2023 Suzuki GSX-8S Review | Daily Rider

Zack hits the Daily Rider route on Suzuki’s all-new GSX-8S to see if it’s too little too late, or right on time for this mid-sized naked bike.

SPECS:
MSRP: $8,850
Engine: 776 cc parallel twin
Measured weight: 444 lb. / 201.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. / 14 liters
Seat height: 31.9 in. / 810 mm
Claimed power: 82 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Claimed torque: 57.5 foot-pounds @ 6,500 rpm

Zack’s gear:

0:00 Intro
1:00 Our Sponsor, REVER
1:20 A quick walkaround the GSX-8S
4:04 On The Road!
6:26 Freeway Cruisin’
10:30 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
14:45 Lover’s Lane
16:40 At the Lights
21:00 Gettin’ Dirty
22:10 Will it Wheelie???
24:30 Instagram Questions!
30:00 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard

[bobothemonkey]

“I’m gonna be sad to give it back” is probably the highest praise a bike could get in this show.

[williamfischer]

I’m happy Suzuki is drastically stepping up their game recently. I honestly thought the company was going to die a slow and painful death, however props to the boys in Hamamatsu.

[isorides]

Very weird of suzuki to make the taillight integrated into the rear fender knowing people are going to want to take it off

[johnjcleland]

I thinned my herd this summer, sold a 00 ducati 996s, 02 aprilia rsv 1000 mille r, 08 suzuki dr650, 16 suzuki bandit 1250 and 06 suzuki gsxr. Bought my suzuki gsx 8s almost 2 months ago and its suprising how good it is on curved country roads, short blasts on the interstate and around town. It doesnt have top end of any of those other bikes i had but i am very happy with it, handling and power is very good for the places i ride. It does need a better seat and the tires are good but there are better ones on the market to replace them with when they get worn out. I like it enough to seriously consider getting the rumored gsx 8r in 24. Before talking trash about it and showing ignorance, ride one. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[TheCaptnHammer]

I picked up my first bike in 20 years today. It is a 2023 GSX-8S and is brand new with zero miles. What a fantastic motorcycle! The speed shifter is so nice! If you want a naked bike this one is superb!

[rohanes]

Viewed from the side, the 8S is strangely what I imagined the new Hornet would look like 😅

[ozzyg]

Interesting to see the black version - it’s the only colour I haven’t seen much of outside the press photos. I test rode the 8S recently, after trying out the Hornet - I have to say I fell for the 8S and am hopefully picking mine up next week.

[brokenmedic]

Saw a dude today that had the fender eliminator on one of these. It COMPLETELY changes how the bike looks. Sweet little ride that is SO light and flickable.

[marcoluoma]

Thanks for another fun episode. Your comparisons to KTMs reminded me that for a “daily rider” it would be useful to talk about service intervals and cost, as well as expected reliability.

[UpsideDownFork]

So glad that Suzuki made this bike and didn't just slowly die off into oblivion as many have been predicting.
Zack, what camera and microphone do you use? The quality is really good compared to most others!
Always love the daily rider episodes!

[MrMaic]

Please Zack, try the Honda Rebel 1100 manual for daily ride, it's what I'm daily riding myself and would like to hear your opinions!

[chariflakchiri]

Zach - hypothetically, if you had both the GSX-8S and the SV650 in the garage long term, which one would you end up riding daily (commute to work, short twisty jaunts, errands around town etc) more frequently over say a year? I feel you'd be jumping on the 8S more frequently than the SV. Let us know if you disagree.

[eskemeldgaardkrogh]

I really want Suzuki to make a GSX-8GT - THAT would be the bike for me! I want true touring capability and sporty aspirations… Honestly, the GSX-S1000GT is more power than I’d know what to do with.

[uberDoward]

Zack, the dirt road section is my absolutely favorite section, but just wanted to say "thank you" for not jumping on your bad leg, man!

[CFChristian]

Didn't know you and Ari had that kind of relationship. Very cool, heartwarming.

[patw]

Wow it looks great in matte black actually. I hope this does well for Suzuki. It's like the GSXS750, best daily rider I ever rode. That bike didn't get its due.

[flexywing]

You are such a hero, thanks for not calling in sick.

[aaronbehindbars]

I test rode a V-Strom 800 a few days ago and really love this engine. It's smooth, punchy in the mid-range, and has a nice character.

Maybe I can ride one of these, too. Looks fun!

[wwfww]

I appreciate that when you take these road bikes off-road you actually drift and give it some juice!

[The.JZA.]

I love the yellow GSX8R. I wish more bike manufacturers would make yellow bikes!