2024 Suzuki GSX-8S Review

Back in 2022, Suzuki announced their new 776cc liquid cooled parallel twin engine. It was going to make its way into a host of bikes, and replace the tried and true 650cc V-twin engine that has been in so many Suzuki’s since the 90’s. Announced to be in the new V-Strom 800, and GSX-8S, the hype and talk was real. When the GSX-8S and V-Strom were finally in show rooms floors, people started to buy them up and begin their adventures with this all new, exciting update from Suzuki. So how does the all-new engine, and power delivery live up to the original 650cc V-twin?

Right off the bat, it’s unbelievably well balanced. Smooth, with a strong character and pull throughout the mid range of the revs, this new 800cc engine is turning out to be a head turner and a talking piece among the V-Strom groups, as a worthy successor to the V-Twin. I am riding the GSX-8S today, and let me just say that if this is next to the SV650, which has been in Suzuki’s line up since the late 90’s, I have to say this is a major update, but not so much an improvement as it is a continuation for Suzuki. The 8S has a ride by wire throttle, instead of traditional cables, making the throttle response light and snappy. I have yet to try the V-Strom, but I feel the 8S is more focused on HP while the V-Strom is probably more focused on Torque. This bike is quick off the line, producing 83 strong ponies and about 58 lb-ft of torque. Gearing feels buttery smooth, and no wonder as the 8S has a quick shifter out the crate, making up shifts effortless and responsive. Down shifts are still clutch enabled, but with the slipper clutch helping on those down shifts makes everything linear and perfectly timed. There were no hiccups or false neutrals to be had in the 6 speed gear box, making this one of the easiest to ride Suzuki’s I’ve ridden to date. Up front for brakes we have dual disk brakes with 4 piston calipers on both, ABS of course, and in the rear a single disk with one piston caliper, ABS also. At 445lbs, this bike flicks and leans into corners with sturdy confidence, and the 14L tank is easy to hold between your legs, making each lean feel hugged to you. 

Now I only had this bike for a night, so I didn’t have long to take it on any good distance rides to see how it would feel being in the saddle for more then an hour, but I will say that it fits me really well. I stand at 6ft 2”, and the 32” seat height feels right at home for me. I was on it for a consistent 45 mins, taking it on the highway and through some backroad twisties. Now this is the naked variant, being that there is an 8R full fairing model, and on the highway you can feel everything. At about 110 km/h, the wind was really pushing from my chest up to my head, making it a quick highway journey as I don’t think I could stand to be riding for anything more than 30 mins highway. As soon as I got to some backroads and the wind settled down, this bike was right at home. Its effortless to fling through corners, and banging through the gears is beyond satisfying. At the 45 min mark, I pulled in to a gas station rest stop to hop off and see how I was feeling. My hips felt loose and comfortable, no tightness to be had. No soreness to be had in my behind, and my back felt fine even with the sportier suspension this bike has. I think this would be an excellent city slayer, but also a beautiful bike to go find some twisty back roads way outside the city. 

Guys, this was a phenomenal bike to ride, for the short period that I had it. It’s a premature review, but I will say that if I had it longer I think I would have liked it just as much as I do now with my limited experience with it. Our 2024 Suzuki Demo Day is coming up, Tuesday June 11th. If you want to be one of the people that gets to test ride one of these bad boys, I would suggest if you’re reading this before the start date that you call in to our Sales Department and book your spot, as they fill up fast. That’s all for now, I will see you guys in the next review. 

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Author: Enrique Flores-Smith

Photo credit: Enrique Flores-Smith

Check out the Suzuki GSX-8S HERE!