Suzuki GSX 8S | Long-Term Review

[@Meifesto]

It felt like one of the better GSX's I have ridden ever

[@HippoDrones]

That is good praise! 🙂

[@Trevster65]

I have blue and white stock 8s and love it. I tend to ride in B mode but use A for short blasts and it suits me. It’s quick off the line and a very capable bike at legal speeds. Riding in B mode I’m getting nearly 70mpg over the last 3500 miles which gives me just over 200 miles in tank if pushed. Longest I’ve gone is 190 miles and had nearly 1.5 litres left in tank, I too fill up around 150 miles normally. I tried many others and don’t regret my choice.

[@HippoDrones]

It sounds like you are getting better MPG than I, possibly from using B mode more than I do I imagine. Ace to hear that you are getting on with it well 🙂

[@Nameonly67]

24 stock gsx 8s owner here and I just hit 3000 miles can confirm it does get better mpg if you ride in b mode more, I just use A for when i wanna rip it real quick then switch back

[@HippoDrones]

@@Nameonly67 ahh awesome, and good to know 🙂👍

[@mkmalay]

I guess im getting one. Earlier this year, Suzuki Malaysia are giving 10,000MYR rebate or around 2300USD. Doesnt sound much to 1st worlder. But damn 10k are really alot over here. The problem now is, I can't decide to choose matte black or blueblack. 😂

[@HippoDrones]

@@mkmalay That is a seriously good discount! 🙂

[@martin5818]

Great video! I own a white and blue 8S and love it. I rode sports bike in my youth, but now I’m (sadly) the wrong side of 40, the 8S seemed to be the right step and I have no regrets. I’m 5’ 11” and it fits me perfectly. The only mod I’ve made (so far) is a screen, which really smooths out the wind at higher speeds and makes the experience a little better. I ride in ‘A’ mode pretty much all the time and still get good fuel economy. Love the low to mid range torque. Basically, the 8S does everything I wanted it to and it’s a keeper!

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Martin. Ahh that is good to know it is still comfortable for a taller person. Ha, we are both the wrong side of 40... don't mean we need to grow up too fast! 😀 I am def a fan of A mode, love how responsive it is 🙂

[@exeterrider]

Its good to know the wartsn all from a owner, it shows how much you like that bike. Suzuki have made a super job of it...I expect they could double the sales if they pushed it a little more...it almost gets over looked which is a real shame for such a super fun bike....something I found with it is the stock exhaust lacks some "roaring fun noise" like the competition, KTM 890, Hornet,MT07 perhaps. That being said the 8S has a far more comfortable seat vs the Hornet and 07...I didnt mind the saddle on the 890. Enjoyed that Thanks

[@HippoDrones]

It is quite quiet with the stock exhaust, a shame that the powers that be restrict them so much. I get loads of ads for Suzuki on my social medias, which is odd as they seem to be preaching to the converted, same with Aprilia... These cookies to offer targeted ads are just stupid, I honestly don't know whey companies pay for those services when they blatantly target those who have already got their products! 😀 Ty ER 🙂

[@MRTPR]

Hello Mate, I have just been in Europe for the last 5 weeks, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Fantastic weather over there. I love this bike even though I don't have one. If I could have another this is the bike that would be one of the bikes at the top of my list, together with the V Strom 800. I have not seen any here in South Australia as yet. Puzzling. Take Care.

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh awesome stuff... a fellow KZbinr and internet friend of mine lives in Estonia, Theodors Travels. It is a fantastic fun bike, and I love it.... but what makes it fun is also it's downside too, it is def not a good all weather bike sadly.

[@RoadsOfOz]

Great review mate. Always good to see an owners perspective. I love that blue colour on your bike. It reminds me of the Volvo blue in the Polestar range back when they were associated with drivers cars.

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Matt. yeah, it is quite striking isn't it, my mate has a Ford Focus RS in the same colour too, I remember those Volvos, great looking cars.

[@MVDBR]

Comprehensive overview Pete 👌 That thing sounds so good with the taps wide open 😍 I too would much prefer cruise control over a quick shifter, cheers 🍻

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers Josh... yeah I love that exhaust 😁

[@brandonrayner5253]

Awesome video, I live in canada and just bought a 2024 GSX-8S. I've ordered few parts for the bike and just waiting for them to arrive lol. I've owned my bike for almost 3 weeks now and I have to say it's a complete blast to ride!

[@HippoDrones]

@@brandonrayner5253 thanks mate 👍 Ahh cool, what bits have you ordered for it? The 8S is a real hoot to ride, super playful 😁

[@alivekicking6247]

Would love to see you review the 8R. I'm looking for a bike, and I keep circling back to the 8R as the best choice for me

[@HippoDrones]

@@alivekicking6247 I had hoped to have ridden one by now, but it wasn't available when I was at the Suzuki demo day. I really enjoyed owning the 8S and imagine the 8R would be as fun, albeit in a different way

[@alivekicking6247]

@HippoDrones I watched your 8S review all the way through. Great video. I found you through your Gixer 750 video and then saw the 8S vid. From what I've heard, the 8R is the same, but with a fairing. It seems to have won a lot of the group tests.

[@HippoDrones]

@alivekicking6247 yeah, not a lot different other than riding position and suspension. The engine is a mega peach once you turn off the TC 🙂

[@alivekicking6247]

@HippoDrones I like the idea of the torque but worried about the quietness of the standard exhaust. I'm wondering if I can find one that is run in, used, and with a meatier exhaust.

[@HippoDrones]

@@alivekicking6247 if I'd sold mine privately it would have been sold with the Akrapovic full system, but as I traded it in, I took it off to recoup some dosh

[@mancavemoto]

Good video and useful too, thanks

[@HippoDrones]

@@mancavemoto ahh cheers Tony, is the bike a future potential purchase for you? Sadly, what made the bike so much fun, was partly why I traded it in... it just had no practicality. My back would get soacked and covered in road grime each ride in the wet and no room for any luggage, so traded it in for a V-Strom 800RE, same engine, almost as playful... but a great all year all weather bike too with room for camping kit etc as well.

[@filipvrijders7994]

Always tank on time. Never any surprises and good for the tank too😊

[@HippoDrones]

Yup, I do wish road bikes had at least 17l though! :-D

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

It really is an awesome bike Pete, and suits your needs perfectly I reckon, this, the Taureg and the dirt bike basically have everything you need! Very good review, especially for anyone considering buying one. Yeah I also tend to fill up way before it's an issue - of course it's a little more essentiual here with some vast distances between places.

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks David, aye... I'd have a nervous breakdown getting low on fuel where you ride! 🤣

[@lost-again]

Lovely looking bike. I find with mine if I pre-load the quick shifter about a second before changing, it changes a lot smoother. I agree about the vibration, although I have got used that those now and don’t really notice it too much. Wet weather riding is a bit messy though. Really good review.

[@HippoDrones]

They are quite lovely looking... although I really should give mine a wash now the weather has cheered up a bit 😀 Ahh #TopTip thanks 🙂 Yeah, you def get used to the vibes, but thought them worth mentioning. Cheers mate 🙂

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

Great Motor, fantastic torque. I sold mine after about 3000 klms and thoroughly enjoyed the bike. I also scratched my tank a lot with my jacket zip. In the end I did not like the suspension much and wanted an ADV bike anyway. If I had room for 2 bikes in my garage I would most likely have kept the bike. My new Honda Transalp also has similar modes, basically I don't like different modes because I think the safest mode is performance consistency. The last thing I want in the pouring rain on a crowded motorway is a bike that all of a sudden feels like a different bike.

[@HippoDrones]

It's a shame you didn't get on with the bike enough to keep it, but we all like different things.

[@FrankC656]

I’ve got a black 2023 8S myself. Just changed the OEM rear out, I got 4900 miles out if it and it was toast. Replaced it with a Dunlop Roadsmart 4, only 100 miles on the new tire so no opinion yet but am expecting great mileage from it.

[@HippoDrones]

@@FrankC656 ahh nice, 5000 miles out of a rear isn't too bad 🙂👍

[@tojj29]

Pretty much everything my mate says about his 8S. His spends a lot of time on the back wheel and the very last mm of tyre🤣🤣 He loves it. Nice review and it sounds lovely when you open it up👌👌

[@HippoDrones]

It definitely likes to lift the front wheel... even I can do it and I can't even wheelie my enduro bike! 🤣

[@tojj29]

@@HippoDrones 🤣🤣

[@HippoDrones]

@@tojj29 😀

[@stevesanelli90]

Hey Hippo, a great review from you & the fantastic 8S! In terms of features lacking, I wish it came with an ambient temperature sensor & display from the V-Strom. I’m absolutely convinced it’s probably got the wiring connector for it but needs to be discovered. I’m actually not fussed with cruise control since it isn’t a true touring bike as such but I’ve used mine as one without an issue of wishing it had CC. I looked at this, the Hornet & the 800NK & I still chose this without taking one for a test ride when they just got released here in Aus. It is so well built, looks so much better & aggressive & so stable on the road. I prefer the firmer suspension & have never felt it pushed beyond its limits. I too use the clutch lever when in traffic in the lower gears because the quick shifter it a bit choppy. But, when loaded up on a quick getaway, it is in its element. I still think it is definitely the best motorcycle I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few! Cheers!

[@HippoDrones]

A temp gauge would be handy, be good if you could retro fit one somehow

[@tomstc]

It's a great bike I like the look of them. I think the modes are the same as my vstrom like you said! Interesting what you said about the quick shifter, my vstrom has done that! Like it has a bit of a fit!!!

[@HippoDrones]

Yeah, am not sure what caused it, but I have either adjusted how I change gear, or it has worked its self out as not had it since the bike was new to me.

[@bobjohnson9597]

Most certainly it will easily do 180 kph with no problem at all and still have plenty left over. Here in the states we travel 120 to 130 kph and you'll get passed quite often even at those speeds. Legal limit is 112kph.

[@HippoDrones]

@@bobjohnson9597 aye, it is no slouch for sure 🙂

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

It’s simply a fantastic bike mate.

[@HippoDrones]

Suzuki done well with this engine and the bikes that share it.

[@economicalrides]

As you know Pete, this blue bike speaks to me. I think it's a great FUN bike but it's also more or less a practical all-rounder. I am curious to know what the low to mid-range torque to top end power ratio of this engine is. Is it a bike that requires a lot of shifting up and down on slow, twisty roads or can you leave it in third or fourth and pick it up again with a nice big dollop of throttle ? As you know, our roads here are pretty twisty and I prefer to ride just rolling on and off the throttle, not braking much at all and just trying to be smooth. I'm not a fan of banging up and down through the gearbox all the time. Does this bike suit that type of riding ? Cheers Pete. A nice thorough review. It IS a shame that it has riding modes but no cruise control. I will wait for them to fit cruise control to it and then I could be sorely tempted. 🤔 All the best from Spain, Garry

[@HippoDrones]

It is very much just that mate, a really fun bike to ride, and I think a lot of people forget the fun that can be had on lower powered machines like this. The low to midrange torque is exactly what this bike is about, it is what makes the bike as fun as it is, especially with the TC turned off. As said in the vid, it'll do around 130mph so has plenty of top end for the road, but the joy of the engine is cruising in the midrange. I find I can use just engine braking to slow down with forethought of the road ahead, I often find I apply a little break just to show any vehicles behind me that I am slowing down and my brake light works! 😀 Cruise control is sadly missed on this bike, but I imagine if this ever gets it, then the V Strom 800 will too, and that would be when me and the 8S would part ways for one of those instead. Cheers for the comment as always Garry.

[@economicalrides]

@@HippoDrones Thanks Pete. That's how I'd hoped it would be. Sounds like my cup of tea 👍🏻 I just wasn't sure if they'd tuned it to be too sporty, but it sounds as though engine-wise it is still very much V Strom -esque, which is exactly what I'd like. I could be tempted by the V Strom too but if I did get one, it would be my "nice bike", so I probably wouldn't be taking it down many trails. I suppose I could make more of a case for a V Strom if I was planning on doing more longer trips where I needed luggage carrying capacity. I'm not there at the moment but maybe at some point in the future. Then the V Strom probably would make more sense than an 8S. Why can't I just have them all ?????? 🤬 Thanks for the answer Pete, did nothing but make me even more interested in the 8S and V Strom 🤔

[@HippoDrones]

@@economicalrides yeah, I think the V Strom would be capable of that, but likeyou say, it is a bike that you could become precious about and not want to risk it taking a tumble on the trails.

[@FlannelGuyFive]

Well done vid sir...me likey this bikey

[@HippoDrones]

@@FlannelGuyFive it is a fantastic motorcycle 😎👍

[@FlannelGuyFive]

@@HippoDrones I think I may just strike the match on this one and light that fire after your review. Again well done above others. Ride safe my friend! 😎

[@HippoDrones]

@@FlannelGuyFive ahh fantastic news, hopefully you'll find a good deal on one! 🙂

[@markfortin8286]

Great review, Pete! The lack of cruise control certainly is odd. Do you think it may have been a calculated decision? Maybe they figured most people would use the bike for shorter blasts, and the quick-shifter would compliment that. Even so, being up against Honda’s Hornet, which has the advantage of famous branding, I would have thought Suzuki would want to go all-out. A big corporation like that, I assume there’s always a push-and-pull relationship between the engineers, the accountants, and the marketing department. In other words, we’ll probably see the cruise control on the ‘25 or ‘26 model year bikes!

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Mark. I don't think so as the VStrom 800 don't have cruise control and that is a distance bike. Suzuki can hold their head as high as Honda I think, they just have different business ideals. I di hope it finds its way to later generations, else folk will turn to brands that do offer it like KTM, Triumph and Aprilia etc

[@twistandgo3414]

Great review bud. It’s really good on fuel then! I only get around 130 miles to reserve light on the 765RS! And that has as a 15 litre tank! 😅 mind you, it’s also now tuned and just asks to be spanked but no way is it going to see 170 miles. That said, not tried it with full on touring mode head engaged yet.. so I might be surprised.

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks mate, yeah the new 765 has a smaller tank I think than the 765R I used to own, that had 17.5l apparently. Hahaha... yeah, you may need to use less wrist on it! 😀

[@CalmBiker]

Interesting niggle with the quickshifter. I have only ridden one bike with one and got tired of it quickly but didn't notice the problem. That was an MT09. I guess if you have modes you might as well use them. I do wonder why they can't just make the bike easy to ride in all situations and then save some money on electronics though. You get range anxiety at 150 miles? I wish I could get 150 miles out of my little naked bike 🤣 Similar inseam to me. I really must try one of these. Would love to see you try one like mine too though. See just how similar they are in size. Agree on integrated indicators. They seem worse generally and are just another reason for the police to have a look at you and give you a fine. For the exhaust, you just need to remove that cat now 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

Yeah it only happened to me when the bike was new, so am guessing operator error, but was annoying when it happened. I am now a huge fan of quickshifters, not to the point I'd avoid bikes without one, but I do enjoy using it. I knew the modes would generate comments, I know what you mean, and in a world where we could have what we wanted for less, then sure... but bikes now have the electronics in them to do stuff anyway, so they may as well make them do stuff. Saddlebags mentioned in his comment that the modes just reduce how much turn you need to go faster, which is true, but some folk like a quick action throttle, and many have converted old cabled throttles to have that, and I have also in the past, he also said it is better to have a longer action on the road as it is smoother, which is true, but something one person likes, doesn't mean that is the only thing people like. For me being able to switch between a quick action throttle and a longer action one is great, as it means I can adjust the bike to my mood. Haha... yeah spoilt by the 21l tank on my V7 and 18l on my Aprilia... My Beta dirtbike has an 8.5l tank and I can just about do 90 miles on that at the pace I trail ride 🙂 I think you'd enjoy it, at least on a sunny day, less so in the wet when your back gets covered in road juice 😀 Same with small number plates too... although my V7 had a tiny one not even the right colour and I never got grief even with the straight through pipes I used to have on it! 😀 Ahh, the exhaust is already a decat, the chunky middle section is just an expansion chamber

[@GSX1000GT-1]

Thanks for testning the GSX 8S.😂.I CRASHED MY YAMAHA FAZER 1000 WHEN A BIG TRUCK TURNED LEFT ON A SMAL ROAD 😮 WHILE I WAS PASSING HIM, BUT I ALMOST STOPPED THE FZ1S, BUT I HIT THE TRUCK IKE A TORPEDO MIDSHIPS😅, ONLY MY WINDSCREEN CRACKED.MY WIFE AND I DID NOT FALL."PRAISE GOD"❤

[@GSX1000GT-1]

So the YAMAHA FAZER1000 WAS FINITO, I GOT A LITTLE INSURENCE MONEY AND BOUGHT A NEW SUZUKI GSX1000 S GT WITH SUITCASES/BIG TOPBOX ..IT'S A WONDERFULL SWINGER,❤ WITH A ROCKET START IF YOU WISH.FRANK/DENMARK

[@HippoDrones]

@@GSX1000GT-1 ahh I'm glad you were both OK. Sounds like you are happy with the replacement bike 🙂👍

[@Banditmanuk]

It does look a great bike suited to your needs (apart from spray suppression) Modes; sorry but I just cannot be bothered. My MT10 has been ridden in the least intervention mode since I bought it. Range anxiety 😂 I'm out at 120

[@HippoDrones]

Aye, it is a cracking roadbike. Haha... yeah modes are not everyone's cup of tea, but it is so easy to change them and it does make a difference to how the bike feels in each

[@stevedavey82]

Hi great video. Can I ask where you got your tail tidy from ? Thanks

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks Steve. The tail-tidy came from a company called Top Block based in France. I really like it, and very easy to fit.

[@stevedavey82]

@@HippoDrones Thankyou did you order direct from them? Thankyou

[@HippoDrones]

@@stevedavey82 sorry, not Top Hat, but Top Block, here is a link: shop.top-block.com/fr/gsx8s/841-supportdeplaque-spes43-suzuki-gsx8s.html

[@stevedavey82]

@@HippoDrones thankyou

[@stevedavey82]

@@HippoDrones that’s brilliant . It’s all in French . Sorry to be a pain but do I just put uk address to get it shipped to , as you can probably tell I’m not that good with buying stuff online so I’m just trying to figure it out . Thankyou . Oh one more thing is it just plug and play? Thankyou in advance

[@petrol11]

Did you get the tune for the exhaust? Great review, thanks!

[@HippoDrones]

@@petrol11 No, Akrapovic stated that it wasn't necessary with this exhaust on this bike! Thanks bud 🙂👍

[@theodorstravels]

That thing does not take any fuel at all 😲 Does the sport exhaust actually give power, or did you have to do a new fuel map too? I don't remember anymore. I know you probably mentioned that in the exhaust video, but my memory can be selective like sieve sometimes.

[@HippoDrones]

The exhaust was designed to be a direct swap, with no remap needed, from what I have heard, it is only when you mess with the air intake side of things that the bike gets most benefit from a remap. Akra say it adds around 4bhp and similar amount of torque with no tuning.

[@theodorstravels]

@@HippoDrones you should dyno it, just to be sure 😁 4hp is no joking matter, that's twice what my other bike has total.

[@HippoDrones]

@@theodorstravels haha... one of my mates used to have access to a dyno, don't think he still does though sadly

[@theodorstravels]

@@HippoDrones paying from pocket is not an appealing option, for sure.

[@HippoDrones]

@@theodorstravels yuss 😁

[@oliverk6449]

Any plans to ride the 8R to compare ?

[@HippoDrones]

I'd love to, but I'm not sure when I'd be able to currently, although will try and make that happen. 👍

how does the blipper work when downshifting?

[@HippoDrones]

You push the lever down with your foot and it drops a gear 🙂

i mean how well does it work?

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh soz hahah 😀 It works ok, I have a Yamaha XSR900 GP, which the blipper is much smoother, but then that is a much more expensive motorcycle... and I still as often use a clutch to down shift on that too... So on the 8S, it is crude, but works, but I still often just used the clutch.

thanks! You’re the third owner saying the same thing, so definitely not a fluke but systemic problem. Tried asking the dealership? Wonder how manufacturers get by not delivering on their promise.

[@HippoDrones]

Am not sure what you mean? It works fine... it is just basic. My Yamaha has the next generation of quickshifter/blipper, so will be smoother and better quality, the Suzuki blipper really is fine, it just isn't as plush.

[@donderstorm1845]

i don't get why suzuki doesn't just offer an optional rear mudguard. some of us ride in all conditions and it rains often where i live. sucks that i can't get a tail tidy without getting my back dirty. just let me get something that covers like the whole back side of the wheel lol.

[@HippoDrones]

It's a style thing, not enough people would buy it. I guess they think the V Strom 800RE covers that use, which it does, but it is over 10% heavier too

[@donderstorm1845]

@@HippoDrones yeah i can see that. seems like most people either don't care about getting dirty or they don't ride in wet conditions.

[@HippoDrones]

@@donderstorm1845 yup, I think it's the later to be honest

[@donderstorm1845]

@@HippoDrones ah well.. maybe i'll just have to accept the dirty back and dirty bike then. buy a nice raincoat that can be washed easily.

[@HippoDrones]

@@donderstorm1845 yup

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

It's a powerful, naked motorcycle. What's not to love? It's a cool, unique blue. I bet it makes your eyes shimmer. Grrrr 😉

[@HippoDrones]

It certainly is quick, I'd not say it is powerful though, only 80bhp 🙂 I love it though, def a lot of shimmering going on! 😀

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

@HippoDrones I was thinking about BHP today and I think 80bhp is perfect for our roads. I could be wrong.

[@HippoDrones]

@@EpicAdamMotovlogs absolutely, for me more is exciting, but there is so much fun to be had in a punchy torquey motor at real world road speeds. Just look at how many bikes are in this "performance" bracket, it is a huge amount of bikes both modern and older.

[@saddle8bag]

There isn't any more of anything being released in sport mode. It simply doles more of it out at smaller throttle openings making bikes lurchy. It's marketing nonsense. You can do the same thing in B mode, just twist the grip a little harder. And then you have the benefit that the power delivery is much more linear making riding thru corners FAR more enjoyable and easier to ride quickly. The one benefit to sport mode is popping wheelies I suppose. I'll be so glad when this fad of race BS on street bikes ends. All that stuff is made to work linearly at race track speeds. It all works like ass at street speeds. There is nothing good about all the motorcycle controls behaving like light switches. They should work like rheostats. Application should occur over a range allowing a rider to modulate it for the conditions.

[@HippoDrones]

A lot of people fit quick action throttles to pre ride by wire bikes because they want that snappiness, I have to admit, I love that "BS", it works for me, but we all like different things thankfully else there would only ever be one brand and model of motorcycle in the world! 🙂👍

[@mellowr1]

What's the chances eh?🤔😀 Sorry i couldn't chat longer, the guys wanted to crack on🙂 3500 MILES!!! I wouldn't have that much if i combined my bikes mileage over the last 3 years🤣 Talking of deer, one ran out of some woods in front of us on the route round a field. It would be good at trials as it cleared about a 10ft ditch in one leap🤣👍

[@HippoDrones]

Aye mate, was great to see you, thanks for waving me down 🙂 Hahaha... you do mainly trail ride though, so the miles are always a bit less doing that for the same amount of saddle time.... you need to ride off to some cafes for bacon sarnies! 😀 Oh wow, am glad it didn't take anyone out, ha... to be able to jump like a deer would be handy! 😀

[@mellowr1]

@HippoDrones I usually do ride to cafes on my road bikes👍 Taking the R1 for a spin Sunday and the LC125 for mot saturday😎

[@HippoDrones]

@@mellowr1 😀

[@F3udF1st]

Re-cat it! Think of our climate. And you're the closest to the bike and will inhale most of its fumes :(

[@HippoDrones]

LOL

[@9.5to1]

Really... Just go buy a Tesla so you think you are doing something.

[@HippoDrones]

@@9.5to1 😀