2024 Suzuki GSX-8R First Ride Review - Is This The SV650 Reincarnate?

The third model in Suzuki's new 800 platform, the GSX-8R reminds us of the SV650. It has a fun engine, a playful chassis, and is a great real world alternative to full-fledged sportbikes that's more within reach of the average buyer. Motorcycle.com's Road Test Editor Troy Siahaan tried it on the street and the track to see if it has the makings to be Suzuki's next cult classic sportybike.
Read the full written review here: www.motorcycle...
Troy’s Street Gear
Helmet: Arai Corsair-X Vinales-6: imp.i104546.ne...
Jacket: Alpinestars GP Plus V4: imp.i104546.ne...
Airbag: REV’IT! Avertum Tech-Air: imp.i104546.ne...
Pants: Alpinestars Copper v3 Riding Jeans: imp.i104546.ne...
Gloves: Alpinestars Equinox Gore Tex X-trafit (Discontinued)
Boots: Alpinestars Superfaster Shoes: imp.i104546.ne...
Troy’s Track Gear
Helmet: Arai Corsair-X Vinales-6: imp.i104546.ne...
Suit: Alpinestars GP Tech V4: imp.i104546.ne...
Airbag: REV’IT! Avertum Tech-Air: imp.i104546.ne...
Gloves: Racer High Racer: www.racerglove...
Boots: Alpinestars Supertech R: imp.i104546.ne...
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premier online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.

[@NA-oo4ls]

That yellow is 🔥

[@phatsmitty]

Troy, excellent review, cool bike, and very fine moto journalism... You do great work!!!

[@ioandragulescu6063]

with both this bike and with the gsxs 1000 gx I can finally say that suzuki has made some handsome bikes :)

[@glenndeason]

Can't wait to see the shootout of this class 🙌

[@glenndeason]

The "just shy of a liter, sport bike" class 😅

[@glenndeason]

I think the Aprillia RS660, Yamaha R7... maybe the Ninja 650? I think the ZX6R and KTM RC 8C would be too racey for these, but I'm not sure. I'd just love to see the comparisons in a shootout video.

[@glenndeason]

Tbh I didn't know about the new Daytona 660. Thanks for bringing that to my attention. ❤

[@gregtaskila7133]

Great Clip on this machine !!!! This is not a good bike!!! This is a GREAT BIKE !!!! Will fit all classes of riders at all levels. I Think I got the 1st one in colorado last week,and got a leg over and was blown away !!!!! Great Clip !!! And info on this, and Great job Suzuki.It's like getting 3 bikes in one:) OLd man in colorado still digging this

[@TylerMcCool]

I've been telling people how good the 800DE is.. Suzuki nailed the new 800 engine/chassis/platform.

[@DasChristoff]

Completely agree! I live in CO as well and ride a 2023 GSX S1000. Suzuki is putting out amazing bikes lately. I love my naked bike in the canyons here. Epic!!

[@future62]

Cant wait to see this in full race trim.

[@NTGatVE]

havnt you yet? Rocco landers just won a moto America race with it

[@slicknick0097]

I’m super excited to see what the MotoAmerica teams do with this bike! It’s very likely going to be my next race bike!

[@Maggieismydog]

This is a fantastic looking machine and sounds like a great all rounder. Comfortable sport bike that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not and doesn’t cost a fortune. Great review and great vid as always. From Aus 🇦🇺

[@njohnson3331]

I like the color options. I don't like the tail situation. They should offer some reasonably adjustable suspension.

[@Mr_Glenn]

There is a shorter tail available for this bike.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

A tail tidy. Not a big deal. One of the most common mods in every sportbike in existence.

[@xxcommentator]

I keep hearing about the problems from other reviewers about the quickshifter being bad when downshifting. I might have to wait for suzuki to rectify this issue before buying one.

[@wetland3010]

Just needs break-in of gearbox then is smooth up and down. Like a lot of other bikes.

[@Chainspike101]

oh man wheres the V twin? the V twin sounded so good.

[@thinkdunson]

this is a great review. thanks boss.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Where is that with the dragon in the background?

[@paulvanhout9695]

Borrego Springs, CA

[@magruderable]

Love Tony's reviews. Dudes a badass!

[@johnnyblue4799]

Who's Tony?

[@BS-em8or]

Fuhgeddaboudit @@johnnyblue4799

[@salskars6637]

@@johnnyblue4799 - Troy Tony Montana. I always appreciate his reviews. Well done "Tonie"

[@judge831]

Sad to hear about the crappy quickshifter. Triumph makes the best ones. Nobody can compete apparently.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

For what it's worth my 8S is shifting. smoother with more miles.

[@HifeMan]

@@richardwarsinske7064 Once you go with full synthetic it's smooth as butter. I got 1600 miles on mine with a full exhaust, just waiting for my ECU to get back to see if it's even smoother. :)

[@maximus9401]

Yamaha's quick shifter, atleast the one on a MT09, is fantastic. Perfect up and down at any rev range

[@paulconnell1309]

The auto blipping is a bit light on the GSX 8 series quick shifters. And it does not give as smooth a shift if revs are constant. There are times to use the clutch. However for everyday riding with early upshifts it is as smooth as butter. Also down one gear at a time, even with a big jump. I had a 2020 Street Triple R and the quick shifter needed a serious nudge to change up. Way more that the Suzuki.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

GSX-S1000 has reported to have one of the best there is. Suzuki must have not applied the same R&D to the 8R.

[@bramcurtis6900]

I think they should complete the line like Kawasaki did with the 650 twin and make a cruiser. Same engine, 4 bikes. And this makes perfect power to be a legitimate long hauler. Just change the rear sub frame and pedal placement etc. I am sure it would sell.

[@salskars6637]

Thank you Suzuki. Looks, engine and ergos allowing us to ride all day.

[@user-ty9jx8dy1w]

Why oh why can't we get the yellow scheme in the UK?!

[@TieuBachBach]

Hello, suzuki fanboi 😊. This bike so amazing and i think it will be a beast at mid range motorcycle ❤.

[@stephenschwartz7402]

That bike does look pretty good

[@exothermal.sprocket]

It's interesting how the QS up/down isn't functioning very well in the down blip, because the GSX-S1000 has been said by many to be the most slick precise and flexible QS system on the market. Suzuki might have invested more money into the 1000cc platform in that device. Who knows.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

Cheaper bike, cheaper QS. I say clutch the clutch and all sins are forgiven.

[@DasChristoff]

As an owner of a 23 gxs s1000 I can say the QS is absolutely amazing! Butter smooth. I’ve owned several bikes and this one by far has the best QS hands down.👍👊

[@UpsideDownFork]

Why oh why can't we get the yellow scheme in the UK?! 😢

[@skyhigh1803]

Thank You. Awesome bike.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Love it, shame we don't get yellow in the UK.

[@SkankHunt42O]

Haha

[@salskars6637]

truly a shame.

[@csposir]

Shootout needs to include the CFMOTO 800

[@chazlyle41]

Anyone comment on the ergos compared to the S1000 (or GT)? Just curious comfort wise. Looking for a comfortable commuter and short trip bike that is super comfortable, but still super fun.

[@korazon3spinado]

The vstrom 800 re is around 40-50 lbs heavier with the same engine. I guess the bigger gas tank and rack on the back makes it heavier.

[@judge831]

The only thing I don't like is the rear taillight thingy. Those look terrible on all bikes. Why don't manufacturers use regular rear fenders like they do on the front?

[@blipco5]

They should also have an option, at least, for a rack. How do you carry anything on that bike?

[@ehiggins7476]

Regulations

[@Mr_Glenn]

There is a short tail available.

[@blipco5]

@@Mr_Glenn I see the aftermarket is already on it. 👍

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Transportation bureaucracy compliance. Every fender has to have something reaching the zone of the back of the rear tire, if you drew a straight line from the ground, tangent to the back of the tire straight up, a fender has to touch that line. It's not the manufacturer's rules, that's the rules for selling into a transportation market.

[@IrnMaiden304]

For roughly $2k more you can buy a GSXR600, or roughly $2k less you can buy an SV650 ..... roughly 10k for a 800 twin with an R moniker with no real adjustments, idk 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@yasugi0153]

I think this bike and the Yamaha r7 are in a weird niche spot where the user may have come from a beginner bike and want more power but don’t want to go full 600. Plus want new updated fairings make it a sweet spot for an Advanced rider

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

Man, that wet weight number turned me off so fast. Might stick with Rc390 or just my gsxr 600

[@cookinsdabest]

This would have been exciting in the 90's/early 00's, but for the love of god bring back the SV1000S

[@brucegill4218]

You said you had a Suzuki sv650 are they a comfortable bike because I'm looking to maybe buy one or a ZX6 6636 Kawasaki

[@markhingst5368]

Would have liked to see it have a little more aggressive cam profile/tune to it than the 8S. It does look great though.

[@jpslaym0936]

Like Triumph is doing with their triple

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If it helps, the aftermarket has retrieved about 10 horsepower and 9 ft-lb torque. Big gains. It's a little choked up factory form but nothing that can't be fixed.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I like it

[@juliaroman9349]

What a sexy bike if only i could afford one ugh

[@matthiashauptmann9423]

If I were in the market for a new bike the Suzuki GSX-8 R or S would be the way to go: Usable power, a realistic powerband for road use and obviously a competently made - albeit un-adjustable - suspension setup. Big singles and Triumph triples ruined high-revving bikes for me - my DR peaks out around 7k, as does my Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 and revving a bike out to 13k or more feels like ruining it. Some years ago I sold a perfectly running Street Triple R for that reason and got myself a Daytona 955i instead - until I realized, that 147 BHP are way too much for public roads, my understanding of a "fast" ride and life expectancy of both rider and driving license. Bikes with good suspension and sufficient torque must be ridden smoothly, keeping up the momentum. They require a good rider to go fast, but let all others survive the ride. Apart from very few really capable roadracers those 200+ HP-bikes are often crutches for riders of limited abilities.

[@Uninfluenceable]

At 455lbs, it's heavier than most (if not all) 1000cc liter bikes sold today. Calling this a middleweight sportbike is doing it a disservice. It clearly a touring bike like the Ninja 1000SX or GSX-S1000GT, but the cut down budget version. The GSX650F or Katana would be a more apt comparison than the SV650.

[@HifeMan]

It's only 18lbs heavier over the SV650S.

[@ItzCashew]

​@@HifeMan and it's mostly the emission items. A full exhaust can shave almost 14lbs off. A quick tune and the bike makes over 60lbft of torque. It Def move.

[@HifeMan]

@@ItzCashew I already plan on doing just that and sent my ECU out to get tuned :)

[@adrianw3985]

I had an SV1000, it was a fun bike.

[@aleksandrkleoshin6046]

8R is inline 2 cyl, not L-twin

[@adrianw3985]

@@aleksandrkleoshin6046 the presenter in the Video mentioned that he used to have an SV650. I was simply saying I had the similar, but bigger SV1000. My comment wasn't meant to imply anything about the engines layout.

[@adrianw3985]

@@aleksandrkleoshin6046 go to 0:51, in the Video, he talks about his SV650.

[@tomostinato2918]

Pity they didn't go with an old school diamond-shaped headlight.

[@kevinroark5815]

The yellow should've been two shades darker

[@monkmoto1887]

The tail light being completely out there kind of sucks and it’s not bad but I’d rather see some updates to the 750

[@rodneyhull9764]

Surely the GSX650F was its predecessor?

[@paulconnell1309]

F for Four.. But yeh.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

​@@paulconnell1309F on that was for "Fairing".

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

There is no father to its style.

[@paulconnell1309]

@@TheCdubbleyoo 🤣True. It was around when I bought my first bike in 2016. I bought a CBR500R instead. Loved that bike.

[@gwheat2364]

Looks like suzuki made a vfr. Make it a 1000 and keep weight the same

[@salskars6637]

8r is apprx 100 lbs lighter than mine.

[@bobek9221]

Który lepszy Daytona 660 czy Suzuki Gsx-8r ? 🖐️

[@TheSteveSteele]

Is the 8S and 8R built in Suzuki’s factory or is this a Chinese built bike?

[@sham27007]

Japan

[@motruthhunter]

Go with an RS 660.

[@johnsilver7150]

Hate the grey wheels and mirrors.

[@stevebrooks8625]

Keep comparing it to the SV650. Go get a used SV650s for $3000 and be happy.

[@rossdavis2654]

Holy cow that's hideous on screen. Jeez I hope it looks better in person.

[@aleksandrkleoshin6046]

How u can compare inline 2 cyl with L-twin SV650?

[@bluefox12factsbeforefeelin58]

V-twin means it weak 😂 its not a inline 😢 sad

[@monkmoto1887]

It looks like a gsxs

[@Steve-motorcycles]

It is all low down torque, which is great. However, it has very little in the middle and no top end, which isn’t so great. It’s also quite heavy. Not a bad bike but a missed opportunity by Suzuki in my opinion. Having rode the new Honda 750 hornet, that’s how you build a parallel twin engine.

[@ehiggins7476]

How’s the Hornet better than this?

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@ehiggins7476 the engine is a better. If Honda goes down the same track and releases a sports bike version of the Hornet, it would beat the Suzuki around the track easily.. The cb750 hornet would anyway. It’s a lighter and the quicker bike.

[@lifesAtrip513]

Hornet isnt in America. Only competition this has here is r7 ​@Steve-motorcycles

[@Mr_Glenn]

Have you driven this bike? I've seen graphs that tell a different story.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@Mr_Glenn 😂 that’s funny, your graphs must be out. I have rode both the Hornet and the GS8 and the Honda is a lot quicker, lighter and has more character. The Suzuki is heavier, more planted and physically, a bigger bike. However, as track bike, from Stock, the Honda would piss over the Suzuki even with a mediocre rider like me on it.

[@GTP786]

This is not a sport bike. Just another boring commuter.

[@jamar9205]

😓 Promo`SM

[@tarnishedsquid2967]

Heavier than a ZX6? Pass

[@Uninfluenceable]

it's heavier than the ZX10r. In fact its heavier than pretty much all liter bikes sold today.

[@HifeMan]

Would it shock you that the SV650 was also heavier than the ZX6? Like this isn't anything new. LOL

[@lifesAtrip513]

This is a street bike. Not a track oriented bike. What are you expecting?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Doesn't anyone understand what torque is? This makes 12-13 ft-lb more torque than the ZX6 and makes it like 4k rpm lower.

[@GhettoSuguru]

Please don't call it that the sv650 looks a million times better .

[@andrewbozhozr]

Amin brother.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

Looks are subjective

[@madrat5176]

And it’s a parallel twin vs. a proper v-twin

[@HifeMan]

@@madrat5176 This parallel twin is so much more fun and it also sounds way better. :) -SV650 to GSX-8S owner. lol Though i found the CP2 in the MT07 better over the V-twin, so maybe i'm bias to parallel twins and i also own an W800 with another parallel twin. If i could buy another parallel twin, it would be a KTM Duke 990. lol We meet again ;)

[@madrat5176]

@@HifeMan So you think a parallel twin sounds better and is more fun than a v-twin? I’m skeptical about the bikes you’ve claimed to own. I’ve had both v-twins and parallel twins, and the v-twins both sound better and have way more character. Ducati’s Monster is so much better than a comparable parallel, for example. To each his own, I guess. But that was a weird response…

[@WheelHeadd]

First

[@Death666wish]

That thing is pretty ugly

[@johnnyblue4799]

The words "slow revving" sealed its fate for me. Big No!

[@ehiggins7476]

Good

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Troy doesn't often qualify what he means by using statements like this. The engine has twin counterbalance shafts = inertia. The engine has a generally longer stroke, heavier crankshaft counterweights = inertia. It takes a little bit of energy to move weight when you rev. So what was Suzuki thinking with that? It's supposed to feel different than an inline-4 which needs 13,000 rpm to move. It's going to feel very grunty and shove you at 5-6k rpm. You won't be dancing all over the shifter, needing to do 120 mph to have fun.

[@johnnyblue4799]

@@exothermal.sprocket 13000 rpm to get it to move? I don't see the need for such exaggeration. I like engines that are happy to revv and I love the I4s and that's that.

[@juicy9592]

Looks for women or old dudes