Suzuki GSX8R and S1000 GX (2024) Launch - First Ride Impressions
We spent four days testing out two of Suzuki's latest models on our way to, around and back from the Hazyview Sabie area. The new 8R and GX models are truly something to see and ride and we were there to try it all out ourselves.
The same but not...
Suzuki South Africa has just expanded its local lineup with two new motorcycles based on existing models. The new GSX 8R and S1000 GX models have finally arrived in SA, and we were invited to one of Suzuki Motorcycles' annual dealer and customer events to experience these two new models during an in-depth ride.
Related: Suzuki unveils two new models at EICMA 2023
Although both machines have been on sale in Europe and America since January, constrained supply and transport challenges have meant that 8R bikes arrived in time for the above-mentioned event, with the single GX model, which arrived a few weeks previously, having a whirlwind tour of the country from the Simola Hillclimb to Nampo and just as many dealers in between. It was finally time for the press to get their first taste and Suzuki did just that in the best way possible.
Suzuki Rider Safety training day at RedStar Raceway
GSX 8R
Based on the 8S model that arrived earlier last year, the 8R is a full-fairing version of the parallel twin machine that took Europe by storm. The 8R has already racked up a number of awards globally as a multiple winner in the middleweight sports touring category. Powered by a 799cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine delivering 62kW and 79Nm to the rear wheel through a 6-speed sequential transmission.
The 8R is incredibly comfortable to ride with a slightly forward seating position, you can alternate between sitting upright or leaning forward to tuck behind the screen with ease. The engine is very torquey, able to pull cleanly even from 6th gear, it just rolls out and continues to pick up speed right until its soft limit at 240km/h, although the wind buffeting will keep you relatively far from that most of the time.
The four bikes joining us on the launch were the homologation units, one in each colour of the available pallette, Yellow, Blue, Silver and Black. These bikes made the 1600km round trip without a hiccup, and although the Yellow received the most attention from the public, it was the Blue and Silver units that captured the hearts of the media. The 8R was sublime to ride through the twisty roads but fell a little short by being far too hard sprung for the dimpled road sections where the suspension was less than forgiving. Clear open sections without potholes were despatched with ease and a huge smile, while the odd pothole elicited a grimace as one's spine took the brunt of the jolt.
This tells us that on shorter rides, using roads that are in better shape, the 8R will deliver a superb ride that few sub-900cc machines can currently deliver.
Suzuki GSX8S (2023) Review - Street Smarts
GSX S1000 GX
The star of the show, however, was the new GX, a machine that Suzuki has labelled as a cross tourer. Essentially the same chassis and drivetrain that can be found under the GT model that we tested the year before last and raved about, the GX has a new series of electronic rider aids and an active suspension that can be set to just about any riding conditions outside of full offroad madness.
Hung from the trellis frame is Suzuki's famous K5 4-cylinder 999cc, which punts out 115kW and 102Nm through a 6-speed transmission equipped with a fantastic multi-directional quick shifter that is super smooth. The seating position is so much better than that of the GT, and with a seat height of 845mm, an average-sized rider can easily flatfoot the bike. Weighing in at 232kg wet, the GX is heavier than it feels. It has an amazing balance point and is easily controllable through the twisties, and you never feel like you are wrestling the bike through corners.
As we said earlier, this is currently the only unit in the country until stock arrives later this year, and if the reactions from anyone who has seen it are anything to go by, Suzuki is going to have trouble keeping up with orders.
The ride is smooth and supple depending on your ride mode and the selected suspension option and power delivery is perfectly matched to the conditions, the only issue we have right now is the wind buffeting at speed caused by the colour-matched panniers and we aren't completely sold on the rubber mounted handlebars but one can understand why something like that was included because it's all about comfort.
I think it's safe to say that the GX has now supplanted the GT as our best choice of bike.
Suzuki GSX S1000 GT (2022) Review
Models and Pricing
| Suzuki GSX-8R | R 179 950 |
| Suzuki GSX S1000 GX | R 299 900 |
* All models sold with 2 year/ Unlimited Km warranty
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Numbi Weekend
The launch of these two bikes coincided with one of Suzuki Motorcycles SA most prestigious events, the Numbi Weekend Away in which dealers and customers from the bigger Suzuki Motorcycle dealers get together in Hazyview, east of Mbombela to celebrate their bikes and just have a great few days riding the twisty roads of the region and take on some mind-bending challenges. In recent years, the bikers have been joined by Suzuki Swift owners, and now Jimny owners have gotten in on the action.
As far as the Bikes were concerned, we left Suzuki SA's head office in Modderfontein on Thursday and rode from there to Hazyview via Mbombela, allowing us to explore on our own for an afternoon once we got there. Friday morning kicked off with a shortest-straw draw to see who would get the GX next. and as luck would have we drew the win. The day was filled with exploration of the region and the multitude of scenic routes and vistas, deep forests and expansive views, but it was the hunt for the best twisty, winding road that everyone wanted to win.
Saturday saw us join the Team Challenge, in which 43 teams entered and were given the day to complete a specified route with numerous photos, general knowledge and physical tasks at specific points before being able to move on to the next GPS location. This proved to be as much fun as riding the two new bikes, and after the dust had settled, the media team had finished in 3rd place behind some very competitive and hardcore Suzuki owners and dealers.
Sunday was the sad goodbyes, with promises to return next year, and then the return journey home, which was a 600km ride back to Johannesburg. The event did not only feature Suzuki bikes, though. There were all kinds of bikes, from Harleys to Triumphs and even a Ducati or two. The catch, though, was that these riders owned Suzuki motor vehicles, and the whole event came across as a family affair or a large meeting between old friends. Suzuki truly prides itself on making friends out of customers, and it shows in the loyal support and enthusiasm for the brand that was very prevalent at the event.
It may be a while before we are able to get one or both of these bikes on a full test but until then we have the memories of a crazy fantastic weekend and two canyon carvers to keep us occupied.
