Compact sports tourer
The last twelve months have been busy for Suzuki. After a model drought, they have brought four new models to market. First, we got the 8S and DL800, then the S1000 GX and our test unit today, the 8R.
Related: Suzuki GSX8R and S1000 GX (2024) Launch - First Ride Impressions
The 8R is the twin of the 8S we tested earlier this year but has a few extra bits and pieces and some geometry and suspension changes. We attended the bike launch a few weeks prior and found it a very pleasant tourer. We could finally garner a test ride to put the bike to the test on the daily grind.
Styling
The 8R looks incredibly sporty. The fairing bulks out the front of the bike, making it look bigger than it actually is. There are four colour options for the bike: yellow, blue, silver, and the black-on-black of our test unit. There is a bit of a disconnect between the bulky front-end styling and the compact rear section, leading to an unbalanced appearance from different angles.
The front end looks like a sports bike due to the forged aluminium handlebars that look like clip-ons but are positioned higher up on the top clamp and not attached to the shock tubes. This leads to a sporty riding position with you leaning forward but not resting on your wrists as you normally would on a sports bike, giving the rider the impression of a sports bike but being able to ride for long periods in the saddle.
The 8R not only looks the part of a sports bike but can also back up its looks with its performance.
Tech and Features
Prominently placed above the handlebars is a 5" TFT colour screen, which is the interface that riders use when selecting ride modes. The display has different lighting modes: Day mode (white background) and Night mode (black background), which can automatically change based on ambient light or manually set to personal preference. The display returns information, including a tachometer, digital speed display, gear-position indicator, SDMS and TC indicators, fuel level, odometer, engine temp, clock, and battery level. Still, we like that the tachometer can be custom-set to flash at a preset engine speed, like a shift light.
The SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) incorporates Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) and Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), allowing a rider to select just the right amount of traction control, acceleration input, and ABS intervention.
The GSX8R also has a bi-directional quick shifter, which is standard.
Engine and Drivetrain
The 8R is powered by the same engine found in the 8S and DL800 VStrom, a 776cc parallel twin with its 270-degree offset firing order. It delivers 61kW and 72Nm, getting up to 100km in 3.8 seconds and further onto a top speed of 240km/h. Although somewhat muffled by the horrendous catalytic converter on the exhaust system, it has a unique sound, a throaty burble that comes onto a song above 5000rpm.
Unlike the 8S model and its in-house KYB suspension, the 8R model is shod with Showa suspension bits that amp up the sporty handling but also give a slightly harder ride on bumpier surfaces. Nissin brakes front and rear bring the 8R to a prompt stop and feel very progressive when trail braking into a corner.
Let's ride
The 8R strikes a brilliant balance between sporty aspirations and touring comfort. We spent over 2 000 km behind the bars during two different riding sessions. Having spent much time on a cross-country road trip and commuting for a week in town, the 8R is a fantastic machine that can do multiple ride duty.
Due to its great riding position and dynamic handling, you can ride the 8R to the track for some laps and ride it back with very little fatigue.
Model and Price
| Suzuki GSX 8FR (2024) | R 179 950 |
* All models sold with 2 year/ Unlimited Km warranty
** Enquire at your local Suzuki dealer for special offers
Pros and Cons
- Slick quick-shifter
- Torquey engine
- Comfortable seating position
- Easy to navigate menus and tech
- Giant catalytic converter not attractive
- Hard-sprung rear suspension
Verdict
With a global move toward smaller displacement motorcycles, the 8R has arrived when many motorcyclists are looking for a compact sports tourer that is comfortable to ride long distances and sporty and light enough to handle spirited rides. The 8R ticks all the boxes, and it's the reason that it has won so many Bike of the Year awards and is rated very highly by so many journalists. The 8R has become something of a Goldilocks bike, not too big or small and despite its very few shortcomings, it is a top contender for our Bike of the Year award. If you are shopping in the middleweight section, you will be hard-pressed to find a better bike than the 8R in terms of value for money and cost of ownership.
