2023 Suzuki GSX-8S | Technical Review

After years of development the all-new 2023 #Suzuki #GSX-8S parallel twin is here at last. We spent a bit of time with Director of Suzuki GB, Paul de Lusignan, and Product Planner, Steve Hacklett, to find out every juicy detail in this technical #review
Full review: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:48 Engine start
00:58 Action montage
01:05 Paul de Lusignan interview begins
01:25 Evolution from SV650
03:20 Gap in the market
04:09 Dimensions
04:35 Rivals
05:45 Chassis
07:34 Price and availability
08:22 Steve Hacklett interview
08:44 Engine details
10:00 Power and torque
11:30 Transmission
12:45 Riding position
13:50 Weight
15:05 Suspension
15:25 Brakes and tyres
16:15 What's with the name?
17:03 Colour range
17:55 Fuel tank and economy
18:32 Electronics and rider aids
20:57 Accessories
23:01 Outro
23:29 BikeSocial advert
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[@Snowburnt]

Real people, real roads. Suzuki has nailed it. Good job!

[@Spy_Pigeon]

Looks way better then the mt07 finally I can be proud of suzuki. Plus the quick shifter. Can't wait to hear with a full exhaust

[@burtdanams4426]

this is what a modern motorcycle should be. Well done suzuki

[@andreihidayat7602]

@@sonny9608 it still have some smooth flowing Suzuki's design from tank to tail

[@kshitijsolanki3295]

It's almost looks like Hero Xtreme launch 2 year ago in india

[@anxiousappliance]

@@sonny9608 Buy it, return it for repairs, stall on the way home? nah...

[@hagestad]

looks promising. BTW as usual about and inch to short stand?

[@B-zzz]

They nailed the looks for the most part.

[@Petchyalater]

That ugly beak ruins it.

[@Somchai007]

This is exactly what the Australian market needs. This fits in beautifully between the restricted learners bikes and the 1 litres. (Including the Yamaha MT09)

[@breaker981]

The front look of this bike is just phenomenal specially with the white colour

[@quuuv]

The more I look at it , the more I feel mesmerised. This is gonna set a benchmark on how the bike should look in terms of fit, finish and quality. Suspension would be more than adequate for the majority of riders. I had a 2020 sv650, 2022 mt09. Believe me when I say it, this is what I always wanted from a bike. Good brakes, low down torque, beautiful paint colour with Suzuki bulletproof engineering. Have already put an order for Australia 😀

[@paulconnell1309]

I'm a kiwi, and I agree. Almost bought the GSXS 750. Ended up with a two year old Street Triple R. It's quick.

[@stimpyman007]

Lol got the same thing , sold my 2014 mt09 for this bike . I want to ride it first before I order this one

[@flexywing]

Looking forward to a comparison test 8S v Hornet v MT07 v Trident Now that's a test Bike Social should be doing

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

It will lose - it’s too heavy.

[@claesnorell8702]

MT07 looks bit old hat compared with the Hornet and 8S. No tech at all, for starters. I think Yamaha needs to up its game in this bracket, both when it comes to looks and power. I get that the MT07 is fun, but I’d never buy one.

[@henrikforsberg683]

The suspension on the MT needs an upgrade.. really crappy. So this might be a good alternative!

[@keldonator]

@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 Depends where the weight is, of its low it could feel lighter.

[@quanwick4516]

I've been waiting on the MT07 to update their suspension for years but so glad Suzuki came out with something even better 🙌

[@admirkaralic7209]

Not even out yet, try it before giving Suzuki some of your ass.

[@quanwick4516]

@@admirkaralic7209 Have you ridden a stock MT07 before? If so, then you'd agree with my statement. Even on their gen 2 has nothing improved beside cosmetics. Their stock forks are dangerously sketchy. The specs on the GSX8s smokes the MT07 in every way.

[@admirkaralic7209]

@@quanwick4516 The Specs of my GSXS1000 are better than those of a Honda CB1000R, still doesn't mean it's a better bike. It all comes down to feeling and not black on white specs.

[@quanwick4516]

@@admirkaralic7209 No comparison from your gsxs1000 to the cb1000r. Not only your bike is cheaper but you get so much more. Why pay more for a 140hp Cb1000r?

[@admirkaralic7209]

@@quanwick4516 Reallity is just about looks. The Bike is Gorgeous, but the specs are meh. I heard a tune unleashes the beast, but which bike doesn't ? I understand your point of view, to me it's a hobby of trying new things. If I was concerned about power, I'd probably buy a BMW haha :P Thanks for the insight tho !

[@njohnson3331]

Pretty cool. I hope they send good accessories for the US version(s). Sometimes we don't get the nice color options, so hopefully we get that too.

[@QuentinsMotoVlog]

So nice to see Suzuki coming out with something new. I started on a Suzuki as a kid in the 1970's and I've owned everything since. Recently bought a 2017 VStrom 650 and I love it, as everyone does.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

This was quite a surprise . We will see the market reaction. Thanks for this.

[@samuelpeters5958]

I started out on the SV650, don't get me wrong it was amazing bike. But I have to say I wish this was around whenever I first started lol.

[@tvbuu]

its just nice to see suzuki finally releasing something new

[@andrewmilhoan3568]

I will actually be in the market for a middle weight naked bike next year and I love the looks of this bike Suzuki (and this is coming from a Honda fanboy). I had been looking hard at the Hornet, but this bike looks 100x better imo even if it is slightly down on peak hp. Nice bike Suzuki!!! Also, that blue is 🔥.

[@brandonbennett9271]

Same huge Honda guy but the 8s looks more like a hornet than the hornet

[@Jonathan-L]

At the moment, the Suzuki GSX8S would be my pick out of Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Aprilia, Triumph, Ducati and CFMoto. I like the Suzuki's styling. The GSX8S is a bit overdue, but they're definitely a good choice in the marketplace for that size bike.

[@brandonbennett9271]

@@Jonathan-L all comes down to price for me the 8s is my pick style wise but if the Honda comes in cheaper and more powerful the hornet might win

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I like it better than the Honda also. Too bad they will be hard to come by and probably won't be able to get one until late 2024-2025

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Even at 9600 usd ?

[@jordonlackey8682]

Great video. Loads of information. Did not know Suzuki had a new bike out. Will be following this one for sure, as I am looking to upgrade.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

A very smart move by Suzuki. Price will be key in determining its success.

[@fki2433]

Had the gsx-8s for a month now. First moto ever.. I gotta say, she's stunning!

[@gsxraiders]

Yall internet buyers are delusional. I'm buying this! I will be killing the backroads with this one.

[@oversteer_9339]

Can't wait for this to be in our market 🫶

[@barryjmarling]

Really like the looks,but think it’ll look a little cramped for taller riders,far better looking than the Hornet..

[@barryjmarling]

@@ElCoco1984 Honda Hornet (new model).

[@annon-ski7985]

It has quite a long wheelbase 57.6inches.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's going to have more room than the SV650 or the MT-07, neither of which seem cramped for their size and bigger riders.

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

You mistyped cb500.750f

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Although I only sat on the bike while stationary, i commented on how it felt more like a litre bike in terms of its size. And I'm 6ft tall. It's narrow but I guess the only way we'll all really know is when we ride it! It'll be at Motorcycle Live too. Cheers, Michael

[@ozzyg82]

Just sat on this at the NEC show today - it’s well nice in the flesh.

[@pieterbusa]

Great bike. Great review!!

[@ChrisJohn_444]

We've tried to offer something that no one is offering - the weight of a litre bike, with the power of a 650. I can't tell you any secrets because I don't know any.

[@godwhomismike]

Not my style of bike (I'm more of a cruiser rider), but that is one damn good color combo.

[@andrewwatson9586]

I don’t know why Suzuki seem to completely ignore the retro sector. They have the heritage. I’m sure this will be a decent enough bike but it’s not really doing anything interesting

[@midhungopan9270]

Same thoughts in my mind too

[@Fee.1]

The sv650x is gorgeous so they’re clearly capable of it.

[@Fee.1]

If they made either a z900rs cafe competitor, or a CBR650R with a cafe look and 800cc of inline 4 or a triple, or even a v twin, I would make love to it

[@gregoryburne5251]

Looks great though.

[@Fee.1]

@@gregoryburne5251 it doesn’t though. Bikes are not curvy enough anymore

[@ZzZzofficial20]

This is so cool

[@karachigoat6308]

Wow amazing

[@damon1957ful]

I just got a black one and every thing he said about the power and torgue is correct, its awsome , the hornet is all chasing power with the revs and feels gutless lowdown i test them back to back the 8s is about thrust hold on and go , brill

[@veeken777]

The front end looks more Katana like than Gsx.

[@MrPotatochips4]

longer wheelbase appeals to me just for starters. not bad styling if you have to have pointy. retro is more my stlye, but then I can keep what i got now for that

[@surendarmohan9878]

This something much needed from Suzuki

[@motodevcam]

Possibly one of those negative comments but it seems a strange thing that the head of Suzuki UK is promoting the bike and talking about its meant virtues without having ridden it. Just an odd choice of spokesperson.

[@ipohboy]

good sales pitch. Bike looks great. Still for a twin at 204kg ? bit on the high side. 10kg lighter that the 1000. The 4 pot would be pretty good, too.

[@KM07749]

Looks beautiful 😮 can’t wait for it to release in Asia 🤞🏽🫶🏽

[@KM07749]

Does it have underbelly protection as option?

[@sinistergate]

Already in indonesia, Suzuki V-Storm

[@stellanholgersson7170]

And a sports version with low handlebars and full fairing, please.

I will love to see the "cafe racer"/retro version from Suzuki. Like this, looks like any other MT07 or hornet: Transformer meets bug.

[@SkyDomeVIZE]

Wish they would of made this back in 2017. Unfortunately, this Suzuki GSX-8S model might be a little too late to the market, but I would get this bike if I was in the market for one. Best of luck.

[@BEEBEE58679]

Thank you. Can you discern from Suzuki the following: 1). Date of rider launch ?? 2) Cruise control options ?? 3). Heated grips options ?? Thanks again.

[@jjjohny_a5965]

super cool looking love the blue...useable power band both highway and city...776cc longer rides and longer highway rdes job well done suzuki

[@ianstagg846]

How about a full fared version? Not too keen on naked bikes

[@scootzup8180]

Finallly

[@dylangrieveable]

Definitely has a similar look to the KTM 790/890; I'm curious to try it. Plus an $8849 MSRP- it could be a really good value.

[@hendrysetiawan4690]

Thats kinda cool

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

I hope it responds really well to mods and tuning. 90 whp would be perfect. I think I might trade in my SV for the black one!

[@leeengelsman1855]

Don't mod it yourself, wait till Suzuki develop it .

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

@@leeengelsman1855 I wouldn't do much to it. Just a full exhaust and Dyno tune.

[@HS99876]

Good job Suzuki!

[@motojc]

Great bike. I hope there will be a super sport version of it to compete with R7. And I hope they would not just let SV650 and DSXR750 wither away. Both bikes I would buy if they give them some decent upgrade.

[@rickseconds7676]

I want the blue one!!

[@supernova8715]

That black color tho looks badass

[@JPWest020]

It’s a Suzuki, so I’m not worried about the riding, it will be beautiful.

[@novelragon]

Suzuki should add a retro looking bike as well using this platform.

[@organichotdog3807]

I was thinking that as well.

[@ellomirza]

A long strike? This thing is made in the UK for sure. Where was this when I was young?

[@thieudtcvlogs6312]

Wou,,🤩🤩👍👍👍

[@oliw3664]

Looks good and I even like the front lights cowling unlike on the thousand. Hate the biased corporate “this is great in every way” chat though.

[@lippyrides5677]

Any bluetooth on the bike must have now days?

[@matthiasmaas1457]

where is she manufactured? Hamamatsu?. would love to see a Vid of the production line.

[@ChrisJohn_444]

I've got it, I've figured it out - sometimes it's about escaping accountability, sometimes it's about lowering expectations. Kawasaki said "Face Yourself" and Jonathan Rea proceeded to show he's his own worst enemy and that he's better than himself. Suzuki says they're offering 2 new high value, non-competitve options, and 'saying' it's okay to go quietly into that good night.

[@redlinerichard77]

Will the quickshifter work in gp shift?

[@zrx4me1]

Updated Triumph Street Triple S puts this and the Honda to shame.

[@Nef4riousify]

At more or less double the price. Plus the Triumph stays most of the year at the dealership for repairs.

[@mindcave]

If only it was in the same price range!!

[@zrx4me1]

@@Nef4riousify 2023 Street Triple Starts at $10,000. Never had any reliability with Triumphs, many rack up high mileage, stop your bullcrap.

[@TheBaldDog32]

Just a quick note. Graphic at 15:43 says "Front Brakes" but is discussing rear brake.

[@Rajuna457]

Waiting

[@nigelfisher3756]

It’s a good looking motorbike but not overly keen on the looks of the chiselled front end. Being a Suzuki it will be beautifully engineered and fuelling should be perfect. For me, Suzuki will need to price the bike correctly AND give the bike a decent finish, something lacking on Suzi’s over the years. I think they’ve pitched it correctly above the 700cc sector; quite a cute move. Look forward to a test ride…. Oh, forgetting I have a appointment with that new and beautiful Guzzi V100 Mandello!

[@Evri500]

Daamn! It was love at first sight. This baby is one fine-looking machine! And let's be real, it's just so much fun to say SUZUKI!

[@claesnorell8702]

Looks lovely and has a good spec. Assuming it’s pricier than the new Hornet, it will be interesting to see if the better looks and the 180 rear tyre is enough to lure customers away from the Honda. As someone looking to buy exactly this kind of bike next year, it’s awesome to see two really capable 750+ bikes on offer at this price point. Mind you, still tempted by a used Aprilia Tuono 660, which is obviously the only one of the three I’ve ridden so far. Test riding one of these (and the Hornet) as soon as possible next year!

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

It will not do well if it’s more than the cb500.750f - and what’s up with a guy who’s never ridden it presenting it ?????

[@claesnorell8702]

@@stubbingtonmarigold3032 I’d usually expect a Suzuki to be cheaper than a Honda, but that Hornet launch price is very low. OK, so to get the quick shifter etc you need to add a few hundred but it makes the Triumph Trident look expensive (another contender in my search). My notional price limit is £8000 so I’m looking at a some used bikes, and somewhat unexpectedly, the 8S perhaps and certainly the Hornet (though I agree it looks a bit meh)

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

I hope 3 things. 1) the Honda ends up at 8k usd 2) the Suzuki is also 8k and most importantly 3) they are both good but somehow different

[@jacintofjimenez5342]

I hv found the Suzuki at$10,745 usd​@@stubbingtonmarigold3032

[@crumbcake11]

Can anyone confirm that the quick shifter works up AS WELL AS DOWN WITH AUTO-BLIP? Excuse the caps but when I tried to test ride the gsx- 8s l, the dealer let me try a gsx-8r saying the bikes were the same. Anyway, 8r is a lot of fun however quick shift down didn't seem to work. If I did manage to slam a gear down with no clutch there was def no auto blip.Now I am wondering if the bikes are different or if I missed something

[@mindcave]

"What we're offering here with the bike (compared to other bikes in this segment) is more of everything".... More weight? Yes. More cost? Yes. More HP? ummm...... More color choices? well, errrrr..... Oh, you don't like blue? We have a white version, with blue all over it. Or black....

[@twowheelpilot]

Seat to peg dimension looks way to tight to be comfortable. I have no idea why this trend to keep tightening up that gap on naked bikes seems to be a thing! Sure the seat high gets lower but everything else is compromised in the saddle.

[@KMP_Batang]

that was a nice new bike you had there suzuki but you still missing a 400cc bracket compared to other brands, if there is a chance if the SV650 will be faceout, you may step it down in the 400cc category SV are a great bike it would be a new game changer for the line up congrats to your new bike.SUZUKI

[@Mowser63]

The Director of Suzuki UK launching and extolling the virtues of a bike he hasn’t even ridden yet?! 🙈

[@soulfish61]

Got myself one of these Friday 26th and it's almost run in already Monday 29th. Can't wait to fit an after market exhaust to make it a bit louder though. Altogether a great bike, Can't stop smiling. I moved up from kawasaki versys 650 which was a great bike but the suzuki beats it hands down, 10 out of 10 suzuki.

[@nivotron960]

It’s an obvious engine development with emissions laws etc - more interested in the platform sharing aspect - expect to see a faired super twin version in due course which could be brilliant for the road although for racing engine doesn’t fit into category

[@madcockney]

Agreed. That would be a nice bike, even if only half faired.

[@chrisb4504]

I got an Sv so maybe slightly biased but this bike to me looks amazing and I think the clever buyers out there will go for this over the hornet. Maybe a bit more expensive? But just look at it GO SUZUKI!

[@johncrossland5051]

I'm interested in the V-Strom version of the 8S with more go than a V-Strom 650 and better mileage and less weight than a V-Strom 1050. Not sure sure how these will go in Aussie/NZ as above 650 for LAMs riders. EU has A2 that allows bigger restricted engines like F800. Wonder if SV 650 will stay and V-Strom 650 will stay for Aussie/NZ LAMs of if they'll drop from Suzuki range as they would have to keep updating exhausts and engines for EU emissions standards where they'll sell more bikes. Reckon may be last year to get an SV 650 or V-Strom 650 if you want one. V-twins are costlier to make than parallel twins. BMW and KTM get big parallel twins made in China now as simpler and cheaper to make there.

[@JDeezle21]

I want one

[@jonomasonILoveU]

The QS is a main selling point, well done Suzuki. I Love kTm😁

[@Bitulescu]

I have a 2008 SV650S and if I would change I would go for something that has more than 12 hp more stock... I know that the emission regulations are the reason for this bike but I would get an MT-09 or if I had the cash a MT-10 if I would look for a step up from my SV. In my book learners should start on 500cc, move to a 700cc and then a 100hp+ bike. I've been riding my SV for 12 years now and for the money it's hard to beat, in those 12 years I had a cb500r, a gsx1000r and a zx10r but the SV never let me down

[@gsm_liv8980]

Steve was right. People loved this bike

[@stroudswebs]

Still looking to find a suitable replacement for my Fazer 8... lots of gadgets and longer range on the GSX-8S it will be price compared to the new Hornet

[@michaeldizon1641]

I hope this bike should release on the Philippines

[@PissTakeProduction]

I want those pannier bags for my Katana

[@burglekutt2233]

So what happens to the gsx-s750 now?

[@sp3associate]

What about GSX s750 does it will get update or will be discontinued ?

[@diegosantos9752]

It's gone

[@jayjackson1562]

How much HP ?

[@gt4654]

There is only one king in this category.. the Husqvarna Nuda 900R...

[@veljkovic92]

Lots of beautiful details on the bike...but why grey forks on all blacked bike... 😮

[@Cwafter]

I was exactly the customer the first guy is describing, coming from an SV650. I would have preferred to buy another Suzuki instead of the other ~900cc class offerings, but this bike does not fit in the niche they are aiming for. It's heavier than any of the bikes on the adjacent markets, which if they wanted to stick with the "bigger and more stable" idea, they should have upped the fuel tank to 17-19L and tuned it to 90-95hp. As it stands, the modern 650's (Trident, Mt07, SV650) already make 75-80hp and come in lighter. Not sure what this mythical "800 class" has to offer? If this was in the market when I was looking for a new bike, I would not have bought it over the MT09 unless it was significantly cheaper. They should have really sent it and aimed to compete with the MT-09 and Duke 890, or at least closer to them. This bike looks really nice and is so close to what I was hoping for...

[@jmpoulsen1]

Yet another R2 - how exciiiitiiiing!

[@franktate9873]

Is this a replacement for the GSX S750 ?

[@cerberus2881]

"Leveraged" is Suzuki Guy's favorite word at the moment.

[@naysayer8918]

Looks good. It looks more hornet than the hornet.

[@almin9751]

I have owned ...1 scooter and later three Honda 184cc, 500cc and currently a 650cc and this is strong contender to step up since the Hornet looks are quite dull... however where i live suzuki's dealership is an absolute crap and shame... customer service has no description here, so this is a serious deal breaker will have to find out more details from them

[@pmay222]

proper everyday bike...commute it, tour it... and even trakday it and it wont murder your wrists... the 1000cc 220 bhp market has gone down a dead end street..overpriced, too fast..this is a lovely looking bike .. BSB should do a series for high bars naked streetbike theres enough of them out there now... the plastic wedges are boring... love the engine note on this too...well done suzuki

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It’s a great idea and one we’ve asked about before. BMW is introducing the F900R Cup next season which has been oversubscribed and will be a fantastic series.

[@Snotroggel453]

The front looks exactly like a KTM😎

[@MrPagro21]

Omg😍🤩 take my money 💰 🤑 sorry honda hornet 750

[@RAM-sz5uq]

"nothing this kind of capacity" what's wrong with the GSX S750? It's a great bike for its class.

[@daniellevin1907]

S8 or MT09? Await rider experience. Also comfort from seat padding, rider triangle and riding position (in my case for 6’11” rider).

[@DoctorStrange01]

MT09 ? Dude, the Yamaha is literally a 120 hp beast, almost a liter bike. Or did you misspell MT-07 ? Cause that's what it goes against. That and a Hornet and Trident. Not MT-09. Completely different class.

[@J2I3H]

A bit heavy tho, xsr700 is 182 wet. Hopefully the pipe weighs 20kgs

[@CPLBSS88]

The question of this vs the MT07; I agree in part with his answer but what he should have said is this is a direct competitor with the MT09. Compare apples to apples of you're gonna try and pit manufactures against one another...

[@superbikesavage9500]

This is a very small step up from the sv 650 in terms of power, i think that riders aren't looking for a half step up from a 650 or a 700 to a "800" its a very nice looking and sounding bike though, it looks better than the mt07. I think that it should be priced near the mt07 and they should also make a sportbike version to compete with the r7. If its cheaper than the mt then its probably a no brainer to get this instead.

[@photographerjonathan]

Looks nice, I hope Suzuki prices it competitively. and not over priced. it should not be more than the Honda Hornet which has more power. when will it be in the stores ? it has more horse power than an MT07 but maybe its not faster because of the extra weight. I will be looking forward to some reviews and comparisons with the other twins, the Hornet and MT07.

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

We know what Honda is in UK, but the fact they are keeping quiet is a bad sign - they want you to take emotional ownership of it before the bad news

[@robnewton3368]

Good looking product that theoretically sits in that sweet spot of performance, quality and vfm. Get the price right, potentially it could fly.