I’m the type of shopper who likes to have it all in one package if possible. I love a bike that excels in its category, but every day, you can’t beat a motorcycle that ticks all the boxes without feeling like any of them are compromised. . The new Suzuki GSX-8S mid-sized fighter came pretty close to checking all the boxes that were right for me. It’s a harmonious combination of power, price, stability, comfort and fun.
At the Suzuki GSX-8S press launch in Antibes, France, I tested the new model on both city streets and winding, mountainous roads through the Maritime Alps. Before getting into my review of the 8S, I want to give the south of France two enthusiastic thumbs. It’s the perfect location for the 8S’s maiden ride and provides a full day of scenic roads and attractions. Don’t even let me start with the seafood.
The GSX-8S is a new model from Suzuki, with a brand new 776 cc parallel DOHC 4-stroke engine and a new chassis. This engine can also be found in the V-Strom 800DE, also new for 2023.
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Related: 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE | Review the first trip
Suzuki says the new engine operates similarly to the V-Twin on the SV650 models but offers more power for riders looking for a little more excitement. It features Suzuki’s patented Cross Balancer system, which allows the engine to be thinner and more compact while reducing vibrations. Diameter and stroke are 84mm and 70mm. The new engine produces 82 hp at 8,500 rpm and 57.5 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm.
Starting at my hotel in Antibes and navigating the bustling city streets on my way towards the mountains, what I noticed almost immediately was how much low-rpm grunts there were. Power delivery is immediate and becomes very smooth when I switch to the softer “B” driving mode. I can leave this bike in 2nd gear and roll over the stop and go, then steer in clear traffic, all without actually having to shift gears. That low-to-medium torque, coupled with smooth throttle response, keeps this bike stress-free while driving through city streets.
As we got out of town and accelerated, I noticed that the engine didn’t perform as well at higher revs. However, that initial traction after shifting is purely fun, and it makes passing slow-moving vehicles a breeze.
Related: Suzuki announces the 2023 range of sport, street and adventure bikes
Suzuki GSX-8S Bits 2023
Along with the new engine, the 8S also features a new chassis with a compact design. It has a steel frame, aluminum swingarm, 3.7 gal. fuel tank and wide, tapered aluminum handlebars. Both the KYB upside-down fork and the KYB monoshock rear shock have 5.1-inch travel and a tool-adjustable front shock absorber.
The seat is comfortable and offers plenty of room to move around, and it’s thin enough that my knees can give me a slight hug to keep me in place. The wide handlebars provide plenty of leverage, and the upright sitting position keeps me comfortable driving all day without feeling fatigued at the end of the day.
TAKE OFF
The 8S’s 31.9-inch seat height is a gap for my 5-foot 1-inch frame. I can slide my toes on the road when the bike is fully upright, but I need to tilt the bike to have enough contact between the road and the trunk to support myself when stopping.
Which leads me to one of my favorite aspects of the 8S: its balance. Even when rolling through very slow traffic, I rarely had to put my feet down, and when I did, the weight of the bike was lowered enough that it could be easily held on an incline. Its limited weight of 445 lb is manageable when traveling slowly in the city and on twisty mountain roads.
The 8S is equipped with ABS brakes and stopping power comes from Nissin radially mounted 4-piston calipers and floating rotor at the front and 1-piston and single disc brake calipers at the rear. I never braked hard enough to activate the ABS during my test ride, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need to.
If I could make one change to the 8S, it would be the tires. The Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires on the 8S are fine but don’t impress by any means. I didn’t get a lot of feedback from the tires, making it unclear if I still had enough grip left for the larger tilt angle. For everyday commuting, RoadSports is fine, but if you want to experience all that the 8S has to offer, a set of stiffer tires can provide more confidence.
Related: Motorcycle of the year 2022 – Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
Prepare to roll
“We weren’t aiming for the most powerful or lightest motorcycle,” the 8S lead designer said during a technical presentation the night before our test drive. “We aim to please all riders.” The other designers and engineers present also emphasized that they listened to the needs and requirements of their customers when building the 8S to create a comprehensive motorcycle that would satisfy a wide range of riders.
They showed a desire to please all the racers during our test ride. Whenever we stopped for coffee or lunch, Suzuki designers and engineers eagerly listened to our feedback and questioned our first impressions. Some of them have come to me directly, saying they are interested in a younger, smaller woman’s perspective. I appreciate that level of dedication to their product and look forward to continuing to improve and meet the needs of riders.
Finally, the GSX-8S includes a full suite of driver aids as standard. Along with ABS, it comes with a 5-inch TFT display with day/night mode, up/down quickshifter, three drive modes and four traction control settings.
I really like the layout of the TFT screen. It was easy on the eyes and displayed all the information I needed without making it difficult to find. Another consideration that makes the bike so user-friendly is how easy it is to switch ride modes and TC levels, and both modes are always visible on the screen. The ride mode switch on the left side of the steering wheel has clear buttons and a simple design.
Three driving modes really contribute to a different driving style. Throttle response in Ride Mode A is a bit too strong for me, especially in town. Ride mode B smoothed that jittery feeling without affecting the low-rpm torque that I enjoyed. I didn’t spend much time in Ride Mode C because B suits me well.
I had the traction control set to 3 for most of the ride. Perhaps with stiffer tires I would feel more confident with less TC, but since I am in a new environment, on a new bike and less experienced than other journalists on the trip, so I appreciate the extra help.
With my favorite settings dialed in, even on a new bike on mountain roads much higher and steeper than I’m used to back home in Tennessee, I’m really starting to like 8S as well as beautiful scenery and roads. The 8S offers enough to make things enjoyable for more experienced riders, but it’s also adjustable for someone like me who can’t push the bike to its limits. in a similar way.
One for all
Suzuki wanted the 8S to be an all-round bike that would please both experienced riders and beginners. If I were a few inches taller, I would totally agree. Riding taller bikes is something I’m still trying to get comfortable with and the high saddle height is a factor that can add some sense of dread and apprehension for shorter riders. .
Suzuki offers a wide range of useful and stylish accessories for the 8S, such as soft side cases, windscreens, covers for the passenger and lower engine seats, billet and clutch brake levers, and lever shields. , frame sliders, fuel tank guards and USB sockets, but it missed the opportunity to make the 8S more accessible by not offering a lower seat. In addition to being able to reach the pavement longer than I’d like, the 8S’s balance, maneuverability, and fun factor really make it an accessible ride.
After a full day of riding the 8S through the city and mountains of the South of France, I have a few pieces of advice I’d like to impart: 1) If you’re looking for a bike that’s bigger than the sum of its parts and Efficiently suited to a variety of situations and riding levels, the new Suzuki GSX-8S should be one of the bikes on your list. 2) If you find yourself in Antibes with an empty stomach, you are doing something wrong.
Specifications Suzuki GSX-8S 2023
- Cost: $8,849
- Website: SuzukiCycles.com
- Guarantee: 1 year, unlimited. mile
- Engine type: Parallel-Twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled with 4 valves per cylinder.
- move: 776cc
- Diameter x stroke of piston: 84.0×70.0mm
- horse power: 82.0 @ 8,500 rpm (stated at the factory)
- torque: 57.5 lb-ft @ 6,800 rpm (factory requirement)
- Transmission process: 6-speed wet assist/slide clutch, cable drive
- Ultimate driving: Chains
- The standard long: 57.7 inches
- Rake / Trail: 25.0 degrees / 4.1 inches.
- Seat height: 31.9 inches
- Wet weight: 445 lb (factory requirement)
- Fuel quantity: 3.7 liters.
