2023 Suzuki GSX-8S Review

The second of two 776cc Parallel-Twin-powered models from Suzuki, the GSX-8S proved its mettle over just a single day’s ride in terms of being a contender in the middleweight naked category.
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[@FSH-fv6ww]

The GSX-8S just looks so much better than the other middle class nakeds I just can't get it out of my head.

[@bhok1971]

I agree, the Hornet looks like a 125cc vietnamese bike

[@FSH-fv6ww]

@@bhok1971 That's what I thought too. I despise the headlight of the hondas (not the CB650R). just looks so damn cheap. MT07 has that sleek look to it too, but the 8S is just so like aggressive but also laid back. The perfect looking bike imo.

[@Opakitjuner]

KTMs are best looking, but biggest crap build

[@martinrea8548]

Nice muscular looking bike, but those two small headlights look wrong to me. One big round one like the Honda CB650R would have looked better.

[@drayvengarey7293]

Uh duke is pretty good looking naked

[@Bio_Rozay141]

I just got a Suzuki GSX-8S a couple days ago. I’m so geeked!!

[@SiikPros]

Still love it??

[@Bio_Rozay141]

@@SiikPros honestly, not as much as I did on day/week one. I miss that aggressive leaning forward position. But I won’t lie this bike is fun. But I will always love fully faired bikes. I never had a naked bike before and wanted one as soon as possible after I sold mine. But now I’m wishing I waited.

[@snakeoil2182]

What bike would you get if you could redo the purchase? Also what bike did you have before 8s?

[@Norgesbeste1]

@@snakeoil2182 one word! check out duke 990

[@nodawginme]

test rode this and i had a blast. good bike

[@ChingoMandinguez]

Why are all these manufacturers obsessed with the 'transformer' looking headlights on naked bikes? They're making great bikes but I just can't get over the headlights.

[@J2I3H]

I think it looks awesome 😎 nice tailtidy and aftermarket underbody exhaust...🔥

[@ryanadams3240]

For sure. Unfortunately, the taillight is on that protruding fender. I've been told Yoshimura has a tail tidy in works that eliminates it though.

[@J2I3H]

@@ryanadams3240would have be nice to see a modernized version of the gen two sv650 tail light on the 8s

[@leoveroude4492]

Stellar intro guys! Good footage as well. The headlights take getting use to for me but sweet machine. Thank you.

[@ryanadams3240]

Thank you for the kind comments!

[@paulconnell1309]

Nice review, nice overview and brilliant photography, thanks. Can't wait for a comparison with the Honda Hornet. Have riden both but only briefly. Does anyone else think the jaws on the radiator guard area are just too much? Will the light blue last the test of time?

[@dkf2711]

You can really feel the inflation with these parallel twins and TFT displays replacing the more expensive V-twins and real gauges. Maybe the next SV650 will be a parallel twin too.

[@alphajed7700]

It will be

[@kimw200blaze4]

It wouldn't be an SV650 if it did not have an V Twin engine. This new Suzuki bike will eventually replace the SV650 if it sells well. It would be like replacing an future Ducati Monster's L- Twin engine with an inline four engine. It wouldn't be an Monster any more.

[@ryanadams3240]

@@kimw200blaze4 Well, they replaced the V-Strom's V-Twin with a Parallel Twin...

[@kimw200blaze4]

@@ryanadams3240 There's no need to produce an new SV650 with an parrallel twin engine when you have this new bike from Suzuki. This is the bike that Suzuki ultimately views as the replacement for the SV650.

[@ryanadams3240]

@@kimw200blaze4 agreed

[@WheelHeadd]

I love the color. White-colored rims would be good on it.

[@shardie78239]

This is a fantastic looking bike. I’m considering this and the trident 660.

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

That bike is gorgeous

[@glynhannaford7332]

That's a good, solid, objective review bud, so I'm subscribing. 👌 Those roads look great! Where in France?

[@darionmcclinton351]

Why would you pick this over the Suzuki Gsx-s750? What's the difference

[@jimperry4420]

You wouldn’t. At least I wouldn’t. 40 less horsepower and a twin, nope.

[@darionmcclinton351]

@jim perry Right! I'm failing to see the point of making this bike

[@xb5883]

I just bought the 750 yesterday and it is so choice. The 4 cylinder is sublime. I think the 8S is targeting the MT07 crowd...not for me.

[@jaafersa]

This is supposed to go against those twin engine streetfighters, ie people who want a quickshifter with riding modes, and more torque on the lower end.

[@darionmcclinton351]

Forgive me, I'm still pretty new when it comes to motorcycles. I have a -s750, which is an inline 4. Is the twin engine just a different experience? Because a quickshifter and modes are something Suzuki can add on a new -s750 series.

[@christopherwinwood4615]

The old KTM 790 Duke (105 BHP) whips this on just about every level in opinion.

[@josejpl69]

The 2023 is 105hp too

[@Wooskii1]

Definitely not what I was hoping for, and they kept that cyborg eye headlight. The rest of the bike looks great though.

[@FromPlsNerf]

I'll keep my 2016 FZ07 with no ABS/trac control hehe. love it.

[@jfess1911]

Sounds like a good motorcycle. Sounds like it about the same weight as the Honda CB650R and not much more than the SV650, so it seems pretty reasonable. Some recent group reviews put those two near the bottom of the pack of their peers, but it will be interesting to see what people think when compared head to head with the MT700 and Trident 660.

[@allwheeldrive]

I think those "group" reviews were not actually physical head-to-heads, but spec-sheet comparisons. Nobody from what I remember has actually had this class of bikes together yet.

[@aluisious]

Why would anyone want a middleweight parallel twin that weighs more than an SV650?

[@DoctorStrange01]

@@aluisious 1. It's not ugly as fuck 2. You don't ride spreadsheets :D

[@Krezo200]

I love japanese motorbikes and cars

[@4tasmic]

Great review!!!

[@stef741]

That tank protector looks fire! Any chance to tell me where you bought it from?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

One thing I wonder from an engineering standpoint, is it possible to make a 4-stroke parallel twin actually quite smooth and vibration-free overall? All twins have shortcomings in this, even 90° Vtwins have vibration and aren't perfect. BMW boxer twins have rocking couple. The 90° Vtwin is a very good design, but not entirely smooth either. Parallel twins have been set up in 5 configurations that I know of (360, 270, 285, 180, 315) and all of those require some kind of secondary balancing shaft.... or two. So, when Suzuki decides to run a twin balance shaft setup and advertise how this hasn't been done before in this sort of configuration with a parallel twin, you would think they'd have eliminated vibration. And yet they haven't. MT-07 with a single secondary balance shaft, is super smooth until higher rpm and it starts buzzing.

[@CollinMac96]

No

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@CollinMac96 Yes

[@michael37570]

The rear mudguard looks terrible, stuck to the back seat, why didn't they can it and increase the length of the back seat!

[@josephalaguna]

Thank you. In process of shopping for a new bike to replace my current ride.

[@davidwolfe9722]

...that being said...that being said...that being said...

[@ryanadams3240]

I try! Sorry, it's not that easy hopping off of a bike and jumping in front of a camera... after 24 hrs of traveling. For me, at least.

[@davidwolfe9722]

@@ryanadams3240 At least you didn't keep saying " going forward " every ten seconds! That being said it was a great review. Thanks man.😁😁😁

[@michaelphillips2079]

Was your speedo set to kp/h? Seemed like you were hitting some pretty heavy speeds on those twisty roads. 😊

[@paulconnell1309]

Europe so definitely kmph.

[@organichotdog3807]

Hopefully they will make a retro version because I don't like the looks of this bike. And with the goofy side panels that run into the tank, there is nothing I could modify to make it look appealing.

[@michaelphillips2079]

I'd be afraid of those front side panels acting like a sail. I guess Suzuki did aerodynamic testing on them.

[@Lord99922]

I wonder the heat of this new engine comparing other middleweight naked bikes like CB750 Hornet or MT-07 or Tuono 660...? Deciding to get one of these for city commuting.

[@hex_surfer4588]

For commuting in hot climate and jammed city I would pick something smaller - 300-400. It will be less tiring with clutch also - the bigger the engine the heavier is the clutch lever.

[@aluisious]

@@hex_surfer4588 Ninja 400 is just a damn good bike for anything short of trying to rocket between cities at warp speed or two up touring.

[@ryanadams3240]

@@hex_surfer4588 That's not really a solid rule. The new Scrambler that I rode just before the GSX-8S had a nearly effortless clutch pull despite the Ducati's 27cc larger engine to the Suzuki. There are many factors (a hydraulic clutch among other things in the Ducati's case) that come in to play.

[@hex_surfer4588]

@@ryanadams3240 I know there are more factors. However Ducati as a commuter is too much bike IMHO.

[@hex_surfer4588]

@@aluisious Yeah, something like Ninja 400 should be near perfect. I use cb500x for commute - works well but still would be better.

[@alphajed7700]

Need a head to head shootout with the Hornet, Tuono 660, MT-07, Duke 790

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Certainly is better than the drab 650 class so I agree I'd like to see a head to head with the super twin class. I think this one looks the best and despite what he said about "slower handling", I can't agree if it's got a similar wheel base and set up as the other GSX-S bikes as those handle incredible--- ridiculously better than most competitors. The Tuono and the Duke are going to be lighter and have more tech but you're also not getting famous Suzuki indestructible durability with those.

[@ryanadams3240]

As far as things go now, the Hornet is not a North American model, so unfortunately, it will not be available for us to test.

[@alphajed7700]

@@ryanadams3240 why North America is so stiff on several motorcycles?

[@ryanadams3240]

@@alphajed7700 I wish I knew.

[@juanesteban8938]

I love my Tuono 660. It's a head turner.

[@crumbcake11]

I do enjoy mine..however i am getting like 40 mpg..

[@LanceLumbanPHI]

Looks like the 990 Duke from the early 2000s

[@darnhard]

that being said

[@donreavis1463]

Please test ride the gsx8r!

[@maxtaylor1026]

I wish these motorcycle review guys would stop commenting on the "vibration", that's shit that rookies talk about. I recommend saying either the vibration is an issue or it isn't, and leave it there.

[@MrRGM10]

What rpm does the power tap out ??

[@pinorkal]

Everyone is automatically comparing this to the 750 Hornet and MT07 as both are twins but are we considering the triumph Street triple 765r too? (& 765rs). I suspect there be a price differential and and extra cylinder and it ain't made in Japan not that the last point matters.

[@theawesomepie1266]

is this a good bike for someone who is new to riding?

[@MrWhitelightning73]

No, a Ninja H2 would be better suited for new riders

[@theawesomepie1266]

@@MrWhitelightning73 thanks for helping me make a decision on what first time bike bro, i was thinking this or a triumph rocket 3

[@MrWhitelightning73]

@@theawesomepie1266 Good choices.

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

cruise control? I'd pass on the fancy tft for better suspension 100%

[@henryairconcepts2999]

Im a suzuki fanboy but that airscoop cowling on the tanksides put me off

[@muthusahukara25]

Nice one

[@hussaintahir4674]

It look awsome...

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Re-upload?

[@Firestorm637]

Parallel vs V has more moving parts and thus expensive with the V. Single head and valve train vs 2 heads of the v. Less parts, less friction, thus more horsepower

[@benmaisano4484]

How does it compare to the BMW F800R?

[@Firestorm637]

Hornet 750 or this?

[@RobDaKid87]

I hate that baby blue color. Otherwise it seems wonderful.

[@Gaurav-v9s]

Super

[@tgmwright]

That being said...

[@ryanadams3240]

I try! Sorry, it's not that easy hopping off of a bike and jumping in front of a camera... after 24 hrs of traveling. For me, at least.

[@thodoris3790]

i d prefer this one than the new hornet.even though,in my country, this costs 1250 euro more

[@twistyboi3412]

Would this make a good first bike?

[@universe1225]

Yes.

[@Firestorm637]

Compare to Honda 750 hornet 🐝

[@moorepower13]

Looks to be exactly 1000 bucks better then the hum drum hornet.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I like the more stable longer wheelbase bikes like my NC700X

[@aluisious]

In a touring bike sure. Not in a middleweight naked.

[@brucerossonthetube]

No more John Burns?

[@ryanadams3240]

Unfortunately, he is not around anymore... I mean he is, but not at MO. A corporate decision, definitely not a staff decision. We valued JB.

[@brucerossonthetube]

@@ryanadams3240 Thanks Ryan for letting me know. I guess that doing a review wearing a robe is a very John Burns way to go.🙃 I hope John see this, because I've been a huge fan of his for decades. I look forward to seeing where he turns up next. Also really appreciate the work you do too Ryan! Cheers.

[@ryanadams3240]

@@brucerossonthetube John's working at AMA magazine currently. He's a great character and writer. We miss having him around.

[@kennypool]

Is cfmoto building the 8s for Suzuki, or the motor?

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I think I saw that it's made in Japan

[@moorepower13]

No

[@alphacapo]

I believe all of suzukis bigger bikes are made in a japan factory.

[@joeblow5037]

Good stuff, Ryan. ☺ This and the Hornet would be on my list....if I was looking. The Hornet would probably win.

[@ih8momjokes1]

why anyone would pick a suzuki for the hornet is beyond me

[@MCGMB]

​​​@@ih8momjokes1based on other reviews, the Suzuki has better fueling, is more stable, engine vibrates less, and has better low-end torque which makes it more enjoyable off-road and around town. Compelling reasons if you ask me.

[@alastairtheduke]

@@ih8momjokes1 Hornet isn't made for tall people. Hornet looks bland.

[@ryanadams3240]

Bummed the Hornet won't be a North American model for the foreseeable future.

[@J2I3H]

​@@ih8momjokes1 exact the opposite for me😂 Hornet looks horrible, skinny rear tire. Suzuki is to heavy tho

[@markbaum9615]

Just get an mt09...or if you insist on a longer wheelbase...xsr 900... This and the hornet seem underwhelming.....

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

MT09 is one of the worst bikes ever made. Craptastic spongey suspension, jerky throttle, short wheelbase.... they crash all the time even when ridden by good riders if you push them in the corners or track. People like them because insta-torque and super easy wheelie's but they suck at everything else. I agree that if you're seeking a bike in the super naked category that these seem underwhelming, but if you're looking for a 650 class bike... these are a nice upgrade on those with a bump in power and new chassis and looks. These give you a punchy sporty versatile bike with good but not amazing power and under 10k so it fits a lot of people's needs.

[@jayzee1968]

Suuu-zUki! Love the new design; winning and bold. But then you disappoint with the same weight and same cheap components. Cmon! Honda is already doing that. Step up and be bold; take it 100% of the way. Lots that follow you are willing to pay an extra ~3k for premium components and weight reduction to go with the looks. Sigh, got me looking back at the Ducati Monster SP… ugh, so ugg.

[@phantommaggotxxx]

That bike is FUGLY. I like the tail section and the blue... but that headlight/weird wings setup is just not attractive in any way... Just like they want to make a generic duke 790.... Which, IMO, is even uglier than this bike and made in china now too, so this is way better lol. IMO they should have upgraded the SV engine and built around it.

[@adadadatt]

Totally agree. Designed for 5 year olds who want their bike to look like a space fighter jet.

[@jayzee1968]

Lol.. damn you guys. I likes it. Though they should have also color match the radiator cover/side panel…that the missing link to completing its design.

[@xb5883]

I think it's replacing the SV, the stupid European emissions stuff and the v twin probably costs more to build.

[@xb5883]

@@adadadatt still looks way better than an MT-07

[@GreatWhiteDog711]

That engine sounds sad compared to the sv650.

[@rearwheelslider]

Triumph eats this for dinner.

[@hex_surfer4588]

Trident 660? I'm doubtfull. ST765? Yes. But it cost bit more.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Looks like yet another killer Suzuki bike that performs better than competitors. MT07 would be the primary competitor here and obviously the Honda Hornet 750, this looks to be a bit better of a package than both and because it's a Suzuki it'll have best in class handling.

[@filoIII]

MT-07 is junk, and always has been. Hornet is the competitor.

[@filoIII]

It won't handle better than the Hornet, but it'll SLAY the MT.

[@aluisious]

The MT07 weighs 40 pounds less. That's huge.

[@filoIII]

@@aluisious Indeed! Still handles like a Radio Flyer wagon

[@Firestorm637]

Looks similar KTM design

[@lewigimole]

$8850 oh nice thats £7k, behold RRP Uk £8k...

[@creatine_papi]

First?

[@xmax126]

Looks like a fz-07 mt-07 knockoff. Theyre 8 years late on this build

[@aluisious]

Tooo heavy. A middleweight naked should be light, unless it's just a lazy cruiser. This thing weighs as much as a 1290 Super Duke.

[@alphacapo]

you think 440 is heavy? Lmao The bikes weight is fine. 30 lbs makes almost zero difference unless your drag racing and chasing fractions . Most all midweight street bikes weigh between 4 and 5 hundred pounds. There is no getting around it.

[@MrFurious65]

Kinda looks like MT 07 but meh ...

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

It looks like a bike a Bud Light drinker would drive.

[@williamzeller294]

Clearly, Yamaha Motor Corp sought to destroy Suzuki Motorcycle Division by infiltrating Suzuki's design department with a handful of Yamaha's worst designers. Ghastly, and non-sensical.

[@IronGuardLegionnaire]

Honda Hornet kills this

[@xb5883]

Honda dirt bikes are cool everything else is boring

[@jaafersa]

100%. Unfortunately, for whatever goddamn reason, the Hornet isn't being sold in the US. So I guess this bike's only serious competition will be the MT-07 (and maybe Z900?) for its first or second year.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@jaafersa z900 is in a diff class as it's a 125 HP bike vs this 84 HP bike. This indeed is a mt07 or tuono 660 competitor. It's a bit more bike than a traditional 650 but is far less than the super naked's.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@jaafersa Direct competitior to say the BMW 900 too

[@kimw200blaze4]

No way! The Suzuki is an better quality made bike and has a longer wheelbase. The Hornet looks and has the size of an "Toy" i.e like an more powerful version of CB500f but the same size. This Suzuki is physically a more substantial and bigger bike. The Hornet suffers from an "inferiority complex" in comparison. It tries to be an "big bike" but it just cannot pull it off.

[@UltraHossBoss]

Second

[@angelwink]

poor quality

[@Peakwanderer]

All the reviewers I've seen say it is high quality.

[@Sr.D]

As awful as a "modern" bike can be...