NEW Honda Hornet CB750 vs NEW Suzuki GSX-8S | Which One Should You Buy?

How do the new midsize middleweight naked bike offerings from Honda & Suzuki compare? Are they really street fighter-worthy? Or do they offer something different? How do they compare with the current crop of bikes from Aprilia, KTM, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Triumph?
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[@mrsilbo6499]

I'd take a quickshifter over mobile connectivity every time. That's why I ride my bike - to escape all that intrusion & clear my head. Great work, Suzuki!

[@CraigSmith568]

I couldn't agree more. I grew up when you left the house to get away from the phone.

[@williamrae9954]

With you there...no signal in most of Argyll and the Scottish Highlands

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@CraigSmith568 Birds of a feather, Craig! 👍🏻

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@williamrae9954 If it wasn't for the weather, that'd be a USP!

[@jeffrussell8051]

They’ll probably add then in the next few years. Ez fix.

[@soldierboy425]

I’ve been riding for just over 20 years. I have several hundred thousand miles in the saddle. I’ve owned 18 motorcycles. Among them were an SV650 and a vstrom 650. I’ve never been more impressed by a power plant. That engine was amazing. Any company, including Suzuki would be hard pressed to replace that engine.

[@zefautino]

Suzuki, unlike the other three, doesn't have a big budget, hence the low number of models available, less new models, and keeping geriatric models for sale, DR400Z for example. I've had parallel twins, 180 and 270, and 90° V2. 270 is the one I like the least. 180 pulls hard and revvs higher, V2 it's fukcing brutal off the traffic lights but doesn't have anything on the higher RPMs, 270... meh. Unlike the popular opinion, is not the best of the 180 and V2, is the worst. For a manufacturer like Suzuki, who eventually had to build a new engine, makes sense to abandon the V2 because 1 every journalist drools over the 270, don't know why, trendy I guess, and 2 development cost is the same, production cost on the other hand isn't. And Suzuki being on a budget can't ignore that factor. If even Honda and Yamaha dropped their 4 cylinder 600...

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Well said - I agree. The 650 engine is a standout for me too.

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

@@zefautino The SV650 engine is great but ride the MT-07 or any other bike with Yamaha's fabulous CP2 engine and you won't miss the SV650's V2. Saying this as previous SV owner.

[@zefautino]

@@thestonegateroadrunner7305 saying it as a previous T7 owner. The CP2 engine was the twin I liked the least. Can't really comment on the SV650 as I have not ridden one. My V2 experience is with Ducati.

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

@@zefautino I ride Ducati, too. Suzuki's 650 V2 character is more like the CP2, very refined with good manners on high and low revs, with a slight edge for the CP2 in torque, a big contrast to the crude rumble of Ducati V2s which we all love, don't we?

[@MrScootmcg]

The Hornet in black with red frame is a good looking bike imo.

[@Dan-56]

The lower reving higher torque Suzuki gets my vote. Horsepower numbers might give Honda bragging rights, but it’s torque that you use in the real world.

[@IGjo_on_2wheels]

The difference is so little, you got a little more torque on the suzuki but the honda is lighter. The honda wins it because it's more powerful and cheaper and 5 years warranty...

[@saptarshideb2082]

@@IGjo_on_2wheels better gas mileage in the Suzuki tho. plus it will last longer

[@gsxraiders]

GSX-8S will be much funner and has more of a supermoto effect. GSX-8S's torque will significantly impact throttling on/off more than the Hornet's peak HP. The GSX-8S delivers more torque under a shorter powerband.

[@ThermicLight]

It's not just torque because you can't isolate this characteristic. There are other values that come together to make for an enjoyable engine.

[@conguero7264]

Agree..torque it is!

[@rantANDrave1987]

If Yamaha can update the mt07 with better suspension (USD forks) and a small bump in displacement/power, they’ll stay on top in this competitive segment

[@MrBinkz]

They’ve added a TFT and prewired for quick shifter. Those are only updates for 2023

[@MrScootmcg]

They should, but likely won't. That would eat into R7 sales.

[@underworldringside]

The engine is already spot on

[@godlyobject6509]

Very informative, thanks for the video. That Honda marketing footage is terrible though; it's a bike not a dance floor.

[@Scout4x]

As a seasoned "adult", I prefer the more midrange and torquey power of the Suzuki.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

As a kid, I would've gone for the cheaper and more powerful bike, but I'm with you now. Interesting to see how these sell and how goes for what. Cheers.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

lol yes, it’s 30lb heavier, slower and has better low down torque I think it looks slightly sharper. However, losses in mid and range and loses ground at anything over 4500 revs. A seasoned rider, you may mean an old man may prefer a Suzuki.

[@Scout4x]

@@Steve-motorcycles Yes, VERY old!

[@korazon3spinado]

I would go for the hornet for the lower price and seat height and the higher horsepower.

[@LowestDifficulty]

black on black 8s looks sick in the photos

[@goodgoat3096]

Very few of us can push any of these bikes to their performance limits, and appearance will probably be the #1 deciding factor. The Honda 750 Hornet has double the power of my old 1972 CB450 and weighs the same. The 450 was fun, adequate, and economical.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree: most bikes are far more capable than the riders, particularly in my case. I think both of these are going to be wonderful bikes, and I find myself slightly tempted.

[@josefreitas-sj8uy]

O would surely buy the Suzuki for its endless reability and lovely looks (I have a SV 650). Or may be the Triumph Tiger 660 Will turn my head around.....

[@markwarren5358]

I'll stick with my GSX-S750 with 30 bhp more...

[@gregs6265]

Thanks for your thoughtful and detailed comparison BMR. I agree they should both sell well.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for watching, Cheers.

[@stewarts8597]

I've own both brands over the years and each bike no doubt will be great versatile bikes. For me its aesthetics and the Suzie does it for me. I don't think you can go wrong with either

[@censored4christ162]

The suzuki only looks bettee from the front because of its headlight design I think the tail light doesnt look good on it.

[@gsm_liv8980]

Oh yeah the Suzuki's indicators are halogen stock. If you want them LED, you'd need to get them as accessories. Small detail but still can make one slightly annoyed

[@jeffrussell8051]

I choose the Kawasaki Z900.

[@andersbarfodsvaneskolan9378]

i heard a lot of critic on the hornet on the engine being a bit twitchy at low revs.. Also the suzuki is larger an a bit better for bigger riders..

[@johns1139]

I would get the Suzuki, hands down. Styling is much better and I value the quick-shifter over phone connectivity as standard features.

[@censored4christ162]

Honda shouldve gave the hornet a glass projector headlight like the mt09. Those glass projectors are the future because sun wont stain glass like it does a plastic headlight lense cover. One day these bikes will be classics and rhe ones with glass lenses over plastic lenses will age better, they will look almost new in 30 years

[@2017Toy]

I've always liked the Suzuki GSX-S 750

[@ianleaver4967]

Already got the Hornet on order with quick shifter, in black. Love the look of it and I’m definitely not a young rider at 70.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Congrats, Ian.

[@collins735]

Same here, black as well with the sports pack. Been quoted a march delivery time though

[@thestonegateroadrunner7305]

Clearly the Suzuki. It looks rad and contemporary. A naked bike in that class must look more hooligan than the Honda. Maybe if Honda added a DCT option, but like this, absolutely NO. The new Hornet doesn't look retro but also not modern, it looks like somewhat designed for folks in their 60s missing their good old heydays in the 90s.

[@trevor2830]

💯

[@future62]

Great video. Between these two, Hornet for me. The Suzuki is definitely the sexier bike, but between the higher power, lower weight, and shorter wheelbase, the Honda seems to be sportier. Should be a true ripper with a suspension upgrade.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree: the Honda seems to be getting a lot of plaudits...and it's much cheaper. Cheers.

[@censored4christ162]

The honda is nice I like everything about it except flr the headlight design. Ive become fond of the mt09 glass projector. I also think cruise control should be standard man.. optional quickshifter

[@tomg6284]

Put cruse control on and that will sell.

[@rickseconds7676]

I'd take the Suzuki, love that blue.

[@thetakenking7061]

I like the Hornet.

[@keldonator]

Both these are more interesting to me than any high maintenance/cost of maintenance bike you mentioned they compete with. I hope they take low octane fuel and have long maintenance intervals.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Don't know the intervals yet, but given they're relatively low tune (particularly the Suzuki) and parallel twins, I recon they'll be very friendly as far as maintenance goes. Cheers.

[@allrad4911]

Yeah, can't really compare japanese bikes (except maybe Kawasaki) with KTM and italian brands in terms of reliability and ease/cost of maintenance.

[@Jackal9405]

@@allrad4911 have you owned any modern Ducati or KTM? That aren't bad on maintnence even if you compared them to japanesse bikes, desmo is only annoying thing, but that's only Ducati.

[@keldonator]

@@Jackal9405 Wont support a company that charges more for options already included in the programing like KTM. I also think they are all ugly. The gas tank design on the 890 is sweet though, I hope a good brand steals that idea.

[@kenhoward3512]

Yes. besides additional maintenance cost, I, too, have zero interest in a buzzy, high-revving, inline-4 engine for *street* riding.

[@Rmachine429]

Great detailed comparison. My vote is with Suzuki (having had the old intruder and now still hanging on to my 2018 Vstrom 650). Will be interested in your review of the 8R.

[@shardlake]

Suzuki looks great, but they are forgetting the King to dethrone is the MT07 - Honda pricing seems to be spot on for that task, the MT07 has not gone away.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree - the MTO7/Trident are the class leaders, and Honda have hit the nail on the head with more performance and a lower price. Interesting to see how the Suzuki does.

[@alphacapo]

What if the suzuki ends up being the faster bike...once people start tuning it. I have a suspicion that it is. At least as far as the hornet trident mt07 are concerned. Of course the Aprilia KTM and street trip will be faster. But not by much if at all

[@llerradish]

I'm sure I would like either one of them but I would buy the cheaper one just to send the message that I want a good bike at a bargain price

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, I don't see much in it, although the Honda isn't as cheap as you may think when you spec it up with a quick shifter, it's a matter of 750US. Still a whack of cash though.

[@danpshop]

Here in the Netherlands we have higher tax so all these bikes cost about €1200 more new. The Hornet is €1000 cheaper than the 8S overall here. That said, I was able to get a Hornet on order with a free sports pack for delivery in October. I did spend some time on the demo - the flickability and motor had me grinning from ear to ear about 90% of the ride. I’m sure the new Street Triples have it beat but it was quicker and more fun than my girlfriend’s 10 year old Street Triple. This Hornet was really unexpected for me and I highly recommend a test ride

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You know, for the price, I don't think you can beat it. It's great to see manufacturers (both Honda and Suzuki) offering an exciting, simple visceral bikes for less money. I'd have either over the more expensive brands. Smiles per mile is what it is all about, and I think the Hornet in particular is stellar for that.

[@Dutch-Hiker]

I go for the Suzuki, wat I always do for over 50 years that I riding motorcycle’s.

[@clgraff76]

You gotta wonder what happened to the guy who designed the Gladius

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I'm guessing he's sitting at a bench at Hitachi designing hairdryers :-)

[@trevor2830]

😭🤣🤣

[@MRTPR]

Suzuki for me 😎

[@naception]

They both look really good.

[@stevecalovich3682]

I choose the one that is not fugly, the Honda! I currently ride a CBR 650R. That bike is perfect, so I won't be trading it for a Norton Commando anytime soon.

[@ljoelmchanley3676]

Both bikes look very nice, give me a black/red frame Honda or a blue Suzuki and I'm happy!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree: they both look good value and fun bikes.

[@archermoody9746]

Suzuki with a set of bags will make a nice little sports tourer. May need to look into that to replace my aging bandit 1200

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I agree, I think it will be a good all rounder. Loved the old Bandit. Cheers.

[@gsm_liv8980]

I'm pretty sure the Transalp also has higher fork specs than the Hornet. The Transalp has 43mm preload adjustable Showa SFF-CA while the Hornet only has 41mm non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP forks. (Also I've not heard about these SFF-CA forks before)

[@superbikesavage9500]

For this type of bike a twin of some sort is the way to go

[@brettroman3218]

Thanks BMR,wonderful comparo!Its the Honda for me,if only for the looks.Takes me back to my youth🏍🏍

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks, Brett.

[@aliensr13]

I'll write my check for the 8S white and blue next spring...screw the phone connect lol...will be a move up from CB500X. oh, and no mention in your video but the exhaust on the honda is simply hideous....I do mostly big city/urban riding...midrange torque wins....

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Moving up from a Honda to the Suzuki - interesting and revealing. On the plus side, I guess exhausts are more readily upgradable than some other parts. Agree with the more useful engine response in the Suzuki, my preference too, but for the younger crowd, perhaps the Honda's revvier and more powerful nature will appeal. Cheers.

[@unclejo3]

as long as the price is right, I'll get the Hornet. I have it's little brother the CB500f and love the thing even being 6' 1" and 265. It's fun to throw that thing in to the curves of NC. the suzuki is a close second but the Honda is more appealing

[@CosmikDebriis]

Just to be clear. The Quick shifter adds £250 (as a deal in my case) to the price of a Hornet which still leaves it costing £750 less than the Suzuki. Personally I'd rather have a lower asking price and the choice of a quick shifter so perhaps Suzuki missed a trick here? Wonder how much a decent phone mount is?

[@markfranks1329]

It's 2 months on from your comment, I know, but have you not asked yourself why the Honda is generally cheaper overall? If fitting a QS is only an extra £250, why was it not fitted as standard at the factory? After all, it would still be cheaper than the Suzuki? Just because a bike is fitted with a QS does not mean you have to use all the time. Sorry, I sniff serious price undercutting here. I'm sure this is a quality bike, no doubt but Honda are chasing sales. Besides, it's still the CB500F's big brother to me.

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Having seen them both in real life at motorcycle live uk, the gsx8s looked a lot more premium than the hornet, much nicer details like the swing arm and components I also don’t understand honda using the hornet name, they already have the cb650r which is basically the Honda hornet

[@MrBinkz]

Comes with a much more premium price too I suspect

[@gsm_liv8980]

Does the Suzuki also come with metal tank cover? I like the Yammie and the Trident but plastic tank covers are quite big mehs for me

[@arongitis]

I am glad you give such good reviews so I can prepare for my next purchase. can you do a review on SWM 650 or 500 ?

[@dumptrump3788]

I'd go for the Suzuki, but only if they make a GSX8F fully faired version. I like touring & being in the wind for hours a day is too tiring.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good call - not sure if that's in the works, but Suzuki did end up adding a fairing to their older GS750ES: handsome beast it was too. Cheers.

[@kenhoward3512]

'Great initial comparison review. I'd likely prefer the longer wheelbase, higher torque-at-lower-revs GSX-8S (and hope the actual cost, when it goes on sale, is lower than what's projected).

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Definitely sounds more expensive than the Honda, but hopefully not too much...Coming in somewhere between 7.8K and 8.6K U$.

[@2cleverxhalf]

The Yamaha MT07 gave me loads of torque in a reasonably light package. I have a preference for light bikes. The MT03 I am riding at the moment has a revy power plant. I prefer low down torque, so I doubt I would consider the Honda. The Suzuki's design is absolutely beautiful in blue, but at 204 Kgs I doubt I will be tempted. KTMs 690 Duke has me interested at the moment; powerful and light.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great point about weight. It does seem that manufacturers by and large seem to have difficulty reducing weight on bikes these days. 790 Duke also looks good. Cheers.

[@BirdArvid]

Since I was aiming more at bikes like the MT-07; these two are both plenty powerful and fast. I honestly need neither the quick-shifter nor the phone-connectivity; I've probably sold my last stick-shift car and it makes me cry to think of it.. although I'm sure that having a quick-shifter will convince me of its usefulness. For looks, there's no contest; the Honda looks like a new iteration of the CB500F (NOT intended as flattery..), whereas the Suzuki looks right cool in the blue. For me, however, it will be a price- vs specs-issue, and I think the Honda has the edge. For me. But it desperately needs a new exhaust, a tail-tidy and a new, perhaps round, headlight.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Nicely put.

[@foghole9449]

Wonder if the Suzuki will handle a pillion? My 1250 bandit has alot of tourque but thinking alittle less weight might be nice.

[@davestraight8219]

you compared the original hornet with the sv650 - at the time in 98 it was up against the fazer and the gsf600 - all fours - its now twins due to emissions - they wont go back to fours sadly - havin owned all versions of the hornet apart from the fuel injected version - im looking at the new hornet after 3 years on an nc 750 - 90 hp compared to 47 would be a nice change

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I think the Hornet is incredible value for money - it certainly is very good value when consider hp per $. Cheers.

[@ZeroKitsunei]

These two are one of the few I have in mind getting when they come out. I think I still really want a MT-07 or 9. Always been a Yamaha boy so it feels weird to switch. But the Hornet looks really cool. The red sub frame with the white looks so good. I like the front end of the 8S better, but I hate blue. So p much the only color i'd be looking to get it in is the black. I couldn't care less about the phone connectivity. I have a phone mount for my bike. If I need it for directions or whatever i'll just use that. ...That said I do work at a dealer that sells everything, but is definitely more Honda focused. So if they give a better discount for the Honda. That might be the deciding factor.

[@disaffectedmale]

Get the MT10.... Dooooo iiiiiit. While we're still allowed to have internal combustion engines. I did, they're brilliant fun. The countdown to us not being able to have these things anymore has begun, do it while you can.

[@passinthru4328]

I guess that it will be interesting to see how the specs/speculation stack up against owner reviews.

[@SBarbati]

Great video. Completely agree with you on the looks. I love the Suzuki design on this bike.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

If it’s down to performance, the Honda wins, if it’s down to handling, both are good although having different characteristics. The Suzuki feels more planted the Honda sharper. Weight the Honda has nearly a 30lb deficit so clearly wins. Look’s, I’d nudge towards the Suzuki. Both bikes are decent choice but I’d go Hornet as it’s more fun on the 10% times you get to exploit its performance. The extra 10hp and being 30lb lighter, it is definitely the more fun, faster and agile of the two.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Some good thoughts there. Probably comes down to your riding style and personal taste. Nice to have the choice of two great bikes. Cheers.

[@MarJay1980]

Suzuki for me. I'd be disappointed that it's down on power vs the Hornet, but the looks and general 'feel' of the bike seem nicer than the Hornet. That red frame looks cheap, welded subframe and bland looks would do more to put me off than the 10bhp deficit and I've lived without phone connectivity for 25 years, so I can live without it now.

[@horneblendeandcamguy]

I just hope the hornet is punchy enough. I'm leaning towards the hornet but if it doesn't have the stones, it just doesn't make sense for a 270 twin and I'd rather keep the 4 banger.

[@kurthedgecock6313]

I like both of them. I'd prefer the suzuki. I currently have a mt07

[@alphacapo]

Both these bikes are gonna kill the yamaha

[@KapitanPisoar1]

I was never a Honda fan, but I would take the Hornet over the Suzuki, lighter bike with more power...

[@John900C]

I own a KTM890R, the bike that sets the standard for this type of machine. I shopped around last winter and got a low mileage second hand bike with all the good options for a price very little above the cost of these machines. I have had a great riding season on it including a Pyrenees tour with no reliability issues. These two bikes are to me lower budget, compromised products of the same concept, like the 790 Dukes. Is the market really there for so many subtle variations of the same theme?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good point, I guess time will tell.

[@RajA-wi2ut]

Great analysis... The Hornet is by choice if only because it is a whole lot cheaper than the Suzuki.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree: think Suzuki have a problem with the pricing - the SV gets in the way. I'm thinking there will be a price correction in the fall when the SV is likely retired. Cheers.

[@davidball4322]

It's difficult to see any progress from the original 600cc Hornet launched 15 years ago. Same horsepower, smaller tank and doesn't look half as nice.

[@zefautino]

15 years ago! 1998 was 24 years ago. I was there, I remember. Do you know the original Hornet 600 was put together with parts from the CBR line, and for 98 and 99 the front wheel was 16"? The fireblade wheels.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Fascinating info.

[@adamnichol6761]

I've just been at Motorcycle Live in the UK. I was looking at Ducati Scramblers and a couple of adv style bikes (to explore getting used versions of) like the Multistrada V2 (950), F850GS, Tiger 800 (using the 850/900 as a bit of a proxy), Africa Twin and new Translap. The Hornet really caught my eye though. I had a GSX600F an age ago (bandit engine and frame in a sports-touring wrapper) and the Hornet makes a strong case - more so than the CBR650R or R7 which I had an side-glance type interest in (footpegs on R7 are really high, felt really similar to Panigale - though with much less of a drop/reach to the bars). Right now I have a Harley Fatboy, which I want to trade for something lighter (new house has an uphill slope on the drive that I have to backpedal up, not fun on a bike that size) and that has a smattering of dirt skills....having said that, a Hornet and change for an older trail bike is intriguing

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I think Honda are on to a winner with the Hornet - it's going to be priced well below the Suzuki. Cheers.

[@gregleyson4266]

As an old school rider I think the engines are good but I'm not impressed with the darth Vader look, they make my 2005 sv650s look handsome

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes they certainly lean in the KTM direction - loved by some, but quite insect like.

[@filippocorti6760]

The inline 4 can produce as much power with less stress on the engine. Also, didn't the 600 or 750 UJM/Standard/Naked inline 4 only demand regular gas?

[@studdg]

I4's also produce less torque down low, more heat, have totally different types of engine vibration, and cost more. I prefer 90 degree twins for street bikes, so what do I know?

[@collins735]

For Honda to bring the Hornet in at 6999 otr in the current market, with the cost of living crisis and supply and demand issues they deserve serious kudos. Who expected a brand new bike for sub £7k in 2023.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree: they deserve high praise indeed for that feat. The bike may not stay at that price point long, but the value is incredible for a new model these days.

[@ljj808]

If I wanted an entry Naked, the Suzuki in Blue would be my choice. I don’t care about Connectivity (or a QS. Cruise-Control is far more important to me). What I really cannot understand is why the Hornet is £6,999, but the Transalp is £9,500 !!!! The Transalp is NOT a true off-road bike (it never was, I had 2 XLV600 versions). Suspension isn’t any better than the Hornet, nor are electronics - so why such a HUGE price hike ? The Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE is a far more Off-road biased bike in every way to the Transalp with FAR better components/suspension/ground clearance, so I can see why it’s more expensive. But the Trannie at £9,500 - they won’t shift ANY. A real shame Honda

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Very good point - one I have been thinking about too. The only reason I can think of is that middleweight sporty naked genre seems more competative and is packed with many very good alternatives, whereas the middle weight adv class is still in its infancy with only really the base T7 and now the Vstrom800DE in its class (Tuareg is likely not mainstream enough for some). Keeping the Transalp a little cheaper than the vstrom and the T7 maybe enough to swing many towards it. In simple terms, I guess they're pricing both bikes based on what they think they can get for them while keeping them slightly below or at the level of the competition.

[@redfive5123]

What happened to the GSX-750 in line four? Will it be discontinued? Will it compete against this horrible looking new model? After giving up MotoGP and competition it seems as if Suzuki is losing the target. As a happy owner of several models from Hamamatsu I began to feel abandoned by the brand.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

In Europe the GIXXER 750 is a gonner very soon/now perhaps. In North America, the GSXR-750 is still soldiering on for 2023, but with no new major mods.

[@PaydayGabeBCNV]

As a PO of a Vstrom 650,, which I throughly enjoyed for 2+ year's,, I would lean towards the Suzuki.. While I'm here,, can someone please explain why the Gladius is so reviled,, compared to the SV650 ?? Same engine 🤷‍♂️,, was it the styling,, what exactly. IDK. 🤔 And a new subscriber 👍.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for the sub, Gabriel. It was the styling, it just seemed to turn people completely off.

[@gregsullivan8065]

I’d take the Hornet. I like what Suzuki has done with the GSX-8S, but I don’t think it’s worth $1000 more than the Hornet. I’m riding a 98 Bandit 600 now, and have been for 19 years. Either one of these is a huge upgrade over that bike, but I’ll likely keep chugging along, with my old, heavy, slow Bandit. Old habits die hard…

[@BlueMarbleRider]

It's easy to get caught up in the next bike fad, but I tip my hat to you. Sometimes sticking with the tried and true is the best outcome in the long run. Cheers.

[@queenslander954]

Suzuki looks the best probably because they finely sacked Stevie Wonder as head designer , the Honda’s not bad & probably a great little bike but looks are everything & bottom line is Suzuki has the best reputation for reliability.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

LOL - Stevie Wonder as head designer. Had me chuckling. Cheers!

[@naturalforlife6741]

I'm leaning toward the Honda Hornet because of my short legs I own a 21 MT07 and love it.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

It sounds like a great bike from the reviews I have seen.

[@astrostrotch]

Nice to see someone talking about engine architecture, it seems the Honda engine is going to be better in the Hornet than the Transalp and the Suzuki engine better in the v strom than the 8S due to their characteristics.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks. Interesting take: as you say, Honda's engine seems biased towards the Hornet, meaning the Transalp is likely not ideal; whereas Suzuki's twin is better in the 800DE meaning the 8S isn't really a truly sporty high revving street fighter, despite it's rakish looks.

[@paultanton4307]

Talking of which the Honda is SOHC using its Unicam Tech,while the Suzuki is a traditional DOHC.

[@olesrensen5020]

That looks pretty straight forward😂 If you want to be on the phone, you choose the Honda, if you wanna ride a bike you choose the Suzuki. If you choose your bike on the basis of a phone connection, you should have your driving license confiscated and your head examined.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

LOL.

[@fabbri4497]

Suzuki USD forks 43 mm, DOHC, swinging arm aluminum, big rear wheel.....

[@barney3417]

Tried both back to back ! Suzuki for me!! Honda felt cheap with frame and swing arm looking like it came from a 125 !! and the Suzuki has loads more low and mid range torque.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeffnyquist6154]

The Suzuki for me, no question. (and I'm a loooong term Honda guy since 1969) ....up/down quick shifter....yes! But we are getting ahead of ourselves if we haven't ridden either machine, and I haven't....so there's that.

[@taekim1175]

I would get the hornet since it has phone connectivity. Have to get the up & down quick shifter with it.

[@hipposnakeyo]

I’d prefer the Suzuki but it’s hard to justify to pay more for 10 less hp and 10kg more.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree, on paper it looks a one sided argument, but there's no substitute for a day in the saddle to be sure. Cheers.

[@davidgearardo1788]

add the quick shifter on the honda for 555$ Hondas quick shifters are the absolute most dialed in QS out there absolute buttery snickety shifts.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The Honda's qs is, as you say, buttery. The Suzuki's is a little surgey on the downshifts, but that's on a demo bike. I've heard they smooth out after a while...

[@ambrechambers7094]

I bet they're both great bikes! I just don't understand the transformer look!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree, Ambre - paint them orange and they could both be mistaken for KTMs...

[@luissaavedra2995]

Suzuki all the way better looking motorcycle.

[@pcat1000]

First, let me say, ''I don't give a rats' ass about phone connectivity !'' Don't need the distraction, and wish the cage-drivers didn't have it as an excuse for, '' I didn't see you.'' The Suzuki is the more elegant bike here , and I think I want one!

[@yurig2530]

I prefer Honda over Suzuki in this case, since it's lighter and more power, shorter wheelbase too. The question is what should I choose between Hornet and Tuono 660? Tuono is lighter and more power, but costs more, I guess, since Honda didn't announce it in US yet. Not sure what's the price will be. There is also 2023 Street Triple, which is slightly heavier and more power than Tuono, but costs slightly less. I currently ride KTM 690 Duke, which is lightest in the class at 350 lb (159 kg). Triumph Trident is quite nice as well, but won't be a significant upgrade over my Duke.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Tough choice for sure. Depends what you want out of the bike - pure horsepower, or a blend of daily use reliability and weekend fun. Honda or Triumph street could be the best blend of that. Good luck though. Cheers.

[@yurig2530]

@@BlueMarbleRider Weekend fun, that's where I use my Duke. I ride Tail of the Dragon once a week. I think Tuono 660 would be the best, or maybe Yamaha MT-09? According to specs Tuono seems to be most suitable.

[@antoniorios3856]

Only suzukis I see are gsxrs, kinda wanna give them a chance with this new motor.

[@flatD1]

I‘m riding motorbikes for nearly 40 years. But never would be a parallel-twin an option. After beginning with only one cylinders i changed quickly to four. So just four cylinders in different sizes (between 750 and 1100 ccm) where perfect and my actual bike is the GSX S750 and i won‘t change it for one of these two parallel twins. I’ve never missed a quickshifter or a phone connectivity. So for me, these two bikes in comparison are both to expensive for such budget concepts and both have not enough power or refinement with this price tag.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good point for sure. There are some nice qualities about twins; however, due to their budget nature, I feel many bikes will revert to this type, with 3 and 4 cyl machines become exotic rather than mainstream.

[@flatD1]

@@BlueMarbleRider We will see. In this strange times it is very unclear what comes next. Motorcycles with electric motors become slowly more popular but in total they won‘t take over. The Manufacturers are in a very difficult situation. To develop a breakthrough that sells well, seems impossible.

[@adamdmi5752]

Choice is simple... Suzuki ❤

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Wow rear wheel drive chain driven! Remarkable!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The best!

[@FoAmY99]

Well first thing is that Honda needs to officially announce the Hornet is coming to the US market, because right now its still Euro and Japan only, while Suzuki has said the GSX-8S is coming here. I strongly doubt that they'll keep it Euro and Japan only, because that's a massive market that would kill for something like this, as a lot of the 650 class bikes, people think are boring and/or underpowered.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

True, not officially announced, but it's coming - likely Spring 23.

[@silentmoto570]

Looks and features goes for suzuki I like the autoblipper and upshift. And that rear end with a tail tidy it's going to look nice But price, hp and weight goes to the hornet. I like more the brakes of the suzuki but something I can't stand on the hornet is that 160 rear tire it may sound dumb but if I'm getting into big bikes I want that meaty rear tire look on the bike.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

They say they did it for agility - which will help, but yes, as far as cosmetics go, it's going to look like a 250-400cc from behind (which might end up catching a few other bikes out ;-)

[@stubbingtonmarigold3032]

Considering the 8s is 9600 usd and the cb750s is 8000 usd and 25 lbs lighter, 10 more hp, and has Bluetooth connectivity... Suzuki better pray the USA doesn’t get the hornet....

[@santiagomoralesgarcia1802]

The only Bad thing about honda is that in My country, the post service sucks and the parts are really expensive. Meanwhile, the Suzuki is heavy and has high compression ratio, so You need premium fuel.

[@jasonodeorain366]

I’ve always been a Honda guy. 09 Hornet 900 Fireblade 954. And blackbird 06 . But was seriously looking at Kawasaki z4 ,6 &9. . But was quickly put off by the engine vibration . Big no no for me. So jump back to looking at the new hornet alot of reviews say the throttle is very snatchie in traffic. Was so disappointed to hear. Although having to keep working the bike would keep you more alert which is not a bad thing. Looks like the suzuki will be my next test ride .

[@markgibson9480]

HI i see this as suzuki and honda making a cheaper mid-range bike to fill the universal 1 bike does all however as a ktm790 duke owner i can see they are using part of the ktm dna. The ktm is a feather-light road razor with mild manners if required it is interesting that they dont seem to mention ktm as a direct competitor which i think it is?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Without riding either of the newbies, just going by their specs and having ridden the Duke, I would guess the Duke is over matched for these bikes: susupension, brakes, power. Certainly in the same cc category, but a better performing bike. Cheers.

[@mattm9619]

That 90 hp Hornet will be a lot of fun.

[@musamusa2961]

Thank You Almighty God for blessing me I will buy one for myself

[@BlueMarbleRider]

:-)

[@scottalldritt6231]

at a loss as why reference to the KTM890! If anything shouldnt a comparison have been with the 790 ?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The 790 Duke was announced after these two were. But yes, now the natural competitor to these two is the 790, although, I feel that these two are more budget orientated and not really direct rivals, the Duke being more performance orientated with TPMS, cruise control, track mode and supermoto modes. Cheers.

[@boodog4023]

Well at least Ducati and HD still make v twins.....

[@jala6707]

and so does Moto Guzzi and Indian.

[@scottamolinari]

Us "metric types" go by liters per 100km.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good point. Cheers.

[@morganil93]

Both great options no doubt, now just Kawasaki need to introduce their own 270 degree ptwin the Z650 platform is now the least appealing of them all by far... And H and S need to release a fully faired sport version, which I have no doubt they plan to do eventually. The revvier Honda might be able to take a lot of space in that segment since at the moment, Aprilia is the unwavered king with the RS660, the R7 isn't really great for track use, nor comfortable enough for road use.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great feedback, thanks.