Street Smarts
Suzuki has developed something of a reputation for not bringing new models to market regularly. This is not to say that their current lineup is in any way bad, just that much of what they have on offer is a bit long in the tooth. Models like the GSX and DL have proven themselves to be a staple of the Japanese brand but with new models being few and far between, Suzuki may have lost some ground to the other constituents of the big four. With emissions standards and taxes on big displacement engines voiding many of the current models on offer from these companies, it is the sub 1000cc category of bikes that is currently exploding in popularity globally.
Related: Suzuki DL800 DE V Strom and GSX-8S (2023) Launch - First Ride Review
Factoring all this in, Suzuki SA has had quite a busy year, introducing 3 new models, two of which are completely new. Launched in mid 2023 the brand new DL800 and GSX8S are a middleweight take on the popular 1000cc+ GSX and DL bikes and are leading the way for even more new models to follow in 2024.
It may have taken a few weeks due to high demand, but we finally managed to get a test unit and with memories of our track exploits on the machine still reverberating in our minds, we took to the roads to put the GSX8S to the daily test.
Styling
The first thing that will grab your attention is the very un-Suzuki teal blue colour. This eye-catching colour adorns the wheels, subframe, and body panels. The machine is also available in an ice-white but retains the striking blue on the wheels and subframe, clearly identifying that the subframe is detachable and replaceable if need be. With this being a completely new bike from teh ground up teh designers at Suzuki have had to think outside the box and some of teh aesthetic choices are a bit jarring. I can't say that I am overly fond of the numberplate/brakelight/indicator arrangement at the rear, but once you hook up the optional soft luggage it does make it a little bit more cohesive.
The single LED headlight is also a little off putting but one does need to realise that technology has moved on and bikes no longer need a massive single lens headlight to illuminate the road anymore and small highly focused lights can now be used, freeing up designers to now do just about anything they want upfront, as can be seen in the likes of the new 1300 GS BMW and KTM's across the board.
Front and rear design cues aside, the GSX looks like a compact streetfighter that is bulked out in all the right places giving it a purposeful appearance that lets you know that it can carve out a section of road with ease.
Tech and Features
The GSX may appear to be a stripped-down streetfighter but it is a very well-equipped bike in terms of tech. A 5" TFT colour screen is the interface that riders engage with when selecting ride modes. The display has different lighting modes: Day mode (white background) and Night mode (black background) which can be set to automatically change based on ambient light or can be 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 but we really like that the tachometer can also 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 GSX8S also has a bi-directional quick shifter as standard but takes some getting used to as the rider needs to be very aware of the engine revs when shifting, too low and you will be greeted by a handful of neutral, too high and you get a crunch from the transmission, there is a sweet spot in the rev range that the quick-shifter loves and when you find it, the feedback from the bike is nothing short of sublime.
Engine and Drivetrain
Another bit of Suzuki's reputation is that they do like to use a single engine for just about everything but not so in the case of the new GSX8S. This new addition to the Gixxer family gets a brand-new 776cc 270-degree parallel twin engine. This new DOHC engine has a similar tone to the SV650 giving it a very unique sound when at full tilt. Delivering a smile-inducing 61kW and 72Nm, the GSX8S will do 0-100km in 3.8 seconds and can go onto a top speed of 210km/h.
Power goes to the 180/17" back wheel via chain drive through a 6-speed transmission and is controlled by the aforementioned bi-directional quickshifter. The 8S comes to an abrupt stop thanks to the Nissin calipers front and rear which clamp down on the 310mm twin discs. KYB suspension does duty keeping both wheels in contact with the ground and the rider comfy, and is not overly harsh nor soft, striking a near-perfect balance in comfort and handling.
Let's Ride
For those old enough to remember, Suzuki used to have a bike in their lineup called the SlingShot and this new bike can very easily reclaim that title. Once the 8S is on the boil there is very little effort needed to keep it there. It shifts its 202kg weight with ease and with its torquey motor and linear power delivery, is an absolute joy to ride dynamically. Ditch the soft luggage and you can thread this bike through traffic like no one's business. The best part of the power and torque delivery is not at the top but rather down in the usable mid-range where most sensible folks will operate thus making this a fantastic ride.
Model and Price
| Suzuki GSX8S (2023) | R 165 950 |
Competitors
The GSX enters a burgeoning segment that includes the likes of KTM's 890 Duke, Triumph Trident 660, Yamaha's MT07 and Honda's new Hornet CB750, all bikes that compete at various spec vs price points.
Pros and Cons
- Great TFT screen
- Comfortable
- Excellent soft luggage option
- Sharp handling
- Fantastic torque response
- Quick shifter needs correct rev range to function well
- Not fond of the front and rear styling elements.
Verdict
The 8S joins the now very popular "Goldilocks" segment that is catering to a growing consumer base that is looking for a daily commuter that can double as a weekend toy. 1000cc bikes are just too big and intimidating for the daily ride in traffic for these folks but a 400cc is too small for the weekend breakfast run with the social group. 800- 900cc bikes are now the flavour of the month and Suzuki has done a cracking job with their offering. It is well spec'ed with standard features and well priced for our market, it now just remains to be seen if our local consumers will follow the global trend and downsize.
