Is the Suzuki GSX-8R The MOST VERSATILE Sportbike To Date?

Suzuki jumps into the parallel-twin, middleweight sportbike competition with its GSX-8R. Take everything we love about the S model, add a more protective fairing to break the wind, keep the same awesome engine, and you end up with perhaps Suzuki’s most versatile sportbike.

Looking to buy? Get prequalified

[EnjoyTheRideMC]

I just rode 280-ish miles on my GSX-8R today, and I could do more. This tall (6'-2") old guy's body is really liking the ergos of this machine. Nice work Suzuki.

[ninji]

One of the best looking bikes I've seen in a while. Affordable (relatively speaking), power but not superbike useless, and nice ergos, , well done Suzuki, well done.

[shmac]

Dude! Suzuki is killing it lately! I love their designs and their approach now. Good on ya Suzuki and keep em coming!

[sv]

The thing with the saved dashboard is a good point any other review missed so far

[nzx]

Suzuki used to be the king back in early 2000’s good to see them making some good products. This is really what a lot of riders want.

[msdTvT]

Looks well suited to be a sport tourer rather than an out and out track bike….would consider one actually. But Suzuki would probably release a sports touring version once I’ve bought one the way my luck usually goes…😅

[paulb_]

Love that Silver with red wheels. They all look good though, lets be honest!!

[jonathanwelke]

I love this in yellow! Hopefully we get this color in Canada

[marcusgeorge]

As an ex Australian Factory backed Suzuki Superbike racer I might be a little biased. However, to see some fresh ideas and use of technology from a brand that mostly sticks to evolution, I think these new offerings are a step in the right direction. 👍😎🇦🇺

[fleemos]

This thing looks great in that yellow. Good job Suzuki.

[BlackArroToons]

Cool yellow/black combination of this twin GSX8R. Thanks for the review.

[mrsilbo]

Very interesting review in just a few minutes. Much better than those who drone on and on. Just wish we got the yellow model in the UK!

[SteveSteeleMusic]

I’m glad they came out with an R version. This bike is on my list for my next bike.

[freebehindbars]

Glad to see Suzuki stepping it up. They’ve always made great bikes, change comes slow but it’s a positive.

[phatsmitty]

BTW Blake - after reading your articles in printed CW for years, it is nice to see your face and hear your voice!!

[MixedGrid]

I love my 8R. It's an amazing bike if you're wanting a comfortable sport touring bike. No regrets about buying it at all. Comfortable on the highway, plenty fun in the twisties, and capable of longer trips. I've done it all and I'm impressed by the bike. The only gripe someone can have is a lack of power for a sport touring bike. So if you're well experienced and want more than 100hp this isn't the bike. Saying that... The 8R makes up for some of that power lacking with the quick-shifter.

[ethancknight]

You know, I’ve never liked yellow. Always hated it.

But I would own this bike in yellow. Gorgeous.

[AdeptusAmogus]

This bike is honestly the only real competition for the new Triumph Daytona 660, at least here in the US. The 2024 Ninja 650 can be ignored as its engine hasn't seen any improvements in years. The 2024 R7 is still super track oriented with its lack of rider aids, dated electronics, and aggressive riders triangle. The updated 2024 CBR650R apparently isn't coming to the US (apparently they're just relaunching the 2023 version with new graphics/colors), and even if it was, it'd probably be close to $2k more. Lastly, the RS660 is out of the price range of most folks just looking for a normal sporty middleweight bike, as its OTD price alone is nearly around $3-4k more than the GSX-8R and Daytona 660, not to mention the lack of dealerships, high insurance costs, and high maintenance prices.

[PlaySA]

Really nice looking bike, I'll say that for free. Like how slim it is, and the colors and fairing shape look great

[phatsmitty]

Excellent review. Yamaha made the CP2 and it is now featured in four of their bikes, because it is a gem. Well done Suzuki, they see that specs mean less and character means more. This is a great era for motorbikes and riders.