I Realised THIS Riding 600 Miles On The Suzuki GSX-8R!

[@aidencoder]

As much as my heart wants a retro naked, or even a neo-retro naked ... I keep coming back to this bike. I don't know why, but it is gorgeous to look at and seems like a real jack-of-all-trades type bike.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It really is great, it's also awesome on track!

[@aidencoder]

@@Englishbikerdan it seems like a good first big bike, capable of everything so you can get a taste of what kind of rider you want to be.

[@KindOldRaven]

I have to say I agree that these things look amazing

[@jstephens6021]

Same here

[@aidencoder]

I ended up with a Z650RS

[@halettebrennen8460]

I've had the 8S for about two months and it is perfect for me! I ride it in sport mode (A) with full traction control (3). I will never go to the track, so I'm not worried about dragging the pegs. I will never go 150 mph, so I'm not worried about the horsepower, I will never pop wheelies, so I'll never turn off the traction control. The only think I care about is upright seating (via the raised clip-ons), sporty look (via the fairings), and acceleration (via the torque)! It's a perfect bike for me! I'm going to get rid of the tail and put a good exhaust on it! It'll be my bike for years to come!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Nice to hear!

[@rustworks2588]

Love the production! Wishing you had included more footage with twists and bends. I'm not the spotsbike type, but hearing that this beauty can handle the miles and with relative comfort Its starting to grow on me. Thanks for yet another awesome review Dan and Rob ❤

[@drawwithdan5821]

Great video. Good to see how a taller guy looks on the bike. I'm 6ft 2 with a 34 leg so it gives an idea. I find this version of the bike better looking than the 8S.

[@ragerider6283]

Nice vid. It's a great bike for what it is & defies its spec sheet. Sticking a full exhaust on & getting it mapped also makes the world of difference. Only thing I'm not particularly keen on is the look of the handlebars but they are comfortable & it's not a deal breaker for me. Also worth noting that it's not pretending to be a supersport or even sports bike. It's a GSX which has always been Suzuki's nomenclature for sporty road bikes. It is what it says it is.

[@Englishbikerdan]

GSX-R?

[@ragerider6283]

@@Englishbikerdan Lol, not so sir. ; ) I will admit that Suzuki have played fast & loose with this one but if the letters aren't together & there's a displacement inbetween them, it isn't a GSXR or true sports bike / race rep etc. It's a GSX. A subtle but significant & consistent difference over the last 35 years of Suzuki nomenclature.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Glad you caught my sarcasm, many miss it!

[@MartyrDK]

Wish Suzuki would offer an option for intigrated hard lugage like the old Honda vfr 800. That would make it perfect bike for traveling.

[@southyboy576]

The Vstrom lineup should be where your looking they have one with the same engine with hard luggage options that bolt straight on

[@wlt3585]

They have soft luggage for it, pair that with the OEM heated grips and aftermarket cruise control, its turning up to be a wonderful budget sport tourer

[@fredvonjupiter6061]

​@southyboy576 it's hardly tje same bike, Vstrom is not a sexy, sporty bike. Wanting luggage should not be a compromise for fun and looks.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

I am keeping a side-eye open for the appearance of a 8R with a 800RE subframe (and bag mounts) or a 800RE with more fairing to show up on Oct./Nov. of this year.

[@Englishbikerdan]

800RE with a 17 inch front wheel would be ace.

[@specialcircs]

Got a soft spot for Suzuki, had 2x SV650s which were sublime, then a GSX-R750 L1, which was a beast! The 8R looks great but I'm waiting for the (rumoured) return of the Gixxer 750! BTW, that bit at kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYrCiZyCfb6KpdE where you compared heights/ inseam was REALLY useful, so few channels do that, great stuff!

[@Parky427]

Still have my 2000 SV650s what a great bike!! This 8R looks great!!

[@shabs2134]

Which rumours? I haven't heard of any

[@TheSteveSteele]

The "clip-ons" on the 8R are really comfortable actually. I wish the tail was longer for more storage.

[@Vintaermedia]

quite nice vid going into a few details i've been wondering about. Sitting on the fence on swapping my mt07 for one, or going the route of voge 525dsx or cfmoto adv, but can't really make up my mind. keep it up guys!

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Nice change of format 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Glad you like it!

[@loftyintentions1985]

I think they look great. Not a fan of the lack of adjustability and I'm not comfortable on it but I prefer the full superbike/supersport position.

[@jmulroy1]

Great video guys. This is a handsome bike and with Suzuki’s good reputation for reliability this could be a smart choice for a budget Sport Tourer. Absolutely needs a center stand and cruise control would be big mile option that improves comfort. Hard bags would be a must for me. Thanks from Wisconsin.

[@Trevster65]

I have the 8s and love it, I had the vstrom 800re for a couple of days on loan and that was great too so comfortable, next time my bikes at the dealers for tyres or service they have promised me a go on the 8r, looking forward to it, shame we can’t get the yellow scheme in uk but blue looks awesome.

[@biswajitsingh2503]

Suzuki blue 💙 color is really good compare to others blue

[@IanTed]

Nice video and great looking bike, saw one on the road yesterday…

[@rodneybutler7939]

AS ALWAYS, enjoyed the two of you !!!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Ooer! :D

[@MarvFitBikesKicks]

Yikes 😂

[@jimbroen]

It baffles me why Suzuki would make a quickshifter standard while cruise control is not available even as an option. People criticize KTM for their al la carte pricing but at least cruise is available in most of their middleweights.

[@grandprixjames]

Agreed! Cruise control would make this bike at steal at this price point.

[@coachsteve10]

Suzuki just nails their blue colour

[@SergeyVikultsev]

Wow! Nicely done video Dan, I like it!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Sergey!

[@tylerkimdura6690]

Love this bike!!!!!

[@edwardkeeter762]

The GSX-8R is a terrific bike, no question. But $4,000US will buy a really clean, low-miles SV650S which is 90% of the bike for 45% of the cost, plus that v-twin motor is just a gem.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

I am suspicious you've left the value of the modern electronics out of your calculation.

[@elekkr]

Yes for sure ! For the budget oriented there is the used SV 650 alternative 😊 good for you

[@fuglbird]

The main advantage of the GSX-8R is the low exhaust that allows hard panniers to be mounted closer to the frame. I use soft luggage on my SV650 to keep the bike slim. The fuel economy of my 2017 SV650 is between 28 and 29 km/l.

[@farmoboy83]

also in my country anual tax for sv650 is 55eur and for the 8s is 135eur...

[@rogerp4612]

Cool vid - ai really like the looks of this bike. Question for you: does this feel like an upgrade from the CB650R? I know it has tons of usable torque, but the idea of going up 150cc in displacement, but losing 14 hp in the process gives me pause. I almost feel more inclined toward the CBR650R - gain a fairing and wind screen and at least I don't lose any power.

[@matthewfall-eq8be]

I traded my 2023 Cb for a 2024 Cbr and it's much more comfortable at motorway speeds due to the fairing and slightly more forward position

[@rogerp4612]

@@matthewfall-eq8be cheers - that's exactly what I would expect. And it's an absolutely gorgeous bike.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

If You Judge a Fish by Its Ability to Climb a Tree, It Will Live Its Whole Life Believing that It is Stupid. That's how some motorcycle reviews feel. People go into them with a completely wrong expectation.

[@crumbcake11]

Its great! ...if your in the Uk...

[@tonydare7614]

Tested this bike in Paris a while back and it really disappointed me. It didn't feel like a sports bike and there was no protection from the windshield at motorway speeds. It just felt neutral everywhere, smooth but devoid of character.

[@rwalton159]

I've owned and ridden several GSXRs. I don't know how Suzuki can use similar lettering in the model. It's not in the same ballpark

[@tonydare7614]

@@rwalton159 totally agree.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Interesting, I wouldn't have said it's super smooth but really punchy low down. I guess we all like different things.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

​@@rwalton159 because they used nomenclature in line with what they have for going on five decades. For Suzuki "GS" indicates an inline, overhead cam engine. The addition of an "X" to that indicates a 4-valve head. The "-R" was introduced on their advanced race replica level bikes. Other bikes (like this one) have letters after their numerical size. It's not a Gixxer. Suzuki isn't trying to pretend it's a Gixxer. It has styling that is a reminiscent of the Gixxer line (because Suzuki had been in need of a consistent design for years) with inspiration from the original Katana. It's a street bike. It is not a Gixxer. Everything with a fairing and "Suzuki" on it is not a Gixxer. Manage your expectations accordingly.

[@minigmac1]

Great video thanks!

[@Englishbikerdan]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching !

[@goldfish8196]

great video

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks!

[@paulconnell1309]

Cool trip review. It's not a supersport. Only 81 Hp but 78Nm of torque at 6,800 so good pull for every day use. The quick shifter likes later down shifts. Is it good enough to justify a trade from an 8S>

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks! Exactly, I think due to the looks people expect supersport performance. But it's a fantastic bike for even long journeys as I proved to myself here. Trade from an 8S? I think it's worth it personally but it depends on the financial hit you'd take.

[@JezVibert]

You didn’t mention luggage. For a sports tourer you really want the ability to quickly add luggage. Yes, you can strap soft bags onto most bikes, but hard panniers or top box are more secure. Do you know if that’s possible?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Ah yes I forgot to mention we used the official Suzuki soft luggage for this trip, which was perfect for this use. As far as I know, no had panniers at the moment. But I'm sure a third party will bring something out.

[@xxcommentator]

You can probably try checking/asking the guys at Hepco and Becker because they have an option to put a c-bow carrier on an 8S. Although I am not sure if the rear frame of the 8S and 8R models is the same... might be better to go ask them at Hepco just to be sure... As for panniers "if" the c-bow for the 8S is compatible with the 8R I would like to recommend the Orbit or Xcore. If they had just released the 8R quickly I would've gone with this setup but went for the S1000GT instead.

[@andrewaldridge3801]

@@xxcommentator Just to confirm, any luggage for the 8S will fit the 8R. Other than fairing and suspension they are identical.

[@petrol11]

@@Englishbikerdan SW-Motech have a full hard abs range for saddlebags/topcases etc

[@stuartmoles843]

Nice bike but for not a lot of extra money you are in Triumph 765 street triple territory which is probably king of these mid-weight bikes. I use a SV650 as a commuter, they are dirt cheap (a couple of grand cheaper than the 8s), reliable and seem to have more character than the parallel twin. The last time I was looking to change I rode the naked 8s and dare I say it seemed a bit boring.

[@Englishbikerdan]

True, the Street Triple R is rather close in terms of price to this. Although this is also fully faired so you get a lot more wind protection at speed. I did enjoy my SV, but it's nowhere near the performance of the 776cc powered bikes. They all handle way better too. The SV does have charm though!

[@grandprixjames]

I wouldn't trade my 2017 sv650 non abs for anything. At only $1,000 more suzuki isn't ripping you off though. The 8s comes with a quick shifter, big TFT display, better brakes and better front forks. It just doesn't have the charm of that high revving vtwin sound and character. Plus the looks are to die for on the sv650. Both are great!

[@tomstc]

Wow the south of South East of England looks totally different to what I remember 😂

[@larryhouse3776]

Hopeful that blue lands on a Hayabusa with black wheels.

[@Englishbikerdan]

That would be nice!

[@joaosantos5729]

Hello is it good to ride with a passenger? For 2h straight for example

[@Englishbikerdan]

I can't comment unfortunately as I wasn't allowed to take pillions.

[@joaosantos5729]

@@Englishbikerdan oh ok thank you for the answer

[@Sora_CaCo]

Hey Dan, any thoughts on the comparison between 8R and the CBR 650r? Looking into upgrading from my R3 and these 2 bikes fall in the same price range

[@Englishbikerdan]

Hey, both bikes are great but very different due to their engine configurations. The 8R has punch low down grunt, whereas the CBR has a smooth delivery of power which gets more fun the more you rev it. I thihk it's not a matter of which is better, but which makes sense for is more fun for you! Cheers!

[@Sora_CaCo]

@@Englishbikerdan Thanks man! I still need to see a cbr650r in person before I make up my mind haha. But style and exhaust sound wise I am leaning a bit towards the 650 than 8r. Hopefully they come to the US market soon

[@RideSafeNSmart]

​@@Sora_CaCoi think you would love either bike tbh. The Honda i4 does scream well with a full system, air filter and map. I had a cb650f for a few years and overall it was a great bike. Id say the suzuki has more 'real world' power, but if you dont mind making the bike scream perhaps the hondas for you

[@Sora_CaCo]

@@RideSafeNSmart Thanks! I agree, both are great. Either of them would be a big upgrade from my R3 lol

[@morishima65]

Is this bike suitable for a short person and is it too heavy? I am using R3 and then I am thinking of buying this.

[@Englishbikerdan]

I think you'd be fine

[@aihamab]

Does the tank range take away from its touring credentials?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Not at all.

[@Deceptolon]

Great bike for middle aged men just entering midlife crisis.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Perfect for me! :D

[@ahmadmajed8753]

Weird question coming up but please bear with me: this or the MT 09 (not 07)?

[@RideSafeNSmart]

I had a 21 mt09 and it is a fair bit quicker than this, both great bikes but I would say they are in different sectors. The mt09 isnt far off supernaked and this is much less serious or scary... but potentially even more fun. Both great bikes imho

[@captricharddee3634]

Please Suzuki, produce a GSX-4R (single or twin). A 125 isn't enough and GSX-8R is too much. Yes, there is the SV 650 but not keen on that. Cash stands by.

[@Englishbikerdan]

@@captricharddee3634 Could be interesting and it's a popular segment.

[@slidewayzgreer2740]

A smaller capacity 4cyl to compete with the Kawasaki and incoming Cfmoto would be interesting

[@Mr_Glenn]

8R is too much? I don't see how 80ish HP is too much. You'll have all those electronic systems helping you too.

[@wlt3585]

​@@Mr_GlennNot sure where they are located, but for significantly more congested areas, such as India or Asia, 80 horsepower is pretty overkill 90% of the time. If it wasnt for all our highways in the US, id get a 50 horsepower machine myself, modify to my liking, and call it a day

[@Incalvideo]

what about consumption ?

[@Englishbikerdan]

50-60mpg ridden normally.

[@Incalvideo]

@@Englishbikerdan thats quite good, thanks =)

[@serverlan763]

Not even 100 HP, it's like they have gone backwards...

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's under 95bhp by design. A2 license.

[@chrisgerrardable]

Only thing I dont like the that exhaust....

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah, not a fan of this underslung look.

[@grodt88]

another sponsored vid, you should mention that in vid

[@anxietydisorders5917]

jesus good bike but those clip on bars are ugly

[@Mr_Glenn]

Like anyone would see this bike and think "If only it had nicer bars...".

[@rwalton159]

CBR650 is a much better bike Looks, performance, brand, and reliability.

[@Deceptolon]

Looks - debatable Performance - more high end, less midrange. Worse for city riding. Brand - In what way is Honda better than Suzuki? Reliability - Are you serious?? Seatiing comfort? Power delivery usability? Have you ever ridden a bike or just comparing like Top Trumps?

[@rwalton159]

​@@DeceptolonThis Suzuki will sell a fraction of the CBR650R sales. I sat on one of these at my local dealer. That was enough for me to decide it wasn't for me

[@Englishbikerdan]

We all have our own opinion. I don't see it as better, it's just different. IL4 vs Twin. The age old debate!

[@rwalton159]

​@@Englishbikerdan You seemed to have enjoyed yourself in this video. Perhaps something different now and again is the way to go?

[@Englishbikerdan]

I'd say so, but then some people like to stick with what they know.

[@IDontKnow-bb6mt]

Heavy with crap suspension. Hard pass

[@Englishbikerdan]

Sure it's not full Ohlins but it does the job quite nicely for the price.