Suzuki GSX-8R (2024) Road and Track Review

The new #suzuki GSX-8R is part of a growing revolution of affordable midi-sports bikes which are all the rage for 2024 that promises to bring the category back to the fore after years of declining sales of their more supersport-focused ancestors.
Based heavily on the unfaired GSX-8S from 2023 but with upgraded suspension, a fancy new fairing and a revised riding position, Michael Mann heads to the press riding launch in Spain to ride the new #motorcycle from Suzuki on the road and track. He even chats to Simon Hargreaves about the bike's rivals.
For the full review: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial...
CHAPTERS
00:00 Start
00:30 Intro to the bike
01:53 On-track with comms
03:37 On-road with comms
19:19 Rivals chat
25:28 Outro Ad
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[@polla2256]

Had a child and hung up my helmet for a few years now, the best bike I ever owned was my GSXR 1000. Dont really need or want a suicidal warp drive these days, this might be just the ticket. Its a toss up between a CB1000R, GSX800R and a mid life crisis Rocket III.

[@Grahamvfr]

I love reading YT comments, as soon as a manufacture brings out a long requested bike, you immediately get comments about when are they going to bring out this or that... My wife's like about jobs around the house haha

[@cpuuk]

I remember the day when a 750 was all you ever needed.

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

Biggest complaint I have about the GSX-8R? That tail. Why did they put all the lights on the tail like that? What the heck was Suzuki thinking? Thankfully Yoshi already has a tail tidy kit that looks like it solves it but it would look so much better with integrated lights. Why do they keep designing sport bikes like this? Just make it so the fender is an easy bolt-off removal. Don't put lights on it. Nothing. Just make it stupid simple.

[@avz7001]

Law requires that the end of a motorcycle extends further than the rear wheel. Supposedly a safety measure

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Every single factory bike, fender must reach the rear limit of the rear wheel. There are similar transportation bureaucratic rules for automobiles regarding fender and tire sidewalls. Suzuki didn't design that hideous dingleberry because they thought it looked great. It is a compliance piece. Evotech Performance already has a nice replacement piece.

[@A_Wolf]

The group test should be: CBR 650r, R7, Daytona 660, GSX 8r, AND RS660 🙏😁

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

I'm going to buy a new bike this year and these (minus the R7) are my short-list (on paper Triumph is leading for my heart). I would LOVE to see a head to head!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Definitely the first four. Maybe the Aprilia too - but I think it stands slightly alone.

[@shortblokeonabike]

Chuck a hornet 750 in for good measure ❤

[@46vic]

I would say the zx4-rr instead of the rs660, similar power and price to the others

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@shortblokeonabike I think it deserve its own group test seeing as though it's an unfaired bike with a different riding position. Perhaps up against the Z7 Hybrid - similar specs (except for the price) and a good ICE vs Hybrid test, don't you think?

[@davidbesant]

What are Suzuki doing demonstrating this bike on a track? This is not a track bike! It's a commuter. It's a (relatively) light-weight reincarnation of the GSX650F. I've ridden one and it's an extremely competent and highly efficient machine. "its got a lot of character", I don't think so. It is pretty though.

[@joehoppard814]

I had a GSX650F (Bandit in a dress) and it struck me how similar the concept of this one is. I fancy this 8R - looks very useful.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You want a little more top end power? The 776cc has been getting tuned in the USA. Here's the dyno numbers: GSX-8S Factory: 76 hp @ 8200 rpm 53 ft-lb @ 6600 rpm Tuned: 88 hp @ 8000 rpm 62 ft-lb @ 7200 rpm

[@Mikk0Ray]

Any mods? Or just a Tune?

[@rrbabygirrl4822]

Getting mines this morning I can't wait

[@geecee4746]

Great value, and warranty

[@ChrisMag100]

First decent looking faired Suzuki in a long while, excluding the 1000.

[@MrKillervincent]

Even the 1000 was released in 2017, 7 years ago now!

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

​@@MrKillervincentGSX-S1000GT was new last year.

[@MrKillervincent]

@@TheCdubbleyoo ahh I figured the gsxr1000, my bad

[@ragerider6283]

Great review. Nice bike, it seems like a very good all-rounder with a decent hint of sportiness but without the crippling lack of comfort you get with a supersport. Although I wouldn't go near a track on this personally but I don't want to. I'm really much more interested in the soft road focused sport bike these days & this is definitely a good offerring. A group teats needs the ZX4RR & RS660 imo.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks for that. It surprised me in a very positive way - a sentiment shared with other media on the launch. I certainly wanted to focus on the road test element instead of track as I agree with you about the what the customer of this bike will use it for! Group tests with anymore than four tend to get to complicated... so which four would you choose? Cheers, Michael

[@ragerider6283]

@@bennettsbikesocialThanks for the response. Fair point about the group test, in which case, I guess logically it'd have to be the R7, CBR650R, Daytona 660 & GSX8R as you mentioned originally in the review. Maybe the winner goes up against the ZX4RR & RS660 to see where they & it figure in the bigger picture. I think the RS660 has to play some part as it's the current bench mark in this category & I'm not sure what other group test the ZX4RR gets in to based on it's price & performance (bhp) being so similar.

[@kimw200blaze4]

Even if an bike comes equpped with an Quickshifter/Auto blipper, I would not bother using it for downshifts and would still be "old school" and therefore use the clutch still for downshifts. So that issue you pointed out in regard to downshifts, using the Quickshifter would not bother me as I simply would not be using it for Downshifts. Quickshifters are best for upshifts and that is it. Interesting about the fuel range of this bike compared to GSX-8S. I would prefer the GSX-8S simply as it would have a better fuel range for touring. I thought there would not be any difference in the fuel range between the two bikes as they are so similar.

[@nigelfisher3756]

Nice to see the classy Michael Man reviewing motorbikes again; and what a great roadster this new Suzuki GSX-8R appears to be from most accounts. I think the price is about spot-on for what’s out there in the market. In fact, I’d say it looks very good vfm, assuming the build quality and finish match the best out there. I’m interested at my age not by mega-mph, tyre shredding acceleration and daft off-the-scale bhp figures…no, it’s about usable healthy torque with good riding dynamics and comfortable ergonomics. A couple of other questions to pose to Michael might be the service interval lengths and…..does this bike really look better in the Triton Blue over the silver/white?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

You’re most kind, thank you. I shall find out about the service intervals (an oversight in the written review as I’ve simply placed a ‘tbc’ in the spec panel. I certainly like the look of the Silver option with its red wheels but there’s something about the blue that’s quintessentially Suzuki… if only the tank matched the rest. All the best, Michael

[@bennettsbikesocial]

And the official word from Suzuki is: "600 miles first service, then 7500 or annually. Valve clearances at 15000."

[@alanprice9938]

Yeah, I really like it. Hint of katana, which I reckon is very cool, and I am jealous of you. I still wish we could ditch the plastic rear light cluster and reg plate thingy. Surely manufacturers will find a clever way round these monstrosities soon?

[@alanprice9938]

@@stubbk3 yeah, good point…… though I reckon if you ride this, you wanna ride it alone, otherwise buy an adv

[@alanprice9938]

@@stubbk3 wow, yes, and the fzr400 was such a beautiful looking bike.

[@TronciM]

Beautiful looking bike

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Great bike.

[@williamelliott1750]

Bought it a few days ago in blue. Waiting on delivery. Can't wait. Riding on and off for 40+ years, last bike was a 2003 Suzuki Bandit 12S.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant! Do let us know how you get on. Cheers, Michael

[@williamelliott1750]

@@bennettsbikesocial Hi Michael! I have about 550 miles now and scheduling my first maintenance. I started out in SDMS 'C' for a day and wasn't impressed (coming from a 2003 Bandit 12S), then went to B for a day and it was better. Found a home in 'A' mode and the torque..... WOW!!! I would venture to say it has as much mid range if not more than the 1200 in-line 4 Bandit. Probably due to the 100lb weight difference. It's also easier to maneuver. Love this bike! Cheers! BTW, I'm 60yrs 5'9 165lb. Bike fits me perfectly.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@williamelliott1750 Great to hear the update, you’re seemingly very pleased with the bike 👍🏻 Safe riding, Michael

[@rrbabygirrl4822]

Getting mines this morning I can't wait. Did it come with the rear cowl??

[@paulconnell1309]

This is an excellent review, I enjoyed it. I own an 8S and can't wait to ride the 8R. I prefer the full fairing and comfortable bars format. Looks great! In my view Suzuki missed a beat not adding adjustable Showas and tuning 7bhp more out of the bike to match the market. Spec sheets impact sales in my view. The 8S has not sold well in my country and has already been discounted by 15%! Can't wait for the group test. The RS660 has to be out based on price. Where I live the price brings the Tuono Factory and RS 660 up against the Street Triples, Kawasaki Z900SE, MT09SP and KTM 890. The Street Triple RS would devour the RS 660 on the track.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks for the notes. Certainly by adding adjustable suspension and working on the engine would have added desirability but also a deecent wedge more on the price tag too. Manufacturers have a target audience and rivals in mind through the development process and the team responsible are extremely clever, well educated folk with vast quantities of experience. That said, I tend to agree there's a gap fror Suzuki to go chasing the other bikes you mentioned... does that mean we might see a GSX-S1000R? Or a tuned version of the 8R in the coming years? Who knows. It's fun to speculate or consider the bikes that we'd like to see for our own benefit! Cheers, Michael

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The bike has been getting tuned. So far in America: Factory: 76 hp @ 8200 rpm 53 ft-lb @ 6600 rpm Tuned: 88 hp @ 8000 rpm 62 ft-lb @ 7200 rpm

[@sasmitbiswas2816]

Fantastic bike from suzuki ❤

[@morgan98801]

I think including the Ninja 650 and/or ZX4R. As well as the Aprilia would be good.

[@rwalton159]

Clever how they've named it GSX-8R It's not a GSXR that's for sure I'd rather have a GSXR 750

[@splodge5714]

I'm looking at a 2004 GSXR1000 blue and white, completely standard dry use,15000 miles like new for £4675. Makes it hard to justify a new bike.

[@nigelfisher3756]

Of course it’s horses for courses. The new 8R is not supposed to be compared with an old GSX-R750…..surely that’s obvious? It’s a new type of more accessible, practicable road going sporting roadster. I reckon Suzuki have themselves a cracking bike. Now, the bigger question….. best in the blue or silver/white?@@delusion2987

[@splodge5714]

​@@stubbk3they're great bikes from the early 2000's, better than the new 'sports' bikes and if you look around there are plenty of low mileage, like new ones for not a lot of money.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

They didn't name it "GSX-R8" because is not, nor is it intended to be a GSX-R. In Suzukinese "GSX" indicates "DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder. The "R" was added for the race-replica bikes.

[@captricharddee3634]

Dear Suzuki, can you please make a 300-400cc variant of this bike? There is a gap between your 125cc section through to your SV-650. Some of us don't want a 125 or as large as a 650-750 bike. Come on Suzuki, make it, money stands by.

[@cowmath77]

There literally 10 other sport bikes to buy in this 300-400cc class. Why do you specifically need a Suzuki? They all feel the same with 40hp and cheap plastic.

[@903lew]

With what engine? Suzuki has surrendered that segment as there just isn’t enough market for them to justify the cost of developing a Euro5+ engine in that size. Hell, Triumph ran to Bajaj for their 400 and Honda (massive Honda) is amortising their 471 over six separate models of bike. I’m very happy Suzuki came out with a new engine at all (first one in ages), thinking they’d make another just a year or two down the road isn’t going to happen.

[@903lew]

@@TheJoker-dj4yq You must be fun at parties.

[@dart.115]

​@@TheJoker-dj4yqand nobody is *making* you buy one. You act like their existence is some personal insult to you. They're good for their own reasons. Gtfoh.

[@aleokyn5757]

good idea, a gsx 400cc twin that do 200kmh like kawa & cfmoto better than 800 that only clock 210kmh.

[@Regdor]

I'd love to see the Aprilia RS660 and Ducati Supersport included in your group test so you can see what you get by spending more money. Just how close do these bikes get to the Italian options?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Nice shout on the SS, I had considered it momentarily but put it to one side because of the difference in price and spec. It could be a decent follow-up test once we find a winner from the main four-bike test we then pitch it against the Italians.

[@stuartkraven]

Definitely needs a tail tidy to get rid of that diving board on the back.

[@williamardenjr116]

Please makes these 100bhp stock! If not Aprilia will be my mark soon

[@davidg2116]

Why didn't they give it the full 95bhp

[@aleokyn5757]

Good bike but here, some competitor a lot cheaper. I dunno if this will make it.

[@stubbk3]

really lacking in pillion seat though

[@TheSteveSteele]

Love the black. In the States it’s yellow. Not a RMZ yellow, but slightly darker. The black or blue is nice.

[@CELL7GAMING]

If you do a group test it would be a crime to not add the Aprilia RS660.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

I can't believe yall totally forgot about the RS660.

[@florme6494]

I think some day time led running lights in the air intake sections at the front would have given it that extra something.

[@roninfr4666]

Nice can i ride i give my opinion 😅

[@icklepob88]

I love it when you quote PCP numbers. Let's look at how much it'll cost a month, not to own the bike.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I think you have to face up to 60% of new bikes being financed in some way, so it's only right to offer the relevant numbers. It's up to you if/how you buy it while it's up to me to tell you what it's like and what your purchasing options are.

[@icklepob88]

@bennettsbikesocial agree, lots are financed. Shame dealers and 'some' media outlets only ever give the PCP deal though, rather than standard finance, and we know why that is. Repeat custom in 3 years, when the customer can't pay the balloon, or gets ripped off for milage/damage. You only mentioned PCP, not the finance option, which is disappointing.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@icklepob88 If financing was your choice, I’d hope you’d do the necessary research by exploring all the options. Maybe we should include alternative numbers and/or links in the written review though…

[@icklepob88]

@bennettsbikesocial I would, and do, but as a journalist giving out ONLY the PCP info, rather than no info, or both PCP and HP, would definitely be more in the consumer interest than the interest of the manufacturer and dealer, who push PCP. I was unfortunate enough to gp to a dealership, local to me, to compare 2 bikes, as the dealer was multi brand. Salesman saw me looking and stroking my chin, obviously thought I was an easy target. He asked a few questions, then when I asked about finance, to compare, he pushed me for PCP, telling me I shouldn't settle for a cheaper bike that I could afford, and go for a much better bike on pcp. No matter how many times I said I wasn't interested in pcp, he was condescending and extremely pushy to PCP. "Why would you settle for a Tracer 700 or Versys 650, when for the same cost a month, you can have that mt10". I laughed at him, told him instead of a sale of a cheaper bike, he had lost me as a customer for life. They need repeat custom, and push PCP. You're renting a bike, not buying it. It's a ridiculous concept that after an amount of time, you're left with nothing for your years of paying. It's a shame the industry , media, reviewers etc, ONLY tend to give pcp pricing.

[@susanboucher2116]

Still waiting for the Yam R9

[@bennettsbikesocial]

So are we!

[@jefflambert8603]

Will Kawasaki bring out a 750-800cc Ninja ?

[@ozzyg82]

Hopefully this explosion in mid-range faired sporty / tourer type bikes will give Yamaha the kick up the ass they need to get the R9 out the door based on the MT09 platform. fingers crossed.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Ours have been crossed for two-and-a-half years now: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2021/august/new-yamaha-yzf-r9-patent

[@paulfowler6665]

I actually think the group test shouldn't include the R7 as the riding position on that is full on sports bike unlike the others. aprillia RS660 should be included as there is always money off those bringing it inline with the others.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes, a good shout. The reason why I suggested the R7 was because of the price, spec, and eligibailty for the new National Sport Bike Championship.

[@shivamarya5225]

You'll find some cheap R7s too if you look for them, comparing discounted price of one bike isnt a fair comparison besides aprillia's horrible reliability issues are another thing

[@paulfowler6665]

My brother bought a discounted R7 last year only to sell it a few months later because it was too uncomfortable. He now has a Hornet instead. Reliability shouldn't be a factor as to if a bike is included in a group test.

[@shivamarya5225]

@@paulfowler6665 but price definitely should be. And reliability also determines your resale value and how much money you need to put in, even at similar prices the value can be different because of resale and maintenance

[@HaggisPower]

35-39mpg is pretty terrible for a mid-power twin, even when driven hard

[@randombanditdad3754]

Better off with 600 bandit lol

[@Edsdrafts]

It's a very nice bike with as one KZbinr said baboon's arse like stoplight for US market. Other than that looks and sounds quite nice. However... I doubt the fit and finish will hold well in all weather conditions eg. for comuting and being kept outdoors. This is where getting Yamaha or Honda is worth the extra bucks. Don't believe me? Check exhaust headers and can on most review videos - already rusty looking and that's dry use only. To top it all off Honda coming out qith their 650s this year with E-Clutch technology. You might not think much of it but just wait till it comes out and gets hands on. You will wish you had your mittens on one.

[@polgarciasagrista39]

Should I buy the R8 having an MT 07 ? I'm looking for something a little more sporty

[@MotoFlows]

I just bought the R8 yesterday, fantastic bike definitely more power than mt07

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

Audi?

[@exothermal.sprocket]

8S/8R--- Factory: 76 hp @ 8200 rpm 53 ft-lb @ 6600 rpm Tuned: 88 hp @ 8000 rpm 62 ft-lb @ 7200 rpm

[@MuadDib74]

Looks great but such boring colours- if we could get the yellow US version I'd be all over it!

[@edwardv54]

I don't know why, but listening to this video I started thinking about how to turn this into an all out touring bike. Make it a hybrid with at least a 10 KWH battery pack. Shaft drive, putting about a 40 kilowatt electric motor between the engine and transmission, and a 10 kilowatt motor in the front wheel. Stretch the wheelbase a bit.

[@WiggSplitter75]

nobody wants that electric bs..fk off

[@icxcnika555]

Should of made it a 4 cylinder engine 😢 2024 ZX6R it will be

[@KiloSierra1]

Just a shame all new bikes sound like a lawnmower

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That’s the sound of a parallel twin with two balancer shafts. Oh, and a Euro emission-compliant exhaust system. Oh, and via a GoPro.

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

Include a SV650S in the group test.

[@Africatwinrider1]

Make it a 2 stroke and I'll order one

[@garethevans1751]

Tank range is not enough for me. I don't really want to be hunting down a petrol station after 90 odd miles. Bigger tanks please. Fantastic looking bike.

[@breezeontheroadtonowhere6562]

Too heavy for this class. Sorry. My small Sportstourer, Tracer7, has 196 Kg. I rode Gravelroads in Croatia, I drove to Morocco., I had a lot of fun in the southern part of the alps down in France. Why should I buy this bike? I don't know..