2023 Suzuki GSX-8S | Launch First Ride With Added Wheelies!

Chad has been to one of his favourite roads, the Route Napoleon in the South of France for the launch of the all new Suzuki GSX-8S. He's been saving the planet again, using less from wheel rubber! 😂
#suzuki #suzukibikes #bikeworld

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Nice to see that affordable bikes don't have to be boring, rather exciting. All the bike you ever need in real world everyday use. Well done Suzuki, a head to head with the new hornet would be interesting.

[@user-ve7kd1pq4d]

It looks like Hornet cb750

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

@@user-ve7kd1pq4d Maybe a bit better? The looks I mean

[@ozzyg82]

It’s kind of crazy we live in a world where we describe a motorcycle which includes: ABS; Traction control; Rider modes; an up and down quick shifter as standard; and a 5” TFT display, as “BASIC”.

[@mindcave]

Maybe it's because they don't have air conditioning. 😂

[@pggp273]

Its not until you have ridden a motorbike with carbs and a kicker you realize how much has been lost in the pursuit of so called progression

[@skipintroux4444]

Haha back to 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 with no ABS or anything else but it does have a digital clock 😎

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

Yeah, I have a mt 07 from 2014, the old digital display and ABS are enough for me. Traction control and rides is for 1000 cc bikes, quick shifter works when You are over 50 km/h (I Guess), TFT is when You have a hundred of electronic option.

[@Panocek]

@@pggp273 tbh all the "emmissions" regulations are the killer, not so much new tech. Though TFT screen is cost saving measure, as its cheaper to throw that in instead physical tacho/speedo, bonus for all the bells and whistles you can display.

[@wwfww]

I would choose this babe over the hornet and mt07 everyday just based on looks alone! Very refreshing design in my opinion

[@dukie1616]

Your wheelies will be the most influential selling point for any perspective buyer watching this video👏

[@pggp273]

Tongue firmly planted in cheek 😀

[@shingnosis]

Really liking this wave of new 270-degree parallel twins. It's a fantastic engine type: compact, fuel efficient, simple, more than enough power for every day. Pretty much the character of a V-twin in a better package.

[@johnDukemaster]

There is something about this bike I really like...I saw one in the flesh, and I just can't ignore it!

[@BibtheBoulder]

Next month: TMF gives his real-world thoughts, Lamb Chop Rides pulls wheelies, Teapotone does a mega ride on one, and UsernameKate falls off one.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

Can’t wait!

[@-DC-]

And 44teeth talk about knobs and breakdown.

[@gpzfan5272]

TMF is unwatchable drivel

[@mbal4052]

@@-DC- tbh I’m past 44teeth now

[@aidenlothian9642]

Prepare for a whole lot of words and not alot being said as usual

[@bryandembie866]

Let me tell you though for people that are getting their first big bike this is a great option. It’s not too much power and is not too expensive for a brand new bike. I’m looking at getting one because it will be my first big bike

[@shadowred1980]

The group test, once they are all available in the uk will be interesting.

[@matteomori4330]

Although I am very happy with my Trident, I do think that this Suzuki looks awesome. Yes it is not as cost effective as the Hornet, yes for the same price you could get the new KTM 790duke and I do understand that looks is a very personal factor. But hey, I am not sure why but I genuinely like the design of this bike. It would be nice to test drive it at some point.

[@scottwittla]

Trident is still by far the best looking middleweight naked (save for maybe the cb650r) I have one too :)

[@jonathanvillalba3214]

Had the pleasure of test riding it at a demo event and had a lot of fun. Coming from a 650 Vstar (Yamaha) cruiser, this has about double the power and the quick low end acceleration almost made me leave skid marks on my underwear. Rode the SV650 after this one and while the SV650 was smaller and lighter, it was not as exhilarating as riding the 8s. As my 3rd demo ride, I also got a chance to ride the S1000 which has way more power than I am experienced with but it was the highlight of my demo day. I would totally get the S8 if I had the money right now. The S1000 seems like a better option for speed runs, I prefer the slow joyrides and with occasional pulls and I think the S8 better serves that purpose.

[@jameswaterhouse-brown6646]

Good to hear the comparisons. Cheers

[@stephenjohnson7519]

It's nice to see wheelie control as standard 🤭

[@dpajc056]

wow, I'm really surprised to see so many people liking the looks! I think that the head looks awful, the SV looks far better to me, but I'm glad they're making this bike regardless, I think it's a bike that's needed out there. the dash is nice.

[@ralphwarom2514]

This bike is cheap. In a good way. You pay cash. Ride away. Everyone is happy. More than enough power. Great electronics. Nothing more you can ask for really. I would say the 800 DE is probably a better bike. Mostly because of the wind protection.Lovely review.

[@tgmwright]

Preload does not change how soft the spring feels. You either need a new spring with a different spring rate or you need to adjust damping.

[@Uriel-Septim.]

I was looking forward to this one, I started out on a GS 500 and now ride a gsf 650 but then the Honda Hornet came out, cheaper (even with the quick shifter added) about 10 more HP and 10 kg lighter, more electronics and IMHO better looking.

[@rasharddauvergne342]

Was just think when suzuki would release this and here's a launch video. Nice

[@ragerider6283]

Nice review. I'm liking the GSX8S & going to be checking one out in the metal next week hopefully. Seemingly has a clear edge on the MT07 & Z650 as well as looking miles better than the Hornet imo. The KTM 790 is a lot of bike for the money but the inferior reliability & dealer network compared to Suzuki is a no brainer for me. Doesn't look as good either imo. The Trident's a nice classy bike but if you want a triple I guess you don't want a parallel twin & vice versa so a clearer distinction them at least. The Tuono 660's also very nice but quite a bit more expensive. Although Aprilia often tend to discount like crazy so not a deal breaker. Then there's the somewhat forgotten CB650R which is a great, underrated & "novel" i4 to add to the mix as well. Something for everyone in this category & it's going to be a fascinating mother of all group tests when someone eventually gets around to it.

[@ozzyg82]

Couldn’t agree more. I’m hopefully test riding one of these soon - might also try the Hornet just in case, but my heart is on the Suzi.

[@m.rraghav817]

You haven't mentioned the cb750 anywhere, I think it's one of best mid/entry level bikes

[@ragerider6283]

@@m.rraghav817 I did, as the Hornet. I basically said I prefer the looks of the Suzuki. : )

[@m.rraghav817]

@@ragerider6283 don't deny it. Cb750 looks pretty ordinary, but it's numbers for a change are quite high for Honda. They are known for underpowering bikes for longer engine lives.

[@ragerider6283]

@@m.rraghav817 Yes for sure agree it's mechanically & technically great but also looks very boring imo.

[@Arthurzeiro]

Suzuki, please, a round headlight... please

[@MGman100]

The big fly in the ointment is the Hornet at a grand cheaper - it's also a bit more powerful and a fair bit lighter. This looks far better though.

[@nickbasiliou5744]

I love this bike, will be buying one. Just for wheelies, of course 😂

[@ktmkevin]

Perfectly set in between the MT-07 and Hornet in terms of power specs and nice to see Suzuki back in the game in this class. But pleaaaseee tell me there's a way to get the taillight off of that license plate holder and integrated into the rear seat? That just looks ridiculously ugly

[@motojc]

I'm hoping they did this because they are planning a supersport version. This makes it easy to track it.😎

[@seoulmandan]

NRC fender eliminator kit.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I have not rode the gsx 8s yet. However, having rode the Trident and having owned a MT07 the Hornet beats all the competition and I’m guessing it will beat this as well. Honda’s new engine is a gem and it handles better that it has any right to do.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Peak power numbers aside, I believe this high compression 8S engine will turn out a good deal more low end torque than the Honda.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@exothermal.sprocket possibly, although that didn’t come across as a winning attribute in the new VStrom reviews. I reckon it’s going to be a great bike and I’d like to ride one soon

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Steve-motorcycles I have no idea if the 8S and the 800DE have the same mechanical or fueling attributes (cams, valves, ECU tuning, etc). I doubt it. I can't feature Suzuki taking a peppy snorty street bike meant for cutting up the streets and backroads and changing nothing about that engine when putting it into a V-strom. Yamaha took their 890cc triple from the MT and put it into an ADV bike and it's quite a bit different, even though fundamentally the same powerplant.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@exothermal.sprocket So reported , very little has changed. However, that might not be a bad thing. Can’t wait to ride one.

[@sunayghosh5092]

I'm from Bangladesh and I'm a huge fan of Suzuki Motocycle's

[@tokyosmash]

I want to see a head to head with the Trident and Hornet

[@bobato27]

The only thing I was focusing on is the placement of the oil filter...I just completed the oil change on my gsx-s1000z 2018 and I WISH it was better placed just like on this beauty !

[@Farsightful]

Merci beaucoup : )

[@reachforthesky1849]

Great review by Chad

[@moreliquorinmycoffee]

Of all the new entry middleweight naked being released this seems to be the most exciting and best looking.

[@lgrw660factory]

I’m in the market for this kind of bike. Was thinking the Hornet was just the best value proposition but having had a Honda and Yamaha before, maybe it’s time for a Suzuki?

[@rosstinelli]

Suzuki's are fantastic. Just a no fuss bike. I've had a Gsxr 1000 2017 and a 2017 Sv650 ! Loved them both just a great all round bike

[@lgrw660factory]

@@rosstinelli I rode an SV650 last year and liked it. Not sure I’d buy one though. More fun to get something ‘new’ like the 8S or a Hornet. Will try to test ride both of them in the next month or two.

[@quacktac]

I had a Trident and recommend it to anyone that'll listen

[@yumyumbaboon]

Ktm Duke 790/890 👍

[@lgrw660factory]

@@quacktac Yeah, rode one last year and loved it. It’s on the shortlist 👍

[@pdrider7918]

I love these 2 cylinders japanese 600-800cc bikes .. not a fan of 4 cylinder bikes . Reliable , Fun , Easy on the pocket . Im a daily rider .. kinda aggressive on corners .. Urban rides .. long rides ..

[@luiz576]

Beautyfull landscape!!

[@jimmarshall807]

Good-looking (especially in blue), sounds like a good bike but costing £1K more than the equally-fresh and well-received Hornet is going to hurt sales. Unless Honda bump up prices or can't meet demand, I predict GSX-8S discounts by the end of the season...

[@rob.1963]

Enjoyed the review, looks like a good value for money bike. Nice looking too, reckon a black paint job would look ace.

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

There is a black one available, white also.

[@jimbo1485]

Love it. Now Adam. Would you prefer to flog an sv650 or gsx8s through the mountain roads?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

As a point of familiarity, many people probably have sampled Yamaha's MT-07 at some point. The 8S and the MT-07 have similar bore/stroke ratio, but the 8S has a much higher compression ratio. This has more power and more torque, albeit more weight, but has the bones the MT does not have: USD forks, radial brakes, more physical space for larger bodied riders. It's not really the 650-690cc class. It's also not really the 800cc class. This one falls in between. Not a bad place to be. I think it offers a lot more room to grow than the MT-07. One UK podcast crew has stated the 800DE version of this powertrain has some vibration issues. Did you notice that on the 8S version? I know Suzuki ran twin counterbalance shafts to quell that (unlike MT-07 having merely one shaft), so has it worked?

[@KyleMicena]

Praying to see a Suzuki GSX8R

[@paulconnell1309]

Nice review, thanks. Wow what a ride. Listing the middleweights, you forgot the GSX S750, a brilliant bike which handles better than it should do given spec, feels lite an smooth everywhere and has more top end than similar priced mid bikes. Still being sold in numbers where I live and very cheap. The GSX 8S looks better than the Trident and certainly MT 07. The Hornet will be the real test.

[@juanesteban8938]

How would you compare the gsx-s750 to the gsx-s8?

[@paulconnell1309]

While since I rode a GSXS750. . They are quick but the power builds very quickly rather than is instant. But very quick at the top end (8000 rpm up) and has an amazing GIZZA roar. Very intoxicating. Handling on the s750 is light and once moving you don’t feel the extra weight. Feels light and is the smoothest bike I’ve ridden. Smoother than th Z900. Very easy around town. The Z has more to ant the top end Almost bought one. Got a Street Triple instead. Now departed. Back in the market. Any other views?

[@LiviuXSA]

this channel is pretty good, this guy is nice, the long haired guy is also nice, the content is good, i wish it was longer and more in depth though

[@photographerjonathan]

Can't wait to see a really good comparison video with the Trident and Hornet. and maybe find out something that justifies the GSX8s more expensive price over its competition.

[@nickclarkuk]

I’m leaning towards the hornet on engine nature and price. It’ll be interesting to see comparison video in future between the Suzuki . My ideal bike was would be the CB750 with styling from the neo retro CB650R.

[@kankit230]

Hornet with cb650 styling would be a dream

[@MotoGoato]

Nice bike ... at £7999 it's going head to head with the 790 Duke though. The Duke is a fair bit lighter with a decent chunk more hp and torque. The GSX does have the quick shifter as standard - which is a paid extra on the Duke - but the Duke does come with the lean angle tc and abs as standard which the GSX doesn't have and can't be retro fitted as an extra.

[@cube1cze]

However brilliant the looks and performance of the Duke is, it's KTM therefore not even comparable reliability to the Suzuki. No doubt in my mind that when you gotta change the Crankshaft on Duke 790 at 30.000km Gsx will keep on rolling.

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

The 790 will break down Often.

[@MotoGoato]

@@Bow-to-the-absurd strange that as I've owned one for 4 years and it's not broken down once let alone often

[@MotoGoato]

@@cube1cze lol!!! yeah .... ok fella ... 🤣😂

[@2WheelsGood.01]

The KTM definitely has better performance, but it's a KTM. I'll take a Suzuki any day in terms of reliability, and looks, but that's purely subjective.

[@blitz8702]

what a beauty

[@musamusa2961]

Thank You Almighty God I will buy one for myself

[@MrSimonfoz]

Nice to see a good looking bike from Suzuki for a change looks great.

[@WILLGRAYY]

For real. Apparently it’s polarizing but in my opinion Suzuki hit the ball out of the park with this one. The only downside is that the fender looks pretty built in to the bike so a delete might be more expensive.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I like the aesthetics as well. Obviously it's a styling family, as the GSX-1000 has the same type of styling. One thing I do not like, is the ridiculous dingleberry sticking way out the back, and the tail light mounted to the tip of it. Aftermarket will have to turn out some kind of subframe mounted tail light to replace this mess.

[@hisride]

@@exothermal.sprocket yeah its their new gen styling. makes me think will they update the gsxs750 too? Its probably my favourite offering along with these crossplane p twins

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@hisride GSX-S750Z and 750Z ABS models (continued in 2023 in the States) already look mostly 'there' in styling.

[@Happy-as-Larry]

Chad can you change between KPH and MPH on the TFT screen, for when traveling from country to country.

[@dantelifqhan1741]

Anjay jengat jengat2 motornya, seandainya Suzuki memasukan gsx 8s ke Indonesia, salam dari Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@njohnson3331]

Haha! That last scene. I like the bike from what I have seen. It's approachable yet has the features I want. Some angles look nice, but other angles it looks a bit cheap. The forks have no colored finish, but the rest of the material looks okay. I don't need a top of the line sports naked, I just want something that got some decent specs.

[@dzliferider2141]

Suzuki need to make an update ASAP, all their line up are outdated! They make me feel like they're working in a cave without no clue on what's going on out there. I hope they catch up soon

[@starsiderwingman]

Gorgeous bike

[@Teatimeted]

"It's me haaaaaaaaaaaair island! It's me haaaaaaaaaaaaair island!" Nice hair island you Rodney plonker, in addition, great review.

[@stuartb1963]

Like the jacket can you say what it is?

[@raceface119]

Pretty looking thing

[@Mike-dd2ht]

I bought the Honda 1984 blue and black one brand new is was a the best bike I ever owned

[@paulfowler7618]

This looks good but I'm not disappointed that I've already put a deposit down on a hornet as a new second bike. I didn't want to go much over £7000 and I think in everything but looks the Honda is the better bike and I've rode it and its brilliant. I cant see this being any more fun but a grand more, less power, bigger and heavier. Still look forward to seeing all the normal channels review this and hopefully not seeing Kate fall off one!!

[@shmac96]

The looks are growing on me. Though overall I m still not sure which I would go for; Suzuki or the Hornet? Nice review!

[@iain777uk]

I do like the fact its got a detachable sub-frame.

[@moreorlesdone1497]

Why? How often to expect to use that feature?

[@petrichor649]

I know that road well, had to give up once due to heavy snow.

[@terrencemcphail5782]

have a 2014 duke 690 looking to upgrade this may be it, but gonna keep the duke lol

[@ts03227648]

Sweet~

[@patthonsirilim5739]

they should do a sports bike version of this gsxr8r.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's not that. It wasn't intended to be that. Yamaha did well by converting the MT-07 to a sports bike, but honestly, that thing functions in a racing class which displaces 650-690cc. There's no 750+cc twin class out there.

[@theexpendable2918]

what the title of the song in 0:36 ????

[@rosstinelli]

Are you on the Col du Galibier ? It's one of them on the route de Napoléon. Would love to know where you guys test the bikes. Maybe for the future videos ?

[@luciustitius]

One can only hope Suzuki tranfers this motor and the simplicity into the enduro segment and create something like the Tenere 700 maybe with a little bit more finesse when it comes to electronics. People would love it when I they hang that nice price tag on it typical for the brand.

[@daveyt4802]

France? Thinking of getting one myself!

[@nomasker1360]

Now do an ECU flash and add a race cam to that thing

[@paullacey2999]

I like the look of it but Im still the lusting 3 cylinder burble you get from a Trident....But wow what a choice of bikes in this segment nowadays...

[@callumrdavis]

Can’t wait for a retro looking version of this bike! Edit: i image that will come out when they finally discontinue the sv650.

[@jimmyneutron5679]

Heard in some video with the CEO of suzuki UK that they wont. Which is incredible considering the platform launched int 1999 and still uses the same brakes

[@mr.ajayjose]

Did Suzuki hire Yamahas head designer?

[@ragerider6283]

No. KTM's. ; )

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Who did Yamaha hire? Some hybrid lizard person from Anime outer space?

[@samjoentess9168]

And your out with Mossy whats not to like😉

[@pjsjustclownin1594]

I would choose the Suzuki over the Honda Hornet just for the fact that it has a replaceable rear subframe in the case of a crash. Now if we can get it in the US.

[@UrbanoModa]

that back frame and screen is border-line KTM. but wow what a nice entry from Suzuki. The design team must have looked at KTM inspiration.

[@bigred8438]

its a great looking bike actually. is that the only colour.

[@vaughanboyce3702]

The parallel twin does nothing for me tbo, maybe I'm just old school inline4 is my cuppa. If I had to buy a new bike the z900rs all day long while they still exist..

[@triphan104]

Đẹp mà bao nhiêu phân phối vậy a 🤔

[@fredrik1589]

Easy to do wheelie with?

[@brandonwharton4819]

Ever since the rs660 everyone's trying to make a ptwin bike but Noone can break that 100hp mark like aprilia

[@mostlikely...]

🏁🏆

[@quacktac]

I'd still have a Trident in this class.

[@xb5883]

Is this bike just for the wheelies?

[@viarnay]

I hope suzuki never kill the SV 650..🥺

[@alphajed7700]

They won't until it caught up with tightening European emission law.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

And when the millions of populous finally has had it with regulations, we'll kick the EPA and Euro regulators out of our lives.

[@LasseJOugaard]

Looking forward to seeing them in the flesh myself. On the surface it seems like the Suzuki might actually appeal to some, because it'll feel more "solid" than some of the competition due to its slightly higher weight and grunty engine. I suspect it'll feel like a bigger bike than it really is. Some bikes that are really small, light and revvy can also feel a bit toy-like, so a more "grown-up" feel might actually become its USP?

[@Francis-of8cw]

Also the engine characteristics and clutch assist make it excellent for low speed and city riding. Perfect city bike.

[@bobz1736]

I think it's a great looking bike, but at a grand more than the Hornet, it's gonna struggle...

[@richardsadventures4958]

Apparently the sv650 still sells in decent numbers. What if it outsells this?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

We like everyone else assumed this would replace the SV, I think the SV will always do well.

[@Live2Ride39]

I bought a new SV a year ago. The 8S was not available but my choice would be SV again. I don’t want a lot of tech that can/will break. And I change gears easy without a quickshifter, I like it basic. Getting old🤔😊

[@mbal4052]

@@Live2Ride39 have you ever had a quickshifter?

[@Live2Ride39]

@@mbal4052 No and never missed one. I’m not in a hurry but see the advantage for riders with another riding style. Grown up with cars and tractors with manual transmission so the clutch feels natural. It’s no problem to change gear without clutch on the SV btw.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I've grown up operating farm machinery and buying manual shift vehicles too. Tried quick-shifter technology on a couple of bikes. It's fantastic. I know how it works and it's one of those "why not" things. You can use it, or you don't have to. It's there when you want to. It's not going to break. Racers have quick-shifted motorcycles for decades even before manufacturers implemented the technology to make it consistent and less harsh on transmissions.

[@Mr450pro]

The price is the deciding factor for me… just to much sadly. I really like the look of it. I’ll go for the mt07

[@robynmolle5842]

You totally missed the Ergonomics, is it big is it small? Who is it for?

[@mbal4052]

Black gay midgets

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Looks bigger than an MT-07, for example.

[@chukku2175]

Here in Switzerland Suzuki completely F'ed up the pricing of this bike: 9995 CHF (pretty much same as EUR these days), while an MT-07 is 8500 and a Hornet 8250. Is this similar in the UK or other parts of Europe? That the GSX-8S costs 1500 bucks more than the direct competition?

[@hex_surfer4588]

And what's the problem? With Swiss salaries you can buy 3 GSX8S and burn 2, just for the thrill 😁 And yes - here in Spain it's the same - it's more expensive that Hornet and MT07.

[@weirdchamp7790]

suzuki making comebacks

[@jbruell94]

I'm confused how it's got the same horsepower as the GSX650F from more than a decade ago? (The pro is it's lost close to 100lbs in weight)

[@OnlyLike007]

Bro this bike better or Yamaha mt 07?

[@cpuuk]

At last!

[@IDontKnow-bb6mt]

Looks nice but just a little too expensive

[@Reppyboyo]

Thought on this vs the KTM Duke 790/890?

[@paulnorman8274]

890 is much faster and more purely aggressive than any of these MT-07-class bikes. It's more appropriately compared to Street Triple/MT-09/Z900. Heck, on most real world backroads, it may just be the single fastest bike availably in any "class..." for 99.9% of riders. The remaining 0.1% being IoM competitors.... Even the 790 is more aggressive, and easier to ride fast, unless the latest one differs from the last one. If max speed on real world roads per unit of rider skill is the goal, KTM is almost aways the ticket. They take their "Ready to Race" motto seriously. OTOH, the KTMs are generally awkward, distant and boring whenever one is riding for any other reason than trying to go as fast as possible. They also don't have nearly Suzuki's reputation for almost ever-lasting-without-any-issue-whatsoever reliability. If Suzuki had a motto, it would likely be building the bikes which are the least likely to ever irritate owners. Even judged by the high standards set by the three other Japanese makes, Suzuki seems to pride themselves on quiet competence with minimal fanfare.

[@rayhan4502]

This vs Hornet pls

[@cranky1812]

Suzuki GSX S750 is reasonable priced naked with great handling. Difficult to see this motorcycle better than GSX S750 in any regard.

[@mojothejester9889]

Forgot about the GSR600

[@LTLT900]

I like it because it doesn't involve stupid smart phones

[@gerardmontgomery280]

I really like how the Suzuki looks. For me the retro version Kawasaki may just pinch it in looks but it's a close thing. The Honda however looks like the one to beat out of the Japanese bikes but the BMW F900R is a cut above the rest.

[@nirmalyamisra]

yamaha has given traction control for 12 bhp fz in India

[@thomasmaier7053]

I wonder if the road was closed. Kinda panicked.