Taking It To The Track: 2023 GSX-8S Track Review by TST Industries

[@alanv3185]

Suzuki just kills the other middleweight nakeds in terms of style

[@FrankC656]

Great info and video! I purchased this motorcycle in July ‘23 and have really enjoyed it over the past 6 weeks. While I’ll likely never ride it on a track, it’s still very interesting to hear your experience and thoughts. I put the framer sliders you all make on about 2 weeks ago. They look great and fit well with the bike’s style. Your fender eliminator will be next!

[@TSTindustries]

Great! I hope to see more of these hit the streets soon. The MT line has the market cornered, but I think this bike will drive a wedge into that.

[@jensjohansson3625]

How is the vibration

[@dinglesdingler1211]

You should do a track day...incredible learning experience thatll make you a safer street rider

[@Twoyutes74]

​@jensjohansson3625 He said it was a rigid frame, so minimal all the way to 135mph. No vibration on mine either to 100.

[@SALTxTHExWOUND]

Great video! I’m really liking this new bike from Suzuki. I noticed the same things when I took my FZ07 to the track, ground clearance being the biggest setback. But I think if you want a mostly street bike that you can take to the track, bikes like this are excellent choices. 👍🏻

[@TSTindustries]

I just find it odd that some of these naked bikes that are definitelgy going to be spiprited ridden don't have a tad more ground clearance, or a second set of designed in rearset holes to raise and push back the rearsets by just a couple mm. But I also understand practicality in manufacture so I get why they designed it this way. They are going for the meat of the bell curve of their target customer, and banking on the outliers to make appropriate modifications.

[@Accost2u]

Certainly feel like it’s a better offering than the MT07, stock v stock. I demoed one and my only real issue was the handle bar. I’d want something a little straighter in wrist angle. Suspension felt a little mushy and didn’t communicate much so I’d swap that out too. But I think the chassis felt way more competent than a MT07 for only a few bucks more.

[@TSTindustries]

This bike is a few bucks more but you get so much more tech for that extra few bucks that it's crazy to not at least consider and test drive.

[@TheSteveSteele]

@@TSTindustriesI’m getting back into riding after a decade off. I was looking at a used SV1000. I used to own a 1999 SV650 and that’s the kind of bike I need right now, a city bike. That’s about it. How does this compare to that experience? It seems like the GSX 8S is a 2020 version of that old SV experience, with the parallel twin vs the V twin, naked bike, etc. I may go test ride this week. Do you have any thoughts compared to the SV650-1000 experience? Thanks. (I’m not really liking the styling of this bike, especially the colors scheme, grey, light blue and black, but that’s not overly important to me).

[@damon1957ful]

I have had mine in black for 2mths and done 2000 miles, its faultless for the roads here in uk, i love these vids and agree with all he said i have increased the rear tyre pressure to 40psi and rear preload to number 5 and found that if i keep the chain tension at the greater figure 30mm the gear change is even better love it i am 5,ft 6 in 80kg , next change is an adjustable clutch

[@TSTindustries]

Have you ridden an MT07 before? I am trying to get a concensus from MT07 riders on that they noticed when throwing a leg over this thing.

[@damon1957ful]

Yes i had an 07 for 15mths, comparing both i would say the 8s suspension is much plusher and over bumpy roads i found the front on the 07 runout of rebound to quikly and felt very hard as if it run out of spring s i never found that on a 8s , feel wise both bikes feel similar the seat on the 07 is harder but alows you to move around easier, 8s has better padding , clutch feel are the same , i find the ride and stabilty of the 8s is more responsive and holds a line better the extra weight may be more noticable when walking it around the garge but soon disapears on the move, its planted and engaging. The engine , eletronics, dash, gear box and how the whole bike gels together is on another planet compared to my mt07 i did around 15000 miles and the only issue that nearly caused an acident was the front suspenstion which i managed to cure slighty after watching dave moss, by shorting the spacer tube in the legs by i think 35 mm and buying off ebay threaded preload adjuster and replacing the fork oil with a heaver grade 100% improvement but till not on the 8s leval , the right hand handel bar run switch packed in a f3w times due to the over all lower build quality, but saying all that i had some great times on her , maybe just maybe not sure about this but the low torque when letting the clutch out was very poor on the mt07 untill the wheels began to move , i stalled that bike daily as i was caught out by it , one other issue withthe mt07 was the throttle bodies going out of sycn often , to a point i got myself a set of twin vacum dials and used them nearly every mth, but still a good bike , its just the hornet , ktm and 8s are much better bikes

[@friktionrc]

@@damon1957fulmay I ask, have you tried the Katana at all, and if so, what you’re thoughts are in comparison to the 8s and MT07 (sorry non biker here so apologies if I’ve asked a stupid question like comparing a F40 to a Volvo or something lol)

[@jeremyhouse129]

I have now put just about everything you guys offer on this bike on to my own 2024 gsx8s bike. Well done on everything you guys provide and very clear instructions and videos if needed. All that's left to do is update the airbox and ecu but that is going to wait until I'm done riding for the rest of this season.

[@TSTindustries]

@@jeremyhouse129 sounds like that will be just in time for the release of our Carbon Fiber Airbox! 😉😏 Thanks for the continued love and support.

[@jeremyhouse129]

@@TSTindustries if i know its coming ill definitely wait for it.

[@swecruza]

Sold my new mt07 for this 8s, huge difference in almost everything, very happy with it😃

[@trevor2830]

Would you recommend either one for a beginner?

[@swecruza]

@@trevor2830yes

[@richardwarsinske7064]

Bike sounds pretty good in stock form but still interested in seeing how much electronic tuning will help. Thanks for the exciting video!

[@blipco5]

From multiple reviewers it sounds like they muted the last quarter turn of the throttle via the ecu.

[@TSTindustries]

We got in the ECU already and have been playing with flashes. This bike is not very neutered upo at the top via ECU. There aren't vast restrictions holding it back. I would say that the powertrain is developed purposely to deliver a very punchy and flat torque curve from low to mid-high RPM, without regard for the high RPM delivery. Suzuki was very deliberate in this design trying to target a specific type of customer. The broad and punchy torque delivery accomplishes that. If you examine the geometry, volume, and plenum lenght of the intake system you will notice that this bike was in fact meant to have maximum low and mid grunt. The feel of the engine also suggests cam degree being set up for the same response. With pretty simple adjustments the power can be shifted up in the range, but it will be at the cost of some lower end grunt. We have several exhausts on order. Once they arrive we will be doing more R&D. We will then try different cam degrees, play with intake parts. We will see what is possible and report on that in subsequent videos.

[@richardwarsinske7064]

@@TSTindustries Thanks for the detailed response. Exactly the information I was looking for!

[@petrol11]

Juat got my crash pack delivered today for the 8S. High quality product finish, well machined, perfect fit, quality packaging and care in delivery. Thank you very much, very excited to see what other accessories you guys can come up with... Personally I'd love to see you guys work on a proper sports windscreen that is mounted behind the tft that isnt just a visor for the tft - something that looks angular and stylistically in keeping with the bodywork, without comprimising on aerodynamics or usefulness. Everything out there atm seems to block USB port and looks generic, borderline useless cosmetic, or poor quality and massively overpriced imo

[@Strungrat]

Interested in seeing how the bike progresses for the track. I am a street guy(buddy keeps telling me to hit the track just don't think I can justify the $$$$, but would probably love it). I love the mid range on the bike and for the street suspension is pretty good out of the box. Maybe just some thicker oil in the front forks will make it perfect for me(I am 215-220lb). Mostly just want a little more pull on the top end. Maybe a flash and shorter intake stacks will do.

[@GIGABACHI]

The peg's feelers touching down at a track day are a testament to it's intended use and ease of riding.

[@stevesanelli90]

Ahh Bart the racing legend 🤙 HEL UK make replacement braided brake line kits for the 8S. Combined with brake pads it will transform the braking capability 🙌👌 Thanks Bart⭐️

[@anluong4520]

Hope this bike will be a project likes your R3, love those series 😊

[@TSTindustries]

I'm not sure yet. There would need to be an incentive to take it that far. The R3 had several race series that we ran it in so developing micro-beast was worthwhile. We may get some news after the finish of the current MotoAmerica season about homologation for Twins Cup and then we could have a reason to go that far.

[@richardcasey7521]

Great video! I Just bight an 8S this week. I love it!

[@RicardoStJohn-kh8ig]

Thanks for a very satisfactory breakdown of what this bike can do .

[@shustyrackleford7356]

Great track day review! I've been loving my 8S on my 95% city commute so far. Not sure if I want to track it just yet, especially due to the pegs and stock brake pads (I'll probably go with EBC HH pads soon). Can't wait to see what you all come up with for this new platform. I really think Suzuki made a bike greater than the sum of its parts...unless it can be made even better by the right parts 😂

[@paulconnell1309]

Very cool. Aboiyt to buy one. Hope you export all your lovely bits to New Zealand.

[@TSTindustries]

We sure do. We are capable of sending packages straight to NZ from our warehouse, or you can try Parts Tribe, our dealer for the Australia/NZ region.

[@ScoobsL]

This is my next bike im going to get, would love the tail light with the fender eliminator

[@TSTindustries]

Available on our website now!

[@hampusvictoren1418]

Awesome bike!

[@Dayn-Ryder4life]

Wow, your Taking It To The Track format is amazing! Please continue this with as many bikes as possible.

[@TSTindustries]

Hmmmm...thank you. We are a parts manufacturer, and typically we just do this kind of media workup on the platforms we choose as build bikes. But if we get more requests like yours, we can carve out more time during the off season to do more projects just to take to track.

[@johnlam2661]

@@TSTindustries Yeah! Y'all knocking it out of the park with this video review format! Usually other reviews are done by regular vloggers with no reference to skill level or just tame street riding so you can't take their info seriously. Other bike reviews are 2 bike comparisons so the info you get is limited. Your format gives much more relevant and usable info.

[@hellraiserrec19]

This bike really grew on me in terms of style. I hope they update the gsxs1000 soon.

[@RenshoYT]

Suzuki don't do new stuff often but when they do they tend to get it right. Really hoping to see a GSX 8R version of this revealed this year. Ill be buying a middleweight sportbike next season for a new toy, and if they can get a GSXR version of this bike out with all the tech and whatnot at a competitive price, I'd have no qualms about picking one up over an R7

[@TSTindustries]

I'm with you on the 8R. Hoping to get a nice surprise at EICMA this year.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

EICMA has the new GSX 8R. It’s also a bike in seriously contemplating for a new daily rider

[@TSTindustries]

@@sleeper.simulant7327 oh yea we know. I am in Milano right now. I got to survey, photograph, and feel the 8R on this trip.

[@sleeper.simulant7327]

@@TSTindustries thoughts? I sat on the 8S at a dealer but really want fairings on my next bike. I presume it’s a little more leaned forward? I had a GSXR 600 on loan for 2 weeks this summer and I really liked the more aggressive position. If the bars were just a little higher I would have loved it.

[@rafaellastracom6411]

I would love to see someone offer cams for this bike. Nothing wild, just a bit more overlap and lift. I bet you can get to 95hp while still maintaining a stout mid-range with proper ECU flashing and intake and exhaust tuning.

[@alastairtheduke]

This is a candidate for my 2nd bike

[@usernameEvanT]

What a beautiful and amazing motorcycle!😍😍😍 Great video, thanks for the information! Suzuki produces a new motorcycle in almost every 10 years, but when they do it, they almost eliminate the competition. They have kept their heritage on every motorcycle. Well done Suzuki, you are not like every other! 👌🏁

[@TSTindustries]

Thanks for watching!

[@chitoloveone7565]

Would be nice to see video of you testing the 2023 Suzuki GSXS1000.

[@TSTindustries]

If someone would bring one to a track and let me ride it I would gladly review it.

[@Gruntilda-Winkybunion]

i got this bike for 2 month now, man i am really happy with it

[@TSTindustries]

It is a fantastic bike in its class.

[@JesusRojas1998]

for street riding. What do you recommend mt07 or this 8s :). Occasionally 200 mile weekend commute.

[@TSTindustries]

@@JesusRojas1998 8S because of the value you get.

[@bernibeckmann9753]

This looks like a great machine for the kind of riding I like to do. If I could mount a big tank bag I'd be good to go for my all day rides.

[@TSTindustries]

I believe Suzuki offers tail and tank bags for this model. I am sure aftermarket companies already rolled out with their offerings as well.

[@bernibeckmann9753]

@@TSTindustriesYes, it looks promising. If Suzuki history repeats itself this bike will have a long production run with much aftermarket support.

[@BEEBEE58679]

Does tst have a way of lessening the clutch lever pull on the gsx 8s ?? Thanks for any & all responses.

[@TSTindustries]

We have an aftermarket clutch setup available that cuts the pull force by about 25% through mechanical advantage. This means that the clutch lever has to be brough in towards the bar a little closer, but if you want less force that is the way to do it. They are stocked out currently but Womet-Tech is going to restock us with the as soon as they can. You can see the info here: tstindustries.com/womet-tech-universal-racing-clutch-lever-and-perch-with-switch.html

[@DaveBsellsChevy]

Thanks for mentioning your height. I want this bike but I am 6'5" and wonder if I am too tall on it. It feels comfortable sitting on it but this would be my first bike so I have nothing to compare it to. Going back to the dealer Tuesday with a buddy that has been riding forever for his opinion.

[@TSTindustries]

Have you considered an adventure type bike? Those are a bit more upright and more friendly to the skyscraper height crowd. Suzi makes a nice one based on the same platform as the bike in this video. It's their V-Strom.

[@VinCode17]

The bike is gorgeous but it needs a tail tide asap 😂 looking forward to see what you come up with for the break light. Might be my next bike 💪

[@meshplates]

I like the package on this bike. What about the 790 Duke?

[@the.human.spirit]

Great review. What an incredible value for 9000 bucks, it's everything I loved about my old SV, but better.

[@TSTindustries]

I agree that this new Suzuki platform strikes an incredible value among its peer motorcycles from other brands. -BR

[@daveyt4802]

Do you think a counter balance shaft could be removed from the motor? Flash may help?

[@TSTindustries]

I disagree with removing a counter balancing shaft. In this motor each shaft is used to cancel one piston/rod primary forces. If you take one out you are allowing it to induce vibration on the system, while the other piston/rod stays smooth and balanced. You could take both out, but the little advantage of having less rotating mass is cancelled by the fact that now your bike is vibrating enough so that you aren't feeling feedback from the bike. If you do end up doing that i would like to hear your impressions. If all you are after is less rotating mass then i would advise to get a magnesium clutch basket made, and take out half of the magnets from the rotor, and maybe cut down rotor a bit.

[@MrPsg1969]

Great review mate. I recently bought the blue one 👍. Great power & I agree, awesome torque when you need it as a daily commute bike. Just having slight transmission issues at the moment that I am definitely not happy about. Going back to dealer to try and sort out. Have you experienced or have heard similar? Watching from Melbourne Australia Regards, Paul

[@TSTindustries]

What transmission issues are you seemingly experiencing?

[@jnana1985]

I am thinking of using it for touring. What's the max comfortable speed one can do without getting tired from the wind blast

[@scottc4327]

I can cruise 70-75 easy enough, Really wind becomes an issue on this around 85+

[@yellowtoblerone]

Tremondous work

[@TSTindustries]

Thank you

[@FairladyS130]

The GSX-8R would be more track suitable, at least it's aero screen would help, don't know if the pegs have been changed or not.

[@TSTindustries]

We took the 8R to the track and a full breakdown video will be posted in the coming weeks. Without diving too deep into things, it's essentially the same bike so we had made some changes to the 8R before the track day and had to make some more after the event. More on that will be covered in our video. - TST

[@daveyt4802]

Demo rode one a month ago. Not bad. Wonder if any hop up parts will come available, like cams, pistons motor stuff etc..

[@TSTindustries]

Not many takers for cams, pistons, etc. in the demographic that this bike targets. That is unless it gets homologated for Twins Cup in Motoamerica

[@daveyt4802]

Maybe Yoshimura?

[@dmaggio4011]

Good report…. Thanks….

[@TSTindustries]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

I know I'm a month late to the party, but that's a great review!

[@TSTindustries]

Thank you.

[@happyinspite]

Z650-like

[@WokeByTrump]

What track were you on?

[@TSTindustries]

That was Roebling

[@MatthewSmith-zx6uk]

Ive been wondering for over a month now, and im hoping someone can help me understand: why am i getting a jerky response from the quickshift in 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th? Ive activated with no manual blip, tried with blippin manually... Lower rpms, higher rpms... Can't get a smooth transition between lower gears. Not sure what im doing wrong here.

[@TSTindustries]

You are describing blipping in upshofts.... i think. I may not be understanding exactly what you are saying. For me i ride at a comfortable level of tb opening and just kick it to next gear. No jerkyness. For downshifts, tb has to be closed to activate properly.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The GSX-8R coming, would be more of a step toward track use, with fairings and lower bars.

[@TSTindustries]

For desicated track use both the s and r will need clipon bars and adjustable rear sets. The stock handlebars on the R model are not something that any serious track rider will retain on their bike

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@TSTindustries You're probably right. I didn't have it in mind that someone would build a wholly track focused bike of one of these but rather an occasional track experience. In that effect, the R model seems to be a medium ergonomic package, similar perhaps to a Ducati Supersport or Aprilia RS660, but not as radical as the Yamaha R7.

[@TSTindustries]

@@exothermal.sprocket I inspected the R spec in Milan at EICMA in November. I also know that some teams are already gearing up to run them in the MA Twins class, and club racing twins series. Many changes need to be made to the bike to get it race ready, but i feel it is easier to get this bike race ready than say an R7. Even though Yamaha gave it an R designation, soooo many things have to change to make it right on the track. We had to dump in so much into the R7 build to make it semi competitive, and the GSX seems closer to proper spec right off showtoom floor.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@TSTindustries That sounds pretty rad actually. I'm all for twin cylinder racing clubs, where you don't have to have a 15,000 rpm screaming inline-4 making a minimum of 120 horsepower to race. Making racing more accessible, less exclusive, less intimidating seems like a win-win for me.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

When will a tune for full exhaust be available?

[@TSTindustries]

Well, exhausts are not available yet so we cant make thw tune. We have two exhausts on order from Europe but we are at the mercy of those getting delivered. We will start the tune development as soon as the exhausts are delivered.

[@clubstyleridahd4695]

@@TSTindustries awesome can't wait to see it. Do you think 90 whp with an exhaust, intake and tune is possible?

[@daniellang6112]

Any mt10 vids?

[@ktkace]

naise

[@OgMoto13]

This bike is a turd compared to the mt07. My mt07 would eat this things lunch. The electronic clutch and ride by wire are extremely weak. Rode my buddies Gsx8s and wasnt impressed at all. It is a comfortable ride but seems extremely restricted. Id give it a solid 6 out of 10.

[@kd2833]

plz tune it with intake exhaust and tune i wanne know the numbers plz

[@TSTindustries]

We have two exhaust systems on order. When the first one shows up we are going straight into tuning.

[@Alex75990]

​@@TSTindustries Glad to see you doing the extra mile in R&D on this bike! Which exhaust exactly are you testing? Arrow and Akrapovic (race use only) I guess, or are there other options at the moment? Thanks in advance.

[@TSTindustries]

@@Alex75990 those are the ones. When we can get more we will likely do that but i havent seen anything else emerging yet

[@Alex75990]

@@TSTindustries Unfortunately you are right. I emailed lots of companies back in March when I got my 8S but most of them said it will be autumn or even winter when they plan to release their exhaust (Ixil, SC Project, Leovince, Akrapovic). I even think some larger manufacturers meant that they wont develop an exhaust for the 8S since sales figures will be relatively low. If they really need that long to get an EU homologated exhaust I might as well wait until spring next year until TST got the recommendations for the best exhaust systems. Cheers!

[@kd2833]

​@@TSTindustriesmight also cut the airbox if the hole is tiny if that is possible works great on ducatis