2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Review | Road + Track Test

The middleweight sports sector is bulging and the Suzuki GSX-8R is the latest to get the 44T treatment. Did it leave Fagan's pants bulging?
44T MERCH - www.44teeth.com/our-shop/

[@stevofoz]

Al's on-track commentary is still one of the best things on the toob.

[@timchambers55]

You can just tell there's a maniac's grin on his face the whole time and it's brilliant haha

[@davidvitan3590]

Personally I think it's actually a really sexy LOOKING bike. Between the multi-spoke wheels, a proper rear, great colors and and the trellis subframe, I think Suzuki has a belter here in terms of styling

[@Suck_Squeeze_Bang_Blow]

The wheels are fantastic. Not dissimilar to what you got on a 1000RR two decades ago. Man I feel old.

[@ellwoodwolf]

It’s got the looks........

[@thereviewer6517]

Agreed, its beautiful!

[@chiefyy710]

To the 6'5 guy asking about this bike... i bought the 8s bc it fit me better (at 6'5) then mt-07 and sport bikes... 1000 miles and happy with my bike!

[@buzzonbikes]

Apart from the review of the bike, this might be one of the best displays of having-fun-on-track I’ve ever seen

[@mpkback]

Sounds like a great one-bike-for-everything bike. Well done Suzuki, and well done Al for enduring what was clearly a very tough day at the office.

[@TheCyberMantis]

"We don't condone taking the ABS off..." ( 30 seconds later... ) "FQ ABS!" 😆

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid, really enjoyed it. The key for me was that you actually reviewed it for what it is rather than moaning that it's not a GSXR600 & repeatedly comparing it to one. As a comfortable sporty-ish road bike it looks like a great package.

[@timothymills733]

It feels like the SV650 has passed the baton to the next generation. 20 years from now this will have the same legacy, race on Sunday and ride to the shops on Monday.

[@williamwallace5201]

I was gonna say the same thing. Sport casual, like my '99 SV650S. Sporty enough to have some fun in the mountains, but not tiresome when you just need to go to work on a tuesday morning.

[@andrewlindley4865]

It's definitely lacking a little these days, a solid budget jap supertwin for the masses. I reckon Suzuki kicked it out of the park. This bike feels very much like a Yamaha TRX850 in a way

[@timothymills733]

@@williamwallace5201 I have a 2009 650s and as you say, it is fun in the mountains, yet great around town, and can cruise effortlessly all day at 80MPH

[@williamwallace5201]

Yeah! The fairing is pretty nice once the weather gets cold here in Canada, too. I'm glad that moto manufacturers are putting fairings on bikes again. They're a nice, inexpensive luxury to have.@@timothymills733

[@Mason_van_Bike]

Too bad they couldn't have just updated the SV. I'd take a nice thumping V-Twin over a run of the mill P-Twin any day.

[@Englishbikerdan]

HAHAHAHA. Sorry for the cockblock mate!

[@FortyFourTeeth]

😂

[@CraterLakey]

Whoever that was in front of you on track is a real wild boi. Reminds me of my first time on track and coaches looking back at me to see if I could keep up. Great riding and review as always man.

[@jamesschaffer5504]

Those "low-ish" but wide, splayed out positions are absolutely great for these types of hybrid street/track bikes. The create tons of room in the cockpit and let you hang off easily but don't make it impossible to pull low speed maneuvers and aren't punishing on the freeway.

[@garymills1508]

Love watching you enjoying a track session… your giggling away had me in stitches. Only thing missing was a duel with Miss Perkins

[@TheScortUK]

I've literally been re-watching old videos today, wondering how you chaps were doing - and now, a new video! 😊

[@firstcoastrider]

Missed yall boys. Winter is slower without the vids. Glad yall are back!

[@trroland1248]

“Orthopedic bars,” cracked me up. 😅 That’s about right.

[@flippy66]

It's an adjective he uses a lot bud.

[@PanicInSectorFive]

@@flippy66thanks for your useless input

[@jshawley]

Great review! And you really showed how much fun it was on track. Well done!

[@allenglishknives6823]

Hands down the best 8R review out there. Keeping motorcycles exciting and entertaining 💪🏻👍🏻

[@vikingventuresuk6122]

Great video Mr Fagan as always! massive inspiration for our channel keep up the good work mate

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Loved my little F800 back in the day but if that thing was around I would've had it in an instant. What a little stunner.

[@eant1234]

LOL. A fine catch, hope the date is a success!

[@nickrider5220]

You and Nige were on it Al ! I don't think you'd have much more fun on a hard nosed sports bike, says it all really...a surprise package 👍🏻

[@benkelly2190]

I have to say! The looks of that bike are pretty sweet. Nice.

[@rodfernandez4399]

I was waiting for this review. 44 + Fagan = just better.

[@TheeAthis]

I ride a 2024 xsr900. My son just bought this GSX8R......cant wait to ride with him and check it out. Great review thx.

[@HippoDrones]

I really like this bike, I got the 8S... it is so much fun, especially with a full exhaust system, I'm not a fast group rider on track, but imagine even in inters the ground clearance will be an issue, am sure there will be plenty of aftermarket rear-set options soon enough.

[@paulconnell1309]

Grea review, love the hoots of laughter on the track. Jealous. Definitely talking to the dealer about a trade on my 8S. Suzuki missed the boat not adding adjustable suspension though. And maybe tuned for a few more horses.

[@stellauniversal]

Sporting and versatility for the masses. Nice bike.

[@philbarrett3739]

Completely agree about track days. They should at least experiment with changing the current system of novice/intermediate.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great perspective mate,I think it’s a bit of a looker

[@scotthart5118]

Great review, very entertaining!

[@Erelyes]

I much, much prefer the looks of the 8R to the 8S. The stacked headlight arrangement just looked bizarre in a little beaky pod on the front of the bike, whereas sitting in a full fairing with a screen to frame it, it looks more like it was mean to be like that. I think it's a great bike, but if Yamaha ever come to their senses and put their triple in a similar faired sport chassis, it'll have some very stiff competition.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

Was going to send out a search party for you guys. Good to have you back

[@bazwax77]

Thanks Nigel. 🙏🏻

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Cheers Nige

[@saisr1]

Looks good to me. I am not one for looks but it seems to me a lot of people buying in that segment care a lot about the looks and that bike for that price is pretty sharp looking. I'll always like that Suzuki blue. Had a 2004 SV in blue for 11 years.

[@michaelbarber6215]

Forget what bike it is. One of the best reviews I’ve watched in awhile.

[@usernameEvanT]

What an amazing motorcycle Suzuki has produced. This one has almost eliminated the competition (for the most common riders who want 1 bike for all). It can do almost everything pretty damn well! You can commute, track, race, tuned it whatever you want. A new motorycle every 10+ years from Suzuki, but when they make it we love it! Who was riding in front off you on black leathers? Seemed like Toprak 54 riding style 😊 Those 160-170km on long track turns, oh men! Well made machine! 👌🏁🥇

[@elliottkillick5348]

Would love to see a comparison of this with the gsxs750 tbh. Even if that bike is relatively ancient, it's still around

[@abstractspaces8186]

People may not like the bars but looking at how they're mounted you might be able to take them off and replace them with clip ons or an upright handlebar if you prefer. I always appreciate it when a bike is easier customise.

[@lastdimestudios]

I freakin love your bike reviews!!!

[@zakelwe]

So in summary it is is great if you can ride well. Apart from the straights. Which is my forte ! Nice video.

[@harpersneil]

4:21 What a slide!!!

[@timchambers55]

I'm not really into sport bikes, and I normally think that if I'm going to get one, I'd like it to be a triple or in-line 4 to have a change from my daily retro parallel twin. However, hearing this thing, seeing it on the track, looking at what a sexy bike it is...jesus I could be tempted.

[@mpstein1976]

I don’t mind touring bike bars. However the tops of the forks seem like they are covered so if you needed to get forks fettled for being a lardarse you’re stuffed for adjustable twiddling bits.

[@robertmenzies6939]

Thanks for the great review, enjoyed that and some serious giggles when you started on track. What I would find interesting is how you found the engine on this in comparison to the BMW F900R. Does the extra 100cc of the BMW make much difference or do they both have that real world fun factor that you get with a twin?

[@J2I3H]

The 8s responds really well to tuning (exhaust, filter + map +12hp). And the graphs look really nice.

[@ellwoodwolf]

Know what’s cheaper than an 8r + exhaust + filter + map ? A speed triple 765 r.....

[@J2I3H]

@@ellwoodwolf I doubt it, and a street triple also needs an exhaust to free up the music from that sweet triple

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Comparing a full exhaust to a stock motorcycle is dumb. Can you imagine having a friend on a barking twin ripping along side you with your silent triple? No.

[@chrissunde1104]

Compared to a 600 supersport, Ihave to say that this bike makes a lot of sense for a one bike person. Or a Two bike person if competitive racing is not on the agenda . I like it.

[@steffydog]

Brilliant Nige 👍🙏🏁

[@gnarshread]

Versatile, fun and a Suzuki so you know it'll be reliable. What's not to love if it's going to be your only motorcycle.

[@LazySatyr]

Re Trackday Formats: ABC groups are there because it allows for variance in rider skill level and on a regular track day for us regulars thats a much bigger factor than bike power. However i would say that trackday organizers would be wise to do small cc only trackdays, particularly on the smaller more technical tracks the bikes are designed for. Course i think small tracks should get more love in general all the way up to professional racing, (despite riding an overpowered 23 RR)

[@alanprice9938]

Really nice!! Suzuki have got it right…..what a great design and bike for the price…… and even a hint of katana. Really like it. Still hate the obligatory chunk of plastic to hold the plate (when are the regs gonna allow something more grown up?), but that is a problem for every bike design.

[@shanemartinson5006]

That would make a great track day bike

[@Myrussell67]

I agree with the track day level change. Would be much safer

[@seebarry4068]

12:35 fair shout.

[@flyingdutchy01]

Time for a paralel twin comparison test. I'd still pick the rs660 probably

[@bazitube390]

RS660 seems to be on a another league but the only concern with it is the reliability.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The the amount of power the GSX-8S/8R is getting in the aftermarket, the RS660 has nothing on it. The 660 makes its power at the very top, and even compared to the R7 makes less torque everywhere else. The 8R makes near 10 ft-lb more torque than the Yamaha.

[@K-so8gx]

Could we get a gsx8r vs sv650s on track please

[@nigelfisher6896]

A group test is needed for sure.

[@weed46]

15:30 Rs660 has 20% more power, is a lot lighter (22kg!), and has better suspension and eletronics. Stock for Stock, the RS660 should blow the suzuki out of the water in termos of pure pace. I'm sure the suzuki has many different advantages over the Aprilia, maybe reliability, comfort, etc, But the 660 is a baby RSV4, the 8R isn't a baby GSXR

[@highlandgnome]

Cracking looking bike, looks like Suzuki have made a worthy replacement for the iconic VFR 800.

[@Aberamentho2010]

Many bikers believe they need 200hp. The reality is that (on a track), 90% of riders will never exceed the limits of these twins. Even the R7 with only 70hp will do just fine in advanced track day.

[@williamwallace5201]

Hey, Fagan, would you reckon that the bike could accommodate clip-on handlebars without smashing the tank and/or fairing at full lock? Seems a bit odd to have that bar height to saddle height ratio on a sporty bike.

[@bazza8947]

Funny how times have changed. In the 90's we had bikes like the NSR250 and RGV250 then it went to mediocre parallel twins. Now we have most of the mid range bike field getting replaced with bikes like this in a similar fashion. Seems like a plan! That said, I love my 790 Duke! Especially because I live in a way over policed country like Australia with ultra low speed limit. The 790 Duke can get me into trouble very easy anyway.

[@mbal4052]

You just contradicted yourself 😂

[@bazza8947]

@@mbal4052 haha you might be right.

[@mrgee007]

I think your laughs per mile say's it all, it's a great all round middleweight bike.

[@tonyw3250]

Looks great

[@mochabear88]

love yall

[@williamroberts6424]

Thank you for answering the fisting question. Top vids 👌

[@noeserd]

Good thing is you can get good top end power with a airbox mod

[@r08zy]

Been waiting for this one 🎉

[@christiansacra599]

I know this bike was released to comply with increasingly demanding emission requirements but it seems like it would be out preformed in most ways by a gsxs 750. Would love a street/track comparison

[@_Makanko_]

Which tyres were you running? Maybe I missed it. That was some great riding. You did fine as well Al

[@leenangle4454]

Dunlop SportSmart TT

[@Treizez34]

"It's never gonna pull your foreskin off..." I've been learned a new phrase in ye' old english. Thank you.

[@CarlosTilbury]

nice stuff Al, its a good looking bike, could you get Tuppence on the back?

[@FortyFourTeeth]

Tuppence can jog on

[@CarlosTilbury]

@@FortyFourTeeth that made me laugh after a pants day! xx

[@anonamon9074]

I would like to think when they were developing the bike an acceptance criteria of the final stability build was "Being able to ride like a twat" 😂😂

[@spinf4ster]

I can see why they're building bikes like this, but I'll stick to my 15yo GSXR750 thanks!

[@bearcatracing007]

Any laughter means a fun bike 😂❤

[@BigLukeyBoi]

Very depressing what Suzuki has done to their range. This bike should have been a GSXR850 with a proper engine

[@Mr_Glenn]

Do you think this bike would do well with 1 fewer tooth on the rear sprocket?

[@tedtheturbot]

Wish I had that much fun at work..

[@bikermike_mars1372]

Any chance of a RR with sportier ergo?with a bit more HP? 120hp/160-170hp would be great.

[@ryand111]

Any opinions on the Dunlop's it comes with?

[@chrissunde1104]

TST industries has tweaked this bike to 90hp at the rear wheel with imu mods, intake mods, airbox mods etc.

[@nhaze8173]

Really nice to see a fairing, to bad its a twin engine.. or is it a lawnmower this fairing? Cant tell, the fairing bit is good ether way

[@nhaze8173]

For duck sake, it's the same price as the Street Triple R! This seems crazy expensive for what it is?

[@weaselman24]

I don't know what that tubular thing is on the RH side by the engine case but it isn't lasting a small drop.

[@mrcrankyank]

Can’t get past the weird riser bars on this category but will be popular no doubt. Cracker review as always gents

[@andwiseman]

Do you reckon they'll do clip-ons for it? I like the look but the more naked bike bar setup just looks weird to me. With clip-ons and a slight power bump, I'd be tempted.

[@wlt3585]

I doubt it, honestly. The goal with this bike is something more tuned for the the average everyday rider who may do an occasional track day. For more aggressive clip ons I'd just look at the GSXR 600 Aftermarket parts may have what you want in a couple years though

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Suzuki have entered it into MotoAmerica Twins Cup. You better believe there will be racing accessories.

[@stuartalexander5510]

Could you put on aftermarket foot pegs to get more ground clearance?

[@tbsbattousai]

While I know my ZX6R is too much for the road 95% of the time, and not at all appropriate, I just don't know if I could give it up to go back to a twin which I had when I started (GPZ500S)...

[@Mr_Glenn]

I really want this bike. I'd also love if they used this handlebar and seating position on a higher spec 4 cylinder with all the electoronics, but that is never going to happen.

[@amitgore]

sir, any sense comparing it to honda cbr650f and honda cbr650r?

[@AjackLee4]

This bike with a swapped front end with adjustable forks and legit sport bike bars would be wonderful.

[@UpsideDownFork]

Why don't we get the yellow one in the UK?! I'd buy one tomorrow if we did!

[@rrbabygirrl4822]

Getting mines today and I can't sleep which is why I'm up at 4am

[@GarageSupra]

Something I dont understand with cars and bikes these days is the slow refresh rate/fps of dashes... Like why? Some manufactures have it sorted and others just havent got it on board yet after years.

[@reimop9595]

@10:28 ❤

[@thinkdunson]

asking if it competes with the RS660... maybe not fully, but the difference is that this is a Suzuki and will start every day without complaint and take you to work every day without issue. i've had a 2024 Street Triple and a 2023 Tuono 660, and they both failed me within the first year. taking months of downtime at the shop (waiting for parts). but i also have a 2017 SV650, and it has NEVER failed me. even after months and months of sitting idle out in the weather, it starts instantly in the dead of winter (well, Texas winter, but still) and takes me to work every time one of my NEW bikes shit itself. if you're really a biker and need your bike to work and work well, get a Suzuki. if you just care how it looks and want the bragging rights, sure get an Aprilia.

[@ac3932]

Completely agree. Currently have a 2018 Suzuki SV650X turned cafe racer, with 60,000 km, and not a single issue. With 45 years of nearly every brand, nothing but issues with British bikes (electrical and fueling are still $&@!), reliability and expensive maintenance with Italian bikes, but every Suzuki and Honda ran like your favourite wrist watch.. just kept on ticking. In the end, ride what you enjoy.. the opinion of others just doesn’t matter.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

The 8R with a full exhaust and tune gets you 10 HP or so as well, so it's almost got the power of the Aprilia. The bullet proof Suzuki reliability, which even ranks among the highest for big4 is a def factor. Everyone I know with an Aprilia has had major issue's with not that many miles on them and one of my GSXRs is over 50k miles lol... still crushing it.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@ac3932 Suzuki's durability is legendary. SV650 and even some GSXRs have been noted to make it over 100k miles with regular stuff like replacing chains and minor things.

[@thinkdunson]

forgot to mention the miles on my SV... it currently has around 75k. right at 70k it needed the fork seals replaced. that's the only irregular maintenance it has needed, but that's expected. especially considering it's always been kept in the sun uncovered. even had some kid (i assume) attempt to steal it once. wires were cut and ignition switch had tool marks all over it. spliced the wires replaced the main fuse they blew, and the old girl started right up, eager to please.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

MotoAmerica Twins Cup has found the RS660 to be quite a performer on track........until the engines grenade themselves.

[@halidaymichael2899]

If this is the future, I’m glad I’m hoarding old bikes.

[@thehuable]

They shoulda sent the yellow to UK, black to US. Other than that, damn near perfect ❤

[@xani666]

The problem is you'd need to divide by CC and by skill, (you don't want to really mix amateurs and advanced riders on 1000cc either), and that's just too many groups for one day.

[@kylejf9059]

Lol Al getting wound up by imaginary internet arguments 😂 I think it looks cool, be interesting to see how much more you can get out of these and the R7 / RS660 etc with flashing and exhausts etc.

[@theMightywooosh]

9:06 - 215 kph = 133.5 mph that's not bad

[@doone5303]

I think that's a great idea for track days. It doesn't make sense to have 1 guy on 300cc or 400cc bike with a guy on a Panigale or s1000rr on track at the same time. Those bikes are just examples, other 1000cc bikes are available 😂

[@_Archambaud]

Oh the bars😪