2023 Suzuki GSX-8S - First Ride Review by TST Industries

Rolling off of the throttle on our ZX-4RR and cracking it wide open on the all-new GSX8-S by Suzuki. This is the first of its kind bike from the Japanese manufacturer and boy, did they come in with a strong first impression. Sure looks are stunning but how does this new beast perform, join us on our First Ride Review to find out!
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00:00 - Intro & Bike Details
02:31 - First Ride
12:03 - Neighborhood/City Riding
28:28 - Highway Riding
31:17 - Final Thoughts

[@joshharrison2219]

I was never a big Suzuki fan, I always thought they were a bit behind the times but this bike has completely changed my mind. Hoping to get out and test ride it soon. Very excited to see what you guys bring to the table in terms of mods especially keen to see the performance this engine is truly capable of. Cheers from the UK

[@veljkovic92]

A bit behind In terms of not updating their bikes, but from my experience recently with them, they have the best factory stock sounds from their exhausts. The bikes sound alive and characterful.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

Excited to see your dyno results! So far I've only seen actual max HP/torque figures (not mfg. claims) for the GSX 8S and am very interested in how the power spread looks.

[@jacoddeoca2764]

I just bought an 8s a week ago. I love it!! I really hope it sells. This is a awesome bike

[@stevesanelli90]

Great video & first review Mark👌 The 8S is certainly a great motorcycle! I’ve ordered the black version & will be adding red accents to replicate the SERT endurance racer. I think a set of front steel braided brake lines (in black) will be an easy addition. You can offer 2 versions, 1. 2 single lines (including the double banjo bolt) 2. A standard cross-over setup in steel braid. Also, a laser cut & folded chain guard in black powder coating & a black front sprocket cover. Your tail tidy looks great. Does this use the standard Suzuki rear lamp or a totally new type? Will be following with interest as I’ve visited your website 🤙 You really need to move the facility to Melbourne, Aus. Florida has too many straight roads & highways 🤦‍♂️ I keep telling Rembo this as he goes through 3 rears to 1 front tyres because they don’t make run-flats😂😂😂 Cheers

[@rawin4851]

Thanks for the review . It helps the community to make informed decisions . My best wishes to TST to make it big in the industry. Take care

[@jaredalbin5658]

omg love this review!

[@zo.v1601]

Nice review! Want to get into biking to round out my garage, and it's never too early to plan ahead. This thing ticks all boxes for busy city riding and nice twisties (shout out from Van city). Can't wait to get my hands on it, and make it more special with your gear 👍

[@jdbauer9183]

The only riding mode for a 80hp bike should be all in!

[@TSTindustries]

Agreed! C-mode felt a little sluggish. You could instantly see the RPMs drop. The dyno curve was very telling also!

[@veljkovic92]

In my opinion, any bike should have only one power mode. No matter the horse power. For many reasons... One main is that rider can get to know and understand power band and be able to "become one" with the bike by getting used to it's full potential. That is for riding in different riding conditions as well as getting out and through some sticky situations, for example. But, yeah, nowadays bikes have those modes and different traction control levels which I honestly don't like as they diminish the freedom of movement that actually bike ride gives. It's somehow pointless buying 1000cc bike and limiting it with all of those controls. That's why I went lower CC, no electronics, MT07. The ultimate street bike in my book. Previously, on my MT10, I turned down TC to the lowest setting and leaving it in full power mode always.

[@florme6494]

@@veljkovic92I don’t understand, sorry. It’s an option you can use, or, turn off. Might be good for people first getting use to the bike to build confidence. Or for added safety in the rain. If the throttle is too snatchy in full power while riding in the city, I think it’s an advantage to put it in B mode. I could definitely see myself and others using it, although I generally leave my bikes in B (road) mode. I’d buy the MT07 only because it’s lighter weight. I mean my grandfather wouldn’t like the technology because he wouldn’t know how to use it, otherwise I don’t understand why you’d buy a bike purely because it doesn’t have options. It would certainly add value to the resale price as majority of people want more for their money, opposed to less. I understand it’s your point of view (which you are more than entitled to), but I struggle to make sense of it.

[@veljkovic92]

@@florme6494 the main sense I see in it is the actual seriousness of riding a motorcycle. What I mean by that is that riding motorcycle is high risk and responsibility thing so I believe that you as a rider should get to know your motorcycle potential to the maximum and use it on the street in real world traffic. By utilizing full potential of your bikes power you get to grow a habit of how much gas to give it and in which situation you can do what. By adding one more thing to this (riding modes) you might for example find yourself in a situation where you should get away quickly but you forgot your bike is in the slowest (rain) mode. That might be risky situation. Or opposite, if you mostly ride in slow mode and you forgot your friend or you put it in some turbo sport one and it's slippery street so that cost you some sliding. All of this might not make much sense for some rider, especially one who rides responsibly or not so often. But for me personally, who rides whole year and lots kms per year, I like to leave my bike in full power and practice lots with it's agility, power, braking, etc in order to be maximum in control/safe. I hope that explains more of what my thoughts are. And yeah, I understand you and your opinion has sense. Nothing can be generalized and it's very personal. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@danyinfoair]

Looks so pretty bike and you have a good point of view on this bikes. greettings from argentina!!!

[@tangyian]

I'm looking for a step up from my Z400 and besides the weight I love everything about this bike. I just wish it wasn't 30+lbs heavier than the competition.

[@TSTindustries]

Tough pill to swallow but it's an awesome bike to ride. Try to take one for a test ride and see what you think.

[@jonesy1780]

I’ve got a lot of your products on my MT07. Love your products. I would love to ride one of these when I get a chance. Looks like a fun bike.

[@TSTindustries]

Hey, good to hear. Thank you for the love and support. Some dealers do offer test rides. There are also events all around the country where manufacturers, including Suzuki, offer test rides in a group. Sturgis, Daytona March and October events, Lake Geaorge something or other meet...there are more, you just need to find a local one.

[@brinaz1066]

Thanks for your review. I just stumbled upon your channel. I am a long term BMW F800gt owner but picked up a BMW G310r a couple of years ago as my commuter. I longed for more power from an affordability priced Naked middleweight. I just acquired a GSX 8S and I love it!! Will never replace the Beemer for long trips but damn nice bike!

[@user-dp1pv8bj6j]

I have owned this bike for a couple weeks now and am absolutely in love with it. The bike has plenty of power but always would like more. I am excited to get my hands on your fender eliminator with integrated taillights. I just received your crash guards on’s the rear Womets which looks very good and easy install. Love what you guy have planned for this bike. Thanks

[@TSTindustries]

I don't know if you saw the news but we arwe launching that this wednesday.

[@BurkiesWorld]

Just got my GSX-8S last week and I'm loving it! Want to get a tail tidy kit ASAP any recommendations?

[@TSTindustries]

If you don’t mind waiting, we’re hoping to launch ours relatively soon. Possibly mid to late July

[@BurkiesWorld]

​@@TSTindustries Will do. I just had a cool idea for a video about the GSX-8S and upgrading the exhaust. Sent that to the TST email, hope to hear from you soon!

[@ozzyg82]

I love my 8S. I keep watching videos about it even though I own one! 😂

[@TSTindustries]

it doesn't get old. Just rode ours at a race track yesterday. Got some more video coming.

[@angry_ike7628]

Definitely prefer the White/Blue colorway on the GSX-8S over the black or the all blue. I think it's a great bike. Found you guys from your MT-03 build video series, and love your content. Also, watching from outside Milwaukee, WI.

[@TSTindustries]

Thanks for the love!

[@metaomicron72]

Agree. I was always a sucker for white wheels on bikes. If I get one I will have the wheels painted white to match the tank.

[@MrPsg1969]

Watching from Melbourne Australia. Really appreciate the awesome review. Just confirmed what I've been contemplating. Getting back to riding after a long hiatus. Was also looking at the Duke but now definitely getting the Suzuki. Thx again 👌 PG from Australia

[@TSTindustries]

Great to hear we helped you with your research. Cheers! -BR

[@alfiotrovato188]

Just bought it😊

[@kristendavis5635]

We just bought the blue GSX 8S from deland motorsports 2 weeks ago 😊 Thanks for this review! We are waiting on the rear fender delete to come out and will be purchasing that when you release it 🤙🏼

[@TSTindustries]

I was very torn between the mostly white and the mostly blue model when i had to order ours. Would be great to get the two bikes together for a fun media collection session. Since you are local maybe we can work something out. And maybe when we are getting the Early Access version of our fender eliminator and lighting ready for customers we could possibly hook you up on the early side. What city are you from?

[@TSTindustries]

Would you like to be a tester of our fender eliminator setup? We will have some early ones that we would like to have independently tested.

[@Strungrat]

Great review. Nice to see one in the states. Hopefully that means mine will be here soon. Glad to hear you guys will be making some accessories for it. Will be checking out that fender eliminator and seeing what a flash will do. Kind of sad that with the new emissions it seems everything will have to get flashed just to get the performance we should of gotten from the factory.

[@TSTindustries]

It definitely seems to be more common. We already took ours to the dyno and have some stuff in the WorX for possible performance driven components.

[@Strungrat]

@@TSTindustries I will check it out. Really not planning on tracking the bike. So for me fender eliminator, remove cat, flash and probably just some adjustable levers.

[@RobDaKid87]

Agreed. It's nice to see a review/preview in the states. It's more related to how we drive and look at bikes compared to all the European perspectives.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I really want to see what it can do with a full exhaust, air filter , v-stacks and tune. 90 whp would be perfect!Does it feel significantly more powerful than a mt07? Im torn between this or the gsxs750.

[@jeffh278]

Beautiful

[@ljj808]

I pick mine up on Friday (all blue). It sounds like a sewing machine. I hope Yoshi put out a full system shortly. Akra’s isn’t road legal, and Arrow’s looks rubbish. Just have to wait….

[@syednazir2333]

Do you guys ship your products to Singapore?

[@Rogers319]

How does this bike have blue hardware accessories? I’ve got this white one and mine doesn’t have that

[@TSTindustries]

We installed all those parts on the bike the first day. More are installed now that we have had the bike for a week, and more are being designed. If you check our website from time to time, you will see a growing number of cool parts in the parts category for this bike. At the moment there are only basics listed but out people are working on getting all the parts you see in this video listed in the short term. The design department is full steam ahead with more goodies going through the process. I hope you stay tuned. Our dyno vide is coming out soon.

[@carlosvejar3938]

White then blue then black. Did you guys do a install video on the bar ends? I want to switch my mirrors

[@TSTindustries]

Our installation videos will begin filming next week most likely. We’re currently wrapping up a couple of other videos first.

[@carlosvejar3938]

@@TSTindustries sweet thank you I will be following

[@captricharddee3634]

Great

[@jeff7.629]

I don't recall hearing any mention of adjustments to the front suspension and rear shock. 80 to 83hp, I don't think rider modes and traction control are really necessary. Honestly it doesn't seem to be too much better than my 03 SV650S. I think a better value would be the MT09.

[@TSTindustries]

The front is not adjustable. The rear is crudely adjustable. What is good about the suspension on this bike is that cartridges will be able to be popped right in, and the shock can be replaced. The MT09 is quite a bit more expensive than this bike. I think it's a bit of a different target audience with that bike. I am hoping that they homologate it for Twins Cup. It will be fun to get this bike into a buyilder class and get it maxed. The motor looks robust enough to get over 100 ponies and 65 ftlb comfortably with a EVO or SB build.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

@@TSTindustriesif you can get it up to 100hp with bolt ons and a tune, ill be getting myself one.

[@artysauceyeet3619]

What jacket is that???!!

[@johns1139]

thank god for the 8S! Cuz i'm getting ready to buy a new 2022 SV650 for under $6000. :)

[@TSTindustries]

those are two very different machines but I guess having the 8 series out will cut down the prices of the SV models

[@RobertMacCready]

Was looking at the exact same bike the other day. They did not have one for demo rides. Was at Seminole in Eustis. Bike colors look great. Suzuki hit a HR with the 8S. I think they will be very popular. BTW, how tall are you? I'm curious if I might be too tall for this bike.

[@TSTindustries]

The guy in the review here is Mark. He is a bit shorter than I am. I think 5'10" or something like that. I am 6'0" and very comfortable on that bike. We sent out pur buddy JC on this bike. He is 6'2" and reported comfort as well. You can watch our track day video on this bike for my remarks from a few sessions of spirited riding. Even if you are a very tall person, ergonomic adjustments can be made to accommodate you . If the Eustis place is not working out for you give Austin a shout at Deland Motorsports. They are the #1 Suzuki mover around here and can probably do better than Seminole

[@RobertMacCready]

@@TSTindustries Thanks for the quick reply. I'm 6'1" so that should be just fine for me. And thanks for the tip on Deland Motorsports. I will be sure to speak with Austin.

[@TSTindustries]

@@RobertMacCready great! If you do end up going with Deland Motorsports come visit us. We are 10 minutes from them. I can show you what we have cooking for this bike.

[@RobertMacCready]

@@TSTindustries Will do!!

[@ryanalmanzar4582]

When will the integrated taillight be available?

[@TSTindustries]

That product is still months out. We are working on making the design manufacturable, and then we will have to design andbbuild thebmolds and the electronics. This all takes quite a bit of time and energy . We are making progress though.

[@fredmaldonado9204]

Hey 👋 watching from NYC

[@TSTindustries]

Welcome NYC... What neighborhood?

[@fredmaldonado9204]

@@TSTindustries Bronx

[@TSTindustries]

@@fredmaldonado9204 i used to be in Queens. Miss Hawks Nest and Bear mountain. Cool riding around there.

[@fredmaldonado9204]

@TSTindustries Bear mountain is such a nice place to ride, hike, and just enjoy life with nature.

[@Nightrapture]

are rear view mirrors illegal in your country?

[@TSTindustries]

No, they are required in most regions of our country. It varies based on state/local laws. \

[@ozzyg82]

That shop makes most of the bike shops in the UK look like someone’s grimy little garage.

[@tommyhamby401]

Checking in frm SC. I just bought this bike this passed Saturday;left suzuki of Seneca and headed straight up 28 into highlands NC to hit some mountain teisties. I've put a lil over 200 miles on the bike since Saturday morning. So far I absolutely love my 8S. All the things you've had to say good about the bike o can definitely vouch for. Only complaint I have is on myself.,it's heavy in the front and I've not been on it long enough to feel comfortable with the wheelie. I'm sure that'll change soon enough. Imma take it easy on it until after the 1st service. I've been looking for lil cosmetic things to add or replace existing parts. Far as performance goes I'm gonna live it stock for a while. It's plenty of bike for right now. I have a gsx-s1000 if I need to get my wild hair out. The 8s is a beautifully sculpted bike,it's my 3rd suzuki in my building. Suzuki is an awesome franchise.

[@TSTindustries]

Thank you for sharing your experience. This seems to be the concensus among 8S riders and people who have done any lengthier riding on this machine. Cheers!

[@Joe-629]

Any protection for that water pump?

[@TSTindustries]

I dont think there will be any real effective way of protecting that unless you build out a serious cage around it. Im sure companies will come out with products that claim to protect that area but it is unlikely that it will actually be safe from any substantial hit. We have been scratching our heads about a practical solution that is not snake oil, but for now the prevailing idea is to make an aftermarket case that relocates the protruding parts. Not a nightmare to make but would be expensive, so market will be small for that type of solution. So we are on hold for now until a eureka moment starts the forward movement on development of that.

[@johnfink1322]

Do you think it’s new rider friendly

[@kristendavis5635]

It is! It’s a very smooth ride! 👍

[@viperq]

I bet this bike will sound better with an exhaust.

[@24james]

They all do

[@keltecdan]

I wish the gsx-s1000 had this dash.

[@TSTindustries]

yes it is pretty nice and modern.

[@doublex632]

But would you rather just get the GSX-S1000? thanks

[@fortyfour1654]

For 2k more you get the legendary k5 lump in both performance and reliability. The k5 is hugely tunable too. The 8s is a completely new platform / engine with lots of unknowns. As a rule of thumb it's always unwise to jump onto a brand new unproven platform til all the bugs have been ironed out. Though Suzuki are unlikely to punt out a dog in such a competitive area of the market Aesthetically the new 8s looks more balanced in proportions than it's big brother, display is far better too. But there's no denying it's a porker, even if you can tune it to 100bhp. Power to weight ratio the GSX-S slays the 8s, standard (nevermind modded) Though riding a slower bike closer to its limits it's FAR more rewarding that pussy footing around on a rice rocket you can't fully use. It's a tough call .... for 2k more you get brembos, the legendary k5 engine, the track proven Gixxer thou swingarm & chassis. Real world street riding the 8s is all you really need on any twisty road. If you ride straight lines and need a speed rush the 8s will feel limp wristed. Horses for courses Apples n oranges etc Guess it depends on where you ride and what you want from your naked bike. If the 8s was priced like the Hornet it'd make the choice easier. Either the 8s is overpriced, or the GSX-S1000 a genuine bargain. ...one last thing Why couldn't they relaunch the 8s using the Bandit name?? As that fits the ethos of the urban streetfighter.

[@paulconnell1309]

Good fun. No mirrors is plain insane.

[@dreaminginink2029]

Why does everyone sleep on the Trident 660. It’s a triple and is in the same price point. Only thing it’s missing is the quickshifter, which is a triumph add on.

[@TSTindustries]

No one is sleeping on it. We’re just comparing parallel twins to parallel twins.

[@bangocat]

Where are your mirrors 😅

[@TSTindustries]

UFO stole them at night

[@jaredalbin5658]

Bro where are the mirrors??

[@TSTindustries]

We removed them during the R&D process of testing/creating new products.

[@duanestiles4821]

Need to turn on the camera

[@TSTindustries]

I dont understand your comment

[@fredrik1589]

Looks so nice without the mirrors! But sucks not to see anything behind:/

[@wattsmichaele]

Wait for the Honda Hornet…91hp..6999$!!!!

[@mrstatictunes]

The hornet seems like a great bike but it's not one I would look back at after parking so that's a no go for me.

[@TSTindustries]

We’re not sure the Hornet is coming to the USA or North American market. However, we are monitoring any updates as we’ve had our eye on this model since the launch and it really seems to be a a half step above the rest.

[@TSTindustries]

@@mrstatictunes huge purchasing factor right there.

[@sugarandt]

All but one of the comparo reviews I’ve seen put the 8s on top, even over 790 Duke.

[@sebastianocampo3006]

You cannot compare motorcycles looking at the specsheet, you should go try both!

[@freq18hz]

Why are ride modes adding value? Who needs or even wants the complication of ride modes on a 70 horsepower bike without electronic suspension? This trend for low horsepower bikes to have ride modes is a complete gimmick. Manufactures should figure out how to just have a nice throttle response with Euro compliant mandates instead of providing a few “rider modes” which only subtly adjust throttle feel, when the throttle feels suboptimal in its normal mode. Less electronic gimmicks and better mechanical features please.

[@TSTindustries]

With respect to your final sentence, take away the riding modes and this bike hits that mark. Now with the added riding modes you get features that newer riders may enjoy while also pleasing riders like yourself with better mechanical features. (suspension, braking components, vibration dampening, solid shift shaft, etc..) Thanks for the feedback!

[@jeffwendland3718]

At 6’5” it fits me really good. But I still passed on getting one, can’t get past the sound of that v twin. It’s sounds like a moped.

[@ES-pt9te]

Take the breadbox off and it won’t sound like a moped

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Lol. My GS500F is 500lbs. This thing ain't heavy.

[@TSTindustries]

Yea, I'd say five hundo is pretty massive

[@soionoc7498]

Z

[@rebellucy6200]

The 2023 MT07 has a new dashboard. I feel the MT07 is still.the best bang for the buck overall. In terms of resale values Suzuki drops fast.

[@TSTindustries]

Thanks for the input! It will be interesting, to say the least, to see where this bike goes. Right now, it's so new it's tough to predict how the market will accept/adapt. Safe to say the MT-07 has been the reigning champ for a while.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

I'd say best bang for the buck is debatable. Adding in the extra $150 Yamaha charges for shipping and the cost to add the quickshifter and slipper clutch (R7 parts) the MT07 would be roughly equal in cost to the Suzuki. The GSX 8S additionally gives you much better electronics (traction control/rider modes), BRAKES, and HANDLING (according to several European comparison videos). The Suzuki's power advantage is erased by its extra weight but that won't be the case if/when Honda releases its new Hornet in the US. The Hornet carries an extra 13lbs. more than the MT07 but makes an additional 19 dyno'd HP (+13 over the GSX 8S) and also has better electronics, BRAKES, and at the moment retails for considerably less than the Yamaha/Suzuki. What I'm hoping this also means is next yrs. MT07 will get upgraded so the rest of the bike more closely matches its excellent engine.

[@smallboar3215]

Great Bike. But as usual, TST is very hard to listen to. A lot of words with not a lot of info or meaning. Lol.

[@TSTindustries]

Can you help us improve what we do by being a bit more constructive?

[@bowsama07]

Watched this whole vid and MT07 is still the best 650/middle weight bike ever made, especially for the money. Gurantee it's a free bike and or paid sponsor.

[@TSTindustries]

Would you like me to show you my bill of sale? We are a company that makes motorcycle parts and we have no brand afilliation. We just get genuinely excited about progress and great designs, this bike being a great example of both.

[@sugarandt]

I say this as a current FZ-07 owner. The 8s is a 10 year newer design with 10 more hp & 5-6 more ft lbs torque, USD cartridge forks, better handling, etc. and it’s only about $750 USD less. Find some of the many shootout reviews in which the 8s comes out on top, and the MT-07 comes out at or near the bottom. Time marches on. Yamaha needs a serious update.

[@TylerMcCool]

who hurt you