Suzuki GSX-8S Sports Bike.
Since my uncle bought a GS 550 E in 1980, I have loved Suzuki bikes, so riding them is magical. On my uncle's bike, I rode Pillon and was taken around the country wearing a bright orange Belstaff one-piece suit. Luckily, my riding gear has changed, although I would love to wear some Belstaff kit again. Back to my review of the GSX-8S middleweight naked Sports Bike, let me tell you about it.
Suzuki has produced the GSX-8S to fill a gap in their range for bikers wanting a step up from 500/600cc machines. This sector is proving popular, and most manufacturers produce bikes for it. Honda has the CB750 Hornet, KTM has the Duke 790 and 890, and Yamaha has the MT-07, so Suzuki has to hit the road running and compete against stiff opposition.
I would say that the Suzuki GSX-8S is a superb bike for riders of all experience levels and can be ridden daily with ease, yet it can then be taken to a circuit and pushed hard around the track. It has the flexibility of performance and handling to enable this, which makes it a good option for those needing a workhorse and thoroughbred.
Suzuki has given the GSX-8s firmer settings than most bikes in this class, which leads to better stability and feel for the rider in many situations, providing confidence on more challenging rides when you push the bike. It can be a tad harsh on bumpy surfaces, so you get your bum slapped as it lifts off, then reintroduced to the seat.
When the tarmac is smooth, and you can tackle the twisties, you will be thankful for the suspension setup. It feels very stable, with the longest wheelbase and the highest weight in its class.
The weight is carried low and provides decent control, combined with an excellent riding position.
On the Suzuki GSX-8s, you get a 776cc engine, which has the characteristics of a V twin and is punchy, pulling hard from 2000rpm and then a big kick from 3500 to 7500rpm. Combine this with good gearing and the machine is happy in most gears whether in traffic or looning around the country curves. The engine allows for complete flexibility so that you can be in sixth and low revs in town and quickly get to pace without dropping the gears.
As mentioned, the Suzuki GSX-8s provides a superb platform for less experienced riders with enough performance to please the more experienced bikers who buy one. Good manners underpin its performance. You get three torque maps: A: sportier/fun, B: general riding, and C: wet/slippery conditions. You probably won't use C often as the general riding setting B mode provides manageable power delivery in almost every situation. You will enjoy the sporty setting that is A mode, especially when you can open the throttle and be more aggressive.
Opening the throttle has the downside of burning the petrol, but the Suzuki GSX-8S is economically pretty good. Riding around the back roads of West Sussex and then hitting the motorways of Surrey, I maintained 47mpg.
The Suzuki GSX-8S is a naked bike and doesn't come with much tech, although you do get an up/down quickshifter, upside-down forks, an easy-to-read five-inch TFT instrument panel and radial callipers.
The simplistic approach allows for concentrating on pure, uncluttered riding, and you will want to get out on the GSX-8S as much as possible, rain or shine, track or road.
Rivals:
The Honda Hornet, Triumph Trident 660, MT-07 and KTM 790 Duke.