It is one of those motorcycles that does not offer a single crisp data. Quite light without being a featherweight, reasonably powerful – but nothing more – with its approximately 80 hp, driven by one of the most common motorcycle engines – a parallel twin -, built around a relatively steel frame heavy, equipped with basic electronic riding aids – traction control and ABS -, suspended and braked by efficient components, but definitely not the latest, and designed with a modern pencil stroke, but which will not make any designer shudder Italian, the new GSX-8S offers literally no bragging rights.
And yet, it’s candy, this 8S, at least for motorcyclists looking above all for a good motorcycle at a good price – the most difficult will have to shop elsewhere and pay significantly more than the $10,749 asked by Suzuki. To its target customers, the GSX-8S offers a package full of great qualities, some of which will appeal even to experienced riders. Given the shyness of the technical sheet, however, it is only by taking the controls of the model that we discover these characteristics, starting with the new engine. Despite the simplistic architecture described earlier, this is a particularly successful example of the genre and one that performs surprisingly well.
Rising to 776 cc, the twin-cylinder of the GSX-8S is distinguished by a very effective vibration softening system as well as by an immediate torque delivery. The result is a much nicer engine than its relatively modest 81 hp would suggest. Thanks to the torque always available, the accelerations are interesting from the first laps and become downright fun at mid-range. In the saddle, we frankly appreciate the always accessible thrust of the engine whose transmission is equipped with a system allowing to pass the reports without clutch. The driving experience is enhanced by a gentle tremor as well as a muffled growl reminiscent of a V-Twin.
Another great quality of the GSX-8S is its excellent handling. Again, without anything spectacular in terms of technology, Suzuki has managed to give its novelty impressive characteristics. The steering isn’t as quick and incisive as that of a model designed for racing on the track, but the chassis still conveys a feeling of authentically sporty solidity and precision. The suspensions being skillfully adjusted between sport and comfort, we manage, at the controls of the 8S, to frankly have fun in a series of turns, while the stability is such that the model seems welded to the road in the long fast curves.
Like all standard class motorcycles, the bare silhouette of the GSX-8S completely exposes the rider to the wind on the highway: pleasant in very hot weather, less so in cold weather and tiring on a long journey. The ergonomics are excellent with a balanced position leaving the back straight, not placing weight on the hands and not bending the legs excessively. We note a saddle of reasonable height and whose comfort is generally correct, but which is not designed for long distances. Finally, the absorption capacity of the suspensions is sufficient to prevent blows from reaching the pilot and his passenger, but without being able to speak of flexibility.
To arrive at an attractive invoice, a builder must inevitably show some restraint. In this case, we notice it, for example, in terms of the brakes, which perform their task very well, but which do not offer the bite of a sportier model. There is also a limited possibility of adjustment of the rear suspension and none at the front. Electronic riding aids are limited to effective ABS and traction control systems, but not state-of-the-art. Finally, even if it is relatively inexpensive equipment, a cruise control is absent while there is no possibility of connecting your phone to the instrumentation of the motorcycle.
Manufacturers are waging a war on equipment and functions, which has the effect of inflating bills to the point of sometimes putting them out of reach of the average wallet. With the GSX-8S, Suzuki has instead chosen to stick to the basics when it comes to gadgetry and focus on optimizing the big chunks like the engine and chassis. The result is a slim, easy-to-use frame whose features prove appealing to a surprisingly wide range of motorcyclists, as the less advanced will find the novelty friendly and intuitive while connoisseurs will appreciate its mechanical charm and sound quality. behavior. Each without breaking the bank.
