If there is one thing Suzuki bikes are known for, it is their downright reliability and durability. In fact, some of Suzuki’s 1,000cc and 750cc engines are so reliable that they have been carried over for years, fitted in numerous models in the past decade.
Having decided not to fix what isn’t broken, Suzuki kept reusing these engines and didn’t really come up with anything new for quite some time, unlike its competitors like Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Ducati which kept introducing many new models and new technologies in recent times.
However, Suzuki finally received the boost it needed through the MotoGP World Championship in 2022 with Alex Rins, as the victory saw the manufacturer bounce back to life and release the all-new Suzuki Hayabusa immediately, making the world stop for a moment when it was unveiled.
Fortunately, the efforts didn’t just stop with the Busa as the company continued developing more models, including the bike we’re looking at here – the all-new Suzuki GSX-8S.
Overview
Unveiled at last year’s EICMA exhibition in Italy, the GSX-8S is here to succeed the GSX-S750 which has been around since 2015. It made its Malaysian debut in June with an asking price of RM50,800.
Completely new from ground up, the GSX-8S here features a completely new platform, a new liquid-cooled parallel-twin 776cc engine, a fresh new design inspired by the new GSX-S1000, as well as many new tech and gadgetry which puts the brand’s new middleweight contender on par with its rivals.
Paired with a six-speed gearbox with a chain final-drive, the GSX-8S produces 81.8 hp of maximum power at at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of maximum torque at 6,500 rpm. Also part of the package is the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector with three riding modes, traction control with three settings, and a bidirectional quick-shifter.
Other standard features include a fully digital TFT display, low RPM assist, a 14-litre fuel tank, 17-inch wheels in front and at the rear, and an easy start system for easy ride-ability in the urban environment and lower speeds. Weighing 202 kg, the GSX-8S comes with a seat height of 810 mm in case you’re wondering.
As for the suspension, we have KYB upside-down forks in front and monoshock at the rear. Stopping power on the other hand, comes courtesy of twin Nissin four-piston calipers in front with 310 mm discs, as well as a 240 mm disc in the rear.
Three colours are available for the GSX-8S in Malaysia – Pearl Cosmic Blue, Pearl Tech White dan Metallic Matt No.2/Glass Sparkle Black – while a two-year or 20,000 km warranty is provided against manufacturing defects.
Riding the Suzuki GSX-8S
Here to take on middleweight naked bikes like the Kawasaki Z800, Yamaha MT-09, the KTM Duke 790, and the Ducati Monster just to name a few, the Suzuki GSX-S8 is a well-balanced all-rounder that is fit for all occasions.
The bike offers a very comfortable and upright sitting position with the foot peg and handlebar positioned in the right places, meaning that you’re always in a very relaxed riding position which is ideal for daily commute as well as long distance riding. Thanks to the new lightweight frame, the bike feels very agile as well, making direction-changes a walk in the park.
There are three power modes (A,B,C) to choose from, with A being the most aggressive, B which is like a ‘Normal’ mode, and C which is essentially a Rain mode. As for Traction Control, there are three levels, from “0” which means “off”, all the way to “3” which means maximum traction. Throughout our stint with the GSX-8S, we had Traction Control in 3 and chose power mode “A” – meaning maximum power with maximum traction.
In town, riding the GSX-8S could be done effortlessly. The smoothness of the engine, particularly in the low end of the rev range, means you don’t get tired from riding it. Making things even better was the quick shifter which made life easier.
As relaxed and enjoyable as it is at low revs, where the GSX-8S shines the most is in the middle of the rev range, when you’re shifting between the third, fourth, and fifth gears at speeds between 80 km/h and 130 km/h. The way it keeps its composure as you accelerate is just mighty impressive and confidence-instilling.
Since there is a lack of wind protection, touring is not an area in which the GSX-8S excels, but if you want to go long distance, just make sure that the route you choose is a twisty one like Karak or Ulu Yam where fun, therapy, and some healing is guaranteed.
In all, what we have here is a bike that is not only suitable for beginners due to its smoothness, composure, and forgiving nature, but also powerful and capable enough for more experienced riders and old-timers to have a blast on.
It may not be as wild or as powerful as some of its competitors, but it does what it does with a level of smoothness that is very impressive. Further complemented by a sexy design, a well-sorted suspension system, adequate stopping power and a competitive price tag of RM50,000, the Suzuki GSX-8S clearly has what it takes to give its rivals a good run for their money.
