Suzuki GSX-8S vs Yamaha MT-07 Head-to-Head

For a number of years now, new motorcyclists looking for a bike to enjoy after taking their test would turn to the Yamaha MT-07 as a perfect route. Its combination of distinctive styling, a fantastic #CP2 engine, and an inimitable fun factor made it a firm favourite and de facto ruler of the sub-1,000cc naked sector.

That middleweight naked world is changing though, and it's the emergence of bikes like the new Suzuki GSX-8S that are shaking the tree and looking to pull riders from the Yamaha brand.

To find out if the Yamaha has still got what it takes to rule the roost, Visordown's Toad and Matt spent a sunny day blasting around the Northamptonshire countryside, swapping #bikes and opinions as they went.

#Yamaha #MT-07 #Suzuki #GSX8S

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[howesteve]

Really wish when you guys would do these comparison videos that you'd refer to the bikes by their names, and stop referring to them as "this one here" "mine" "the one I got" ect.... Because people like me like to listen to your videos while doing other things like driving, and I can't see what "this one" or "that one" is that you're referring to. Please help your listeners. Because then this video is doomed to be only viewed while I'm pooping.

[tvbuu]

Just off of looks the 8s looks better to me

[robertschulz]

The MT07 urgently needs an update so as not to lose too much ground to the competition. Nice and honest review!

[tombztone]

2:39 the GSX-8S doesn't come with all LED lighting.
Not sure why Suzuki decided to skimp a few bucks and went with the halogen indicators.
They don't belong on any new bike tbh.

[paulconnell]

Hove the head to head videos, you guys do it well. I bought the GSX 8S. Love it. Feels like a more grown up bike than it is. Mind you the 8R looks cool...

[ragerider]

Nice review. The GSX8S is definitely a cut above & there's been a changing of the guard for sure. However when Yamaha upgrade this to the inevitable MT08 & hopefully make it a bit prettier with better suspension too, it'll be back up there.

[zed]

My MT07 had garbage suspension, the 8S feels way better right off the bat. Really surprises me these comparisons don't really talk about that.

[bouncii]

Gsx8r or mt07 both restricted to 48Hp? I wanna get one of them as A2 bike I want the one with more torque at lower rpm so the gsx has more nm but weighs like 20kg more what do u guys think what bike has more power of them 2? They both 2 cylinder so they have good torque at lower rpm right

[CraigSmith]

I have a 17 model Yamaha and I wouldn't trade it in for the Suzuki, but if I didn't have it and was shopping for a bike I would probably choose the Suzuki. I don't really care for the looks of the headlight on either model though.

[johnweeks]

I don't get it. Since when are " handling foybles" a wonderful part of a bikes character ? I've ridden the MT enough to know the brakes and suspension let the bike down. No USD forks and not even radially mounted calipers which, (lets face it) arn't big budget items that would have helped the bike a lot. The short wheelbase does allow easy wheelies and make you feel like a hoon but also contribute to the instabilty in corners. No doubt Yamaha already have an updated bike in the making to match the new hotshots.

[TheMarineCorp]

Just a great video. Im thinking about buying the R7 maybe the Mt

[cody]

Nothing will ever beat that mt07 aftermarket exhaust sound, the seating position is fabulous and the funness and thrill you get is unmatched. But the big upgrade on the Suzuki is the inverted forks and the added weight may not be terrible given it looks like it’s just built better. What I don’t like about the mt07 that makes it light is the frame. 1 bad wreck and it’s totaled. Too thin

[farmoboy]

There is no comparison regarding quality of suspension, brakes and overal between this two. 8s superior on everything and in my country 1000eur more than mt07 which costs the same as the new hornet which is again superior in every way to the mt07. Yamaha needs one of two things, refresh the mt07 to better suspension and tech or lower the price by 1000eur. Same applies to sv650 which is my favourite bike but not acceptable to cost almost the same as the new hornet.

[Harudes]

No bike has ever given me a bigger smile than the MT-07. In fact it was so much fun that I traded in my GSX-R1000 for it.

[jaimerivera]

Hey guys, I wanted to see drag style race to see how they compare fast wise.... Im shopping for my 1st bike, do both feel like they have enough power for a 6' 205 lb guy?.. i havent tested them yet..

[geoffarrowsmith]

In Australia the full power Yamaha MT07 is $14449 rideaway (7377GBP) and the Suzuki GSX8S is $14190 (7245GBP) and Hornet 750 $13450 (6867). From what I understand though is that the LAMS/A2 version of the Yamaha MT07 (655cc) outsells the full power version by about 10 to 1 here. Yamaha may not have such a problem selling their product in the LAMS/A2 market.

[JinZuS]

you said it, the GSX 8s feels like a brand new bike whereas the MT-07, could be much better if Yamaha wasn't trying to milk several versions by adding some options that are already stock in 2024 bikes, like traction - quick shifter - slipper clutch, better suspensions, etc, instead of just adding an LED display & slightly changing LED lights

[UnicycleWheelie]

The MT07 needs inverted forks and it would be perfect

[czechoslavakianrambo]

To think you need 3 modes of traction control on a 83hp bike is laughable.

[flexywing]

Love to see the KTM790 Duke in this mix v Honda Hornet