Nice tech review, I bought one of these last Friday and have watched a lot of videos about it. I learned more this morning about the bike I pick up this afternoon. Thanks.
A great detailed review & description of what you liked/disliked. I have a black version in Aus & it’s a fantastic motorcycle. Definitely the best one I’ve had inside of the many more expensive motorcycles I’ve had. I just wished it had an ambient temperature sensor/read out. You may be enjoying summer, but our winter here is bitterly cold & roads of black ice. Thank you👌
Another excellent review Micheal, thank you. Having recently swapped my old SV650X for a Vstrom650 I really do agree that this mid segment displacement catagory is a great place to be at the moment. I really hope that this "Torque first" sort of approach will help give them an engine that proves as durable and endearing as the outgoing V-twin. It certainly looks promising. Ride safe!
Its not even close to BMW's dash. The resolution is lower, the BMW dash is also an OLED screen that is extremely bright and vivid. The Suzuki dash has 1 screen. The one you see. The BMW dash has multiple screen that allow you to do many things. From checking your trip information, how you ride, your lean angles, your GPS, music, your tyre pressures, engine oil level, the list goes on. This is not comparable to the BMW dash.
Brilliant detailed review, I'd like to see you try out the new transalp sometime and also if you can find out how easy it to access/change the air filter, things like this are important to people who do their own servicing.
Thank you . You have given me an idea there … 👍 I do need to find a friendly Honda dealer who will let me have bikes for the 3-4 days it takes me to make these videos . I do take little test rides but don’t feel I can properly comment after a quick spin . Thanks for watching and as always , taking the time to comment 👍
Talking about the colours available, I don’t like the big beefy silver front forks if I’m being honest. Sorry, I understand you do and maybe others. It was the only reason I didn’t buy one. Funny how such a small thing can prevent the ownership. Plus the black, it has that good shiny paint but a lot of matte, and so I’d stick clear of that as it damages easy and it’s an extra step to keeping it clean. Then I realised that the white hides the forks while making the blue wheels really pop. Now I’m just waiting for the delivery of it.
Hey mate, love the video. I think the mid range naked segment of bikes is going to explode... Ive got a 2014 Z800 and i love it to bits. No overwhelming power, yet more than enough to go to Jail... I'm a little biased but i think id keep my Zed over the Suzuki, mine has 4 cylinders, makes 128 hp (with mods) 89fp of torque and only ABS . I like the purity of my Kawa..
Very interesting. The predecessor could also be the GSX S750, also not being developed presently. Both the SV and S750 are still selling where I live for a chunk less. Have you ridden the Hornet 750 yet? Which is best?
Hi Paul , agree about the GSX . Both are still selling here too . Yes , I have ridden the Hornet . More power but at quite high revs . Personally I prefer the engine and in particular the gearbox of the Suzuki but we are all different .. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . 👍
Excellent review of a very good budget middleweight, it really comes down to your riding style between the GSX-8S and the Hornet but both are superb value for money, sorry to disagree with you re the quickshifter to me it feels pretty agricultural particularly when compared to those on Triumph and BMW.
No problem at all with you disagreeing . Just opinions 👍 My BMW “quick shifters “ are , to me , not as smooth as the Suzuki ones but we may have different riding styles .. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .
Excellent review, very informative. I was thinking of trading in my old Honda Rebel 500 for an MT-07 this spring, but I'm now strongly considering the Suzuki GSX 8S as a possible alternative. It looks like a great bike with good low to mid range power, just exactly what I'm looking for. I've never ridden with a quick shifter before, but I like that they added an option to disable it entirely in case you don't like it! Cheers for this video, I gave it a like.
Glad you found it useful and thanks for the like and comment . The torque is good for a middleweight bike . You may be surprised by how easy the quick shifter is . Definitely worth considering 👍
Hello Mr. Mam, I’ve just exceeded 4,000 miles on my 8S and like you are generally displeased with the performance of the tires. I am on the market for a new set and am curious if you had any recommendations for replacements. Like you, my riding mainly consists of roads at (generally) legal speeds. I’m exposed to far less precipitation than the UK, although the roads I ride are in a comparable state of disrepair. Appreciate your thoughts and cheers from California, USA.
@@DimirGarage Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . I hope you are enjoying the bike . I try to only express a view on tyres I have actually ridden for a while so my experience is not exhaustive ! I have Michelin Road 6’s on a few of my bikes and like , and trust them , particularly in wetter, colder conditions . I have also recently fitted a pair of Metzeler Roadtec 02 to my Z900 RS and have been pleased with them . Slightly sportier, in my opinion , than the 6’s . Lots of good tyres on the market , including Dunlop aftermarket . Sadly it won’t be hard to improve on the OE fitted ones ..
@@michaelmam My thanks for the recommendations sir. I've been greatly pleased with the bike's performance as a commuter. My route is about 60 miles and includes both highway and B-road travel, with roughly 2,000 ft of elevation change. It handles these conditions with ease, the exception being the more deteriorated sections of road that cover about 30-40% of the route. I personally also love the looks of it. I have seen and heard many others refer to it as "Transformer-ish," which reminds me of a comment my father said to me roughly 20 years ago. We saw an advert for Cadillac cars on TV, in which they played a song by Led Zeppelin (I think it was Kashmir.) He commented that, when he was a young man, nobody who was driving a Cadillac would of listened to Led Zeppelin. It was only as his generation became the target market that the brand made that association. I find myself in a similar position with this bike. I grew up watching Transformers, "Mobile Suit Gundam," and various other Japanese programs with a similar visual style. I think Suzuki identified their target market very well, as the bike's looks, character, and price point are almost perfectly aligned for what I was looking for and in a position to afford. Again, thank you for your time and recommendations.
At only 100cc less than my 215kg Ducati ST4 it surprises me that it has 28bhp less and 18nm less and 25mph less, zero vibration, considering the 23 yrs age gap???. Also there seems to be a plethora of these types of engine so they have become the new UJM taking over from the old UJM inline 4 buzzboxes.
I occasionally have this debate with friends who start from the premise that old bikes are heavier . Some definitely were - The Z1 of the 70’s is a lot heavier and less powerful than the new Z900RS , but not all . Emission control ( cats) and liquid cooling have added weight to new bikes , despite the offset of lighter weight components and trims . All engines vibrate of course . It just depends on what frequency and where it is felt ? 👍
@michaelmam Yes agreed, but the 90° Ducatis enjoy "self cancelling" moment of force that parallel twins dont have. I'm always surprised that it has hardly any vibration unless the cambelts go slightly out of spec causing one of the cylinders valve timing to alter ever so slightly. But the older Ducati 8V are divas in many ways....☺️
I suspect the challenge is access to bikes ? I borrow them from local dealers . Some are really good . Kings two wheel centre and North Oxford BMW help me . The manufacturers don’t really offer support to most RUclipsrs ..
Thanks for commenting Adrian . Glad you enjoyed the review . Looks are very subjective of course. Personally I prefer sleeker , less angular lines but some like this , some don’t . It is a good bike , if for me and you , unlikely to win “the most stylish bike of 2023 “ award . Some really like it 👍
Hi Michael. I'm disappointed. I was specifically waiting to see your demonstration of the 270 degree engine! Your pre emptive comment did make me laugh though. 🙂
This class of bikes won't have a future. 800 twins lack of pretty much everything than weight (they got the weight of a full size) so they will get the cc up sooner or later. BMW has been there 10 years ago, building reasonable 800 twins. Since I'm old enough, I don't get the marketing hype of the japanese Manufacturers right now, sry. Should have kept the inline4. Cobbler, stick to your trade.
Bigger Japanese twins are definitely on their way .. Emission legislation , particularly in Europe , has stopped 4 cylinder development in its tracks ..
@@michaelmam you are right for sure but the honda 1100 is so bland... I don't want such engines in a naked. It is a tractor... torquey but boring... same counts for the electric motorcycles, close to unbearable if one ever experienced an inline4 or v4.
@@michaelmam It has become their signature colour for these however I much preferred the GSXS1000 version as it pays a decent homage to the K5 GSXR1000 stroker. Personally I found as a "non learner" that this GSXS-8S wasn't even close to what I wanted so I chose an almost new 2020 Yamaha XSR900 in the heritage white/red colour scheme and it's just so smooth and torquey. Ultra comfy and maybe it's me but I do need the extra 30 ponies over this Suzuki. Bikes are so personal as we both know. Very good video as always and 5 stars for a really professional presentation. Stay safe sir!
@@theaustralianconundrum I am also more used to more powerful bikes . I have a few and , with the exception of a big bore Interceptor and my Vstrom 650, are between 109 - 208 bhp . I try and review these bikes with some empathy for those that are actually looking at 70-90 bhp bikes . Not sure that “it isn’t as fast as my Hayabusa “ would be helpful 😂 Thank you for your comments . I appreciate it 👍
@@michaelmam I understand that you can't dump on these bikes that are below 100bhp as crazy as it sounds to consider 80bhp slow???? How times have changed. Cheers.
@@theaustralianconundrum I have been riding over 40 years and there have always been middleweight twins and indeed singles in the market . In many parts of the world - like India and most of Asia , a 650 is a big bike . Have a good one 👍
@@roadwarrior8560 Yes , maybe . It is a “small” bike . Average height in the UK is apparently 5’10 ? Fortunately there is a good range of bike sizes out there 👍
@@roadwarrior8560I’m 6’ 3” and after test riding one, I think you’d be surprised how much room you have. No particular tank cut-out means there is room for knees. Pegs are still a decent position to make the knee angle not as acute as you may imagine.
Awesome review. Precise, measured informative & covered all aspects. Thank you. I am definitely going to take one out & make a decision then.
Try the new R as well , if you can 👍
I love that you cover rake, wheelbase etc. It's always very important info that even sometimes manufacturers don't list on their spec's.
Thank you . Dimensions are actually one of the first things I look at when looking at a bike 😂 I respect that others are less interested though 👍
I get the impression that the Black Knight liked this one! Being as I grew up a farm kid I agree Torque definitely is your friend. Nice one.....
Hi Leigh , I did like it , actually more than I thought I would . Good bike 👍
Bought mine last week, not spent much time yet due to work, but so far it's been great, engine is a peach
Have fun . Very capable middleweight 👍
Nice tech review, I bought one of these last Friday and have watched a lot of videos about it. I learned more this morning about the bike I pick up this afternoon. Thanks.
Have fun ! Personally , I think they are very capable 👍
I have one, and it’s fantastic. Plenty of torque for overtaking, and very nimble in traffic.
A great detailed review & description of what you liked/disliked. I have a black version in Aus & it’s a fantastic motorcycle. Definitely the best one I’ve had inside of the many more expensive motorcycles I’ve had. I just wished it had an ambient temperature sensor/read out. You may be enjoying summer, but our winter here is bitterly cold & roads of black ice. Thank you👌
Have fun . Good bike . Be careful on the ice !!
Another excellent review Micheal, thank you. Having recently swapped my old SV650X for a Vstrom650 I really do agree that this mid segment displacement catagory is a great place to be at the moment. I really hope that this "Torque first" sort of approach will help give them an engine that proves as durable and endearing as the outgoing V-twin. It certainly looks promising. Ride safe!
Thank you Robert . Glad you enjoyed it . The 650 V is a great , and well proven engine . 🤞 the new engine , which I like , proves as reliable . 👍
A very high quality review! Thank You!
Glad it was helpful!
Very detailed video excellent job here bike looks better in doors with the lighting set up.
Thank you . Bike does look great under lights . 👍
I find your presentations very enjoyable, informative and most professional 👍Thank you for your efforts, I'm sure its more difficult than it looks!
Thank you 👍 I probably make it more difficult than it needs to be 😂
I WANT ONE!!!!!🤤
Mine is coming in 10 days or so
Looks like someone finally made a TFT dash on par with BMW. That's incredibly crisp and clear.
They are very clear 👍
Its not even close to BMW's dash. The resolution is lower, the BMW dash is also an OLED screen that is extremely bright and vivid. The Suzuki dash has 1 screen. The one you see. The BMW dash has multiple screen that allow you to do many things. From checking your trip information, how you ride, your lean angles, your GPS, music, your tyre pressures, engine oil level, the list goes on. This is not comparable to the BMW dash.
@Omar-kw5ui both the screens are extremely clear so I find it kinda mute bringing up OLED, but fully agree with the rest.
Looks great in black
Just tried the 8R , video out later this month . That looks great in Black/Silver as well 👍
Brilliant detailed review, I'd like to see you try out the new transalp sometime and also if you can find out how easy it to access/change the air filter, things like this are important to people who do their own servicing.
Thank you . You have given me an idea there … 👍
I do need to find a friendly Honda dealer who will let me have bikes for the 3-4 days it takes me to make these videos . I do take little test rides but don’t feel I can properly comment after a quick spin . Thanks for watching and as always , taking the time to comment 👍
Talking about the colours available, I don’t like the big beefy silver front forks if I’m being honest. Sorry, I understand you do and maybe others. It was the only reason I didn’t buy one. Funny how such a small thing can prevent the ownership. Plus the black, it has that good shiny paint but a lot of matte, and so I’d stick clear of that as it damages easy and it’s an extra step to keeping it clean. Then I realised that the white hides the forks while making the blue wheels really pop. Now I’m just waiting for the delivery of it.
@@florme6494 looks are very subjective ., as your comment confirms . Glad you found a spec you liked . Have fun 👍
Hey mate, love the video. I think the mid range naked segment of bikes is going to explode... Ive got a 2014 Z800 and i love it to bits. No overwhelming power, yet more than enough to go to Jail... I'm a little biased but i think id keep my Zed over the Suzuki, mine has 4 cylinders, makes 128 hp (with mods) 89fp of torque and only ABS . I like the purity of my Kawa..
Sounds like you have that sorted and are having fun . 👍
Very interesting. The predecessor could also be the GSX S750, also not being developed presently. Both the SV and S750 are still selling where I live for a chunk less. Have you ridden the Hornet 750 yet? Which is best?
Hi Paul , agree about the GSX . Both are still selling here too . Yes , I have ridden the Hornet . More power but at quite high revs . Personally I prefer the engine and in particular the gearbox of the Suzuki but we are all different .. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . 👍
Excellent review of a very good budget middleweight, it really comes down to your riding style between the GSX-8S and the Hornet but both are superb value for money, sorry to disagree with you re the quickshifter to me it feels pretty agricultural particularly when compared to those on Triumph and BMW.
No problem at all with you disagreeing . Just opinions 👍 My BMW “quick shifters “ are , to me , not as smooth as the Suzuki ones but we may have different riding styles .. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment .
Excellent review, very informative. I was thinking of trading in my old Honda Rebel 500 for an MT-07 this spring, but I'm now strongly considering the Suzuki GSX 8S as a possible alternative. It looks like a great bike with good low to mid range power, just exactly what I'm looking for. I've never ridden with a quick shifter before, but I like that they added an option to disable it entirely in case you don't like it! Cheers for this video, I gave it a like.
Glad you found it useful and thanks for the like and comment . The torque is good for a middleweight bike . You may be surprised by how easy the quick shifter is . Definitely worth considering 👍
Hello Mr. Mam,
I’ve just exceeded 4,000 miles on my 8S and like you are generally displeased with the performance of the tires. I am on the market for a new set and am curious if you had any recommendations for replacements.
Like you, my riding mainly consists of roads at (generally) legal speeds. I’m exposed to far less precipitation than the UK, although the roads I ride are in a comparable state of disrepair.
Appreciate your thoughts and cheers from California, USA.
@@DimirGarage Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment . I hope you are enjoying the bike .
I try to only express a view on tyres I have actually ridden for a while so my experience is not exhaustive !
I have Michelin Road 6’s on a few of my bikes and like , and trust them , particularly in wetter, colder conditions . I have also recently fitted a pair of Metzeler Roadtec 02 to my Z900 RS and have been pleased with them . Slightly sportier, in my opinion , than the 6’s .
Lots of good tyres on the market , including Dunlop aftermarket . Sadly it won’t be hard to improve on the OE fitted ones ..
@@michaelmam My thanks for the recommendations sir. I've been greatly pleased with the bike's performance as a commuter. My route is about 60 miles and includes both highway and B-road travel, with roughly 2,000 ft of elevation change. It handles these conditions with ease, the exception being the more deteriorated sections of road that cover about 30-40% of the route.
I personally also love the looks of it. I have seen and heard many others refer to it as "Transformer-ish," which reminds me of a comment my father said to me roughly 20 years ago. We saw an advert for Cadillac cars on TV, in which they played a song by Led Zeppelin (I think it was Kashmir.) He commented that, when he was a young man, nobody who was driving a Cadillac would of listened to Led Zeppelin. It was only as his generation became the target market that the brand made that association.
I find myself in a similar position with this bike. I grew up watching Transformers, "Mobile Suit Gundam," and various other Japanese programs with a similar visual style. I think Suzuki identified their target market very well, as the bike's looks, character, and price point are almost perfectly aligned for what I was looking for and in a position to afford.
Again, thank you for your time and recommendations.
@@DimirGarage Great comment. Sounds like you are happy with the bike , which is good. Good luck with new tyres 👍
I found the suspension really wanting........... Very crashy. Ride a 2020 XSR 900 and it's bliss! I am not an engineer. ))
I dont i find it smooth and well damped beeter bike
Please
SUZUKI release a YOSHIMURA special edition.
Both this bike and the Yamaha XSR900 are available nearby; how does this compare to the XSR900?
Hi , thanks for watching . Sadly I haven’t tried the Yamaha so can’t say . I hear good reports but that isn’t the same as actually trying one ! 👍
Different class
900 has more power but you may find the GSX 8S better for sport-oriented tasks, the XSR is more of a retro/commuting vibe with a really fun engine.
At only 100cc less than my 215kg Ducati ST4 it surprises me that it has 28bhp less and 18nm less and 25mph less, zero vibration, considering the 23 yrs age gap???.
Also there seems to be a plethora of these types of engine so they have become the new UJM taking over from the old UJM inline 4 buzzboxes.
I occasionally have this debate with friends who start from the premise that old bikes are heavier . Some definitely were - The Z1 of the 70’s is a lot heavier and less powerful than the new Z900RS , but not all . Emission control ( cats) and liquid cooling have added weight to new bikes , despite the offset of lighter weight components and trims . All engines vibrate of course . It just depends on what frequency and where it is felt ? 👍
@michaelmam Yes agreed, but the 90° Ducatis enjoy "self cancelling" moment of force that parallel twins dont have. I'm always surprised that it has hardly any vibration unless the cambelts go slightly out of spec causing one of the cylinders valve timing to alter ever so slightly. But the older Ducati 8V are divas in many ways....☺️
@@bradcobb3418 Hi Brad , I actually have a couple of Ducati twins in the garage so know what you mean in both regards . 👍
What is that controller in the middle?
I use it to turn my GoPro camera on 👍
Great test, but why are all RUclipsrs never mention the KTM Duke 790, go on give one a go
I suspect the challenge is access to bikes ? I borrow them from local dealers . Some are really good . Kings two wheel centre and North Oxford BMW help me . The manufacturers don’t really offer support to most RUclipsrs ..
Such a shame KTM are missing a great opportunity here, as the 790s should be in the mix. I think they put Honda n Suzuki to test in middle weights
@@flexywing Maybe its because their sold out lol. KTM literally dominates this segment.
Excellent review thanks. Frame and engine look ordinary same with the Z650RS. Not an attractive bike at all.
Thanks for commenting Adrian . Glad you enjoyed the review . Looks are very subjective of course. Personally I prefer sleeker , less angular lines but some like this , some don’t . It is a good bike , if for me and you , unlikely to win “the most stylish bike of 2023 “ award . Some really like it 👍
@@juh7111 😂
Hi Michael. I'm disappointed. I was specifically waiting to see your demonstration of the 270 degree engine! Your pre emptive comment did make me laugh though. 🙂
😂
Isn’t the predecessor the GSXS 750?
You could look at it that way 👍 My view is that because it is a twin rather than a four , it is probably the upgrade for the 650 twin ?
This class of bikes won't have a future. 800 twins lack of pretty much everything than weight (they got the weight of a full size) so they will get the cc up sooner or later. BMW has been there 10 years ago, building reasonable 800 twins. Since I'm old enough, I don't get the marketing hype of the japanese Manufacturers right now, sry. Should have kept the inline4. Cobbler, stick to your trade.
Bigger Japanese twins are definitely on their way .. Emission legislation , particularly in Europe , has stopped 4 cylinder development in its tracks ..
@@michaelmam you are right for sure but the honda 1100 is so bland... I don't want such engines in a naked. It is a tractor... torquey but boring... same counts for the electric motorcycles, close to unbearable if one ever experienced an inline4 or v4.
@@ronr6605 I love twins! lol My fav are the W800 and the MT-07 which i did replace with an GSX-8S this year. :)
Great bike but it looks dull in this colour. 1990 [Nick J]
The blue ones are very “Suzuki” 👍
@@michaelmam It has become their signature colour for these however I much preferred the GSXS1000 version as it pays a decent homage to the K5 GSXR1000 stroker. Personally I found as a "non learner" that this GSXS-8S wasn't even close to what I wanted so I chose an almost new 2020 Yamaha XSR900 in the heritage white/red colour scheme and it's just so smooth and torquey. Ultra comfy and maybe it's me but I do need the extra 30 ponies over this Suzuki. Bikes are so personal as we both know. Very good video as always and 5 stars for a really professional presentation. Stay safe sir!
@@theaustralianconundrum I am also more used to more powerful bikes . I have a few and , with the exception of a big bore Interceptor and my Vstrom 650, are between 109 - 208 bhp . I try and review these bikes with some empathy for those that are actually looking at 70-90 bhp bikes . Not sure that “it isn’t as fast as my Hayabusa “ would be helpful 😂 Thank you for your comments . I appreciate it 👍
@@michaelmam I understand that you can't dump on these bikes that are below 100bhp as crazy as it sounds to consider 80bhp slow???? How times have changed. Cheers.
@@theaustralianconundrum I have been riding over 40 years and there have always been middleweight twins and indeed singles in the market . In many parts of the world - like India and most of Asia , a 650 is a big bike . Have a good one 👍
I'm 6ft 5 I just wish they made bikes bigger
I am 5 ‘8 and glad they don’t .. 😂
@@michaelmam 2019 MT10. BY THE WAY
@@michaelmam I'm 6'1", I'm probably a bit too tall for this too
@@roadwarrior8560 Yes , maybe . It is a “small” bike . Average height in the UK is apparently 5’10 ? Fortunately there is a good range of bike sizes out there 👍
@@roadwarrior8560I’m 6’ 3” and after test riding one, I think you’d be surprised how much room you have. No particular tank cut-out means there is room for knees. Pegs are still a decent position to make the knee angle not as acute as you may imagine.