The Suzuki GSX-8S is a motorcycle that represents the Japanese manufacturer’s commitment to innovation, performance, and design in the middleweight naked bike segment. Released in 2023, this model has quickly gained attention for its blend of power, agility, and rider-friendly features. With its robust engine, modern technology, and distinctive design, the GSX-8S promises to offer both new riders and experienced enthusiasts a thrilling ride.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Suzuki GSX-8S lies an 800cc parallel-twin engine. This powerplant offers an ideal balance between performance and usability, providing enough grunt to excite experienced riders while remaining manageable for newer ones. The engine delivers approximately 75 horsepower, making it suitable for both urban commuting and longer weekend rides. It’s designed with a smooth power delivery that makes the GSX-8S accessible to a wide variety of riders, including those looking to step up from smaller machines.
Suzuki’s engineers have focused on creating an engine that offers both responsiveness and fuel efficiency. The GSX-8S delivers power smoothly throughout the rev range, ensuring that the rider has ample torque for quick accelerations, especially in city traffic or when overtaking on highways. This engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox that ensures precise and smooth shifting, enhancing the overall riding experience. With a relatively low curb weight of about 190kg (420 lbs), the GSX-8S is agile, providing excellent handling without feeling too heavy.
The GSX-8S is also equipped with Suzuki’s advanced Ride-by-Wire throttle system, which allows for precise throttle control. The result is an incredibly responsive ride, with the rider able to modulate power smoothly and confidently. Whether cruising on open roads or negotiating twisty mountain roads, the bike is designed to provide consistent and dependable performance.
Chassis and Handling
One of the most praised aspects of the Suzuki GSX-8S is its chassis, which is optimized for both comfort and sportiness. The frame is lightweight yet sturdy, offering a perfect balance between strength and agility. This chassis is paired with a well-tuned suspension system, featuring an adjustable front fork and a rear shock absorber, both of which can be tuned to suit different riding styles and preferences.
The 17-inch wheels are wrapped in high-quality tires that offer good grip, providing the rider with a stable and planted feel on various surfaces. The GSX-8S is designed with a rider-centric geometry, allowing for a comfortable yet active riding position. The bike is agile enough to tackle sharp corners and twisty roads while remaining stable during straight-line high-speed runs. The 145mm ground clearance provides the needed space for cornering without the risk of scraping the footpegs on tight turns.
Moreover, the ergonomics of the GSX-8S are designed to be accessible to riders of varying heights, with an adjustable seat height that can be set between 785mm and 805mm. This flexibility allows both shorter and taller riders to enjoy a comfortable and confident ride. The narrow seat also contributes to the bike’s agility, making it easier for riders to move around and control the motorcycle, especially when maneuvering at low speeds or during parking.
https://bikes.suzuki.co.uk/bikes/street/gsx-8s/
Braking System and Safety Features
The braking system on the Suzuki GSX-8S has been carefully designed to provide responsive and powerful stopping power. The bike features dual front discs (310mm in diameter) paired with a single rear disc (240mm in diameter), offering balanced braking performance across both front and rear. These brakes are complemented by advanced safety systems such as the Bosch 9.1 MP ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which ensures stability and safety during emergency braking or in slippery conditions.
The ABS system on the GSX-8S is tuned to maintain braking performance and prevent wheel lock-up under hard braking, giving the rider more confidence and control. Additionally, Suzuki has integrated a “traction control system” that reduces the likelihood of losing grip on slippery or uneven surfaces. This makes the GSX-8S a highly capable machine in both dry and wet conditions, providing a great deal of confidence to riders, regardless of their experience level.
Another significant safety feature is the Suzuki Easy Start System, which allows for effortless ignition with just a push of a button. This system eliminates the need to hold the starter button while starting the bike, adding convenience and improving the overall rider experience.
https://www.bikewale.com/suzuki-bikes/gsx-8s/
Technology and Instrumentation
In terms of technology, the Suzuki GSX-8S is equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern features. The bike includes a full-color TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display that provides all the essential information the rider needs, including speed, fuel level, trip information, and more. The display is easy to read even in direct sunlight, and its modern design integrates seamlessly into the overall styling of the bike. It also includes a gear position indicator, a fuel consumption readout, and a customizable display layout that allows the rider to prioritize the information they find most relevant.
Furthermore, the GSX-8S comes with Suzuki’s low RPM assist feature, which helps to prevent stalling at low speeds. This is especially useful in city traffic, where frequent stop-and-go riding can be challenging for newer riders. The system automatically raises the idle speed when the rider engages the clutch, providing a smoother experience when starting from a standstill.
Other technological features on the GSX-8S include an adjustable ride mode system, allowing riders to choose between different riding modes that optimize the bike’s power delivery and throttle response. This system is designed to accommodate various riding environments, whether you’re commuting through city streets or enjoying a spirited ride on open roads.
Design and Aesthetics
The Suzuki GSX-8S features a bold, aggressive design that stands out in the crowded naked bike segment. Its sharp lines, muscular stance, and sleek bodywork give it a modern and sporty appearance. The bike is built around an exposed trellis frame that highlights its technical components, which adds to the overall aggressive look. The minimalist styling of the GSX-8S is complemented by clean, uncluttered bodywork, contributing to its sleek silhouette.
The bike’s LED lighting system, including the front headlamp and rear taillight, further enhances its modern appeal, providing improved visibility while riding at night. The GSX-8S’s compact dimensions make it a nimble and easy-to-handle bike, perfect for urban environments and tight spaces.
Comfort and Practicality
While the Suzuki GSX-8S is undeniably a performance-oriented bike, it does not sacrifice comfort. The ergonomics of the bike are well thought out, ensuring that long-distance riders will not feel fatigued. The seat is adequately cushioned, and the slightly raised handlebars offer a natural riding position that reduces strain on the wrists and back. The slightly forward-leaning stance allows for good control during spirited riding without placing excessive pressure on the rider’s body.
For practicality, the GSX-8S also comes equipped with a decent-sized fuel tank that offers a range of over 200 km (124 miles) on a full tank, depending on riding conditions. This makes it a suitable option for longer rides without the need for constant refueling stops. The fuel efficiency is another key highlight, thanks to Suzuki’s focus on optimizing the engine for daily commuting as well as weekend leisure riding.
https://suzukimotorcycles.com.au/range/road/gsx-8s/
Pricing and Competitors
The Suzuki GSX-8S is positioned as an affordable yet high-performance motorcycle in the middleweight naked bike category. Its pricing is competitive compared to similar bikes in its class, offering a good value for money when considering its performance, features, and build quality. The price varies by region and local taxes, but in general, the GSX-8S is priced lower than many of its competitors in the same segment, such as the Yamaha MT-07 and Kawasaki Z650.
Fuel Efficiency (Mileage)
The fuel consumption of the Suzuki GSX-8S depends on factors such as riding style, road conditions, and the rider’s weight, but on average, you can expect the bike to achieve around 20-22 km/l (47-52 mpg). This figure can vary slightly depending on how aggressively you ride or if you mostly cruise at lower speeds, but it is a good benchmark for what you might get in typical urban or mixed-use riding conditions.
For riders who favor more relaxed, fuel-efficient riding, the GSX-8S can offer more miles per gallon, especially when riding at constant speeds on highways or in city traffic with minimal acceleration and deceleration. Aggressive riding, such as rapid accelerations, high-speed cruising, or frequent full-throttle pulls, will typically reduce the fuel efficiency, bringing it closer to the lower end of the range.
Fuel Tank Capacity
The Suzuki GSX-8S features a 14-liter fuel tank. This is a solid size for a bike in the middleweight class, allowing for a balance between offering enough range for longer rides and not being too large to add unnecessary bulk to the bike.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 liters (3.7 US gallons)
- Usable Fuel Capacity: 13.4 liters (3.5 US gallons), with a small reserve to prevent running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Given the bike’s fuel efficiency, this gives the GSX-8S an approximate range of 280-300 km (175-186 miles) on a full tank, depending on riding style and road conditions. This range is more than adequate for daily commuting, weekend leisure rides, or even longer day trips.
Fuel Economy with the Box (Additional Luggage/Top Box)
When you install additional luggage, such as a top box or panniers, the fuel economy can be impacted due to the increased weight and wind resistance. While the Suzuki GSX-8S is a relatively lightweight bike, adding luggage can reduce fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
If you add a top box or side panniers, you might notice a slight reduction in fuel economy by 5-10% depending on the size of the box and how much weight it adds. This would lead to a potential decrease in range, dropping the GSX-8S’s fuel efficiency to about 18-20 km/l (42-47 mpg).
For a top box that adds around 10-15 kg (22-33 lbs) of weight, the GSX-8S would still be very manageable, but the extra weight will result in the engine working a bit harder, especially when accelerating or maintaining speed on inclines.
The top box or panniers are very practical for carrying extra gear or supplies, especially if you’re going on a longer trip. However, for those who value fuel economy, it’s a good idea to keep the luggage as light as possible to minimize the impact on fuel efficiency. The GSX-8S has a good amount of practicality, but adding extra weight can naturally reduce how far you can go on a full tank.
Real-World Mileage
In real-world conditions, many GSX-8S riders report that they are able to get between 280-300 km (174-186 miles) on a single tank when riding conservatively, especially during longer highway rides or relaxed city cruising.
If you use the bike primarily for daily commuting in mixed urban and suburban conditions, you might see anywhere from 250-280 km (155-174 miles) before needing to refuel, depending on your riding habits.
Key Factors Affecting Mileage:
Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires can negatively affect mileage, so keeping the tires properly inflated is essential for optimal fuel consumption.
Riding Style: Aggressive riding or frequent high-speed acceleration will typically reduce fuel efficiency.
Road Conditions: City traffic with frequent stop-and-go situations can reduce mileage, while long highway runs usually yield better fuel economy.
Luggage and Weight: Additional luggage or carrying weight, such as a top box or panniers, can reduce fuel efficiency.
Rider Weight: Heavier riders may experience a small decrease in fuel economy, as the engine needs to work harder to move the added weight.
Conclusion
The Suzuki GSX-8S is a standout middleweight naked bike that combines the best of modern design, technology, and performance. With its versatile engine, responsive handling, and rider-friendly features, it is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced riders. Whether you’re navigating through busy city streets or tackling twisty mountain roads, the GSX-8S delivers an engaging and enjoyable riding experience. Suzuki has successfully created a motorcycle that not only looks great but also performs excellently in various riding conditions, offering an excellent value for those seeking a high-performance yet affordable bike.
https://www.globalsuzuki.com/motorcycle/smgs/products/2023gsx-8s