Suzuki GSX 8S | Issues So Far...

[@andrearoma93]

ho riscontrato lo stesso problema, cambio marcia usando la frizione, non capisce che ho cambiato e sto accelerando. Un saluto da Roma

[@HippoDrones]

È un po' fastidioso, penso che comunque ci abitueremo entrambi e non sarà un problema. Grazie per la visione! 🙂

[@Trevster65]

Great video, I have a white one and clocked up just over 2200 miles so far. Took me literally 2 minutes to get used to quickshifter and now I mix and rev match if down shifting at times but quickshifter works really well. Longest ride so far was 146 miles along back roads and no aches or pains which was amazing.

[@HippoDrones]

That is a good spin out, ace to hear it is comfy over distance! 🙂

[@TheCaptnHammer]

I’ve ridden mine through traffic in August in Texas and it was 100+F outside. The bike did well despite the heat. I love mine too! I have the cosmic blue.

[@HippoDrones]

@@TheCaptnHammer 🙂

[@damon1957ful]

Hi mate, spot on with the QS, i have had mine 3 mths and now over 3000 miles faultless smoth , seat as bedded in and i can ride 4 hrs and not walk like john wayne at the end nice and suportive , the QS is fine for all the gogs swops from 4th up or down but going up unless you are full throttle all the time the ratos are in pairs 1st to second to large and allways jurks so i all way clutch shift up and down , 3 to forth use both methods only if the reves are up ethier up or down mostly smooth swops and then 4th 5th and 6th allways use QS for up and only clutch if revs are below 4000 thounds , its in my head now so i dont even think about it , chain tension is the only other issue following hand book is ok but once i torgue up the rear axile bolt the chain tension tighiens more , so i have to have the chain on the loose side but there is a benift with the chain running at 30mm the bike seem to change gear better so far the 8s is one of the best bikes i have had , 40yrs riding 50 pluse bike big and small, i love the riding position , engine suspension and brakes, the paint finish i have a black one is brillient and the parts , fit and finish is tops better thsn my hondas, the engine sounds are brillient and the exhaust note chsnges above 5000 and gives me goose bumps , best bit that mid range stop from 4500 to 8000 , around here on the twisties pop it into 4th and just ride the torque wave, fuel cons 62mpg when crusine or in the 50s when enjoying the power , enjoy a great bike

[@HippoDrones]

The chain adjustment thing can be fixed, if you swap the axle around, when you tighten the nut it will push the wheel into the chain adjusters rather than pull it away from them! 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

@nickfunnell9600 Ahh that is good to hear, I think I'm getting around 55/60mpg currently, I run super unleaded so not sure if that makes a difference?

[@damon1957ful]

​@@HippoDronesthanks will give it a try

[@paulbudford]

A quick shifter is just another one of those things everyone expects on a new bike nowadays. Glad to see you still enjoying it. You made the right choice then. 👍

[@HippoDrones]

I def feel that way at the moment, awesome bike! 🙂

[@Banditmanuk]

I'm kind of old school when it comes to quickshifters. Occasionally use my up only on the MT10, but my gearbox mechanical sympathy kicks in most of the time with clutch use. Looks like it will take some getting used to going down the box clutchless! Glad you're enjoying the bike 👍👍

[@HippoDrones]

I've always clutchless upshifted on my bikes when riding hard, but doing it with a quickshifter def seems a lot smother, almost seamless when riding hard!

[@deanskirrow]

I’ve done nearly 7000 miles on mine now, fantastic bike which can keep up with the litre bikes in the twisties, the few issues that I have are occasionally: when banging down through the box using the quick shifter it seems to lose engagement or not fully reset so feels like just a floppy lever, the average fuel economy gauge has twice now freaked out and tells me I’m getting 1.3mpg! And my right rear indicator has gone wobbly at the lens end so can’t be adjusted and warranty won’t cover 😢. Apart from that I adore the bike and don’t miss stepping back from a 150bhp naked.

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh brill Dean, that is great to hear. That is frustrating the warranty doesn't cover the floppy indicator, did they say why not? Hopefully there will be a firmware update for the dash to stop yours freaking out.

[@deanskirrow]

A couple of reasons firstly the possibility it could have got knocked (understandable, though no witness marks to suggest it has), secondly it is still attached and still works so technically not broken

[@HippoDrones]

ahh that is a bit mean of them!@@deanskirrow

[@TheCaptnHammer]

I’ve got 1650 miles on my 2023 GSX-8S. I have not had any issues with the quick shifter. The only thing I’ve noticed is sometimes it won’t click down into first when I am at a full stop. I have to roll it forward a tiny bit to be able to engage first. I bought an aftermarket windscreen because the buffeting was right in my face and the factory windscreen only really protected the dash display. It helped a lot. It’s a really great feeling bike. I added the Suzuki handlebar balancers, the USB port, and the Suzuki tank pad and knee protection foils. I have a passenger handle and frame protectors on the way now. I did the Yoshimura tail tidy and have a PUIG rear wheel fender on order. I love my bike. I spent a lot of time riding it and mom staring at it. Thanks for the video!

[@HippoDrones]

Awesome, it really sounds like you are making it your own 🙂👍 I absobloominlutely love mine too

[@Nameonly67]

Can I ask was the windscreen you got the puig? And if so how did like their products? I was looking at a few things from them for mine

[@HippoDrones]

@@Nameonly67 I have a Puig screen on one of my other bikes, it is top notch quality

[@stevesane800]

I use the clutch lever only from first to second gears. Third & above with the quick shifter. However, timing is important. If I just slightly load the gear lever, it will shift with some mismatch. I find it less abrupt & less harsh using the clutch lever between 1st & 2nd gears. Going down from top, I use the quick shifter to 3rd, then use the clutch from 2nd & in to 1st at the lights with the clutch lever. Either way, this is a fantastic motorcycle that is the best I’ve ever owned….and I’ve owned plenty.

[@HippoDrones]

That makes sense 🙂👍 Aye a cracking bike, I love mine 😍

[@charleshoward1475]

Thanks ever so much for sharing. I have one in the same colour a 23 plate. I previously watched your video on headlamp adjustment. It took me a little while to work it out and I agree the Suzuki booklet photo's are far from great. I've had the quick shifter set to on then off again. Superb for quick up shifts, but I do not like downshifting at all. You need to blip engine to increase corresponding gear pinions to aid smooth changing. I questioned Suzuki over it's operation, and was told it was fine. Perhaps my technique is too old fashioned. I've covered over 4k on it to date having used an alternate machine for over six months between times. Do very much hope you continue to enjoy your ride.

[@HippoDrones]

It is an awesome blue isn't it Charles 🙂 Man, that headlight was frustrating, I could not see where I needed to poke the screwdriver at all. The quickshifter was really smooth both up and down for me once I got used to the bike, but I'd never use it without the clutch between 1st and 2nd and viceverse... never needed to blip though 🙂Sadly I traded in the GSX8S for a VStrom 800RE, I wanted a more practical motorcycle for all year riding as I got fed up with getting a grubby back and wet bum whenever I rode the 8S in damp or wet roads. Enjoy your ride mate, it is such a very fun bike to play on! 🙂

[@charleshoward1475]

@@HippoDrones Thank You. It was good of you to have replied. Interesting in that both of our machines arrived with poorly aligned headlamps. I removed the trim myself and soon worked out where those crude adjuster wheels were sited. A chunky cross head driver avoided skipping teeth. Love your idea of changing to a VStrom RE. I soon realized the GS 8 mudguards were more for show than any practicality. Oten I've suffered a wet and indeed gritty back. The front allows debris to hit the radiators core which if unchecked slowly chokes the thing. Would like a fender extender or similar to fit. I'm knocking on in age now and find riding in very low temperatures or days of freezing rain harder than I once did. Got myself a very cheap little car to put on the road asap. I hope to view any new editions including your VSrom. Hope you all have a splendid holiday. Safe riding.

[@HippoDrones]

@@charleshoward1475 the main reason I started this KZbin game was to hear from other bikers, so always try to respond when I can 🙂 The headlight on my V-Strom 800 was also not pointing in the right alignment either, I've had a play with it which has made it better... but these stacked projector lights are not great. I don't ride in the dark a lot, but this time of year (winter in the UK) it gets dark before 4pm so it would be nice if the headlight was a little better and easier to adjust. You can get a front fender extender for the 8S from a company called Pyramid Motorcycle Accessories (I think that is the company name), it might help protect your radiator at least 🙂 Cheers Charles, have a great Christmas

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

My last 7 bikes have had quick shifters and I still do it the old fashioned way from time to time. Mostly in the lower gears.

[@HippoDrones]

It def seems to prefer clutch between 1st and 2nd

[@EpicMotorcycleAdventures]

@@HippoDrones agreed mate.

[@economicalrides]

Hi H-D, watched this one last night. I've never had a quick shifter and to be honest, I don't really want one. Just one more thing to go wrong or annoy me ! Having spent 36 years shifting gears on motorcycles without any assistance, I don't see any need for a quick shifter at all 🤷‍♂ Hopefully the two of you will learn to get along with one another. Failing that, just remove the sodding thing ( if that's even possible ). Seems like a great bike overall though and I am tempted ! 🤔 Take care Pete and good luck with it ! Have a great weekend. Garry & Ruby ❤🐕

[@HippoDrones]

I love the quickshifter now... just need to get used to how to change gear with the clutch so it doesn't confuse it 😁

[@PedalingDave]

I'm well over 1000k miles on my 8S and the QS seems to be much smoother than in the beginning. I still prefer using the clutch shifting all the way up to 3rd, but I have found that even from 2nd to 3rd, IF I put a little "pre load" on the shifter first, it is WAY smoother up AND down. Glad you are enjoying yours. I'm sure loving mine!!

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh that is good to know, I'm sure I'll get used to it, is new tech for me 😄 It is a cracking bike though 👌

[@CalmBiker]

I've only ridden one bike with a quickshifter. Fun for five minutes but smoother with the clutch. Hope you get it sorted!

[@HippoDrones]

I think it is something I'll just get used to and work around it... it isn't an issue if I actually use the quickshifter, only on fully manual changes with the clutch, and I imagine I will do them less and less as I rely on the QS more 🙂

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

Such a cool bike Pete, love that it's a colour I've almost never seen on a bike before. I reckon you'll be even happier with a change of levers, and if you get used to having a quick shifter. I've never rode with one, I'd be the same!

[@HippoDrones]

I love the colour mate, now whenever I see a blue car I'm like "blue friend!" 😀

[@HippoDrones]

@nickfunnell9600 hahaha... yeah they are quite pricey 😀

[@davexs]

Glad your loving the 8S, certainly looks great. Be interesting to see what Suzuki say about your QS and changing with the clutch? Take care mate

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, I think it might be just me and I'm confusing it 🙂

[@bikerbuddy3166]

It’s never a bad thing when the list of bad are small and easily fixed glad your enjoying her have you go5 a name yet ❤

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, I'm pretty sure I'll get used to working around the quickshifter and the levers are an easy fix if I want to swap them out 🙂👍 Not yet, but I'll probably just go with 8S as it is less of a mouthful 🤣

[@paulconnell1309]

Cool! I don't have the problem with the quick shifter on clutch shifts. I use the clutch if changing at constant revs as the quick shifter does not handle that well. The shifter is great for quick down shifts in traffic. Yep wobbly clutch lever. Most of the go is 7-8000 rpm. Don't need to go higher. It actually pulls well from 5-7,00rpm.

[@HippoDrones]

Yup, all in all, it is an awesome motorcycle, I absobloominlutely love mine

[@TinManvlogger]

I’m not a fan of quick shifters I rode an MT09 a few years ago and just didn’t enjoy it However my ktm doesn’t have a quick shifter but it shits right through the gears up and down without the clutch effortlessly and I like it 😊

[@HippoDrones]

Is funny what we get used to/prefer isn't it from bike to bike

[@TheRhythmicBiker]

Didn’t take you long to get to 500 miles so fair play 🤘 Sounds like new levers are on the way 😎🤘 Can’t beat a quick shifter, honestly love them 🤘 Glad to hear you’re enjoying the bike mate, can’t wait till you get to open her up fully 🤘

[@HippoDrones]

🙂 Getting the miles on is taking it's time, normally have a bike run in during the first week, but had some trips on the Aprilia. Am still undecided re the levers... but knowing me, I'll probably get them 😀

[@corvair140]

What I don't get with manufacturers (cars too) is why don't they make customer touch points premium and save money in places where we are less likely to see or touch. For me the levers, pegs, seat and shifter should be the best they can be, because that's what we feel, use and touch all the time. So your perception of quality then increases ten fold. Then save money elsewhere, where we are too bothered. Most bikes these days come with chintzy levers, crap seats and nasty pot metal pegs etc. I know some bikes don't, that's when you pay premium money. I really do wonder why the heads of companies can't work this simple formula out?????? I hate the idea of having to pay hundreds of pounds for accessories to make the bike, that should have come out the factory.

[@HippoDrones]

I 100% agree, but we all change things to personalise our bikes, so I guess they leave us to sort them to our own tastes 🙂

[@zenmoto369]

Those decisions are make by high ranking individuals who only use jets to move around

[@hachewie]

I tried a quick shifter once. Loved it.

[@HippoDrones]

It is quite a nifty gadget 🙂

[@hachewie]

@@HippoDrones that’s what she said

[@HippoDrones]

chortle 😀@@hachewie

[@davewestsk8]

i had a 390 duke for 9 months and i traded that for the gsx 8s both fun bikes

[@HippoDrones]

I loved my 2017 390 Duke... when it worked.... it killed 3 dash 1 ECU and a clutch in under 5k miles... but was soooo much fun to ride tight twisties on, the 8S feels similar on the twisties, but thankfully seems a much higher quality motorcycle! :-)

[@RoadsOfOz]

As nice as it is to buy a new bike, I hate the running in period. The restraint on the throttle tests my patience.

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, I was so glad to get past the first rev range!

[@BigDaveTALKS]

Yeah the quick shifter does have a learning curve. I just pretended i was back on my Honda 200S 3 wheeler as a kid. No clutch, just shift. I always keep my shift light about 1 to 1,500K below the limit. It was funny because during break in my light was always flashing because it was set so low😄.

[@HippoDrones]

I am not a fan of shift lights, but handy for running in, once it is done, I'll set it so it is just into the red so it only comes on if I'm over revving it

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@HippoDrones Yeah I like to listen to the motor sing but I really don’t like hitting the rev limiter. Every time I do I cringe. Which is why I go the opposite way, below the red. I tell ya what though, this KTM doesn’t have a light per say, the whole screen flashes 😂. Not sure if all the bikes do that nowadays

[@HippoDrones]

@@BigDaveTALKS on the bikes I've owned, the rev counter seems to be the bit that alarms on TFT screens. I preferred the light on my Gixer TBH

[@BigDaveTALKS]

@@HippoDrones 😄Yes, old school shift lights are way less obnoxious for sure. Just a simple button light will do.

[@HippoDrones]

yUP@@BigDaveTALKS

[@saulocpp]

What I noticed about the QS, no previous experience with one and using a friend's 8S for a week so I could decide buying one, is the it needs some load on the gearbox. At low rpm it doesn't really work well (probably no QS). I just got a ticket for riding 79km/h on the 70 zone (a highway), so the 750R with its 140HP at 11k is going to someone else in favor of this one.

[@HippoDrones]

From what I've gathered, quickshifters do work better when riding faster, and is def smoother from 3rd to 4th, 4th to 5th and 5th to 6th than it is in the lower gears. Ahh bad luck re the ticket, but a great choice of bike as a remedy 😀

[@RedfordBaron]

Nice bike mate quickshifters I can take or leave them sometimes handy with a quick overtake or something like that 😃

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks RB, aye... I'd not not get one because it did or didn't have one, but I am definitely enjoying having one on this bike 🙂👍

[@NooBiker]

Oh I love those classic trucks ❤ Does the quickshifter apply the clutch or is it just an automated revs off / revs on (depending whether you're going up / down)? Seems like a love affair starting there. Hope to see the bike on the Essex lanes at some point 😁

[@HippoDrones]

It just cuts the ignition, it doesn't activate the clutch

[@NooBiker]

@@HippoDrones so it must rev up for downshifts? I mean, I can do clutch-less upshifts and I could probably do downshifts too if I was more skilled and wasn't scared to damage the bike...

[@HippoDrones]

@@NooBiker I think it just relies on the slipper clutch on downshifts, not sure, haven't brained how it all works TBH, but yeah, my brain tells me downshifting is bad still 😀

[@thumper2140]

Awesome Pete

[@HippoDrones]

Ta mate 🙂

[@AGardenShed]

I’m not a fan of bikes with quickshifters. Prefer clutch and a lot of them feel lumpy when you use the clutch. Personally wouldn’t buy a bike with one. For levers would recommend ASV feel is lovely, lots of Color’s plus they are unbreakable (I can confirm).

[@HippoDrones]

Fair enough, before I'd tried it I didn't see the point on the road, and had this been £300 without it, I'd have saved the money... but now I am getting used to it, I love it! 🙂 I've heard good things about ASV 🙂 will have to research if they have a fitment for the little zook

[@AGardenShed]

@@HippoDrones Completely get your point. It is a major irritation of mine. Manufacturers are fitting more and more tech as standard. Problem is the tech pushes up the base price of a bike so your paying more for something you don’t necessarily want. Really wish the manufacturers would keep the base bike simple with no tft, quickshifter, rider modes etc then either offer different tiers like triumph did with the tigers or have them as optional extras. The way I see it is it’s the bike manufacturers pushing up prices which is good short term but will likely impact volume of sales as less people can afford a new bike if it costs more. With the market already in decline it’s not going to help encourage newer younger generations of riders. It doesn’t help that professional reviewers often mark down bikes with a basic spec in reviews which will only incentivise manufacturers to add more.

[@HippoDrones]

@@AGardenShed aye, would be nice to have some top tier bikes but with no tech

[@CampbellZeroOne]

You got the very same impression as I did about the 390 Duke then! When my pal and I swapped bikes (390 Duke/Svartpilen 401) the first thing that popped into my head was how much the 390 seating position felt like any Suzuki bike that I've tried. Properly 'in the bike'.

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, I really loved my 390 when it worked

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@HippoDrones 😂👍🏻

[@HippoDrones]

😀@@CampbellZeroOne

[@dtogo4286]

Will a sport touring model be produced?

[@HippoDrones]

I think the V-Strom RE or GSX-8R cover the other road riding options with this engine and the V-Strom DE covering adventure dirt riding.

[@HippoDrones]

It'd be nice if they did a hybrid with the V-Strom 800RE rear end and GSX-8R front end. Whatever Suzuki do, they really need to add cruise control to the range.

[@markfortin8286]

From the reviews I have read and watched, it seems that a lot of bikes have quirks with the quickshifters. Do you think it’s a mechanical issue, or maybe a software one? Glad to hear you’re enjoying the bike, and looking forward to your thoughts once you’re done with the break in.

[@HippoDrones]

From some of the comments on this vid, I think you are right... bikes from different manufacturers too. I think it is possibly something that is electrical, maybe it doesn't register that I have actuated the clutch lever, which is odd as it has a switch on it to stop us starting it in gear with the clutch out.

[@LordBilious]

Only little niggles. Maybe there will be a software update to fix the clutch/quickshifter issue.

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, and it might be something I get used to with the QS

[@flatcapcaferacer]

How comfortable to you think the seat will be after a couple hours riding?

[@HippoDrones]

It seems ok, certainly comfier than the GSXR750 it replaced! 🙂

[@Saddlebags73]

I’ve never had a quick shifter. I know people love em, but I’m old fashioned 😆

[@HippoDrones]

I was of the same mindset, but love it now! 🙂

[@Saddlebags73]

@@HippoDrones I’ll have to try one some time 👍🏼

[@HippoDrones]

@@Saddlebags73 It hasn't been an instantaneous falling in love thing, but it has definitely shown me the light! 😀

[@kenbrooks7794]

Pleased to hear that Saddlebags...... I thought that I was the odd one out, I'm not even sure what it is? 🤔

[@Saddlebags73]

@@kenbrooks7794 wizardry, Ken. No benefit when you’re falling into a ditch so irrelevant to your good self 🙂

[@sweet-triple-UK]

Hoping to try one of these soon. Have you considered some ASV levers?

[@HippoDrones]

The ASV levers have been suggested by another subscriber, I'll def look into them!

[@theodorstravels]

Do you redline your bikes often? I started thinking about it, and I rarely get closer to redline, than -1k -1,5k

[@HippoDrones]

Not often, but having all the revs available stops me looking at the rev counter so I can enjoy the ride more! 🙂

[@theodorstravels]

@@HippoDrones makes sense

[@HippoDrones]

🙂@@theodorstravels

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

I've got about the same number of miles up on my new gsx8s. I'm hoping more miles will fix the quickshifter, maybe after the first service. Also, Ive never had a quickshifter before, so perhaps some of the issue is me. Be interested in what you think about the suspension, I'm on the fence so far. Otherwise its a great bike.

[@HippoDrones]

I'm the same, not had a QS before, so it could be my technique. I think the suspension is adequate for swift road riding, but could definitely be improved. Is something I may look at in the future to get it sorted for my weight and riding style.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

@@HippoDrones My previous bike was an SV650, I sold it after 2 months, just couldnt get the suspension right. I'm interested in a more "comfortable" ride than sporty, but I love the look of the gsx8s, I just want to ride it. I spent money on the SV suspension in the end it was wasted and I don't want to repeat that mistake on this bike. I'm finding changing up with the QS is fine if the revs are up, it's the downshifting that I havent got right, even though I get off the throttle before changing down I'm still finding it clunky downshifting.

[@HippoDrones]

@@tonyjourneyman1944 quickshifters are designed for racing, so work better when riding aggressively both up and down the box, so braking hard into a corner rather than coasting down in speed... my mechanical sympathy feels it is wrong, but it works 🙂 I was very tempted to get an SV650 and do all the Mini Twin racing mods to it but keep it looking as stock as possible as a bit of fun... but the suspension mods would only be of benefit on track for me and by the time I'd done all that... it'd have cost more than the 8S and still not be as good

[@MRTPR]

To frightened to ride one as I would want to buy it , never ridden a bike with a quick shifter yet, maybe one day,.

[@HippoDrones]

Hahaha... you know you'd love it, but you already have an incredible motorcycle! 🙂

[@crocksontherocksify]

Nice mate 👌

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

Stop confusing the bike and use the quick shifter 😁. The bike definitely has a very nice grunt to it.

[@HippoDrones]

😀Hahaha... I know, I'm being mean to it by not letting it do it! 😀

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

I'm not a fan of quickshifters. Old school I suppose and old habits die hard

[@HippoDrones]

I felt the same mate, and had the bike had it as a paid option, I'd probably have saved the money.... but since riding with it a while now, I really like it.

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

@@HippoDrones I am looking out for a Ducati replacement and this bike is on the shortlist

[@HippoDrones]

@@anthonydonnelly8419 It is a cracking bike, but then it is an awesome class... Have you tried the KTM 890 Duke or Triumph Street Triple recently? If I was after the best of the best, I imagine I'd have gotten the Triumph, but I like the simpleness of the Suzuki, it feels like a motorcycle rather than an electronics package!

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

@@HippoDrones I will have some test rides over the next few months. But I might go the other way completely and go for a RE Interceptor

[@HippoDrones]

@@anthonydonnelly8419 nice 👌

[@WolfyFam]

Seems to be great overall then if that’s the only niggles 😊✌️

[@HippoDrones]

Yup, love the bike 🙂