The new Suzuki GSX-8S came as quite a surprise to me. Its sleek lines and candy blue color immediately caught my eye, and I was eager to learn more about this naked bike. I quickly arranged an appointment at Motostore Barendrecht to borrow the 8S for a day. This powerful and brand-new 776cc parallel-twin is designed with one goal in mind: providing the best possible riding experience with a strong emphasis on enjoyment. Suzuki is embracing the new era of naked performance streetfighter, targeting competitors such as the Yamaha MT-07 and the Honda Hornet with the GSX-8S.
Suzuki's interpretation of naked streetfighter performance
For a while, the MT-07 reigned as the king of twin parallels in the +/- 700cc range. Ducati with the Scramblers and KTM with the Duke 790 (limited to 95Hp in Europe) didn’t quite challenge the MT-07. In early 2023, the Honda CB750 Hornet arrived, a completely new parallel-twin with advanced technology and 755cc. With a peak power of 67.5 kW and torque of 74.4 Nm, it posed a significant competition to Yamaha’s 689cc MT-07. The MT-07 boasts a peak power of 54.0 kW and torque of 67.0 Nm. As if that wasn’t enough, Suzuki was also working on a naked twin parallel, the GSX-8S. The 8S features a new 776cc engine, delivering a peak power of 61.0 kW and torque of 78.0 Nm. It offers more torque in exchange for a slight difference in peak power. But above all, it’s a parallel twin that rides very comfortably until you open up the throttle. The wide and open bends on Dutch N-roads are perfect for pushing the GSX-8S to its limits. At a price of $8,849 or £8,199 (at the time of writing), the 8S isn’t the cheapest of the three. However, Suzuki aims to offer a complete package at this price point, backed by a 6-year warranty.
Of course, Suzuki introduces their new GSX standard with various exciting options. The GSX-8S comes with an up&down quickshifter, enhancing its sporty character. Additionally, the 8S features three riding modes, although I quickly found myself sticking to the sportiest mode. It’s important to note that the 35kW version has only one riding mode. One notable aspect during riding is the rider’s position. The frame geometry of the 8S helps shift your body weight forward without causing immediate fatigue. Spending a good 4 hours in the saddle was no issue. The seating position makes the GSX-8S easier to handle and navigate through sharp corners. An experienced track rider can easily practice their knee-downs with this bike. I even caught myself occasionally taking a supermoto-style approach to a corner, extending my leg, counter-leaning, and throttling out. The GSX-8S can be ridden aggressively, living up to its mass-forward streetfighter posture. Additionally, the aluminum footpegs complement its sporty style and behavior. During spirited riding, the pegs feel almost glued to your feet as you encounter bumps and such, providing constant contact and enhancing the confident feeling the 8S offers.
The GSX-8S gives a fresh look at the naked streetfighter style
Despite being the younger sibling of the GSX-S950 and GSX-S1000, the GSX-8S brings something new and refreshing to the table. More than the GSX-S950, the GSX-8S embodies the essence of a naked bike with a hint of streetfighter flair. Attention to detail is evident in both the design and functionality of the 8S.
The new blue color shines brightly in the sunlight, demanding attention. The forward-leaning ‘wings’ might also remind me a bit of supermotos, a fondness that’s hard to ignore. The subframe, painted to match, demonstrates an eye for detail, completing the look of the 8S. Its mass-forward stance not only exudes a streetfighter and sporty vibe but also contributes to its agility and compactness. While some may need time to adjust to its LED headlight, the sleek lines of the fairings, headlight, and tank give the GSX-8S a fresh and cohesive appearance. Flanking the headlight unit are compact LED position lights, designed as narrow, angular slots that run forward and downward, creating a distinctive look.
Weighing in at just 202 kg, thanks in part to a lightweight aluminum swingarm designed exclusively for the GSX-8S, this bike offers a comfortable riding experience for most riders with its 810 mm seat height, providing easy access to the ground. The newly designed frame geometry also ensures comfort for taller riders, offering ample space for long legs and ample knee room. At 1.86 meters tall, I found the riding position comfortable, allowing me to enjoy a leisurely and sporty ride for 4 hours without experiencing any muscle strain. While the seat could provide more support for longer rides, it’s adequate for shorter journeys. The elevated passenger seat provides additional support during rides. The rear end is streamlined thanks to the slim rear fender and Suzuki’s new taillight. The GSX-8S is characterized by its extremely short exhaust muffler, featuring a new design that barely protrudes.
Suzuki equips the new GSX-8S with a powerful braking system, including radially mounted calipers with dual discs at the front. Naturally, the GSX-8S comes with ABS and Suzuki’s proven Traction Control System (STCS), offering 3 modes and an off setting. The radially mounted calipers are attached to the upside-down KYB front fork, which offers a 130 mm travel. At the rear, the 8S features a KYB monoshock with mechanical preload adjuster in 7 positions. The suspension is set up for comfort, handling bumps at higher speeds with ease. However, during aggressive cornering, the suspension may feel a bit stiff for sportier riders. On rougher roads, some movement may be felt. Comfort was prioritized in the suspension setup, but this can easily be adjusted for sportier riding.
The lightweight cast aluminum wheels are wrapped in the latest generation Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires. The 180/55 rear tire provides maximum grip and fun. The new frame ties everything together, allowing the 8S to smoothly navigate corners and making it relatively easy to handle, which is beneficial for new A2 license holders.
Suzuki offers the GSX-8S in three colors:
- The standard Black on Black from Suzuki, with a subtle metallic sheen.
- Pearl Tech White, featuring pearl white fairings. The subframe, wheels, and some decals follow the new Pearl Blue style.
- And Pearl Cosmic Blue, where the fairings, subframe, and wheels all sport a beautiful new light blue color; Pearl Cosmic Blue. Personally, this is my favorite of the three options.
It’s worth mentioning that Suzuki has developed a range of specific accessories for the GSX-8S, including a Flyscreen and Bugspoiler available in three colors that perfectly complement the bike’s color scheme. Additionally, a new shortened license plate holder helps enhance the sporty character of the 8S.
Discover the new 776cc powerful engine of the GSX-8S
The GSX-8S comes equipped with a completely redesigned engine. The brand-new 776cc parallel-twin engine boasts a compact design and features the Suzuki Cross Balancer system. One of the distinguishing features of the new 776cc twin-cylinder is its 270° crankshaft, which is why the GSX-8S is also compared to the MT07 and the Hornet. The Suzuki Cross Balancer system is a new and innovative balancing system that is supposed to contribute to a smoother engine character. Additionally, this system is intended to give the 8S a nimble steering character. This uniquely patented bi-axial design consists of two balance shafts positioned at a 90° angle to each other. The first balance shaft helps eliminate the primary vibrations generated by the piston of the front cylinder, while the second balance shaft helps eliminate the primary vibrations of the rear cylinder. Due to the 270° crankshaft concept, secondary vibrations were already eliminated, resulting in an engine where hardly any vibrations are noticeable during riding.
The engine responds powerfully and smoothly to the ride-by-wire throttle. Combined with the high torque, you’ll be off to a quick start at a green light. But pulling out of corners is also no problem. All of this is made even easier by the up&down quickshifter of the 8S. Upshifting with the quickshifter is truly perfect; for downshifting, occasional use of the clutch is preferable. On long winding roads, the GSX-8S truly comes to life, and you’ll truly feel what kind of motorcycle it is. Riding consistently within its torque range brings the 776cc to life, living up to the 8S’s streetfighter label.
The standard version comes with a peak power of 83hp (61.0 kW) and a torque of 78.0 Nm. For the A2 version, this has been adjusted to 48hp (35kW), with 64Nm at 4600 rpm. This makes the GSX-8S one of the most torque-rich A2 motorcycles, pulling from 3,000 to 6,000 rpm without any issues. Suzuki also offers a complete range for A2 riders looking for a naked bike: a 650cc V-Twin (SV650), 776cc parallel-twin (GSX-8S), or a 999cc four-cylinder (GSX-S950).
Advanced features and intuitive controls
Suzuki introduces its new GSX-8S with a range of exciting features as standard. The new naked streetfighter comes equipped with a 5-inch TFT display and three riding modes: A (active), B (basic), and C (comfort). Each riding mode offers maximum power delivery while influencing the fine-tuning of throttle response and torque characteristics during acceleration. The A2 version features only one riding mode, which is important to note. The GSX-8S also includes the SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) package with slip-assist clutch as standard. Additionally, the 8S features the Suzuki Traction Control System with 3 levels and off. Like most Suzuki models, it also includes the Suzuki Easy Start System and the Suzuki Low RPM Assist System, which gently raises the engine speed to prevent stalling. Moreover, the 8S comes standard with an up & down quickshifter and a lightweight aluminum swingarm exclusively designed for sporty street use.
Compared to the MT07 and the Hornet, the GSX-8S weighs slightly more at 202 kg. Notably, it’s lighter than Suzuki’s GSX-S950 and GSX-S1000 models. The GSX-8S is equipped with a new 5-inch TFT display, providing clear and easily readable information. The display is positioned prominently on top of the bike, ensuring excellent readability while riding, though it may affect aesthetics. Users can switch between different display options in the TFT screen to customize the information they want to see. Everything, including block temperature, clock, fuel gauge, average consumption, and estimated available distance, along with odometer and trip meter, is accessible in various modes. The display is user-friendly thanks to intuitive handlebar controls. Additionally, it can automatically or manually switch between day (white) and night (black) settings for optimal readability while riding.
Accessory Package
Suzuki offers a Street Xtreme pack for the GSX-8S. This pack includes:
- Flyscreen matching the motorcycle’s color
- Suzuki LED turn signal set
- Design mirrors
- Suzuki handlebar weights
- Short license plate holder
- Duo Seat Cover
- Bobbins + Frame sliders
- Luxury seat
The luxury seat and duo seat cover are valuable additions. For the short license plate holder, also known as the tail tidy, the taillight is relocated under the passenger seat. Suzuki has already planned for this by providing a pre-existing cutout.
Conclusion
During my rides, I thoroughly enjoyed the GSX-8S on various roads. The engine delivers playful performance in the lower range, but once you hit the powerband, its aggressive undertone emerges. Whether navigating Dutch dikes or tackling bends on national roads, the 8S offers a sporty yet refined riding experience. It instills confidence, allowing you to push your own limits gradually while remaining comfortable for daily commutes or long journeys. The motorcycle is nimble and compact enough to maneuver through traffic effortlessly. For extended trips like a day in the Eifel or a Dutch 1000, consider upgrading to a slightly better seat, which Suzuki also offers.
Personally, I found the GSX-8S to ride better than the GSX-S950, making it an excellent choice for A2 license holders. With 48hp and 64Nm, it’s one of the most torque-rich A2 motorcycles available. Individual preferences regarding engine type may vary, so I recommend taking a test ride to find the perfect fit. While the GSX-8S may be slightly pricier than its direct competitors in the parallel-twin market, it comes standard with a quickshifter, a feature that adds value.
Engine | 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 270° Parallel twin |
Displacement | 776 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 84,0 x 70,0 mm |
Compression ratio | 12,8 : 1 |
Ignition | Electronic ignition |
Max power | 83pk / 61,9 kW @ 8500 rpm (48pk / 35Kw (A2) ) |
Max torque | 78 Nm / 57,5 lb-ft @ 6800 rpm |
Transmission | 6 gears, Up&down quickshifter |
Frame | Steel frame |
Front Suspension | 43mm KYB reverse telescopic, coil spring, oil filled |
Rear Suspension | Swingarm, KYB coil spring, oil filled |
Suspension travel | Front wheel 130 mm / 5.1 in Rear wheel 130 mm / 5.1 in |
Front brakes | Dual 310mm floating discs with Nissin 4-piston calipers |
Rear brake | Single 240mm disc with Nissin single piston caliper |
Wheels | Cast aluminum |
Front Tire | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
Rear Tire | 180/55ZR17M/C (73W) |
Length | 2115 mm / 83. 2 in |
Width | 775 mm / 30,5 inch |
Height | 1105 mm / 43,5 inch |
Wheelbase | 1465 mm / 57,7 inch |
Seat height | 810 mm / 31,9 inch |
Ground clearance | 145 mm / 5,7 inch |
Weight | 202 kg / 445 lbs rijklaar |
Fuel capacity | 14 Liter |
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