, thanks so much I really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Yup that would certainly spice things up a bit! Cheers

[@hmoosawi]

Nice bick, thanks for the review

[@redangrevival]

It is my pleasure, glad you enjoyed it 👍 Cheers

[@giovanniricci4369]

I’ve been conquered by the Hornet, which I tried twice, nevertheless, without having tried this one, I’m very much impressed based on the reviews I’ve seen, including yours which I very much enjoyed ✌️

[@redangrevival]

Thanks really glad you enjoyed the review 👍They are both really impressive bikes at good prices

[@Mr450pro]

I own a yellow Hornet, and the Suzuki is definitely better looking.

[@ProphetAndLoss]

I think the 3+4 (up to 7) year warranty with Suzuki speaks volumes vs the 2 years on Honda.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

Great review. 🎉 Both decent bikes with slightly different attributes. The Suzuki has slightly more torque down low but the Honda is the faster bike. The Suzuki feels more grown up, the Honda is more of a hooligan. Take your pick

[@redangrevival]

Thanks 🙌 Exactly, they are both brilliant bikes, just different flavours! Cheers

[@anxiousappliance]

I like your assessment. I find that as you become familiar with a bike, you then want to push further, and that's not something a test ride easily reveals. It sounds like the Hornet has that "I didn't know you could do that!"factor. The Suzuki is a looker though. The problem I see in the US, for the Suzuki, is that the price will run close to the Yamaha xsr900, and then you're in a another class.

[@redangrevival]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Yes I just feel like the Honda has more potential excitement in the long run. Good point, the XSR900 is a different kettle of fish!

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Imo the Suzuki looks better than the Hornet but obviously looks are only skin deep! Great review buddy 👍

[@redangrevival]

Thanks 👌 I agree, in person the Suzuki actually looks quite good! What a great engine. Looking forward to trying the VStrom 800de

[@2wheeledwillie395]

@@redangrevival yes the vstrom 800 is definitely the one that interests me 👍

[@phildaniels1214]

I thought you were going to say that you preferred the Suzuki, but you put up a logical, considered case for the Honda. Which just goes to show that no matter what the specifications say, it's how the bike performs and makes you feel that counts.

[@redangrevival]

🙌 Absolutely, the figures can only give you one side of the story. Its all about the ride and how the individual bike makes you feel. Cheers

[@DavidSmith-hn5gg]

It really does amaze me how people keep saying how much nicer looking the Suzuki is compared to the Hornet. I think the Hornet looks loads better! That number plate hanger on the Suzuki looks ridiculous, I think the headlight on the Suzuki looks ridiculous… I don’t like the front mudguard…and them big old fashioned indicators 😂 no thanks.

[@redangrevival]

I suppose looks are very subjective!

[@volt8684]

Suzuki for me and much prefer blue to yellow in suzuki. Wouldn’t complain of either. Both very well quick enough for road. I had a 2022 nc750 and the build wasn’t clever

[@redangrevival]

It is so close really. The new Suzuki engine I think will be great in the VStrom 800de. Between these two I would go for the Honda though

[@korazon3spinado]

How would you compare the sv650 you reviewed to these two bikes? BTW nice haircut!

[@redangrevival]

I think these two bikes are better! On a higher quality level

[@sportmuaythaiv1045]

I concur. Weight and agility are very important to me. 430 pounds or 195 kg. is my limit for curb weight. BTW my 765 Rs is a dream.

[@farmoboy83]

Impossible to go wrong with either. As a 2004 sv650 owner, tested both and liked them a lot! 8s more grunt at lower revs, better at cornering and more mature and planted overall. Honda feels lighter, more nimble, steering is quicker and top end just amazing considering the low weight. Styling wise, honda is just plain but effective and for my frame perfectly ergonomic. 8s is a little too much agressive looking for may taste but better in person.

[@redangrevival]

Yes I agree, they are very hard to choice from 👍

[@xclent1975]

I skipped over both of these and got the z900rs in Candytone Blue and it’s brilliant

[@redangrevival]

A very good choice 👍

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

Almost double the price tough

[@truthandjustice6838]

Both excellent bikes. Having been a Honda man since 1983, I cannot go with anything but the Honda. I will buy this bike for short 30 minute blasts and do think the Hornet would suit my style of ride better. I am not sure the Suzuki's looks will still be great 10-15 years from now. It reminds of of Kawasakis like the ER6n which looked good at the time but didn't age well. I think the Honda would still look great in a garage in the future (less obtrusive tends to have ageless looks). Think I am also getting a bit older now and that blue plastic is too much for me on the Suzi. I would buy the Honda in Iridium Silver anyways. The white Hornet caught my eye initially as it reminded of my old pearl white VFR 750 F from 1993 (still crying over her - the one that got away). You can't go wrong with either of these Japanese beauties, go with your heart. Perhaps get two bikes - The Hornet CB 750 for street blasts, and the VStrom 800DE for touring and dirt.

[@redangrevival]

For sure that would be a nice two bike garage 👍

[@damon1957ful]

Hi mate 8s evey time 30%a better bike compared to the hornet after testing back to back , hornet is a lovly bike buut the 8s is built better better parts and suits my riding , gone past the time i use to have the revs bouncing off the rev limiter all day so i got an 8s in black and it looks fab

[@redangrevival]

Sounds like a great bike for you at this time of your riding life 👍 The low down torque delivery really is impressive. Good chooice

[@theblytonian3906]

I've proven to be a consistent Suzuki design philosphy buyer by precedent after all things are weighed weighed up, but in this instance where both are excellent motorcycles, the AUD$1.3k price differential would sway me to ride test and triage whether to buy Honda's Hornet. In my country respectively the Suzuki is AUD$14.2k vs Honda's AUD$13.3k ride away. Although I drive CVT in my cars for relaxation and comfort these days, old school when it comes to motorcycling, Suzuki's quickshifting isn't a feature I need, value or would pay extra for. Both are miles ahead of Yamaha's MT07 in terms of value for money.

[@redangrevival]

The Honda is brilliant value for money 👍

[@donderstorm1845]

the 8S seems like a great commuter bike with the low-mid range torque. fast away from traffic lights.

[@redangrevival]

It’s definitely would be, would drop a lot of bikes at the lights

[@svaralen]

Lovely lovely bike!!! The question is for beginners... Take the SV650 or this 8S as the first bike!? Both excellent bikes. Thanks for your great review ✌️

[@redangrevival]

Cheers, really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Brilliant first bike, different rider modes allow you to calm the ride down until you are ready to step it up a bit!

[@svaralen]

@@redangrevival Thanx for your reply and regards from Serbia 🇷🇸✌️ cheers

[@Scout4x]

Well, the Suzi is pretty, but I think I'd go for the Hornet as well.

[@redangrevival]

👍 exactly my thoughts

[@secretspyfrog593]

The 8s comes no where near the Hornet 🐝, I tried the 8s it was just trying to be an MT07… the Hornet 🐝 looks like a Hornet and flys like one too…. I bought the Honda.

[@redangrevival]

Good choice 👍

We have it easier in Czechia - Hornet is only 5% cheaper than Suzuki :)

[@dolphinride5157]

I hope someone knows and can help me to understand. I rarely get on the interstates. There just isn't anywhere to go that won't take hours to get there. So, most of my riding is on local roads that don't have much traffic. My riding speed is typically between 40 and 60 mph. That being said, if I was riding the new 8S would I ever get close to the halfway point of the rev range? My understanding is that around the halfway point (e.g. 5000rpm if the redline is at 10000) is the optimal place to be. I don't want to buy a bike like this one if I would rarely get out of second or third gear.

[@redangrevival]

This bike would be great for you, all that lovely low down torque and you can flick up through the gears. Brilliant for your type of roads 👍

[@judge831]

I'd love Suzuki to make a competitor for the Kawasaki Vulcan S with this same engine.

[@redangrevival]

That would be very interesting bike. Such a great engine, love the torque 👍

[@rubenfigueiredo1173]

For first bike ,for a bloke that doesn't have experience what would you recomend has more safe bike ,more easy to learn how to ride whithout giving you bad suprises? Cheers for the help

[@redangrevival]

Between, these two bikes I would recommend the Hornet. It has a friendlier less low down power delivery 👍

[@OwnerOP]

What if we can get 100ish horsepower and 100ish NM Torque Out Of That Engine After Tuning ? That'd be legendary 👑

[@redangrevival]

Easy I think 👍

[@oliverk6449]

How do they compare to the Triumph Trident?

[@redangrevival]

Good question! I think the Trident is better build quality that the Honda. Think both feel quicker than the Trident.

[@paulfowler6665]

I bouught the Hornet and it has loads of low down grunt so don't understand why people are saying it doesn't? 🤔

[@redangrevival]

It does, but not as much as this Suzuki! Its quite an impressive engine

[@themeansheets1279]

I hope I didn’t miss the answer to this question in a prior video, but is Speedy still around?

[@redangrevival]

Oh yes she is very much still around. I must do a video with her soon 👌

[@themeansheets1279]

@@redangrevival are you still considering upgrading that cam? My warranty just ran out and I thinking about it.

[@redangrevival]

@@themeansheets1279 I think I am going to stick as is atm!

[@alphacapo]

I'd lay a bet if u had sounds on the suzuki it would be more fun than the hornet. The Honda sounds alot louder stock. Wich makes it seem more playful and fun

[@redangrevival]

For sure the sound really does enhance the fun of a bike. I just really like the Honda engine

[@flexywing]

What about the KTM 790 Duke £7790. I wish someone test that against the 8s and Hornet

[@redangrevival]

That would be very interesting! That’s a brilliant bike, it’s such a hot market place

[@flexywing]

@@redangrevival Your the man, I await your next vid 😜

[@stubbk3]

pillion seat on this is worse than on my old KR1 back in the day

[@redangrevival]

Yes not a bike I would by for a pillion ride!

[@simonchilli2088]

It's as if Honda and Suzuki have had a great Japanese bike off. Let's see who can build the best 750cc parallel twin. Coming next the great Indian bike off between Royal Enfield and Triumph. Who can make the best 400cc ish parallel twin.

[@redangrevival]

Haha yup I think that is exactly what it is! They have both made two great bikes, nothing like a bit of competition to bring the best out. I have a feeling Triumph may win that one. But lets see 😁

[@simonchilli2088]

@@redangrevival We've got a winter to survive before we see the Triumph. Don't know about the RE.

[@redangrevival]

@@simonchilli2088 Not much looking forward to winter!

[@simonchilli2088]

@@redangrevival Bloody cold enough now😡

[@fiucik1]

So it's 1k£ more and weights over 10kg more as well? Well done Suzuki...

[@redangrevival]

It’s worth it!

[@Napoleon_Blownapart]

Honda looks are a refreshing sight when everybody else is making ugly transformer-like motorcycles.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

Honda durability and component quality is rubbish now. No way are they as good as they used to be. It does looks a bit better than the Suzuki but both look fugly

[@redangrevival]

Haha I agree they are not pretty looking bikes!

[@stevesanelli90]

I think you’d get bored of having to wring the neck of the Hornet just to have fun. Fun you can have with any capacity motorcycle. It’s everyday usability, practicality & purpose. You’d save money on buying a smaller tyre when you’ve worn it out travelling along a motorway 😉🤦‍♂️ Enjoy the cardigan styled Honda😎

[@Steve-motorcycles]

The Hornet is more fun than the Suzuki, more Hooligan. The Suzuki wins in other departments. Looks department, the Suzuki wins just. Neither bike is a great looker.

[@redangrevival]

Yes you can have fun on any motorcycle. However some are more fun than others. I personally prefer exploring the rev range on a sports bike, not using let's be honest the easy riding style of the easily accessible torque. I prefer a bit of a challenge from my sports bike

[@DavidSmith-hn5gg]

You don’t have to wring the Hornets neck to have fun it’s got loads of torque at low revs! And talking about cardigans what’s with the old fashioned indicators on the Suzuki? No leds! And the number plate hanger on the Suzuki looks ridiculous. I would take the Hornet all day long.

[@dolphinride5157]

One thing that really bugs me about all of the middle weight nakeds is the pillion. I suspect most of us don't ride with a passenger. Personally I have never rode with someone on the back. If I did ride this bike with someone on the back they definately are not going to be comfortable. I wish they would make a small to medium sized storage space where the pillion is so that we don't have to spend an extra $400 or more to get a bag attached. If one of the manufacturers did that it just might help me decide which one I will buy next.

[@redangrevival]

Yes the majority of people riding these bikes don't take pillions and is not their priority either! It more of a rucksack styled bike than panniers

[@diversityhobbit]

New Honda looks ugly and owned a 919

[@redangrevival]

I agree. Great bike though

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I wouldn’t say the new Hornet is ugly but you’d definitely not buy it on the looks alone. Honda could have done so much better. I had the hornet 600 and often rode my mates 919. I had a long time of suffering bike envy 😂.

[@DavidSmith-hn5gg]

I like the way it looks 🤷 and it looks so much better in person.