“Hey guys! We’ve got a couple of GSX8R’s coming in for running in so that we can convert them for the R8 cup series. How would you like to use one for a week or so?”
That was Jannie from Suzuki East. What a pleasure! It’s been a long time since we last rode one of these bikes, so we grabbed it and hit the road. We took the bike along to the Suzuki Weekend
The bike arrived in the stunning Suzuki blue livery – it’s a serious head turner and we really do like it. A lot.
The GSX8R is one of those bikes that you can ride every day. Manufacturers have wised up to the fact that a bike needs to perform – and be comfortable at the same time. This one ticks both those boxes.
Getting a leg over is not a chore, your feet are on the floor when you are in the saddle. The bars are wide, fairly high and are well placed for long hours of comfort. The pegs are placed fairly low – so, although the bike looks pretty sporty, it’s perfectly comfortable for the long haul.
We’ve ridden the naked 8S and The R – and our choice would probably be the R thanks to the neat faring and screen. They look a million bucks, make the bike feel pretty sporty and offer the rider some cool aerodynamics.
The bike rides on 17“ wheels all connected via very forgiving Showa suspension.
Suzuki has also kitted the bike out rather well. Some bits include the quickshifter, rider modes, Big Nissin Brakes with ABS, one touch starting, switchable traction control, a large legible TFT display… it’s a fully specced, properly modern machine – and it’s a hoot to ride.
Not a screamer, the 8R is powered by Suzuki’s meaty 776cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin. That donk is plenty strong enough for a bike like this – it will handle the urban commute and day to day running around very happily and put a smile on your dial when you open the throttle.
200KPH comes and goes fairly rapidly if you are in a hurry.
The weekend was spent eating up the gorgeous curves around Graskop and Hazyview – this really is a great companion for a chilled riding weekend away… Quick, comfortable and she handled it all with much aplomb.
If sporty balls-to-the wall riding is what you’re after, then the GSX-8R probably isn’t the bike for you. If however, you want a bike that’s sporty and comfortable, then the GSX-8R is one bike that you should look at.
It’s just as happy cruising along as it is taking on a bit of action on the track…
R183 900.00
