Ride Review - 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R

[@brodyhilyard5269]

I got this as my first bike, and so far i love it. i really don’t have a sense for other bikes, when it comes to power, vibrations, etc. But definitely have to use the quickshifter up and then usually i downshift with the clutch, bc going down its definitely clanky imo. i think the power is really good for what it is. but i would say you should hop on an r7 because its a similar concept to the 8R.

[@motomaverickusa]

Good info, thank you. Yes, an R7 is definitely on my list to try out, as well as the MT-07. There’s a new Yamaha dealer really close to me, so hopefully I will be able to do both of those soon.

[@antoniovelez9431]

The reason why it’s weird,from second to third is because you can use the quick shifter. Its best to use clutch in first. Second ext use left foot and shift. And you dont have to roll of the throttle. Just click the shifter. Ive had mine since February,2024.

[@motomaverickusa]

I seem to remember seeing the issue when going from first to second; I would clutch in and roll off, shift, then clutch out and roll on, just like I would on anything else. Even though the throttle was on, there was no power, then it just all the sudden surged forward; it was like the clutch got stuck and then popped. Is that what you’re talking about? I didn’t realize there was a quick shifter as standard on it, so that might be part of the issue. I hadn’t experienced anything like that before. Maybe I’m just misremembering the whole thing. 😂

[@motomaverickusa]

@antoniovelez9431 I just looked at this again; the first time was 2nd to 3rd, the other two times were 1st to 2nd. So, I honestly have no idea.

[@VinayKumar-db4qz]

I watched other reviews of this bike and they all said it's butter smooth, and you keep repeating that it's got a lot of vibrations, I'm confused now.

[@motomaverickusa]

I think it’s all relative; I don’t have a lot of experience with twin motors, but in this video I just hopped off a triple. Triple motors are notorious for being super smooth; if I was on an older twin and hopped on this one, I’m sure the experience would’ve been different. It’s all relative…

[@stephenclarke6114]

It's so smooth it has twin balancer shafts I came off a 22 gsxs 1000 and I find it really smooth

[@Kingkeez636]

I was thinking the same thing This guy confused me too

[@MasonHoward-t1l]

I had a Harley Davidson sportster 883 for a few years and I didn’t realize how stupid that bike was till I got on the 8r. Coming from that rattle trap poor quality and expensive Harley the 8r seemed to be wonderful. I’m not sure if you can actually see what you are looking at in your mirrors on all bikes but the Suzuki was so smooth I didn’t get that fuzzy view in the mirror I used to get in the Harley. The shifting in my opinion was excellent and I thought I was so smooth in the power and the shifting. I’m 5 ft 10 inch and I feel like the 8r fits me like a glove and I love the looks of a sport bike but without being bent over. I’m about to pick up the silver with red rims and using the tst platform to install frame sliders and a tail tidy and slightly taller windshield.

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting review. With respect I think maybe you're just not used to twins & more specifically parallel twins with 270 degree cranks? It can feel like you're abusing the engine & it's somewhat reluctant but that's because of the big pistons & the inertia etc. You have to embrace the vibes & use the low down & midrange grunt. Twins have a lot of engine breaking & this engine feels more like a V-twin than any other parallel twin I've come across before. It's also a very smooth one for what it is but above 8k it's not worth bothering as no hit in the power band, just more noise & vibes. QS is clunky & not the best but it does loosen up & you need to be firm & positive with it. The Daytona 660 engine is more powerful, more interesting & definitely smoother. However, I wouldn't say it pulls harder at low to mid revs but at higher rpm the 660 really takes off & is miles better. I personally love twins but totally get why you wouldn't if you have a triple as they're very different & can feel agricultural. I personally love the character of twins for road riding & you can just surf the torque with minimal gear box use. Although as you say, no right or wrong, just a matter of taste, preference & opinion.

[@motomaverickusa]

You’re probably right; since I don’t have much experience with the parallel twins, I did some pulls at various rev ranges to try to figure out where it wanted to be; I found the best acceleration was starting at about 4k RPM up to about 7k. Some of the lower end pulls had a bogged down feeling and just didn’t want to “go”. I feel like the triple motors can pretty much pull anywhere in the rev range, so maybe that’s just what I’m used to. I’m looking forward to riding more parallel twins, as there are a LOT offered by various brands. Hopefully I can learn more about the motor with a larger sample size, but also talk to someone who rides one daily to figure out where it’s happy. I’m enjoying riding different bikes and learning something every ride, so I appreciate your thoughts! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@ragerider6283]

@@motomaverickusa No worries. You're right about the revs on the 8R, it's sweet spot is between 3-4 & 7-8. There's also a mis-conception with the twins that because they're torquey that they pull well in high gears from low revs, they don't. They labour, clatter, chug & protest due to the big pistons so you want to be in a mid gear for a good pull ideally. I'd say from 30mph - 40mph, 3rd or 4th gear is good so you're not changing up too soon & shifting by 8k. As for triples, I do like them & need to spend more time getting to know them as never owned one. I didn't used to be too interested in them tbh but I've more recently seen the light! The Triumph 765cc & Yamaha 889cc engines are amongst the best out there currently imo.

[@motomaverickusa]

@@ragerider6283 every motor has its quirks, it’s all about getting to know your machine and how to maximize what you get out of it. The Triumph 765 is an iconic engine; check out some of the track times from Moto2 after Triumph became the sole engine provider for that class, it’s pretty impressive. Of course it’s nothing live the V4’s but that’s something else entirely. 😂

[@ragerider6283]

@@motomaverickusa Agreed. The 765 is an absolute peach of an engine. They sound & go so well. It's on my list for a possible next bike when the time comes for sure. I don't need 200bhp rocket ship so it'd be more than enough. I'm also keen to see what else they put that engine in too. Although, performance wise, the 660 is enough for me but ideally I'd like a higher spec chassis with more suspension adjustability & better brakes. Don't really care either way about the dash or electronics tbh.

[@motomaverickusa]

@@ragerider6283check out the Aprilia 660’s. There’s the Tuono for more of a faired naked feel, and the RS660 for the full on sport bike. I’ve heard great things about both, but you’ll pay a premium. I’m wanting to swing a leg over these bikes soon, but I have to drive a ways to get to an Aprilia dealership.

[@rabola55]

All tests before this one raves about how smooth the engine is...

[@motomaverickusa]

I think it’s all relative; smooth compared to other parallel twins? Probably. I spend most of my time on triples, which are notoriously smooth.

[@judge831]

I'm suprised to hear you say the vibration is bad. I've heard a bunch of reviews saying it has little vibration for a twin. Sounds like triple is the way to go.

[@motomaverickusa]

I think the key phrase there is “for a twin”. They added harmonic balancers to smooth it out, so I’m sure it’s way better than other offerings. Comparatively speaking, the triple is smoother, but that motor is known for that. You compare this twin to a single, and I’m sure the twin would be much smoother. I think it all depends on what you’re looking for out of your motor; the twin is going to be torque-focused over top end speed.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

First review I've seen that didn't like the engine (?). I wouldn't expect it to be as smooth as a triple but should pull much stronger from low revs and flatten out above 8000 rpm. It just could be your preference but I'd suggest you try a different bike as your impressions certainly don't match what I've experienced with my 8S. Curious how you had the traction control and ride modes set up?

[@motomaverickusa]

I didn’t change any settings on the bike, so I imagine everything was “on” and it was in road mode; it was a quick dealer ride at the track and they told us not to mess with any of that stuff. It might have been because I had just immediately gotten off the Daytona, so I couldn’t help but make a comparison, but I was expecting a little more torque in the lower revs. I didn’t really feel the power kick on until around 4k rpm. I’m definitely interested in trying out some additional parallel twin motors to see how they compare. Any specific ones you would suggest?

[@stephenclarke6114]

If you didn't ride it in A mode I suggest you ride it again

[@motomaverickusa]

@@stephenclarke6114 is that the sport/track mode?

[@thadcox5298]

If brands want to start selling these they need to do what Kawasaki does and have a separate sport and supersport lineup. I'm trying to buy my second bike and I'm having a lot of difficulty finding a true 600cc supersport to buy new, it seems like the only real options are the CBR600R and ZX6R. :(

[@motomaverickusa]

@thadcox5298 Check out the new Triumph Daytona 660; I rode one of those and was super impressed with it. May not fit the “super sport” category completely, but it’s a solid option. Also, I haven’t ridden one, but I’ve heard great things about the Aprilia RS660; I’m hoping to be able to swing a leg over one of those in the near future. Best of luck in your search!

[@alphacapo]

They all still have them. Cbr gsxr what's the problem?

[@thadcox5298]

@@alphacapo there's only two options for a modern 600 supersport, the CBR and ZX6R. The GSXR hasn't been updated in 13 years. The R6 was discontinued. The Daytona 675 was discontinued. True supersports are dying and they're being replaced with bikes that sell more to a casual audience but disappoint the people that really love sportbikes. No point in making a sportbike good for commuting, that's not what they're for.

[@alphacapo]

@thadcox5298 what needs updated? U need a tft and a imu? Lol. There hasn't been any big improvements in motors and gearboxes in the last 15 years. Just crap to make a bike work within emissions standards. An upgrade in tires and setting suspension for you is a bigger upgrade than buying a 2008 gsxr vs a 2025

[@thadcox5298]

@@alphacapo All sorts of tech/rider aid improvements since 2011. And yes I do like TFTs. I feel like any new $12k bike should have one. I have a 2008 Suzuki and the ABS is terrible- you're better off without it even on the street. Compare that to something like the CBR600RR- electronic steering damper, ride by wire, ride modes, etc.

[@tyrelearnest5315]

Got a chance to ride this bike at the Daytona 200. Third bike I rode after mf course. Second was ZX14r. First owner bike being 1000cc rr. On this 8r The quick shift definitely takes out using the clutch. Makes it feel weird and glitchy. Also electronics destroy enjoyable ride. Great review per opinion. Motor is def weak

[@motomaverickusa]

I didn’t get a chance to play around with the different rider modes; if there’s a track mode, I wonder how much that opens things up. I’ll have to look into that a little more. Thanks for watching.