Ive test ridden several bikes in 700 to 800cc category including hornet and GSX8S, hornet is lighter and more powerful and a great bike for the price but at 6ft tall the GSX8S fits me better, it has really good torque low down and feels planted and gives me confidence as it feels lighter than it is on paper. I’ve ordered the same one on test here and can’t wait. Only downside for me is no centre stand but I can live with that.
I rode the 8S back to back with the Hornet. For me, the 8S was the clear winner - smoother, roomier and with more usable torque and clearer TFT display. Worth the money? Yes, I think so, though the £46 optional USB socket is a rip off and the bike should come with LED blinkers as standard (available at £236 extra!). Hopefully dealers will eventually discount the price so these cheeky 'extras' become more affordable. Leaves a sour taste at the moment, Suzuki! A GT version of this bike would make an excellent sports tourer. (PS Jane's the wife!)
Hi again Jane’s the Wife. I agree re the GT version that would make sense. I’m told Suzuki dealers are discounting this bike currently to the tune of 500 quid!
Would have been nice to see you go through the gears in anger using the quick shifter in “A” mode. Of course the fueling was good, you never took it out of “C” mode which is ridiculously soft.
I’m in the US waiting for mine to come in, trying to get all the information I can on it by reading and watching all the videos I find. I initially didn’t think I’d be interested in the 8s due to its specs. (445 lbs. 82 hp). But it seems the Suzuki is more than the sum of its parts, and what the spec. sheet suggests. We get very few of the bikes I’m interested in that the rest of the world seem to. I’m happy Suzuki chose to bring the 8s here. Around here (Seattle, Washington), a lot of people dressed like pirates riding hardly-ableson’s.
Ita a shame Suzuki didn't go down the route as per the bandits, offer the naked and a S version with a half type fairing. Looking at changing my old vstrom and find myself looking at vstrom again suits my old fart riding these days
Well, I for one watch your channel for your considered, entertaining & inimitable style of presentation, not so much the products reviewed, so quit the modesty 👍 😂. Another damn fine splendid & entertaining presentation, sir. Mighty fine work, keep it up! Oh, as for the tongue twisting Suzuki here, it has something very much in tandem w/ the Honda Hornet.... The design language is insipid/bland/magnolia. So at least for me, I'd buy neither of them. I am however inspired to take a trip up to see first hand that marvellous scenery & environs you are so privileged to have on your doorstep. 🌹
Hi Dave many thanks as ever for your kind comments….get thi-sen up ‘ere but beware there isn’t a bike on the planet that can do justice to the Yorkshire Dales landscape….except maybe a classic 350 😀
@@thebingleywheeler Yep, I certainly believe that, especially now I've watched many of ye alluring scenic videos. (Although I do possess an achingly gorgeous bike......) 😍😊😊 🏍
New subscriber here. Really enjoyed this video, the scenery is great around there. Just wondering if you could tell me what the jacket was that you were wearing, the gloves also, they were a good looking glove. Thanks. Looking forward to watching your other videos.
Good morning Dave. Another considered review, thank you. It is difficult to do parallel reviews, unless, of course, you are a so-called journalist with that esteemed weekly publication 'Motorcycling for 6 year olds' (not to be confused with any other weekly journal I hasten to add). When it comes to a motorcycle purchase however, we all have a budget. It might be an interesting exercise to make a comparison with one of the new machines you review and a used machine at a similar price point. Best regards, Stephen.
Hi Stephen thank you. It’s a great idea the only problem is that there are never any used demo bikes (only new). Dealerships normally only have one of any given used bike and are reluctant to release them in the way in which they do the dedicated new demo bikes….I will put it to Appleyards though as it’s a good idea 👍🏻
Not a bad looker BW that exhaust is very neatly fitted I do like the Blue and white , also what happened to center stands now that's a bit irritating . For me it would be between this and the Honda Hornet and I am thinking the Hornet probably would have it and I am not really a big Honda person but the price might just win it for me . I am not a big quick shifter fan although I have never used one but to me a clutch is fine .Another good review .👍
Not Always about out and out power, I read that the suzuki has a better torque spread and is more flexible than the honda, but these two are so close it's hard to call it, but the price alone may be the deciding factor 😊
Couple of things worth noting are that Suzukis are being discounted around 500 quid then there is standard quick shifter (250 quid on the Honda) suddenly it’s a narrow gap. The mapping on the Suzuki engine is near perfect and I’ll bet that low Hornet price evaporates before too long 😎👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler The Hornet also has a few tricks up its sleeve though. Standard LED indicators, and radiator guard comes as standard as well. The LED indicators on the Suzuki already cost as much as the Honda's quickshifter, and fitting it with a radiator guard would widen the price gap as well.
I suspect we will see these being offered some 'financial incentives' before very long . Suzuki executives must have spat their tea out when Honda launched the Hornet at £ 6999, I'm sure there were meetings held about how they would respond, it would all make a fascinating docudrama! I have only 1 data set ( my local dealers) the Suzuki one has 3 8's's in stock on the showroom floor , the Honda dealer sold out the first batch of Hornets before they arrived and is now quoting September as the earliest delivery time.
@@thebingleywheeler Yea if possible unless you were speaking about discounts from that dealer. I tried to find the discount on the Suzuki website but could not.
Ive test ridden several bikes in 700 to 800cc category including hornet and GSX8S, hornet is lighter and more powerful and a great bike for the price but at 6ft tall the GSX8S fits me better, it has really good torque low down and feels planted and gives me confidence as it feels lighter than it is on paper. I’ve ordered the same one on test here and can’t wait. Only downside for me is no centre stand but I can live with that.
Well I thought the mapping was just perfect
How long is the wait?
In stock guessing 2 weeks max
They stuck the rear light on the god damn fender!! It blows my mind
My fuel mileage has been much better than expected. 59.77 miles per US gallon for my first fill up to fill up.
I rode the 8S back to back with the Hornet. For me, the 8S was the clear winner - smoother, roomier and with more usable torque and clearer TFT display. Worth the money? Yes, I think so, though the £46 optional USB socket is a rip off and the bike should come with LED blinkers as standard (available at £236 extra!). Hopefully dealers will eventually discount the price so these cheeky 'extras' become more affordable. Leaves a sour taste at the moment, Suzuki! A GT version of this bike would make an excellent sports tourer. (PS Jane's the wife!)
Hi again Jane’s the Wife. I agree re the GT version that would make sense. I’m told Suzuki dealers are discounting this bike currently to the tune of 500 quid!
I think the analogy to a sewing machine was a bit of a stitch up 😂😂😂
I’ll get your coat👍🏻😎
This thread is Taylor made for anoraks I'd say....
Tailor! 😂
For bigger riders... you cant buy room on a smaller (cough hornet) bike...
Good call sir👍🏻
Terrific review thanks mate. Watching from Melbourne Australia
Cheers buddy
Lovely thanks Sir
Would have been nice to see you go through the gears in anger using the quick shifter in “A” mode. Of course the fueling was good, you never took it out of “C” mode which is ridiculously soft.
So you must have one then?
I’m in the US waiting for mine to come in, trying to get all the information I can on it by reading and watching all the videos I find. I initially didn’t think I’d be interested in the 8s due to its specs. (445 lbs. 82 hp). But it seems the Suzuki is more than the sum of its parts, and what the spec. sheet suggests.
We get very few of the bikes I’m interested in that the rest of the world seem to. I’m happy Suzuki chose to bring the 8s here. Around here (Seattle, Washington), a lot of people dressed like pirates riding hardly-ableson’s.
More than the sum of its parts sums it up perfectly….Hardly Ablesons I love that 😂
I've ridden it. Be assured, the fuelling is just as good in A mode.
@@sugarandt ...dressed like pirates... HeeHee!
Ita a shame Suzuki didn't go down the route as per the bandits, offer the naked and a S version with a half type fairing. Looking at changing my old vstrom and find myself looking at vstrom again suits my old fart riding these days
Me too Neil me too 😂
Rode one today and it felt light on the front at times (not under acceleration). Can you shed some light on this?
Felt fine to me
Suzuki GSX-8S is a ripping great bike! Great review ⭐️
Thank you Steve….yes they’re excellent 👍🏻
Well, I for one watch your channel for your considered, entertaining & inimitable style of presentation, not so much the products reviewed, so quit the modesty 👍 😂.
Another damn fine splendid & entertaining presentation, sir. Mighty fine work, keep it up! Oh, as for the tongue twisting Suzuki here, it has something very much in tandem w/ the Honda Hornet.... The design language is insipid/bland/magnolia. So at least for me, I'd buy neither of them.
I am however inspired to take a trip up to see first hand that marvellous scenery & environs you are so privileged to have on your doorstep. 🌹
Hi Dave many thanks as ever for your kind comments….get thi-sen up ‘ere but beware there isn’t a bike on the planet that can do justice to the Yorkshire Dales landscape….except maybe a classic 350 😀
@@thebingleywheeler Yep, I certainly believe that, especially now I've watched many of ye alluring scenic videos. (Although I do possess an achingly gorgeous bike......) 😍😊😊 🏍
Interesting @3:28 the dash switched from positive to negative display as you went under the bridge!
Most if not all bikes do
Has your lastest vid 04/06, been taken off? Just clicked on it & states its private & I think it’s now disappeared 🤔
Hi Martin no there’s a big glitch on it so I’ve re-edited and will upload again later today 👍🏻
wait for Bangladesh new bike ❤❤🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
There some bargings to be had in 24, similar price to hornet
New subscriber here. Really enjoyed this video, the scenery is great around there. Just wondering if you could tell me what the jacket was that you were wearing, the gloves also, they were a good looking glove. Thanks. Looking forward to watching your other videos.
Hi thank you so much for subscribing. Jacket is the Merlin Edale….gloves a discontinued line bought used on eBay
That is the real hornet 🐝 aspect. Not the honda hornet. The head , the tail, etc.
Good morning Dave. Another considered review, thank you. It is difficult to do parallel reviews, unless, of course, you are a so-called journalist with that esteemed weekly publication 'Motorcycling for 6 year olds' (not to be confused with any other weekly journal I hasten to add).
When it comes to a motorcycle purchase however, we all have a budget. It might be an interesting exercise to make a comparison with one of the new machines you review and a used machine at a similar price point.
Best regards, Stephen.
Hi Stephen thank you. It’s a great idea the only problem is that there are never any used demo bikes (only new). Dealerships normally only have one of any given used bike and are reluctant to release them in the way in which they do the dedicated new demo bikes….I will put it to Appleyards though as it’s a good idea 👍🏻
Not a bad looker BW that exhaust is very neatly fitted I do like the Blue and white , also what happened to center stands now that's a bit irritating . For me it would be between this and the Honda Hornet and I am thinking the Hornet probably would have it and I am not really a big Honda person but the price might just win it for me . I am not a big quick shifter fan although I have never used one but to me a clutch is fine .Another good review .👍
Thank you much appreciated and I’m not a quick shifter fan either
Nice one TBW......
Thank you Henry 😎👍🏻
Another good review. How does the 8 S compare to the Benelli Leoncino 800 Trail in terms of tractability and low-down shove?
I would say the 8S is livelier mainly due to the weight advantage over the Leoncino 800….bearing in mind that the Leoncino is also a scrambler
@@thebingleywheeler The fact the Leocino is a scrambler doesn't mean it has to be slower. The excess weight it carries does. Thanks for replying.
I would go for the hornet ,less money more power its a no brainer imo
Not Always about out and out power, I read that the suzuki has a better torque spread and is more flexible than the honda, but these two are so close it's hard to call it, but the price alone may be the deciding factor 😊
Couple of things worth noting are that Suzukis are being discounted around 500 quid then there is standard quick shifter (250 quid on the Honda) suddenly it’s a narrow gap. The mapping on the Suzuki engine is near perfect and I’ll bet that low Hornet price evaporates before too long 😎👍🏻
🙏
I prefer the look of the hornet.
@@thebingleywheeler The Hornet also has a few tricks up its sleeve though. Standard LED indicators, and radiator guard comes as standard as well. The LED indicators on the Suzuki already cost as much as the Honda's quickshifter, and fitting it with a radiator guard would widen the price gap as well.
Did you like it better than the SV650?
Not really
I read the 2024 sv650 may have changed over the 2023
I suspect we will see these being offered some 'financial incentives' before very long . Suzuki executives must have spat their tea out when Honda launched the Hornet at £ 6999, I'm sure there were meetings held about how they would respond, it would all make a fascinating docudrama!
I have only 1 data set ( my local dealers) the Suzuki one has 3 8's's in stock on the showroom floor , the Honda dealer sold out the first batch of Hornets before they arrived and is now quoting September as the earliest delivery time.
I understand there is a £500 discount currently available on the Suzuki….my best guess is that the Hornet price will soon go up
@@thebingleywheeler Do you have any links for this. Picking mine up in a few weeks and would love to have that ready! Cheers from the US.
Links re the discount?
@@thebingleywheeler Yea if possible unless you were speaking about discounts from that dealer. I tried to find the discount on the Suzuki website but could not.
It’s selected UK dealers apparently
Nice review Dave.
Thank you Ian much appreciated 👍🏻