2023 Suzuki GSX-8S Review | Daily Rider

rvz.la/3OFL2PG | Learn more about our sponsor, REVER
Zack hits the Daily Rider route on Suzuki’s all-new GSX-8S to see if it’s too little too late, or right on time for this mid-sized naked bike.
SPECS:
MSRP: $8,850
Engine: 776 cc parallel twin
Measured weight: 444 lb. / 201.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. / 14 liters
Seat height: 31.9 in. / 810 mm
Claimed power: 82 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Claimed torque: 57.5 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm
Read the first-ride article here: rvz.la/43jIYBs
Zack’s gear:
Alpinestars Solano Jacket: rvz.la/3N7RcXL
REV’IT! Avion 3 (Fly 3) Gloves: rvz.la/3qlkSrl
Klim K Forty 2 Jeans: rvz.la/42fh8Ff
Sidi Performer Air Boots: rvz.la/45W4cHt
Sedici Strada II MIPS Helmet: rvz.la/3WNFe8T
0:00 Intro
1:00 Our Sponsor, REVER
1:20 A quick walkaround the GSX-8S
4:04 On The Road!
6:26 Freeway Cruisin’
10:30 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
14:45 Lover’s Lane
16:40 At the Lights
21:00 Gettin’ Dirty
22:10 Will it Wheelie???
24:30 Instagram Questions!
30:00 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard

[@RevZilla]

Plan and share your rides with REVER! rvz.la/3N0mn72 Read more about the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S on Common Tread: rvz.la/3qiiphf

[@ttt3377]

Hey Zack, I'm from south CA. Thanks for helping me find my perfect bike a xsr900.

[@kalnwi2023]

@@ttt3377 commiefornia

[@johncleland2332]

I thinned my herd this summer, sold a 00 ducati 996s, 02 aprilia rsv 1000 mille r, 08 suzuki dr650, 16 suzuki bandit 1250 and 06 suzuki gsxr. Bought my suzuki gsx 8s almost 2 months ago and its suprising how good it is on curved country roads, short blasts on the interstate and around town. It doesnt have top end of any of those other bikes i had but i am very happy with it, handling and power is very good for the places i ride. It does need a better seat and the tires are good but there are better ones on the market to replace them with when they get worn out. I like it enough to seriously consider getting the rumored gsx 8r in 24. Before talking trash about it and showing ignorance, ride one. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[@isorides]

Very weird of suzuki to make the taillight integrated into the rear fender knowing people are going to want to take it off

[@maxzimmermann6605]

I dont know, i feel Like there are great Aftermarket Options Like Kellermann Indicators with integrated Brake-/Rearlight. With that the rear will Look great!

[@Geshmaal]

Maybe it's to get people to think twice before removing the fender and committing to getting sprayed with crap through the winter.

[@afletra]

bmw even did it with their pure flagship superbike the S1KRR and M1KRR, so it's not that weird of suzuki did with the obviously street bike.

[@maxzimmermann6605]

​@@Geshmaalwhat's Winter Like where you are, maybe Not consider a sporty Nakedbike for that. Than get the v strom

[@Geshmaal]

@@maxzimmermann6605 oh yeah I personally don't see the need for a relatively sporty naked bike in the UK, it's rainy for most of the year!

[@williamfischer3990]

I’m happy Suzuki is drastically stepping up their game recently. I honestly thought the company was going to die a slow and painful death, however props to the boys in Hamamatsu.

[@corinful]

Suzuki will never die.....Bikes are just a small proportion of their business worldwide

[@kamsa1243]

So, genuine question, how is this them stepping up their game?

[@kwicksandz]

Updating the gsxr 750 with abs, this dash and a new headlight would get my interest

[@kamsa1243]

@@kwicksandz seconded!

[@fahmiyusoff9154]

Brah.. They sell millions of super mopeds in Asia anually

[@rohanes]

Viewed from the side, the 8S is strangely what I imagined the new Hornet would look like 😅

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

like the 790 duke?

[@LordOfGreatness]

​@@Daniel-dj7fhThat is just what i would say. Make it orange and it is almost the same.

[@pmudri]

It looks like MT09 and Superduke combined, not really peak creativity

[@Lord_Verminaard]

But the Hornet still looks better.... even though it's the same. 🤣

[@edwardcampbell3420]

The should of named the black one raven or crow with that beak looking front

[@ozzyg82]

Interesting to see the black version - it’s the only colour I haven’t seen much of outside the press photos. I test rode the 8S recently, after trying out the Hornet - I have to say I fell for the 8S and am hopefully picking mine up next week.

[@twowheeler1000]

What makes the 8s better than the new hornet? Specwise it seems the Honda is better (better suspension etc)

[@ozzyg82]

@@twowheeler1000 I mean, it’s close, but for me personally, I’d say the 8S has stronger low down/ usable torque for the road, it is much more stable-handling owing to the longer wheelbase and wider rear tire, the build quality, e.g. materials, welding, chassis including lighter, sculpted aluminium swing arm, etc. are a noticeably higher quality, I think it looks better, (subjective), the seat and riding position is more comfortable, comes with bi-directional quick shifter and blipper as standard, is thoughtfully designed so for instance: no need for a rear hugger, (whereas the Honda definitely throws road crud all up inside the head stock and all over the rear shock). The Suzuki had a slightly nicer quality and laid out dashboard, much neater wiring loom etc. It’s just one of those things you feel but it’s sometimes hard to say why. I think the Suzuki is a perfect example of demonstrating specs don’t make the bike, (similar to how the SV650 has hitherto demonstrated).

[@exothermal.sprocket]

What if what if what if, isn't something else better better better better? Comon people. Take them both for a ride. Spec sheet isn't going to tell you what's right for you.

[@bombaya85]

Would love to see the 2023 Suzuki GSX S1000 make an appearance on DR

[@alexanderi7332]

Yeah let’s push this comment so Zack will see it

[@pkbaker100]

@@alexanderi7332agreed!

[@gixxusmetalman7435]

Hes already done a review on the 2015 model,now for a review on the 18 to 23 models. Greatest 145hp fun bike for years !

[@facilis]

Oh yes please 🙌

[@TheCaptnHammer]

I picked up my first bike in 20 years today. It is a 2023 GSX-8S and is brand new with zero miles. What a fantastic motorcycle! The speed shifter is so nice! If you want a naked bike this one is superb!

[@TheCaptnHammer]

It’s in that gorgeous blue paint scheme.

[@HifeMan]

⁠@@TheCaptnHammerJust picked mine up today and I totally agree! Such amazing smooth bike. I had an 2018 MT-07 and I love that bike but this bike is literally better in every way. Feel like such an refined bike and I can’t wait to get it broken in! :D Enjoy it! :) Also got it in blue too and I love it!

[@TheCaptnHammer]

@@HifeMan awesome! I got the fender eliminator kit from yoshimura and it looks awesome. Check it out, it’s not expensive and easy to do. I just ordered an ODB reader and adapter for the bike so I can try to reset the service reminder myself. I just finished my 600mi service. I can do everything except throttle valve synchronization, which is really only required every 7500mi (California requires it at 600mi too).

[@donderstorm1845]

do you think it's too powerful/heavy for a first bike? i'd keep it in riding mode C or rain mode

[@TheCaptnHammer]

@@donderstorm1845 not at all. It’s a bit heavy when moving it manually but I weigh 130lbs and have no issues. I started in C mode and now use A unless it’s rainy, etc. It’s a fantastic bike. I did some upgrades. Maybe I’ll make a video featuring them

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for another fun episode. Your comparisons to KTMs reminded me that for a “daily rider” it would be useful to talk about service intervals and cost, as well as expected reliability.

[@geertceuppens8518]

the Suzuki GSX-8S has 3750 mile / 6000 km or annual service intervals, like many other liquid-cooled Suzuki motorcycles. At every service, change the oil, and inspect or replace the spark plugs, inspect / replace the air filter, and do a host of other checks the Honda CB750 Hornet has 8000 mi / 12000 km or annual service intervals, at which the oil should be changed and a bunch of other things inspected.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@geertceuppens8518 I'm guessing the question was more along the lines of 'valve clearance check'. Otherwise, people should be servicing their bikes with a minimum of an oil and filter change every 4 to 5 thousand miles anyway.

[@langhamp8912]

@@exothermal.sprocket Valve adjustment intervals are every 15,000 miles but I personally don't bother to do valve adjustments until I hear clatter from the valvetrain. The early GSXR water-cooled engines were awful and a new one required a valve adjustment at 3500 miles. On the other hand, I've had a few Suzukis, Hondas, and BMWs that would turn over 40,000 miles with no valve noise, and a valve check and leak-down test would show nothing wrong. It might be worth it to do your own valve clearance due to how easy it is to find directions on KZbin. And a GSX8S is going to be way easier to do valve clearance than an inline four.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@langhamp8912 May be difficult to hear a few thousandths of an inch slop in a given valve bucket, and while 2 or 3 valves might be within spec according to the book, they may be more sloppy than all the rest of the valves at that point, so may as well true everything up if the head has been removed for inspection. Generally speaking, hardly anyone rides this sort of mileage on a given newer motorcycle anyway. Tons of lower mile bikes circulate through dealerships and used bike markets without that mileage.

[@langhamp8912]

@@exothermal.sprocket I usually put on about 40,000 to 60,000 miles on my motorcycles before selling them. Almost all of my miles are commuting miles, with a few trackdays here and there. So it's not a lot of miles or minutes per day but it shockingly adds up over the years. But out of spec valves are pretty easy to hear and feel. If a bike is a tad hard to start and has clatter (not the cam chain tensioner) then, yeah, it's out of spec valves. I think that over the past 30 years bike engines have gone from every 8,000 miles or 25,000 or more, if even that. But it might also be that I'll go weeks without reving a bike high and thus it's a very low stress environment.

[@flexywing]

You are such a hero, thanks for not calling in sick.

[@aaronbehindbars]

I test rode a V-Strom 800 a few days ago and really love this engine. It's smooth, punchy in the mid-range, and has a nice character. Maybe I can ride one of these, too. Looks fun!

[@uberDoward]

Zack, the dirt road section is my absolutely favorite section, but just wanted to say "thank you" for not jumping on your bad leg, man!

[@mattbrandt1472]

Love these reviews. Look forward to them every week.

[@norbertovillarealiii6750]

LETS GO SV650!

[@tg8150]

One thing worth mentioning about not only this bike, but the MT-07 is that these two bikes are 100% built in Japan. No cheapo Thailand built crap here. And you bet your ass it matters.

[@gurbie]

Always look for that “J” at the front of the V.I.N. 👍

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If you as a corporation decided to outsource labor and assembly to another country, wouldn't it be in your best interest to make sure whatever happens in that other country at the factory represents the brand name you slap on those bikes?

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Japan isnt that great if we got our act halfway together we can make bikes better than japan we have all these different states it gets crazy.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@TheAnnoyingBoss Japan is pretty great. That's not to say American ingenuity can't be greater. It cannot be greater currently because getting anything off the ground here is financially treacherous. Gubmint has made sure of that.

[@keving1633]

The quick-shifter is butter smooth when used at the right RPM going up or down. It takes 3 or 4 rides to get it down. But smooth sailing after that.

[@CFChristian]

Didn't know you and Ari had that kind of relationship. Very cool, heartwarming.

[@UpsideDownFork]

So glad that Suzuki made this bike and didn't just slowly die off into oblivion as many have been predicting. Zack, what camera and microphone do you use? The quality is really good compared to most others! Always love the daily rider episodes!

[@ellwoodwolf]

It’s a dud.

[@UpsideDownFork]

@@ellwoodwolf enjoy your cruiser 👍

[@patrickagan1071]

Love you zack! Keep up the good work

[@kirmizikulak]

Sorry about ur leg pal. Love from Turkey; take care of yourself. I like watching u

[@MrMaic0]

Please Zack, try the Honda Rebel 1100 manual for daily ride, it's what I'm daily riding myself and would like to hear your opinions!

[@stevesanelli90]

Love the colour & bike all rolled in to one👌🙌

[@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145]

I really want Suzuki to make a GSX-8GT - THAT would be the bike for me! I want true touring capability and sporty aspirations… Honestly, the GSX-S1000GT is more power than I’d know what to do with.

[@jamiescott6811]

I couldn't agree more. I wish a that about so many bikes. We need more 19" front wheel options.

[@800over]

Cruise, a small windscreen and a better seat with some luggage options. Sell me one. But Cruise is a must.

[@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145]

@@800over Indeed - there’s no good reason not to offer cruise control when the bike has throttle by wire!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@jamiescott6811 Well, a Suzuki V-Strom 800DE is basically 95% of the way there, but runs a 21-inch front. But me personally, I'd rather go the route that's more closely echoed with the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce. It's based on the 800 triple naked bike, but only slightly more touring oriented with a quarter fairing, a little longer travel suspension, better subframe, and more fuel range. That's all that any of these Japanese brands need to to with their excellent naked bikes to make them more touring oriented, without making them $5000 more expensive and 50 pounds heavier (I'm looking at you, Yamaha with your Tracer 9GT which is waaaaaaay too far from the MT bones for me to bother wanting one).

[@jimbossimrigs7961]

The V-Strom 800 RE is the road version, smaller wheels and shock, same engine as the 8s.

[@JasonYergin]

I think we can all just call it the 8S. Suzuki gave us a hint by putting that graphic on the little front cowling. That, and I think a lot of people are just going to call it the GSXS8 because they miss the little detail of how the digits are oriented.

[@burtdanams4426]

Yeh this bike is clearly branding itself differently and telling people "HEY THIS ISN"T LIKE THE OTHER GSX BIKES THIS IS DIFFERENT" by making the 8s so prominent

[@GL0BETREKKER]

I think they did it to give it some extra credibility, I totally agree though. Just 8S would have been better

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

Kinda like the YZF-R6 is just R6.

[@Carlisho]

Petition to call it the “Gixxeight”

[@Strungrat]

@@Carlisho I like that name.

[@ankrich04]

Great review Jact! It's great to have new motorcycles on DR now! please ride new Honda Hornet next.

[@angry_ike7628]

I like the looks of the 8S much more in the white and blue. Seems like a good bike. I'm looking at one myself.

[@ellwoodwolf]

He’s complaining about the suspension at 200 lbs... that’s not good.

[@noahgoodman1237]

@@ellwoodwolfall he said was that it was soft

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@ellwoodwolf Motorcycles aren't cars where some dainty woman or some big heavy man can both get in and drive it, and it doesn't care. People actually might have to change a set of springs (not expensive) to get a bike set up for their weight. People might actually have to swap a chunk of foam out in the seat to get it to fit their posterior. None of this stuff is hard, people. It's harder finding a set of riding boots or a helmet that fits. Any modern motorcycle with USD forks and a mono-shock suspension will be able to be set up with proper aftermarket stuff. It can be fixed to your liking, from basic to top-shelf racing parts.

[@thursdayfan]

@@ellwoodwolf 270 pounds here, I think it feels just fine, but I've also been riding a '17 V-strom 650 for the last 90k miles too

[@thursdayfan]

I was originally looking at a grey but got the white/blue. Just finished the break-in and did my first service today. It is a blast

[@wwfww]

I appreciate that when you take these road bikes off-road you actually drift and give it some juice!

[@soufianattar4554]

I like that its not loud

[@saulocpp]

For those whining about engine power and still think HP is what matters, please watch TSTIndustries video of the 8S dyno run. That flat torque curve over a huge rpm range you will only see in supercharged engines. "The suspension is not adjustable, it is missing more LED...", well, then just buy the Street Triple! Oh wait, you don't want to pay for it, right?

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I just hate how crap bikes are made makes me want to get into making them but thats just like a slavery nightmare man the regulator shows up complaining you have to feed the pigs

[@bdizzle194]

Big Suzuki fan here and can’t wait for a Vstrom 800 review!! Compared to T7, and maybe the Transalp.

[@duanestiles4821]

Yes there is always more room for another naked bike great video

[@Bluecollarguy87]

Best host they have.

[@retrothruster2539]

Another great review, it's funny that we share almost exactly the same thoughts on motorbikes and I love the "will it wheelie" chapter, I'm not a total wheelie guy but do value such in a bike like this...

[@ellwoodwolf]

I wheelied my bike once, my replacement parts will be here next week.

[@retrothruster2539]

@@ellwoodwolf Oops, hope you're okay. I crashed once while doing a wheelie showing off in front of my friends, it was pitch dark outside, took a few minutes to find my bike:/

[@karlfonner7589]

I think you could help RevZilla a lot by showing the gear you’re wearing as well. That jacket looks nice!

[@burtdanams4426]

This is the content i've been waiting for

[@antoniorios3856]

I just love the look if this bike compared to other naked bikes, MT-07 and this are so close to call.

[@BruceLee-bd4pr]

Really enjoy your videos, thank you! I see a request for a review for the Suzuki GSX S1000. Likewise a review on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX would be appreciated. The sports touring segment is really intriguing to be at this point in my life. Thanks again Zach

[@tanvirahmad5893]

I was waiting for those two wheels in Daily Rider!

[@DukeontheThames]

Great review as always! Btw, the screen protector on your phone is upside down

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

🙃

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

I like it. It's nice in the blue paint as well.

[@phil_zupra_b5880]

I wasn’t sold on the looks at the beginning, but seeing it in real life changed my opinion. Especially in the blue. It really reminds me of the Suzuki Katana which i like.

[@himaro101]

Your comments on the seat would make me not buy it alone sadly. I've got a bony backside and really struggle with seats that aren't padded properly

[@ozzyg82]

I personally think it de-thrones the much older SV650. I owned that bike for 7 years and loved it, but the 8S just has the power and punch to put a bigger smile on your face. Let’s say, the 650 is top of the leader board, if it’s your first big bike, but the 8S is better if you’re not new to riding.

[@ellwoodwolf]

So you would spend 10.5 out the door just to get 15hp ? And not think to yourself “hey there are plenty of low mileage, almost new motorcycles with a power bump and MUCH BETTER SUSPENSION”

[@chariflakchiri]

Zach - hypothetically, if you had both the GSX-8S and the SV650 in the garage long term, which one would you end up riding daily (commute to work, short twisty jaunts, errands around town etc) more frequently over say a year? I feel you'd be jumping on the 8S more frequently than the SV. Let us know if you disagree.

[@AddumEnied]

I test rode both this weekend, and the only thing the SV has going on for it over the 8S, in my oppinion, are the looks. And with it being a bit bigger bike, it's also more comfortable, and therefore more practical.

[@future62]

Unless your SV is prepped for track work I see zero point in having both.

[@chariflakchiri]

@@future62 It's a hypothetical question to invite Zach to rethink his daily rider ranking result ;)

[@FunniestFlicks]

I love the character and raw feeling of my sv650s. I never see myself replacing it with a gsx 8s

[@StevenSmith-js2lf]

@@future62 I have both, and my SV is prepped for track. ;)

[@patw9175]

Wow it looks great in matte black actually. I hope this does well for Suzuki. It's like the GSXS750, best daily rider I ever rode. That bike didn't get its due.

[@Supernova12034]

probably because it was another recycled suzuki with a donor engine.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

100% agree! I usually don't care for bikes in matte black but the GSX 8S appearance works for me in all the color options.

[@patw9175]

@@Supernova12034 On paper, sure.

[@elliottkillick5348]

+1 for the GSXS750. I would love a comparison between that and this actually

[@patw9175]

@Patrick O'Brien wut lol

[@damon1957ful]

My quick shifter is brilliant and works faultless up and down, ride is plush and complint, love it i have no vibation at any revs, and have toured over wales and the rear mud guard i have changed to a tail tidy wich cleans up the back end, the best engine is the best twin ever more usefull on the road

[@ONEly-uc4et]

Another great vid Zac. Thank you! So a reliable 790 Duke…(yes I know ktm’s are much better these days … but the are not Suzuki’s). Would be interesting to see an 9S-R. Extra 100cc’s and better suspension and brakes. That would be worth looking at. … oh…another gallon of gas would be nice as noted in the review. Solid start of a new line…

[@danielklopp7007]

Great content... keep up the good work Zack! RE: GSX-8S - given the current adventure bike craze, I'm guessing the V-Strom version will sell much better (and be a better daily rider on the street, despite the 21" front wheel).

[@lovelessissimo]

How would the vstrom be a better daily rider?

[@sebbwebbo7557]

@@lovelessissimo better wind protection, better suspension, comfier,...

[@danielklopp7007]

@@lovelessissimo better wind protection + better fuel range... depends on the length of your commute and what type roads.

[@deanzaZZR]

@@lovelessissimo Ability to carry more stuff

[@lovelessissimo]

@@danielklopp7007 I suppose I should have been more clear on what exactly one does on the daily. I commute on a naked bike, and it's easier to get around on than my adventure bike. I don't take things with me or ride really fast. I always think of a daily as something that gets you from a to b.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Zack I hope you can try a new Bonneville or Speed Twin. The Bonnie has been a good daily rider for me the last 5 months.

[@ONEly-uc4et]

My ‘17 Street Cup has 25k miles on it. At the time it was the best daily I could find. Would love to see how the Speed Twin 1200 stacks up against all the daily riders,

[@jokermtb]

cool looking bike~!

[@Rickmac22]

Zack! I just bought A TON of gear on RevZilla...! How about a Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx review...?

[@ZinoAmare]

I rode this bike two weeks ago, and it Liked it alot, Torque is awesome on this thing, I was fairly comfortable on it :D

[@lynnlittle8671]

I just bought a 2023 SV650, so glad I did... My other bike is a 2021 Yamaha MT-09, so I have the bases covered.

[@jimbo1485]

Hey Lynn how come you got a sv650 when you already have the MT09 Gen 3 which I have been told are awesome

[@thesuzukimethod]

its subtle, but I like how they kept the little triangle-cutout side covers for the radiator from the second gen sv650/1000, which itself was sort of a design reference to the angular trellis design of those bikes' frames. I imagine this is somewone at Suzuki's way of saying "maybe its not an SV but it's in the family!"

[@richard_the_lion_farted]

This is a real head-turner. Where I live the insurance has size classes; 110 to 400, 400 to 750, 750 to 1100 and another one for anything bigger. Plastic fairings gets another tick too. It turns out 750 to 1100 cc is the most expensive to insure. It's not that I'm cheap, I just watch what I spend money on. I would pay almost double the insurance due to being 26ccs into the dreaded 750 to 1100cc range...

[@chrisd8910]

Sweet bike. Super interested to see a video on the new CFMoto 450SS as well!

[@lacrossev]

As a lover of wierd headlights (FZ-10 owner), I love the overall design of this bike.

[@smcd5772]

2023 MT10 here 😂 king of the wacky headlights. (I also liked the lights on the GSX-S1000) An aquired taste for sure.

[@rayhan4502]

@@smcd5772 the only problem is the lamp only turn on one sided cause the other lamp is for high beam

[@smcd5772]

@Ray Han aware, thanks though

[@Dheeeeraj]

Zach's expressions! Crazy! 😅

[@johannesvonhabsburg9925]

Excellent review, as always! Many thanks! Interesting what you comment about the quick shifter: in other reviews, it has been commented that it depends on the bike you ride. Some have a buttery smooth, quick shifter, the others much as you described in this review. That in itself to me is a problem…! I have tested the new Honda hornet, which is excellent! I am still going to test the Suzuki before making a purchase decision. Will keep you posted…!

[@sugarandt]

I don’t know if it matters, but Zack was riding a pre-production bike. You can tell by the red two part lens on the taillight.

[@johannesvonhabsburg9925]

Excellent data point! Thanks!

[@Frank-xo7zj]

I would take the qsxr 750 over the 8s everyday during the week and twice on Sunday

[@dvhamme]

You mentioned at 13:50 that you can tune the quickshifter in the menu, maybe you could add more blip that way? I'd be interested to find out if this makes it more to your liking, because the quickshifter is maybe the #1 reason I'm considering this bike.

[@flint5868]

awesome content

[@pendzel55]

Great episode Zack! Is there any chance for the Monster 950?

[@bikemodos]

Looks have grown on me since release. Still don’t live the gap behind the front wheel, belly pan might help

[@bravo_victor]

If it was just a little prettier... hoping to pick up a mid-size naked bike soon-ish to pair with my off-road oriented KLR. My first bike was a Z400, which was fun but lacking slightly on power and at 6'1"/200 feels very small. Feel like I'll end up swiping a used SV 650 this winter.

[@jimperry4420]

Try a Gsxs750 . Fantastic machine.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

Who would buy a GSX-8S over a GSX-S750? Especially when you consider that the far more powerful 750 is actually a few hundred dollars cheaper than the weaker 800?

[@pablolachmann7044]

And has a inline 4

[@Sam-K]

Sad to see budget v-twins go. Sure, it has the "character" of a v-twin but let's not forget that 90-degree v-twins have perfect primary balance with a low center of gravity. So no, these parallel twins, 280-degree crank or not, are not a replacement for a "proper" v-twin.

[@maxzimmermann6605]

Problems seem to be the emissions, the rear cylinder often has to be cooled which is done by richening the fuel mixture.

[@JoshuaTootell]

​Non issue with water cooling. It's for packaging and modularity (using the same engine over several platforms ​@@maxzimmermann6605

[@ellwoodwolf]

It’s about profit margins - cheaper to make, and significantly cheaper if you make less number of different designs

[@joshuabroussard8838]

I was looking at this bike today next to the GSXS750. Struggling to see this as an upgrade.

[@bradymcrae7351]

Was considering waiting for one but went with a 19 MT09 ECU flashed…. Great decision

[@justmyself1000]

Thank You Zack for another great review! I look at this bike and I see a 790/890 Duke mostly with some MT-09 added in as far as appearance. I don't dislike this bike....but why bother making this when the SV-650 has comparable specs.? I wonder what it would take and how much it would cost to pull more power from this to at least be close to the 790 Duke?

[@future62]

Hoping they make a faired sportbike with this engine along with the twin in the Hornet and triple in the MT09. An R9 would probably be my next motorcycle

[@zx10bk]

I use a zx10R and a zx1000 as daily riders. I love them

[@JDeezle21]

Want It! ❤

[@alphacapo]

I appreciate it!

[@jayzee1968]

Yes!! Thank you. :)

[@kimw200blaze4]

Yes, it needs an after market pipe to "spice" up it's note. The Quickshifter is not an deal breaker, as I wouild not use it on downshifts anyway. And I would not use it, at an slower speed, such as riding around town. It would only be used on the freeway or Highway with upshifts at high RPMs. It makes the Mt 07 look like an old bike...Lol

[@davidwarren9204]

I'd love to see Suzuki (or the aftermarket) make a fairing/headlight unit that extends up from those 'horns' that come forward around the forks, so it looks like a Katana's frame-mounted fairing. The tank kind of looks like a Katana's too...

[@bobothemonkey4823]

“I’m gonna be sad to give it back” is probably the highest praise a bike could get in this show.

[@MichaelZhao-sz6sz]

Very keen to see more comparisons with this and the new Honda CB750 Hornet

[@tsuthebasa]

There is a mcn comparison about it...

[@JelloThatsMellow]

The UK magazines preferred the Suzuki. Better low down torque and similar engine character to the sv650, and the suspension is firmer for harder riding. Plus the weight and chassis felt more stable compared to the twitchy hornet.

[@monco3512]

There's also two comparison tests from Austrian magazines where it came out on top against the Hornet, Duke 790, Trident, MT-07 and so on. Consensus seems to be the Hornet and 790 have better top end but the 8S does everything else better.

[@scottcui8087]

Why didnt Suzuki keep the SV design and put in the 850 engine call it a Neo Retro? SVs looks much better IMO. 8s looks like every other naked bikes out there now.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

No it sure looks unique

[@vanveen8472]

I intensly dislike all the electronic modes, I don't even like them in my car, I will ride my old GS as long as I can, I even bought a DRZ just because it doesn't have anything

[@gixsix6270]

It's the quick shifter that does it for me.

[@ether7118]

I’m really excited about this new engine Suzuki made. I hope they make a non de version of the Vstrom 800. Where it has a 19 inch front wheel and tubeless tires, non spoked for road focused riding.

[@charlesbrown9863]

I agree!!

[@pkbaker100]

Yes please!

[@thursdayfan]

This comment aged well. They've got one out now

[@rickster2929]

I will be keeping my gsxs 750 thank you 😊

[@sekTash985]

Same here!

[@jimperry4420]

Same.

[@louislopez55]

I’ve ridden at least three bikes with the 270 degree P-twin and they all had vibration at highway speeds. He mentioned vibration starting at 75mph, the speed limit where I live is 75, but many drivers do 80+ so here’s another machine that would be uncomfortable to ride. The 650 V-Storm has a little vibration at higher speeds, but its more because the engine is working hard, not because it isn’t balanced. But I would be willing to give this bike, or the new V-Storm 800 a try, if only the dealers in my area allowed test rides.

[@GL4SS_20]

Have you tried the Triumph Trident 660 or Honda CD650r yet? Much smoother than the Twins.😊

[@sugarandt]

I’m sensitive to vibrations and one of my bikes is an FZ-07, but haven’t been bothered at those speeds, there might be some variation in individual bikes. Zach is also known for liking to gear up bikes. It would probably only cost $30-$40 dollars to gear it up one tooth on the countershaft sprocket to eliminate that issue.

[@sugarandt]

Just my opinion, but I hate the higher frequency vibes from traditional inline fours, like the S1000R that I owned. Although I’ve had 3 Street Triple R’s, as well as 3 FZ-09’s and loved those engines.

[@ellwoodwolf]

P-twins are manufacturers dream , not riders dreams - they keep trying to sell them - had 2 - never having a 3rd

[@jeffreynunez9172]

That's Long Beach going to San Pedro! I miss LBC!!

[@robedmunds7163]

Can we have a few more UJMs now please. My old GS550 is good to commute on, can pack it up and go motocamping, it is big and comfortable.

[@Firestorm637]

Sometimes the fancier dash or headlight make the sale. I love the profile and look of KTMs especially the headlights as unique vs let’s just do retro. Both the Suzuki and Honda Hornet resemble KTM from the side body work wise

[@johncaswell2648]

I want one. This has replaced the CB650R as the middleweight naked I'm looking for, but with a little one on the way my wife says the next bike needs to be a Ural so I'll have to wait just a little before pulling the trigger.

[@LogicalQ]

I don’t like that the TFT just sticks out. Cleaning bug guts off that is gonna suck. Hopefully it remains waterproof.

[@mattwilliams7454]

Yeah little fly screen would be good to protect it.

[@elitecorsair]

Zach, could you add a picture with you sitting in the saddle to show the leg positioning in your reviews?

[@ozzyg82]

Re: the price difference between the Hornet and the 8S - in my opinion, I think it’s not a direct comparison, i.e. Honda were aiming at creating an MT07-beater and they built their bike to a price in order to do so, (and arguably succeeded on that design brief). When you ride the Hornet and look at it up close, however, you can see/ sense where they’ve cut corners to keep it to budget. Were as you get the sense the Suzuki engineers weren’t tasked with undercutting Yamahas ‘07, so the feel and components are a higher quality, which many jernos have attested to when test riding. The 8S felt self-assured when I rode it, the Hornet felt fun, and the engine in it is really the star of the show, but ultimately I was happy spending the extra on the 8S, with its discernibly higher quality, bi-directional quick shifter, and better looks (IMO).

[@ellwoodwolf]

It’s not an mt-07 beater if it’s more money for the same issues- they could have given the sv650 better suspension and it would beat the mt-07 , instead they made this .... in North America where motorcycles are toys- there are always clean, low mileage used motorcycles and at 9k this is a pass

[@HifeMan]

⁠​⁠@@ellwoodwolfDidn’t stop me from buying one! Literally just picked it up today. Had an 2018 MT-07 and and 2020 SV650 which I loved both for different reasons. I also wanted more features like an nice tft, quick shifter, ect and some extra power. I love Yamaha engine in the MT-07 but the suspension and frame just felt better on my SV650. Also love the SV650 had an slipper clutch. The 8S just combined both of my loves into one and I couldn’t be any happier! :D lol

[@lawrencesommaesq.9944]

I like the blue version … this is the best looking of all the mid size naked bikes. A bit heavy though? An R version would make me much more interested … better suspension, lighter and perhaps better brakes. Then we wouldn’t have to put up with KTM Duke spotty reliability and service.

[@JagoTFC]

This is my favourite japanese bike as of now. But I'm still into the Trident. I don't like the Hornet really. I'm basing my judgement on looks only. I can ride only 125cc as of now and I'm into the CB125R and Zontes G1/GK.

[@paulconnell1309]

Great to see someone finally compare the GSX 8S with the S750! Handling not mentioned. The S750 is good for its spec. I think you would have more fun on the weekend Canyon ride on the 8S than the old SV so don't agree with the call. Great you had a fine day, with no hugger on the back wheel it will get messy in the wet. A cheap oversight in my view.

[@ellwoodwolf]

? You think this is bought by riders who ride in the wet ?

[@paulconnell1309]

@@ellwoodwolf Daily commute?

[@junkailin3189]

I wonder to know the headlight's performance in the night riding. Is it good? Or bad?

[@silverwolfgecko7064]

I'm really interested in all the new Middleweight Bikes, Street Triple, Hornet, Gsx8s, mt-09, duke 790/890. Really looking forward to seeing them all on DR hopefully, to hear Zack's thoughts on them.

[@hellraiserrec19]

Throw the mt-07 in there too.

[@silverwolfgecko7064]

@@hellraiserrec19 realistically, I think the mt-07 competes more with the 650s, like the 650 kawas or hondas

[@hellraiserrec19]

@@silverwolfgecko7064 Yeah that makes sense

[@KapitanPisoar1]

@@silverwolfgecko7064 MT07 is direct competition to the new Hornet and 8S, 650kawa as they all make around 70-80hp. MT-09 sits above them as it makes 40 more horses...

[@RobDaKid87]

Me too

[@soundsidetoursnc]

Enough twins! Geez! We need a new inline 4 naked.

[@mad3st]

Sad but It is last chance to get SV650 pretty confident that it will be discontinued soon. For me ptwin cant replace v.

[@motorradmike]

For me, the now ubiquitous parallel twin has become the defacto universal engine embraced by most motorcycle manufacturers these days. For now I’ll definitely keep my V-Strom 650 L twin.

[@zero11010]

5:04 with car engines people are super pumped when a normally aspirated engine reaches 100hp per liter of engine. It’s a big deal. Most engines can’t match that. I like that with a motorcycle he mentions less than 800cc (0.76L) and about 82hp and he basically scoffs at it. I get it. My last ride was a superbike with 200hp/L with nearly 130hp in a 0.6L engine. Still, I feel like generating about 80hp is reasonable for a non performance engine! Power wise it matches what Yamaha is doing with the R7.

[@jfess1911]

I agree. 80hp was superbike level power in the 1970's. I am at a point in my life where that is plenty. Unfortunately, these days you pretty much have to move to over 900cc's to get improved suspension in a naked bike.

[@rantANDrave1987]

Zach is hard on Suzuki in general

[@awdrifter3394]

Honda achieved 120hp/L in a car in 1999 (that can last 100k miles vs 30k miles in most sports bike engines), also it only took 9000rpm to do it. This bike revs to 11k, how is it not even achieving 120hp/L?

[@nickolaslewis4416]

To be fair, CFMOTO gives you fully adjustable KYB suspension and Brembo brakes without breaking the wallet while being mid-sized. Once you get past the “Made in China” stigma, you can appreciate them as decent bikes for the 💰

[@ziondanny7081]

​@@rantANDrave1987 Except the SV650!