Is the Suzuki GSX-8S Really Worth the Extra £1000? Honest Review of the new Suzuki GSX8S
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2023
- I'm a bit late to the party with this one, none the less having ridden Honda's excellent new Hornet earlier in the year I was keen to ride it's nearest competitor, the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S and see if it's worth a grand extra - Here's what I thought of it.
My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
Get 5% off your ABR Festival tickets with "TMF5" at checkout!
Use this link to get a 10% discount on the Beeline satnav bit.ly/43PjgE8
I buy my riding kit from Sportsbike shop www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/#/23...
Exclusive TMF Merch on my website themissendenflyer.com/ and of course Teespring (click the red spring top right).
Links to my channel sponsors:-
Beeline bit.ly/43PjgE8
Bikerheadz bikerheadz.co.uk/
Canary Motorcycle Tours www.canarymotorcycletours.com...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
You can now follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
and on Instagram @missendenflyer
Don't forget your other TMF Discounts!:-
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatshield.com/ or ducatispacers.com/ for discounts on Panigale heat shields or Ducati/Triumph throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle and MISSENDENSK for 10% off the spacer kit.
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 10 cameras amzn.to/3od99H0
GoPro Media Mod for mic connection amzn.to/3PEiqU9
GoPro Max Lens Mod for wider angle view amzn.to/3v2qoi1
DJI Mavic Air drone (fly more combo) amzn.to/2JX3l23
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
RODE Wireless Go dual channel radio mics amzn.to/3ofuIqp
Power Director 12 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS215 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)
Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.
For any additional enquiries please send an e-mail (please no DM's or Facebook Messenger messgaes that tend to get lost) via TheMissendenFlyer@gmail.com, follow me via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or preferably leave a comment below... 
Развлечения
Tried the S8 and Hornet back to back 2 months ago. Suzuki for me, had it 6 weeks and already done 2000 miles.. love it!!!
Nice one - enjoy....
its the better bike but basic hornet 750 is a better deal if money is on top of list
I'm thinking of getting one. How is the seat for longer distance dya think?
Ive been out all day, about 150 miles at a time and it was comfy, would I want to do a long tour on it, i don't know but from what iv'e done its great!!@@johannacollins1130
Great hearing your thoughts on the bike, I'm absolutely loving mine... still running in and got my first service booked for the end of the month. Cracking bike.
Nice one mate -enjoy!
I’m glad it surprised you TMF👌 It’s a great motorcycle! I love mine to bits & the suspension being slightly firm gives me the confidence to ride it swiftly. I found the styling & build quality to be above the Hornet no matter the Hornet has more power. It is the look of quality components, style & more room. The Hornet felt tiny & cramped, cheap looks bars & switch gear. A RHS rear swingarm just makes it look that must cheaper & it is. But, I chose the 8S because of the look & feel. So, thanks for your review. I didn’t need vindication. I knew.👌
Your review is bang on as always. I have one of these in black and I absolutely love it’s handling,m and stability in corners is confidence inspiring and the torquey performance is a pleasure to experience with the quick shifter making it all so easy. Great review and great bike, thanks a lot glad you managed to get hold of one!
Yes I was happy to ride it too!
I think the extra low and mid-range torque will be far more useful in real world riding and short shifting between corners would be a pleasure. A good review 👍
Brilliant review MrT. Love the bike, also the fact that Suzuki have bought out what seems to be another great engine, especially with the low down torque. I think a decent fly screen would finish the front end looks nicely.
Had one of these as a courtesy bike last week. not the sort of bike I would go for normally, but I was surprised how nice it was to ride. Handles well, good brakes, nice tft display and enough power.
Great to hear!
Great review Mr Flyer,you've now got me planning a visit to the local Suzuki dealer!
If people are thinking about buying one of the middleweights. I'd suggest looking at the bennetts vid where they have all 4 tested back to back. From that vids data, I calculated the fuel range if you ran it dry. Ktm 790 14L @51.1mpg = 157 miles. Hornet 15.2L@50.8mpg = 170 miles. Mt07 14L@53mpg = 163 miles. 8S 14L@48.8mpg = 150miles. If that helps anyone.
Great review.
I have this calc for my own bike V4 Panigale. It's tank to tank mpg same as the bennetts data. 16L@42.2mpg = 173miles.
Big up the Ducatista Massive.
I have the 999s for Wales and the Icon Scrambler for work and Bad Weather.
No only of I can solve the FILA,s 999s low down stalling issues it would be a half descent small town bike. Lie... It won't do anything good under 90 😂.
Spot on mr Flyer! This is a really good bike. I was tempted, but went with a brand new austrian 790 Duke I picked up last wednesday. Yes, the Suzuki GSX8S is that good!
I saw one at a dealer in Germany which was fitted with barend mirrors, small LED indicators and a tail tidy. Looks so good! And I saw an american YT film about unlocking some horses with an ECU flash.
Thank you mr Flyer!
Great review! I wasn’t taken with the looks initially, but the walk around showed it off really well. I think you’re right about the tail tidy - I should imagine a lot of folks would address that as a matter of urgency. Then, however, I’ll bet it’d look as mean as hell. As I recall, when Suzi introduced the DRBig Paris/Dakar thing way back, it too divided opinion. Now everyone is at it, so who knows.
Morning TMF! Suzuki engines have always been great at low down grunt. I'm currently using a 2005 Bandit 650s as my weekly runner and its absolutely brilliant for the job. 4cyls and carbs help but it's just such a flexible motor. I buy and sell bikes regularly but this one just gets under the skin. Along with my ATAS I think she's a keeper!
Nice one! Thnaks for stopping by Simon.....
You're right about the low down runt on the Suzuki. In 2005 I bought a GSF650S new and loved it. Did a lot of touring round UK 2 up with luggage and camping gear. Traded it in for a new GSX650F in 2012 and at 69 years of age it will probably be the last bike I buy. It has all of the grunt and speed that you need given the constraints of UK roads, plus, I am not averse to getting a move on when conditions are right if you get my drift 😉😂. Looking forward to next year to do some more touring and camping.
@@Jim-nm1en Fantastic bikes. I'm going to look for a decent DRZ400 soon and see what all the fuss is about!
Happy to see the manufacturers embracing the 270° parallel twin. It's such a good configuration for an all round road bike.
And the honda and Suzuki are made in Japan 👍
They sound great too.
Good review. I do prefer this to the Hornet, as you said more substantial, more grunt and some better details. Also looks great in that blue.
Great review, i am definitely old school but love the look of that especially the vertical lights and underslung exhaust. Thanks for not getting political with all the ulez/emissions /speed limit stuff like some channels. We all have our political views and i ride and love bikes to get away from all that crap. Thats why i like your channel. Dont be too harsh on cyclists - sometimes when you ride single file and get close passed by a few vans you tend to think stuff it i will use all my lane. We all have two wheels after all. Thanks again.
They weren’t 3 abreast either. They weren’t all in a line.
I love the headlights on this bike. It's my favorite non-retro design.
Fair do's!
Nice review. I really like this bike, especially with Suzuki's new 7 year warranty scheme. Also it's now a question of if it's worth £600 more than the Hornet (if you want a QS too) as the Honda's gone up in price recently. For me it's a resounding yes. The Suzuki is definitely worth the extra for me on the looks alone.
Don’t forget the £289 to take the Hornet up to the standard 3yrs Suzuki warranty
@@hut6h24 Good point. I didn't know that but very important to be aware of.
I was upset Honda didn’t bring the hornet to compete with the 8s in NA - but it makes sense - NA motorcycles are toys - there’s always good, clean, low mileage ones available- the 8s/hornet are just them trying to sell a motorcycle with higher profit margins- they aren’t better than what’s out there
The warranty on a Japanese bike is pointless really. Looked after they never go wrong anyway.
Not sure if it was you or me, but audio was mono on my left speaker for this one... Nice Bike !!! love the blue wheels too.
Sorry about that - it was me…
Nicely done TMF. The front fairing looks wrong to my eye and I think I'd struggle to forgive that. I'll be interested to see your review of the Transalp versus V Strom 800DE/RE if and when you have the opportunity. Thanks again.
Cheers Colin and duly noted!
Love the comment about wales I look my window Snowdon is in front of me 😂
I use my gsx8s on these roads done 1000 miles on it so far I love the bike it’s perfect for we’re I live it’s so much fun between 40 mph-70mph it makes overtaking so easy great review love watching your channel 👍👍
Thank you - you are very lucky to have Snowdon on your doorstep!
Great bike!. The looks are growing on me and Suzuki seem to have made a real effort on the quality front. For someone of my height (5'8") and for the way I ride the GSX-8s is a perfect fit on paper - I'll need to get a test ride organised. In terms of the £1000 difference this is now slightly less since Honda increased the price of the Hornet. The Suzuki is £8,199 OTR and the Hornet £7,299. Once you add in the cost of the quick shifter and the extra years warranty to the Honda and haggle hard at your local Suzuki dealer I think there will be nothing between them on price. Thanks for the review.
You make an excellent point. What if you haggle hard at your local Honda dealer. I’m being facetious. But I do believe that Honda is the bargain of the two. Engine, playful nature and price is what makes it a rightful winner for some. My values align with the Suzuki and that’s what I’m on the hunt for. Doing my due diligence now by watching videos and reading comments.
Got in blue to replace a CCM that was trying to kill me with Tankslappers: added Akra, fly screen, LED indicators, tail tidy, hugger, decent levers. It’s an AWESOME bike, and now the 1st service is done it’s VERY quick (and I have an R1200RS to compare with - no slouch). Next up is to replace the very average suspension. For once, this is a bike worth spending the cash on. It REALLY is that Good !!
Åkte till en handlare för att testköra en hornet efter allt positivt jag hört om den. Passade även då på att prov köra Suzukin vilken nu står i mitt garage. Tack för en bra video. Hälsningar från Stockholm.
Greetings from Great Missenden!
It's cool how Honda and Suzuki have switched roles lately. Honda is quick but cheap every each way. Suzuki is refined better equipment and stronger feeling(torque is the winning number here folks).
Lol I think you are wrong here. Try checking out sale numbers Honda vs Suzuki, you will see Honda’s is way ahead in sales.
@Mr450pro suzuki used to cut corners now honda does.
Looks great and looking forward to the new motor design taking off!
Great review on a very nice bike! I more like the v-storm 800de! Just hope they keep it up !
I hope so too!
Brilliant review. I have had mine for 2 months now and I agree with all your comments.
Glad we concur!
Saw one in the flesh in Bill Smiths Chester and I was actually impressed with it. Loved my SV650 and i think this would make a decent addition to the garage
This Suzuki is a looker, even with the vertical front bulb lights extra modern the overall outfit in blue feels right to the eyes and if it handles well, it’s a proposal to consider in middle weight naked bike segment.
Thanks for the video and for your general impressions about it 👍🏻
My pleasure - thanks for watching once again!
Great review TMF. Suzuki took their time but with new frame, swingarm and engine you can just feel the quality of the build and the low end torque is fantastic, just what a good street bike needs. Also i think with this platform i would not be surprised to see a fully faired GSX8R shortly from Suzuki.
Actually that sounds good.....
Would be hard to beat the new R7 tho
@@veeken777 The riding position is a bit aggressive on the R7.
Solid review. i was hoping you might talk about this VS the SV650 that might be fading away. Similar money, just a little more power, but a way better dash. Not sure its worth the upgrade for me.
I have a white one of these and love it, I’ve done just over 2000 miles so far, looks are marmite but I like it and definitely looks better in the flesh. Not sure if you tried A mode but mine pulls like a train in A mode between 3000 and 7000 rpm in any gear. If you shop around these can be purchased for £7495 on the road so much closer to hornet now.
Just picked my new 8S up today, also in white. It was £7495 in total, so a really good price. Obviously breaking the engine in, so running in B mode. So far, I absolutely love it!
Nice one Martin, once it’s had its first service you’ll be able to explore full power, it’s so much fun.
Agree. I short change around town and the quick shifter is very smooth. Plenty of go if you roll on at 3000 rpm.
Great video as always. Not sure if anybody has already highlighted this but I had a sound issue with this one whilst using headphones. All the sound came through the left earphone and none from the right.
I have just read down to the bottom of the comments and realise that it's been mentioned a few times; ignore me!
Apologies for the issues with sound…
I think seeing someone on the bike would help as far a getting a better idea of the size. Everything else is spot on thanks
Liking the GSx-8S, but I just see Suzuki has announced a new Vstrom 8 RE , That's more for me and I look forward to your review.
Nice review, thanks Flyer. I preferred the 8S to the Hornet. More room to push back on the seat and lean into the wind/bars and attack corners. Smoother fuelling in the city and very stable in corners in the city, cleaner switch gear. Great roll on power and very smooth with the quick shifter around town. Plenty of torque in mid revs. Roll on at 100 kph in 6th is outstanding. I agree the suspension is "sporty" on country roads. But the handling is great. I bought one, approaching first service and the end of the break in period.
Congratulations!
Oh and in NZ they cost the same as the Hornet with no quick shifter.
enjoyed your 8s test ride as usual very good.
Thanks 👍
Certainly a bike that looks as if it could do everything needed to a good standard, and that blue looks stunning.
I think so too!
Glad I read this...I thought my ear buds were broken!
Nice review , i have to say that i am not a fan of the stacked headlights but otherwise it appears to have a lot going for it the low down grunt so you don't have to rev it all the time but as a downside for me is that in my monthly motorbike mag i have read that the servicing costs are significantly higher on the 8S when compared with the Hornet (i am assuming they quoted dealer service prices) but that would be a point to be given serious consideration for me as i am no mechanic and would greatly influence my decision. Do you think it would be possible to include a reference to servicing costs in future reviews,.
Thanks for the suggestion Nigel - duly noted!
I found the Hornet a bit cramped and the throttle a littler snatchy. Feels like a small bike. Some reviewers say the handling when pushed in corners is better on the 8S. Bought one and love it.
Another smashing review. How does it compare to the street triple r?
Test rode one today, absolutely loved it, might just have to buy one. Triumph trident test ride on Monday.... 🤔
Have fun!
The cyclists were not 3 abreast. The cyclist at the front was obviously cycling 1 abreast, the 2 cyclists behind him were cycling 2 abreast. Common mistake a lot of drivers are too quick to make unfortunately.
Looks like there is an audio issue with this vid? Great to see these twins come out in force!
Sorry about that - bloody GoPros!!!
@@TheMissendenFlyertry one of the new DJI mic’s Andy. They are superb.
Actually I've just bought a Rode one which was expensive for a lavalier mic but seems reliably good....
Great review.. Fantastic looking bike and personally prefer the looks of the Suzuki to the Hornet.
Another great review. This is clearly a good bike, but on price and looks, it's still the Hornet for me. With the price difference, I could add the quick shifter, heated grips and the optional soft luggage and probable still have some change. As far as this bike is concerns, once you get above £9k you're starting to get close to a Street Triple 765R, which is a whole different class of bike.
Yes agreed…
My right ear needed a rest, so I appreciated this review ;)
Glad I could help!
😀@@TheMissendenFlyer
I passed my test last month and have a cheap Suzuki sfv650 Gladius, so hopefully, after a couple of years on the road, I'd be upgrading to a secondhand GSX-8.
Good plan!
Have you considered testing the GSX8R ? Just watched an MCN review and looked better than I expected. I've had a couple of GSX600R's which I loved to bits (though could not cope with the prone position now). Would be interesting to hear your thoughts ! Thanks for the vid, very good as ever !!
Video coming on Wednesday at 0715 UK!
Love the blue color! Really pops in the sun.
It does!
Good day TMF nice review as usual nice to listen to you not power mad and more common sense review. I have had a black 8s since june, black is the best the other two colour choice are nice but i keep expct8ng the Mario brothers to ride them, anyway back to back testing with honda yam and ktm intial purchest was ktm or honda the 8s was not in the running but after spending a day with testing , the 8s was the second bike to test out of thr four and back at the dealers i parked up the honda , last bike to test and went stright in to buy the 8s brilliant bike the power is all where you need it when i am out in my local brecon becons twisties , ride fast slow or any where in between its just spot on , no vibs you can feel the individual pulses the whinning from the gearbox is buetifull and the ride for me a 12stone welch short arse 27inch inside leg and bent toes touch the ground, the three modes actually work and the quickshifter 99%of the time is spot on both up and down , the seat comfort is 100% soft and thick i did 600 mile in one day to run it in and its the first time i have got off a bike not in pain or walking like john wayne , i love the looks and the light spread is brill, fit and fittings are top notch and feels quality , i would still have got this 8s even if it was another 500 to 1000 pounds more than the asking price , thats how i see the bike , i am not going to diss the other bikes but my second choice would have been the ktm but those head lights are ugly , i have always been a honda man 40yrs riding and cant recall the amount of hondas i have had, this time this is my 4 suzuki and can honesly say the buikd qulity and materals used are better than my last cb650r , and the bike is so easy to strip down , just love it 3000 miles new in end of june cant fault it give it a go it will talk to you
Wow - thanks for that lot! Enjoy your new bike!
Like the hornet 🐝 love the Suzuki! Great bike , all rounder also looks smart! Good video 👍
Thanks! 👍
The front lights look awesome so its a matter of taste.
It absolutely is yes….
Nice work. So no rebound/dampening adjustment on the suspension?
Not that i recall (without checking)....
Speaking of Suzukis, ive just bought a 1997 full power TL1000s in British racing green and gold. Theyre quite rare. This one is totally original....apart from it now has scorpion cans. It was on the TL1000 calender 2021. I have the calender. I'd be happy to let you have it for a review if your interested. Im Gary. I have pics and videos.
Thank you for the offer!
Great looking bike...looks like it rides good too. It would be in my garage if I wanted a naked for sure. I think Suzuki have a winner there.
I think they do! ...if you can get past the looks of that front end....
Just putting it out there but the hornet has gone up £300 recently and you can easily find a 8S for £7500 new. So you may aswel go for the 8S now with a quick shifter as standard.
Yes, I spotted that. Luckily, in Ireland the Hornet hasn’t had a price increase yet (but probably incoming) so I’ve put a deposit down.
Here in the US the 8S price also increased $150 for the 24 model. No changes except for color options and remaining 23's currently are $1000 off retail so I took advantage of that deal. We now can get Transalp's but Hornet's are still unavailable (?).
Thanks for the video Andy i think i am with on the Suzuki as i have only tried the Honda up to now, but think this bike makes good sense, won't bother you again, W...........
Don't be silly - you're not bothering me!
Did you notice the TFT screen go into negative mode when you went under the bridge? nifty.
Cool isn’t it!
I've just spent 6 hours a day for the last 5 days riding this bike for my uk A license. I haven't got much experience with big bikes but will say it was a pleasure to ride, easy on the bum, fun to open up and felt very planted. The torque was definitely great as a newbie as power was on tap from any low down gear. Over all i would seriously consider owning one
Did you pass?
Module 1 passed. Module 2 this week, very nervous...
And just passed module 2, feeling mostly very relieved it's done, but excited to start looking for a bigger bike.
@@pobman2011 Congratulations - well done and welcome to biking!
I was hoping you would have mentioned the fueling at walking pace 1st gear clutch out. simulating a traffic jam, or really busy town traffic.
Sorry - I feel I've let you down!
@@TheMissendenFlyer its just that I am really interested in the bike, and I can not get a demo ride in my location, and my F900XR is obsoletely abysmal in slow traffic, I have to work the clutch all the time.
Always love your reviews, but the hard panning of most of the sound to the left made it almost unwatchable with headphones, I'm sorry to say!
Sorry about that - new mic on order!
Thank you Mr. Flyer. Another middle weight winner by the looks of it. I don't dislike the actual headlights but the "shroud" is a bit weird to my eyes, as long as they light up the road I suppose it's not a deal breaker to most prospective buyers? I'm going to check out the white/blue option as that sounds a rather snazzy option. Happy motoring. :>)
Took me a while to adjust. Love it now. My bike is the background on my desktop.
I currently ride a '21 street triple and still don't like the headlights lol. :>)
First impressions from me, is that I could not look down at what is in front of me, and enjoy that view. A TFT screen just seems weird on a naked bike. I also could not live with the look of the headlight. As they say, "The beauty is in the eyes of the 'beer holder'". 😂
Very true Kevin...
I can't help but really love the colour!
Seems a treat, but I have a 2019 sv650 (which I shall keep forever), but 8S doesn't seem enough *more* to be the step up I'd like. The gsx-s750 or -s1000 does. Or xsr900 or 890 duke R or even gsx-r750 or ninja 636.
Thanks for the great vid, any chance you could review a bmw f800gt?
Many thanks
Chris
Possibly!
I'm quite hoping that Suzuki will build a GX version as a competitor to the Yamaha Tracer 7. I didn't really like the GSX1000 GX, mostly because of the revvy 4 cylinder and weight so an 800 twin would be ideal. I'd be quite tempted to buy one.
Looked at the black model the other day and noticed the garden hose clips and cheap rubber hoses attached to the cooling system, apart from that I think this bike will be succesful.
Well it is built to a price point....
Morning, looks like it was a nice ride.
Morning!
Hi Andy, great review, I just phoned my local Honda dealer to enquire about the Hornet and was informed the price has gone up £300 to £7299, then I looked up deals for the GSX-8S and saw there are many on discount, some for £7499, which surprised me, so not much difference between the Honda and the Suzuki, plus the Suzuki has a quick shifter as standard, like you say, plus an extra years warranty on the Suzuki ? Do you have to have it serviced by Suzuki to validate it ? Thanks.
No you shouldn’t have too…
Afternoon Andy, I’d like to see you review an original Hornet 600 and a Bandit 600 to see what you think of the 4 cylinder bikes against their modern descendants.
Lovely looking bike , when you were riding I thought that tank style looks just like a Moto Guzzi Breva or Sport from early 2000. I know your not to keen on Guzzi's but you cannot fault the design of Italian bikes , 15 or so years ahead of anything else.
I don't have a problem with Guzzi's! Mrs Flyer does mind.....
I've just put a deposit down for one 7.5k brand new now 🎉can't wait.
Congratulations and enjoy!
Thanks for the review. I just looked at one today. Have not ridden it yet, but will soon. I think the bike looks great but when I test ride it that will tell the story. I gather it does not have ABS...or does it?
Yes it has ABS
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks!
Great review,looks like a winner for Suzuki!
I think so too!
I don’t think it looks that bad and they do look better in the flesh. I have had a go on one and they do ride and go well it goes through the gears great with the quick shifter. You do have to ride these twin engines different to what people may be used to with four cylinder engines, I like to change a little early until third and then nail it big grin. I need to have a try on the Hornet.
How different is it to ride versus an in-line 4?
@@johnflavin1602 I would say first I like twins I currently have a RE Continental GT and Honda NT 1100. They vibrate at lower revs then smooth out, the 4 cly bikes are much smoother, you need to rev the 4 cylinder bikes to get the power the twins get going a low earlier, for me that’s the biggest different and why I prefer a twin. That’s just my none expert steady rider review 👍
@@chrisdagnall8666 Thanks. I had a CBR600F about 10 years ago, it was fantastic but this time around I’m going to get the Hornet. No opportunity to test drive here in Ireland unfortunately. Let me know if you get to test one.
I think this is going to be Suzuki's new SV. It's a good looking bike for sure.
OOPS should watch entire vid before comment ? I too know Denham very well as i grew up there ,
Remember when the infamous roundabout when it went in, caused a lot of confusion at first but works well once you got the swing of it, ATB Wayne.
I imagine that was the case with a lot of roundabouts!
Andy, it would be fun if you could comparison ride a Suzuki SV650 vs the GSX-8S. The former got naked 20 years ago and still has a round headlight. (I've had a 2003 SV650 since new) I'm also a V-Strom fan boi (have a DL1000) and still wish Suzuki had put the money into refining the V-twin 650 rather than this whole new parallel twin design. (Maybe an emissions thing?)
The SV650 motor is brilliant; not sure it needs any refining. I think today's parellel twin fashion is a cost cutting excercise by manufacturers. Surely a Vee engine (2, 4, 6, 8, or 12) is mechanically about the best for practical use.
@@derekm6236agree on the motor; I should have specified I was referring to the DL-650 chassis. Gone the suffix "DE" route like they have on the 800 and the 1050.
I agree - I love the Suzuki v twins…
Look at the smile in the mirror. A rider's motorcycle it is.. Good looking machine. Those lights up front are narrow and hidden from the side, good job. Remember the stacked lights of the 70's on the choppers? We won't go there. Maybe a two day trip up north on it. Really learn it some more, mileage, comfort and such. Loos winner to me. Maybe the best part as there are five versions of the machine in Suzuki's lineup. So a big long term gasoline powered investment from the home office. That means a lot especially doing RTW middle of nowhere travel. This was a good nice to the point fasat review. Lot about the roads and mainly the machine and talking from the cockpit with a view ahead. What's not to like. Winner , winner, chicken dinner.
Glad you liked it Sam - thanks for watching!
I see for '24 there's a halfway house coming,between the 8S and the V-Strom 800...a V-Strom with 19/17" cast wheels!
Going to be real curious how the new GSX-8R version will be, when it starts production and importation.
Simply put, I'd say the answer is yes. A few points to bear in mind:
- prices have changed so the difference is now £900, not £1000
- Suzuki dealers have been offering some discounts whereas I've not heard of Honda dealers doing so
- (as stated) the Suzuki includes a quick shifter as standard whereas it's a £240 option on the Honda
So in reality the price difference becomes £660 given that a quick shifter is essentially a must-have for many riders nowadays. A £500 discount should be realistically achievable on the Suzuki so the real world price difference then becomes a mere £160.
On the flip side, heated grips are £271 on the Honda whereas they're an even more exorbitant £357 on the Suzuki.
Yes all good points - thanks for that....
One thing I like about Suzuki, apart from the bikes, of course, is the mirrors! I love the way you can easily twist them out of the way when required, it's very handy. More bike manufactures should take a leaf out of Suzuki's book. As for the Suzuki GSX-8S, it's a decent bike for the price. It looks okay, much better from the side. The projector headlight looks like something Yamaha would come up with! It also looks like you can't fit an end can on it, either. 👍
Yes good point about the mirrors
@@TheMissendenFlyer Guess what, nothing to do with the Suzuki GSX-8S, I should be getting a Kawasaki Z900RS SE “Yellow Ball” sometime next year! Hopefully, it'll be in time for the new registration plate on 1st March 2024, but, the best-laid plans of mice and men and all that, it depends on the insurance quotes, which have gone up by 44 percent, I can't wait, though!
Sunday Pub Quiz
Did you know that the quote "the best-laid plans of mice and men and all that", is from “To a Mouse,” by Robert Burns in 1785: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft a-gley [Go oft awry].”
No, neither did I, I thought it was Shakespeare-but what do I know! 👍
Agree. However my Honda CBR500R was easier. You could just push them back. No nut to adjust.
I think the Hornet is a better buy imho. Yeah people say Suzuki has quickshifter as standard, but i can add that a few hundred quid and still cheaper than the Suzuki. The Hornet has mid and top end power too. Just my personal preference.
They are both great bikes - we are spoiled for choice these days!
It needs a front belly pan and if the metal frame was black and not blue then it would look much nicer
I should have an MOT coming up, depends if my break light is working lol. if not i will not travel there. think the cost of motoring is gonna skyrocket, even for gas bikes. well i said this before, if it does how would you sell them.
Good review , looking forward to the new 'street' strom due out . I see bmw have got your new bike /fav colour sorted Andy, green with gold rims , more compact ,lowering aid ,not a fan of the 1250 ,ugly bike but new one s star lights are growing on me .
Hmm, we shall see....
You mention the big brands, meaning Japanese I presume? Royal Enfield, Triumph, Kawasaki, Yamaha (ok, that one is modern but with a traditional look) BSA, Moto Guzzi to name a few that make lovely retro bikes. As for the centre stand? I don’t really know about that but it’s not that important to me anyway.
I agree yea, in the flesh it's looks good.
Had a test ride ,… brill!! Agreed looks much better in person great value can get new for £7495
That is a good price isn't it....
Would you be interested in doing a review on the new 790 Duke to compare it to the 8s?
Yes possibly - thanks for the suggestion...
No point lamb chops rides has done a really good one comparing these 2 bikes already
when the triumph 400s come out please try to get your hands on one for us!!!
Trust me I’m trying!
Good stuff ! So better than the Hornet, how about the Triumph Trident ? ( similar price / class etc , obviously !)
All three bikes are excellent imo
@@TheMissendenFlyer ahhh 🙂
Good looking bike!!
A little dicky bird told me you're doing a review on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000sx (or Z1000sx)......looking forward to this (if it's happening?)
Yep coming soon.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer Excellent news!! As an owner of a 2022 model I'll be very interested in you review 😁 I did add a full de-cat exhaust system to mine which really freed the engine up and also makes an amazing sound (the stock exhaust is far to quiet).
I'm sure i saw somewhere that you can legally take old 70s 2 strokes into the ulez zone. Brilliant, that's a big 2 fingers up to the mayor. 😂 👍
I didn't know that - nice one....
Ah, 'the Oxford Street chain-saw rally draws tens of thousands' - all by public transport - (cough : )
You can drive anything into ULEZ zones but you have to pay for the privilege.
I meant without paying the fee.
@@trevjones1315 Two categories of historic vehicles are exempt from ULEZ: All vehicles built before 1 January 1973. Vehicles over 40 years old that have been successfully registered with the DVLA for a historic vehicle tax class.
Does it pull hard in the upper rpms? Also Would you rather own this bike or the gsxs 750?
Not sure I’ve ridden the gsxs 750 so it’s hard to say!
@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks
Nice video to wake up to as the owner of the new Hornet I have wondered if I should have waited and tried this as well. Don't get me wrong I've done nearly 2000miles on the Hornet and its brilliant and it has bags of low down grunt despite what some reviews say. Its also a grand cheaper than this. I do think the 8s looks a better though except the back end with the rear light stuck out on the very long stalk making a tail tidy not an easy job. Also the big exhaust box under the bike is not nice. Otherwise I like it better. The Hornet also has phone connectivity and this doesn't. MCN tested them together and gave both 5 stars but gave the win to the 8s because of its better handling and low down grunt. If they were the same price Id probably agree but as they're budget nakeds I think that grand difference makes a lot of difference. Btw you can now buy the 790duke for £7000 so that might be an even better buy than the Hornet even though its made in China now🙄
SO many great bikes to choose from in this sector of the market!
Happily I think you definitely made the right choice. All the hype over the Suzuki makes me laugh. The Hornet is vastly quicker and far more fun to ride. I never trust any MCN reviews It is always best to test ride yourself.
It isn’t a £1000 difference if you add the shifter/blipper and an extra yrs warranty to match Suzuki’s 3yrs
Yes true but anyone who only has £7000 can go buy a Hornet for that and add things like a quick shifter later if they want. You can't ask for the quick shifter to be removed on the 8s to save some money. Price is massive in the budget middleweight session. Money no object and bikes like the street triple and 890r come in to play
The street triple is a good bike, the KTM 790/890 I’d be concerned that the dealer would have it more than me ☹️ with the issue they seem to have, forums are full of comments re problems
is your clutch lever also loose like it doesn't fully go back all the way?
Nope
Stunning colour