Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 Review

Suzuki hasn’t been the most prolific manufacturer in recent years, but it’s fair to say that it rarely puts a foot wrong when it does release a new model.

So it was a nice surprise when the Japanese firm announced the impending arrival of not one, but two new models in 2023. Utilising a new engine platform, the V-Strom 800DE adventure tourer and the GSX-8S naked bike finally gave Suzuki fans something to get excited about.

The V-Strom 800DE was launched to positive media reviews earlier this year, and now it was time to see if the GSX-8S naked version lived up to Suzuki’s consistent record of producing solid motorcycles.

Packing the same 776cc parallel-twin engine as the 800DE, the GSX-8S is designed as an affordable, fun, and capable naked bike that Suzuki hopes will attract a younger and hipper audience. But that’s not to say that experienced riders won’t find it attractive either, because, as we found out on the Australian media launch, this little pocket rocket ticks a lot of boxes.

Suzuki held the launch on the Sunshine Coast and included a day of riding through twisting hinterland back roads, and also a track session at the famous Lakeside International Raceway. And the consensus was that the crew from Hamamatsu have a winner on their hands.

The most attractive thing about the new GSX-8S is that it costs just $14,190 ride away. For a full-power motorcycle from a respected Japanese manufacturer, that is a very good price.

Interestingly, the 8S is only $200 cheaper than the four-cylinder Suzuki GSX-S750, but the new machine is more user-friendly, packs more technology, and doesn’t lose all that much in the performance stakes.

And what about the competition? Well, the 8S’s big adversary is the equally new Honda CB750 Hornet, which undercuts the Suzuki with a price tag of $13,532 ride away. But the Hornet lacks a quickshifter as standard. Otherwise, the pair are very evenly matched on the spec sheet. Only a head-to-head comparison can separate them. That will be a battle for the ages.

Then there is the ever-popular Yamaha MT-07HO, which is $14,449 ride away. The MT has a smaller engine and less power, but it does have a solid reputation that is hard to beat.

Suzuki also identified the high-spec BMW F 900 R ($17,340 ride away) and the LAMS-approved Kawasaki Z650 ($13,039 ride away) as potential competition, however these two models fall at the upper and lower end of the spectrum in terms of price and specification.

The heart of the 8S is a 776cc parallel-twin engine that puts out 61kW (81hp) at 8500rpm and 78Nm at 6800rpm. And while those figures aren’t hugely inspiring on their own, this all-new engine has many features that bolster its overall performance.

Like the V-Strom 800DE, it has a Suzuki cross balancer, ride-by-wire throttle, a new airbox, a new exhaust system, a new cooling system, a slipper clutch, and a bi-directional quickshifter.

Elsewhere, the GSX-8S has an inverted telescopic fork and a link-type monoshock (adjustable for preload), as well as Nissin brake calipers with twin front discs and a single rear disc. The bike also has 17-inch wheels front and rear, and a 14L fuel tank. All of this is built into a new lightweight steel chassis and aluminium swingarm.

A five-inch colour TFT LCD display acts as the centrepiece for the electronic equipment featured on the GSX-8S. The bike features the latest version of SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System), which includes three ride modes, traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, a quickshifter, Suzuki’s Easy Start system, and low RPM assist.

The three ride modes (A, B, and C) each offer different throttle response and torque characteristics, with A providing the most aggressive experience. The three modes do change the nature of the bike significantly, although C mode did feel a little useless.

Traction control is also adjustable with three set modes and also the option to turn it off completely. Mode 1 is for sport riding with minimal intervention, while Mode 3 offers the most intervention for wet and slippery road conditions.

The TFT display itself works well and is easy enough to use, while Suzuki also made a point to mention how easy it is to read in an array of light conditions. And we agree.

The first word that comes to mind when riding the new GSX-8S is ‘easy’. For a full-power machine, the GSX-8S is refreshingly easy to ride and very user friendly.

But don’t mistake easiness for lack of performance, because it still has plenty of go in it. Like the V-Strom 800DE, the 8S features smooth and linear power, and great low-to-midrange torque. For most of the road ride, I stuck to B mode and never felt like I needed more. Higher up in the rev range, the 8S does lose a little punch, but not enough to cause any great concern.

The smooth-shifting gearbox and quickshift worked a charm too, while also giving the rider plenty of forgiveness. In other words, you could stick it in third and ride without worrying too much about changing gears regularly.

Handling is also very easy and forgiving. The bike is very agile, but also has plenty of stability which helps you hold your line nicely through corners. The rear shock was a little rough but it is adjustable for preload, and overall the bike felt nice and balanced, and fairly predictable.

The ride position of the bike is as you’d expect with a naked bike. It is comfortable enough while still allowing you to get over the bike and attack corners with spirit.

We also had the privilege of testing the 8S in a track session at Lakeside International Raceway, and it only strengthened my view of the bike. Riding in a controlled and consistent setting revealed how solid the 8S is, and it was confidence inspiring for an inexperienced track rider like myself.

Once again, the top end lacked a bit down the long main straight, with most of us only able to eke out about 170km/h. However, in the corners the bike performed very well, with exceptional handling and smooth, predictable power delivery. Perhaps my only issue is that the bike lacks some ground clearance, and I found the pegs scraping too often.

This new naked bike from Suzuki does almost everything right. It has a solid engine, a great chassis, intuitive electronics, and appealing naked-bike style. It works equally well as a practical commuter, a fun weekend warrior, and a cheap track machine. Three unique colour schemes give it a touch of youthful appeal (Pearl Cosmic Blue is my favourite) and the price tag is very attractive.

There isn’t a whole lot to complain about, but I would be quick to add an aftermarket exhaust to give it a bit more of an inspiring sound and a little character.

Suzuki is fairly conservative as a motorcycle manufacturer, so any new platform is very welcome. In the case of the GSX-8S, it has delivered a solid motorcycle that is realistically a good option for the common motorcyclist. If I was a betting man, I’d say the Hamamatsu firm will sell a bucket load.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke DOHC parallel-twin
Capacity: 776cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0mm x 70.0mm
Compression ratio: 12.8:1
Engine management: Bosch electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 83hp (62kW) at 8500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 78Nm at 6800rpm

ELECTRONICS
Type: Bosch
Rider aids: ABS, traction control, quickshifter, USB port, 5-inch TFT display
Rider modes: A, B and C

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Slipper

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Steel
Front suspension: KYB inverted telescopic fork, coil spring, oil damped
Rear suspension: KYB link type shock, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload
Front brakes: Twin 310mm discs with four-piston radial calipers, ABS
Rear brake: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper, ABS
Tyres: Dunlop RoadSport 2 tubeless – front 120/70-17, rear 180/55-17

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 202kg
Wheelbase: 1465mm
Seat height: 810mm
Ground clearance: 245mm
Fuel capacity: 14L

OTHER STUFF
Price: $14,190 ride away
Colours: Metallic Matte Black No.2/Glass Sparkle, Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White
Warranty: Three years, unlimited kilometres