Suzuki GSX-8R - Have I found its achilles Heel - Am I being picky?

[@frednerks1379]

Hi TAYM, I strongly suspect that your lighting problem with hi beam and poor low beam display is because Bobs suspension at the rear has not been set for your weight. I'm 5'11" and 83KG plus riding gear and I had to set my GSX8R on preload 5 (one notch higher than stock). On 4, I realised I was countering steering too much, and the position 5 is just as comfortable as 4, but handles now. This change will point the nose down more towards the road rather than up into the tree's. Unfortunately, Suzuki no longer supplies the adjusting spanner. Your Mate VB, will have one for sure. If you want cornering lights, look at the Versys 1000/1100 and it's standard fairing cornering LED's. Their brilliant.

[@andrewdyson4255]

That light would do my head in, fortunately nowadays I don’t ride in the dark much but I would be struggling with that

[@naturalpowerzone]

Love this bike.. You can adjust the headlights up / down - left / right.. should help your situation. you will just have to play around with the adjustments until you get it where you want them to be .. check you manual for how to adjust.. always enjoy your videos 😀

[@davidnunnerley9084]

I hate riding at night now, so I don’t. But I don’t have to being retired. Those lights would scare me to death. The older bikes with the single round headlight were fine for me.

[@darrellmeganfoxall8830]

Shocking lights .thanks for sharing ,👍👍👍

[@michaellilley6725]

That's the issue with LED lights they have a concentrated beam and no spread. Manufacturers try to get around it by fitting projector style lenses, but they still can't match the xenon/ halogen lights of days gone by. I'm sure you'll have noticed how poorly LED street lights illuminate the pavements below. They try to compensate for lack of spread by putting them on longer poles, but that makes no difference. Cornering lights seem to be quite effective, I have them on my KTM, BMW, and my car. The best lights I ever had were on the ZZR, which had daytime running, Low, and High beam, they were halogen not LCD. Mind you on a bike like that, you need to be able to see well ahead of yourself 🚀🔦

[@MerciaMoto]

Blimey TAYM that’s pretty poor isn’t it? 😬 probably not so much of a problem in an Urban environment but definitely not ideal for those unlit rural roads. I’m quite surprised that there isn’t a minimum standard lighting envelope regulation for high and low beam? Or maybe there is and the bike meets the criteria? 🤔

[@rodneybarcus2233]

Taym the dip beam needs to be adjusted up and the high beam needs to be adjusted down now add some really good and bight driving lights to fill in the sides and the road in front of the bike. I think when they set up the bike they must have done it with both eyes closed.

[@JayDutch-UK-MK]

I have same bike. I guess lights can be easily fixed with auxiliary ones

[@johnstonstewart9683]

The main beam needs adjusted. My 800de was the same but I stuck it in front of the beam setter and a little bit of adjustment improved things. They're still not what they should be but the Suzuki spots fitted to my bike make all the difference.

[@JayBee-cr8jm]

Adjustment won't fix it.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Could the lights need adjustment of the angle they are set at Mr TAYM? To answer your question at the end, no I wouldn't be happy with the 8R's lighting. But then I've taken to adding aux lights to my main bikes. Probably as my eyes age I need the extra help and to be seen better. My RX on my left eye changed quite a bit at my exam last week. Like my Dad used to say, "It's Hell, getting old." 🤣

[@TAYM]

Thanks PW 😁 Orwell have been great and we have tried all sorts of settings for the lights themselves and at any possible fixing points that auxiliary lights could be fitted without butchering the faring, but without success 🤔 we will keep looking for something which might fit but until then it’s a slow ride home🙄 definitely, I keep getting reminders of injuries sustained in my teams and twenties 😂😂😂

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@ Looks like you’ve hit all the possibilities that came to mind for me. I agree, I wouldn’t butcher up the plastics for the lighting on the 8R, a dirt bike’s plastics and ADV bike, that would be a different story. I had to drill holes in the rear plastics on the T7 and I’ll need to make some cut outs on the side plastics on the Husqvarna 501 for a rear rack. I think I’ll buy secondary plastics and hang on to the original for those cuts on the Husky. I’ll keep watching to see what you come up with! 👍 Oh, the injuries of my invincible youth remind me constantly these days that I wasn’t as indestructible as I thought back then. 😂

[@stephenc6503]

Hi TAYM, I think most people who own this type of MC would mainly use it in the Spring to Autumn, and then store it over the Winter months when there's snow, ice and salt on the roads. Although those lights are poor, I think what you need is a reliable, comfortable, faired Winter hack with decent lights. 😀

[@henrysmith5604]

I would say adjustment I’ve had a few new bikes where the lights haven’t been set up right As you now I have the same bike but I haven’t ridden it at night as yet Thanks for the video HS

[@TAYM]

Thanks H 😁 Orwell have been great trying to adjust them but we just can’t get them any better than they are😁 we’ve even tried on the dl 800 lights but they are the same 🤔 can’t find anywhere to fit auxiliary lights without butchering the faring 🤔

[@ianhalliwell8604]

It's obvious to say they need adjusting but if they don't then that's just not good enough.

[@albysmith3747]

I see what you mean, they are pretty useless and it’s a good job you knew about the tree being down. May be a set of Cree lights lower down will help ? Loving your channel 👍

[@TAYM]

Thanks Al 😁 Orwell have been great and we have tried all sorts of settings for the lights themselves and at any possible fixing points that auxiliary lights could be fitted without butchering the faring, but without success 🤔 we will keep looking for something which might fit but until then it’s a slow ride home 😂😂

[@marktiller1383]

I'd be looking at aftermarket solutions to improve the lights.

[@zedcharlie]

Xmax300 was the same. Led lights but main was diabolical. Dipped was fine but I had scary moments on bends on unlit roads. Luckily the adv honda is as they should be. Brilliant.

[@billellis6538]

Afternoon TAYM, I'd say the lights need adjusting , main beam is ridiculous. If they can't be adjusted I'd say get some auxiliary lights to complement what you have. 👍

[@TAYM]

Orwell have been great and we have tried all sorts of settings for the lights themselves and at any possible fixing points that auxiliary lights could be fitted without butchering the faring, but without success 🤔 we will keep looking for something which might fit but until then it’s a slow ride home🙄 thanks Bill😁

[@MarkN67]

Headlights on bikes have always been shocking but these are particularly bad. I was watching Llewelyn Pavey’s latest film on “Brake Magazine” where they ran two “original” Dakar bikes in Morocco - his head torch was actually brighter than the bike’s useless candle.

[@volt8684]

Hi Taym there is info on adjustment on the forums, seems a common complaint. Bad.

[@kevbaldwin9552]

Now you would think that given the cost of mainstream motorcycles and given that most modern cars are if anything over illuminated that poor lighting on a bike would be a non issue but it's still an area where manufacturers drop the ball .anyway take care Mr TAYM.

[@BlakesPipes]

It's funny, I was going to compliment the light in the first 30 seconds. But when you have no additional lighting around you , I see what you are saying. But I am also thinking we ride to the right here, wondering if riding on the right side of the road would make a difference. 🤔

[@trevjones1315]

You could always ask ABBA to lend you one of them supapa troopapa things. 🤘😁

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks Trev 😁

[@williamnethercott4364]

I expected better from a modern machine. I recommend the pilot's solution for instrument flying - a very long pole sticking out the front.

[@shardlake]

NV goggles :)

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I had the same problem with my cb500x TAYM. The headligh was incredibly bright white but there was no "fall off" so things were either lit or completely dark. I had the same thing with cars and stuff thinking I was on high beam when I wasn't. I still prefer the older style lights where the light falls off gradually rather than these bright white things that jusr cut off.

[@timothybrockbank7474]

Oh well you’ll have to get another winter bike 🤔🤔🤔🤔😁😁😁

[@bananaman20228]

That is mental TAYM tbh you would think modern bike would be brilliant but is shocking. You need some bulbs like i have in my cbr now they are brilliant as you know. NORTH STAR 🌟😅😅

[@gvinrad]

I'm not a fan of led lights in general, but if theyre adjusted correctly then its a poor design. Perhaps your friendly local mot tester can try them out on his mot rig ? It would be interesting to see if they are within the mot regs as they are at the moment ?

[@neilrichardson3986]

FOR SALE👋

[@TAYM]

No, it’s too good in every other aspect 😂😂😂😂 thanks Neil 😁

[@jefflambert8603]

These LED lights look so Bright? on Bikes in The 90s we Used to upgrade our H4 Bulbs it was like.Riding in Broad Daylight

[@daveclark4793]

Wanting to see where you’re going at night really isn’t asking too much. No, you’re not being picky.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Dave 😁😂😂

[@mrsilbo6499]

One of the reasons I got rid of my SV650 was the appalling headlight - utterly useless.

[@dave1994jones]

I have a 2019 Vstrom, my highbeam lights up the trees like this. Thought it was a problem with my bike not a suzuki fit

[@jaysinhoffner2134]

New light taym you can't have that my honda would completely eat 7 Amp tube fuses till I switched it's lamp. Though it's just in "slow" turn you can't have that is that something you just discovered because of taking it out on a night ride?

[@jobucklandbuckland8031]

so many headlights are lacking , the best I have had is on a MZ TS250

[@Pete-x4d]

I'd go as far as to say, they are dangerous. Surely they need setting lower so the main beam light up the tarmac, but that issue with lighting on bends is BAD.

[@brockett]

Not good, but who can get a test ride in the dark?

[@DaveGeezer]

I agree. Not great lighting. I’m older and I’m not a fan of LED lighting. My Speed 900 is halogen and gives more usable light at nighttime and doesn’t blind oncoming traffic. I guess you could install PIAA ditch lamps? Again not a fan of LED.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

How are the lights on your new Eliminator?

[@TAYM]

I found them ok 🤔 the best lights I’ve had on a bike were on my Vstrom 650 gen1😁 thanks MrM😁

[@timsatchell6713]

I think with the quality of modern lighting, they are absolutely appalling, in fact dangerous The first thing I would do is get them adjusted properly on an official light testing rig. This should be done under guarantee. It should never have left the factory like this. I started out on 6 volts. Lights should be exponentially better.

[@TAYM]

Thanks Tim 😁 I have spent a lot of time with Orwell Motorcycles adjusting them and trying again but this is about the best they get 🙄 there is always a break between high and low beam because the high is set further back and on top resulting in a shadow 🙄 just awful really 😁

[@shardlake]

There is no perfect bike, which is why we own more than one! I use a Forza 350 as my winter hack, enclosed drive train, great protection from the elements and tons of plastic which is easy to clean, practical rather than great fun, just gets me through to the when better weather arrives. The lights did look poor, LED seems to be bright but often has very limited coverage.

[@Bob-xc2us]

I have yet to ride my W800 at night. I will have to do that next season to see how the headlight works. Lighting is very important on a motor bike. Your high beam only lights up the road signs but the beam is too narrow and high. Poor design in my mind. BJ

[@korazon3spinado]

Gas tank is a bit small, no center stand no helmet holder. Seat a bit high for me

[@loicgalmiche5821]

No, you are'nt ! Almost scaring, half of the year time ! Just wonder wheteher an adjustment would improve it...

[@hobnob15]

Afternoon TAYM well if any man can find out a bikes Achilles heel I would put my money on it being you 😉 you should have got ………….you guessed it a moto guzzi ( sorry I couldn’t resist 😝) carry on that man Caio for now tat ta👍🏻

[@johnfountain8588]

😱😱I sense a bike change coming on I thought your winter bike was the RE 500 Either way I wouldn’t ride blind at night need a solution and I don’t think adjusting will do as much as you need I had a BSA Bantam in the 60s and the lights got brighter with throttle but even that bike had a better field of vision than your Suzuki is showing- perhaps you can make it another day bike but how many day bikes do you need Hard choice I guess Be safe and Regards from Florida 🦩🦩🦩

[@RobLittleuk]

I’d certainly not be happy with lights like that - shocking!

[@TAYM]

Thanks Rob 😁

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Hello! Kamail on his channel has crazy images too with the Suzuki 800 SE It has the same led "lights" and you see NOTHING at night! A (very) good H4 in a normal size reflector does a lot better! MOVE Suzuki! Kamail installed additionnal lights to ride at night because it is necessary!

[@ChunkehMunkeh]

Still a great bike though TAYM 👌

[@TonyChettleburgh]

I think LED lights are crap, really bright but no spread or beam. I have the same problem with my 1000 GT Suzuki in fact I got my dealer to look at them at last service and he put the beam tester in front of it and said they were fine. Anything above 40mph on an unlit road and you can't see a bloody thing. I don't know if this is a Suzuki thing or not but next purchase might be a change of marque because it is simply not good enough which is a shame as the rest of the bike is lovely.

[@TAYM]

Absolutely agree, it really is such a shame 🤔 Orwell have been great and tried to adjust them but with no improvement. We’ve even looked at possible auxiliary lights but there simply isn’t anywhere to fit them with some butchery 😕 like you I love the bike and maybe I can keep it as a summer bike but that’s not what I bought it for🤔 thanks Tony😁

[@Twowheelrebellion]

Definitely wouldn’t be happy with those lights. My Enfield has better lights which are halogen and I think they’re shit at night, but they’re better than that Suzuki. My Yamaha has LED lights and they are pretty good, it’s a small headlight but has a big reflector/magnifier and works really well, good full beam as well. Good excuse for another winter bike Taym 😉🏍️

[@iggyzorro2406]

I totally agree - that's down right dangerous. I had mentioned in a previous video that I thought your Triumph has spectacular headlamps. So maybe you're a little spoiled by their high quality. lol - the Suzuki's are unacceptable.

[@melfzs]

They don't look confidence inspiring at all TAYM ,they're bright but the beam chops off too abruptly . I think the lights on my ten year old Vstrom are better than that, and they're still Halogen bulbs! Best buy a bag of carrots on the way home eh! 👀

[@geraldineold3641]

Form over function.Got to be illegal 😮I had an St 1300 best lights ever 😊

[@daintree2455]

Dodgy lights.. Scary that..upside tho 10secs more of stress free existence because u r not gonna see the kangaroo/emu/wombat/crocodile yeah it's a thing in FNQ crocs crossing roads, that your gonna hit. Blissful ignorance of coming event.😊😊Thanks TAYM.

[@jeffsmith8506]

Sorry to point out the obvious BUT ...Wendy was your best winter bike.

[@simonbowen6653]

Not good at all. Image over substance. Some good spot lights required. Take care.

[@ruahinesrider]

Try & adjust them.

[@philipmobbs9520]

As with so many bikes nowadays, it's sadly Style over Function! LED's allow manufacturers to come up with wacky shapes to compliment the modern angular bodywork etc, but invariably they're not practical. The MOT rules/guidance as to what constitutes an acceptable spread pattern, seems to concentrate solely on Not blinding oncoming traffic rather than the riders ability to see properly! This therefore allows manufacturers to state their bikes comply with legislation. It's the same with short mudguards- comply with regs, but totally useless.

[@tomstockell9481]

That's a shame - it's a very nice bike ! trade for a bullet ? 😀it's a marvellous winter bike

[@thimbur3543]

Form over function trap.

[@MarkBruce-m2i]

Yeah, that's bad & dodgy, worse than the moped i had in the early sixties

[@OlManShit4Brains]

G’day TAYM..sorry I haven’t been in touch lately, having far too much fun with my nephew, he lives in Bali & I thought it was time I discovered what he sees in this place. I think I have found my next digs 🤷🏻‍♂️🙄🤣🤣. As for your lights, do what I do…. Drive using the braille system, it works a treat 😁🤣🤣🤣🤣.

[@loki1066]

(heel)

[@TAYM]

😂😂😂😂 thanks Loki 😂😂 correction done 😂😂