Best part about these is that they are 100% Made at their Hamamatsu factory in Japan where the Honda Hornet 750 is a CKD Thailand special. I've looked at both at the dealers and the Suzuki is definitely a true quality product.
I rode the 8S back to back with the Hornet. I think Suzuki have a clear winner here - it's roomier, more comfortable and more torquey than the Hornet. It feels more planted, even if the Hornet is quicker to flick through corners. LED indicators are £236 extra and a USB socket will cost you a staggering £46, which both leave a nasty taste and should be standard fitments. But then it's got a quickshifter, so some credit there. The TFT screen was clearer than the Hornet's in both white (day) and black (night) backgrounds. Is it worth the extra £1000? Try one, then decide! (PS Jane's the wife!)
It really isn't 'a clear winner', the honda is faster and quicker handling, the suzuki is a better commuter that has more power where most of your riding is done...but runs out of steam at the top end....looks wise I prefer the black suzuki....but I bought a Hornet, it's faster and cheaper.
it's interesting. some people who ride this bike say the quickshifter/blipper is great. others say it's worthless. makes me wonder if people are getting crappy test models or something. it does look really smooth when i watch you go through the gears without using the clutch. it doesn't jerk or anything.
Off to have a look at one tomorrow and if I like it I'll chop my gsxs750 in for one when the PCP ends. Never had a twin before. Your review was very interesting and sounded like you said it how it was; seems that it will be the perfect replacement for my bike. The black looks very stealthy as does my GSXS but I'd have to go for the blue one... UPDATE!!!! Took one out for the test ride and it was brilliant. The acceleration low down was very strong, and the quick shifter was faultless. Dashboard was..... different but had all the info I would need. Soon as I got back with the bike to the dealers I placed an order.
Hi mark, i test rode the hornet, bmw 850gs, triumph trident, Honda cb650r and the gsx8. Enjoyed all of them but gsx8 fit me like a glove and has all the power low down I need. Bought a white one and currently running it in, it feels so light considering it 10kg heavier than some and feels planted in the bends which gives confidence. If your in the market for a middleweight naked test ride one it might leave you with a huge grin like it does me.
No major overhauls required otherwise it would never have sold in the first place. The base of the MT07 is so good, rather, they could extend the range with an SP version and revise some of the complaints like suspension. Although, with the MT09 in play I'm not sure they will do anything. Yamaha has a great and very popular range which is hard to ignore.
Great review Mark. I was looking at this & the Hornet and last week bought the blue one. Definitely happy with my decision. Awesome bike. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 👍
You are really good at this! Thank you! So many good bikes to chose among. No matter which one, one ends up with a good bike. So just buy with your eyes and heart! Which one that gives the biggest smile!
A Year ago, I purchased a used 2018 GSX 250 R. The engine itself is bulletproof, and the Mileage is excellent at 63 MPG Highway. This is where my Praises END! The bile is top Heavy in corners, and while the Front Brake DOES stop the Bike, you have to be HERCULES on the front brake lever to get any SERIOUS stopping power. My BIGGEST issue however, is that the Sidestand is too short. If the Bike is on even the most slightly uneven Ground, OVER SHE GOES to the Left!. Two day ago, this happened for the second time. The First time it happened it Bent the Clutch Lever, and damaged the Gearshift Linkage. I have to have towed for $200.00 and another $175 for the repairs. THIS time when it tipped over, it bent the Clutch Lever as Before, Damaged the Shift Linkage as before, but THIS time it also took out both Left Turn Signals. No one offers a Longer Kickstand after-Market. This time I was able to use a pair of Vice grips to free up the shifter enough to make it home with a Tow. I called the Numbers Suzuki has Posted online, and WHATEVER BUTTON I PRESSED, it came back to the same menu. It is a never ending loop that goes NOWHERE, so I can't even SPEAK to Suzuki Directly! I think they have done this deliberately! THIS time, because of the additional damage from the latest Fall, I could be out FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS, and Suzuki obviously DOES NOT CARE! I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran, I took a BULLET for my Country, and my income is presently less than $300.00 a Month plus anything I can eke out under Joe Bi-DUMB's economy!😣 If this is the BEST Suzuki can do, I have to say their products are a DO-NOT-BUY!😣😣😣😣
Great bike, dull colour. Looks so much better in blue. Much more preferable to the Hornet. Useful space under the rear seat. Nice TFT. Brilliant, flexible engine. I prefer torque to outright power. I'd be very happy to own this bike.
Great review Mark, I think it looks better than the Honda and is reminiscent of the old KTM Duke 640 or 690 with the stacked headlight. I’d get this Suzuki instead of the Honda and maybe spruce the power up with a pipe and remap or something.
Great review! I’ll be checking this one out today. Coming back to riding after a 10 year hiatus. My prior bike was an FZ1. This seems like a great option with a more useable power band.
Nice review. Looks like a great package & I really like this bike. I've already spoken to Dearden Suzuki about a test ride but haven't got round to it yet. I was all excited about potentially buying a GSX8S & then my mortgage sky rocketed & put a real damper on things for the time being. Still like the bike a lot though so hopefully where there's a will there's a way.
Great vid Mark, I do like the GSX-8S, especially the blue, and the white, but I've never really liked black bikes. You were riding just up the road from me, in some of my favourite lanes. What do you think of the styling, personally, I think like a lot of modern bikes, it's in dire need of a tail tidy. Anyway, a great vid and review, thanks for posting it.
G'day Mark, yes another very interesting Machine that would please any rider, style wise more for a youthful rider, as always your an asset to any bike dealer who lends you a bike for a review, cheers mate ride safe, Neil 🤠.
Having rode both, I chose the Hornet. The Suzuki runs out of steam quickly and I found it quite the vibrations quite buzzy at motorway speeds. However, it’s a very decent option
Another great informative review Mark.From what I've seen the reviewer's prefer the Suzuki to the Honda.I'm going to book a demo ride on the Suzuki to see how good it is,but I can't get past how ugly recent designed Japanese bikes are.I much prefer the looks of my old SV650S & Street Triple compared to any of the recent Transfomer styled bikes
Looks are a personal thing Some will Love them some wont But they sell plenty of them When I first saw the Suzuki Stacked Headlights i Did not like them But Now l dont think they are Bad at all
@@markpulling12 very interesting! I'll have to watch that review again. Of all your reviews in 2023, it's the Ducati Monster that really made me sit up and take notice...
Hi gaz I know everybody has different tastes and opinions but my current favorite is the triumph street triple R...but vfm the hornet is amazing and the gsx8s sits somewhere in the middle with the 790 duke ...all great bikes 😁 Best wishes mark
Hi yes as expected the hornets introductory price has increased And Suzuki quite often have offers on their bikes ...not such a price difference now between the two.. Best wishes mark
Always love Mark's fundamental approach to road tests. Best substitute to actually test riding the bike myself. As for the 8S, I'm sold, even if I don't plan on replacing my motorcycle anytime soon. PS. Mark, you obviously got addicted to the 8S' midrange torque! 😆
You Have Ridden The Hornet And the Suzuki 8S Mark , Have these 2 Bikes Made the MT07 & Z650 SV650 obosolete? or Just Different I have a Z650 thinking about the Suzuki (cant Even get a Hornet till September if I wanted one) How much do you Think I would Gain By upgrading to the 8S ?
Hi Jeff they are just different bikes ...but a new hornet is cheaper than an mt07 so I think sales of the sv650 and mt07 will reduce a bit ...your z650 is a great bike don't think you'd gain much with the gsx8s...just a bit more power...but a change is no bad thing ...have a look at a used street triple R as well Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Mark, it is GSX 8S. Waiting on arrival at local dealership here in USA. RE.: Hornet, even though several positive aspects, too many negatives via UK / Euro reviews from the get go. And, not yet schedule for USA. Re.: Street Triple R, with all the safety & convenience features and, 417 lbs. weight it may not be my final choice because it / dash cannot compare to GSX 8S dash. If other bike you mentioned is a KTM, it is not under consideration for me. Thanks again.
Quick shifter as standard, but center stand not? Bulbs for indicators when I would like super bright led? Minor niggles for some. Wonder why they used a parallel twin versus the V, I loved my V Strom engine, which would look nice in this. As always great review!
You'll just brake them off when u drop it in the first five minutes. Nobody uses a center stand on a small bike like this. Paddock stands work just fine. What do u want a center stand permanent mounted for when u only use it a couple times a year. Or during storage in winter.
Probably the best transitional modern naked out there. Enough power to be exciting and Japanese build quality where the MT-09 is just bonkers for the average punter moving up from a 500/650. Lovely weather again too!
Thanks Mark. What a good looking and competent bike. Anyone in the market for a sporty/everyday bike is rather spoilt for choice at the moment. Happy days! :>)
Thanks Mark... This offering seems to be positioned between the MT07 and the MT09. The 8S clearly has a sportier suspension than the MT07. I was carefully watching the handlebars and every single little bump you could see the handlebars become a little jaring and you could hear it in your voice as well. I would much prefer the MT07 softer ride for most cruising and sporty riding. Yes, the 8S has the quick shifter as standard and a bit more power on tap. But it doesn't seem to have that light nimble playfulness of the MT07... that makes it a fun bike. I didn't get any indication that you were having great fun on this bike. It was sufficient and very good... but not capturing the imagination.😊 The best resolution seems to be the MT09... for another £2000. And the ultimate MT09 SP for another £2000 on top of that. Yamaha could make an MT07 SP with cruise control, quick shifter, and better suspension. But that brings you up to the same price as a standard MT09. And clearly, that's why they don't offer that. The MT07 is a transition bike to the MT09. And it does that perfectly. Yamaha wants repeat buyers in the £10,000+ price point, because that is likely more profitable on a unit basis. Gord
@@jefflambert8603 Indeed... it is more nimble and responsive than the MT09 because it is lighter. But you can't get the factory options on the MT07 that you can on the MT09. Nevertheless, the new 2023 MT07 comes wired for a quick shifter and there is a good aftermarket cruiser control you can get for the MT07. Also, there are improved aftermarket dampers front and rear you can get for the MT07. Thus, you can make the MT07 do allot more than stock. But still you don't get all the driver modes and IMU like you do on the MT09. The MT09 is a much more serious all around bike, whereas the MT07 is a more fun street bike. It's lighter, simpler, and less expensive. Similarly, the MT09 SP is more serious than the standard MT09 with it's improved suspension and cruise control for longer trips. And if you need more for touring, Yamaha offers the Tracer 9GT & GT+. But in every one of these scenarios, touring suffers because even the best seats will eventually bite you in the butt after too many hours. And the windscreen isn't quite high enough for most people to avoid some amount of buffeting. And this is where the BMW R1250RT takes over... imo. 🙂 Gord
I thought about an MT09 the only thing that put me off was the Small Fuel Tank Ive Talked to Owners some say 90 miles before Fuel Warning Light others 130..
one thing that draws my attention on this new ptwin models is the ugliness of the engine, i mean, a naked bike should be built around the beauty of the engine (sv650 for example) but nowadays the engine look like it was stuck in there and the less attention it gets the better! even on my old cbf500 the engine looked more appealing...
@@markpulling12 Correct. So despite the hornet's additional power the Gsx can match that. Therefore it comes down to the price which I think you can't go wrong with either it just comes down to personal preference
I’ve test ridden the new KTM 790 Duke and the GSX 8S today (along with the CB650R). I have to say that the 8S was my favourite. The KTM was a nice ride but looks cheap in comparison (very plastic).
Yes, shiny new stuff but why this or the Hornet instead of a much cheaper and much more powerful GSX-S750? Older bikes are so much better than new stuff IMO.
Hi Mark, which do you prefer; the hornet or the 8S? I think a tail tidy is needed on the 8S, but the rear light is in the fender plastic so it’ll be a bigger job than normal I think. Great video as always. Luke
So Mark here is a question for you in your opinion would you buy the Suzuki the Street triple R or the much cheaper Hornet I think I know what your answer might be 😉👌👍
I've been waiting for your review on this bike, I don't think it makes you as excited as the Hornet, or the last couple of bikes you've reviewed, I like it in white,I'd like to ask though, comparing your personal purchase, would you still buy the hunter as apposed to one of these middle weights 🤔...my Hunter has arrived at the dealership btw...as always great review, thanks Mark 😊❤x
Don't like that goofy long tail piece with the light and plate on it. Looks like an afterthought. The rest if the bike is fantastic and I actually like the noise from that twin. A little cowl over the tft nose cone would have been nice.
Gsxs750 is cheaper and will run circles around the s8 except the fuel consumption. I demo’d the 8. Very spunky up to 70 mph then really starts to struggle
Usual quality review, Mark. I suspect the indicators are from the parts bin, to keep costs down. If you must have LED indicators, they're available as a cost option. I had a latest gen SV650 a few years ago and I really wanted to love it, but the brakes were wooden, the seat was a plank, the headlight was useless and the rear shock was garbage, so it had to go. And it could've done with another 10bhp, so I'm hoping Suzuki has fixed all of my gripes with the GSX8-S!
The hornet has more than enough torque all through the rev range to match the Suzuki. It also has a far better top end but in order to feel this you’d have to rev the bike past half engine speed 🤪🤪 both good bikes. The hornet has to win due to its value for money.
Tidy bike Mark. I have to say though, I doubt I'd have the spine to buy any new bike and ride with only TPFT insurance. I just renewed same for my now 19 year old SV1000 for a mere £55 a year. Fully comp would be futile. If I mangled it, it would only be written off.
I really do like this bike, that colour is awesome aswell. My opinion it looks better than the hornet.
Best part about these is that they are 100% Made at their Hamamatsu factory in Japan where the Honda Hornet 750 is a CKD Thailand special. I've looked at both at the dealers and the Suzuki is definitely a true quality product.
Thanks for the info re where they are made
Agreed, had a. 21 plate nc750, build was rubbish as was corrosion
The Honda Hornet 750 is made in Japan!
@@michael37570 u sure about that?
Honda Have Had a plant in Thailand since The 60s. Hornet 600s used to be
Made at a Honda Plant in Italy !
Just picked up my 2024 in grey. Love the bike.
Love mine! 1650 miles, 2023 in Cosmic Pearl Blue.❤❤
I rode the 8S back to back with the Hornet. I think Suzuki have a clear winner here - it's roomier, more comfortable and more torquey than the Hornet. It feels more planted, even if the Hornet is quicker to flick through corners. LED indicators are £236 extra and a USB socket will cost you a staggering £46, which both leave a nasty taste and should be standard fitments. But then it's got a quickshifter, so some credit there. The TFT screen was clearer than the Hornet's in both white (day) and black (night) backgrounds. Is it worth the extra £1000? Try one, then decide! (PS Jane's the wife!)
It really isn't 'a clear winner', the honda is faster and quicker handling, the suzuki is a better commuter that has more power where most of your riding is done...but runs out of steam at the top end....looks wise I prefer the black suzuki....but I bought a Hornet, it's faster and cheaper.
I love the styling! Looks like a fantastic modern take on a standard bike. Nice to have a choice for the torque lovers 👍
Looked at this bike at my local dealer today, very tempted to trade my little Duke on it, love the QS-love the black colour and the tucked in pipe😁
I’ve ordered one!
it's interesting. some people who ride this bike say the quickshifter/blipper is great. others say it's worthless.
makes me wonder if people are getting crappy test models or something.
it does look really smooth when i watch you go through the gears without using the clutch. it doesn't jerk or anything.
Love the looks and sound of this bike. I want to pick one up next spring.
As always a great in depth and helpful review. Thanks Mark.
Many thanks Dave :) 😁
Off to have a look at one tomorrow and if I like it I'll chop my gsxs750 in for one when the PCP ends. Never had a twin before. Your review was very interesting and sounded like you said it how it was; seems that it will be the perfect replacement for my bike. The black looks very stealthy as does my GSXS but I'd have to go for the blue one...
UPDATE!!!!
Took one out for the test ride and it was brilliant. The acceleration low down was very strong, and the quick shifter was faultless. Dashboard was..... different but had all the info I would need.
Soon as I got back with the bike to the dealers I placed an order.
Great choice nick 😁💯
I think you may miss that gsxs
Hi mark, i test rode the hornet, bmw 850gs, triumph trident, Honda cb650r and the gsx8. Enjoyed all of them but gsx8 fit me like a glove and has all the power low down I need. Bought a white one and currently running it in, it feels so light considering it 10kg heavier than some and feels planted in the bends which gives confidence. If your in the market for a middleweight naked test ride one it might leave you with a huge grin like it does me.
Thanks Trevor great choice 😁
Hi, Trevor. How are you getting on with your bike? Six months on would you recommend it? Are there bags available for it for touring? Thanks 🏍👍
with the new hornet and gsx-8s i think yamaha has to step up their game with the mt07 soon
No major overhauls required otherwise it would never have sold in the first place. The base of the MT07 is so good, rather, they could extend the range with an SP version and revise some of the complaints like suspension. Although, with the MT09 in play I'm not sure they will do anything. Yamaha has a great and very popular range which is hard to ignore.
Great review Mark. I was looking at this & the Hornet and last week bought the blue one. Definitely happy with my decision. Awesome bike. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 👍
Many thanks and greetings to 🦘 aus 😁
Great review Mark your review made me buy one in Black pick her up tomorrow cheers
Good job! The engine rumble is very nice.
Great job on the vid mark and what a beautiful bike how lucky you are to be able to test drive all those nice bikes
Hi Duane yes it's a fantastic bike 😀
Many thanks 👍
Nice review Mark, I prefer the Suzuki to the Hornet as well . The vstrom 800 DE looks interesting as well 👍
Yes Paul I should be trying the v Strom 800 in the next few weeks too
Cheers mark
Is this model made in japan or other country?
You are really good at this! Thank you!
So many good bikes to chose among. No matter which one, one ends up with a good bike. So just buy with your eyes and heart! Which one that gives the biggest smile!
Definitely John many thanks...they are all winners just get the one you like the best is my moto
Cheers mark
Thank you for the great Video .Cheers from Hungary!
That is one beautiful bike.
I like the looks of the Suzuki Vs the Honda, seems like both are solid bikes. Great review!
Great review as usual Mark! Keep up the good work!
Great review Mark it was nice to speak to you earlier outside crescent 👍
Hi mark yes you too 😀
Many thanks 👍
Nice looking bike, always over look Suzuki for some reason. GSX-R750 was my dream bike as a kid. ❤👍👍
Me too 1985 ? Gsxr750 awesome 👍
@@markpulling12 yes absolute icon. White and blue and the red R, a real animal of a bike 👍
A Year ago, I purchased a used 2018 GSX 250 R. The engine itself is bulletproof, and the Mileage is excellent at 63 MPG Highway. This is where my Praises END! The bile is top Heavy in corners, and while the Front Brake DOES stop the Bike, you have to be HERCULES on the front brake lever to get any SERIOUS stopping power. My BIGGEST issue however, is that the Sidestand is too short. If the Bike is on even the most slightly uneven Ground, OVER SHE GOES to the Left!. Two day ago, this happened for the second time. The First time it happened it Bent the Clutch Lever, and damaged the Gearshift Linkage. I have to have towed for $200.00 and another $175 for the repairs. THIS time when it tipped over, it bent the Clutch Lever as Before, Damaged the Shift Linkage as before, but THIS time it also took out both Left Turn Signals. No one offers a Longer Kickstand after-Market. This time I was able to use a pair of Vice grips to free up the shifter enough to make it home with a Tow. I called the Numbers Suzuki has Posted online, and WHATEVER BUTTON I PRESSED, it came back to the same menu. It is a never ending loop that goes NOWHERE, so I can't even SPEAK to Suzuki Directly! I think they have done this deliberately! THIS time, because of the additional damage from the latest Fall, I could be out FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS, and Suzuki obviously DOES NOT CARE! I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran, I took a BULLET for my Country, and my income is presently less than $300.00 a Month plus anything I can eke out under Joe Bi-DUMB's economy!😣
If this is the BEST Suzuki can do, I have to say their products are a DO-NOT-BUY!😣😣😣😣
Thanks for the very extensive feedback best wishes mark
Great bike, dull colour. Looks so much better in blue. Much more preferable to the Hornet. Useful space under the rear seat. Nice TFT. Brilliant, flexible engine. I prefer torque to outright power. I'd be very happy to own this bike.
Thanks as always nik 😁
i really like it,far more than the Hornet,but the weight just stop me from taking it
Great review Mark, I think it looks better than the Honda and is reminiscent of the old KTM Duke 640 or 690 with the stacked headlight. I’d get this Suzuki instead of the Honda and maybe spruce the power up with a pipe and remap or something.
Great review! I’ll be checking this one out today. Coming back to riding after a 10 year hiatus. My prior bike was an FZ1. This seems like a great option with a more useable power band.
Hi mark. Nice bike good review. Quik ? You got review comin up on new Kawasaki zx400rr and new zx636r
Hi oh yes 💯😀. ... best wishes mark
A great review Mark
Another great review, from my favorite reviewer.
Many thanks Chris 😁
It might be nice, given that it has a nice gearbox, if they gave us the option to skip the quick shifter and lowered the price a bit.
Thanks Mark,Another great, comprehensive review.
Thanks Colin glad you liked it 😁
Sorry, I forgot to say thanks for the excellent, unbiased, review.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks Mark! Really love this bike!
Black looks really awesome on the 8S.
Great review, seriously considering chopping in my Tiger for one of these.
Thanks Dave glad it was helpful
Cheers mark
Lovely bike that. Great review.
I love that Bike especially in Blue.
Nice review. Looks like a great package & I really like this bike. I've already spoken to Dearden Suzuki about a test ride but haven't got round to it yet. I was all excited about potentially buying a GSX8S & then my mortgage sky rocketed & put a real damper on things for the time being. Still like the bike a lot though so hopefully where there's a will there's a way.
Hi yes think I'll pop over to deardens and review the v Strom 800
Cheers mark
Great vid Mark, I do like the GSX-8S, especially the blue, and the white, but I've never really liked black bikes. You were riding just up the road from me, in some of my favourite lanes. What do you think of the styling, personally, I think like a lot of modern bikes, it's in dire need of a tail tidy.
Anyway, a great vid and review, thanks for posting it.
Hi Neil most bikes need a tail tidy these days...looks cool bit like a KTM duke
Cheers mark
G'day Mark, yes another very interesting Machine that would please any rider, style wise more for a youthful rider, as always your an asset to any bike dealer who lends you a bike for a review, cheers mate ride safe, Neil 🤠.
Thanks Neil ...yes this is a great machine...so many great bikes to choose from:)
Having rode both, I chose the Hornet. The Suzuki runs out of steam quickly and I found it quite the vibrations quite buzzy at motorway speeds. However, it’s a very decent option
Thanks Stephen.... great choice with the hornet....so many great options out there best wishes mark
Another great informative review Mark.From what I've seen the reviewer's prefer the Suzuki to the Honda.I'm going to book a demo ride on the Suzuki to see how good it is,but I can't get past how ugly recent designed Japanese bikes are.I much prefer the looks of my old SV650S & Street Triple compared to any of the recent Transfomer styled bikes
Yes mark ...I know where your coming from with the looks ...they have gone a bit wild ott over the years 😉
@@markpulling12 I had a 2009 Honda CB1000R and that was so polarizing back then!
Looks are a personal thing
Some will Love them some wont
But they sell plenty of them
When I first saw the Suzuki Stacked Headlights i Did not like them
But Now l dont think they are Bad at all
@@jefflambert8603 They are an excellent product!
Oh the sounds of the singing birds on an English summer's day!
Lovely isn't it:)
Mark, when do you plan to feature the GSX 8R? Very curious on your thoughts.
Hi yes it's on the to do list over the next few weeks...as the weather is improving now
Cheers mark
Nice review looks like a awesome bike ❤❤❤❤
Suzuki hit the mark. Aftermarket exhaust then perfect.
The bike si nice. The thing i dont understand why no rear tire huger. Great review as allways.
Mark, great review, thanks. Of all the bikes you've tested this year, if you had to choose one, what would it be?
Hi jed ...easy answer street triple R.....it's amazing in all aspects and definitely worth the extra money 💰
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 very interesting! I'll have to watch that review again. Of all your reviews in 2023, it's the Ducati Monster that really made me sit up and take notice...
Good review Mark, very informative. I particularly enjoyed the roll-ons as it 's good to see the acceleration on the TFT.
Thanks 👍
Seems to be great choice of mid range bikes now ,which would you say was the best middie Mark ?
Hi gaz I know everybody has different tastes and opinions but my current favorite is the triumph street triple R...but vfm the hornet is amazing and the gsx8s sits somewhere in the middle with the 790 duke ...all great bikes 😁
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 Cheers Mark .
Great review Marc, Interesting this bike is now being discounted by a lot of dealers, whereas the Hornet's price has increased by £300
Hi yes as expected the hornets introductory price has increased And Suzuki quite often have offers on their bikes ...not such a price difference now between the two..
Best wishes mark
Good as always😊
Thank you so much 😀
Always love Mark's fundamental approach to road tests. Best substitute to actually test riding the bike myself. As for the 8S, I'm sold, even if I don't plan on replacing my motorcycle anytime soon. PS. Mark, you obviously got addicted to the 8S' midrange torque! 😆
Haha yes I did love it's torque Gerald
Many thanks 👍
Beautiful looking machine.
Excellent review Mark! Nice bike too👍
Many thanks Brett 😁
Great looking MC. I wish though the fuel tank was larger..
You Have Ridden The Hornet And the Suzuki 8S Mark , Have these 2 Bikes
Made the MT07 & Z650 SV650 obosolete? or Just Different
I have a Z650 thinking about the
Suzuki (cant Even get a Hornet till September if I wanted one)
How much do you Think I would Gain
By upgrading to the 8S ?
Hi Jeff they are just different bikes ...but a new hornet is cheaper than an mt07 so I think sales of the sv650 and mt07 will reduce a bit ...your z650 is a great bike don't think you'd gain much with the gsx8s...just a bit more power...but a change is no bad thing ...have a look at a used street triple R as well
Cheers mark
How important would you say cruise control is?
Hi it's a good option if you are touring on open roads etc but for general riding / fun on country roads it's not necessary
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 thanks
Im really curious to see how much It'll put down on Dyno with a full exhaust and tune.
Me too I think there are a lot of gains to be had with re mapping this engine:)
Stock does it feel significantly more powerful than a mt07?
Mark, EXCELLENT review. As a returning rider and, same height as you I have this bike in my cross-hairs. Thanks.
Thanks Chris ...this or the hornet that's the question ❓
Or street triple R???
Or KTM 790 duke 😂
@@markpulling12 Mark, it is GSX 8S. Waiting on arrival at local dealership here in USA. RE.: Hornet, even though several positive aspects, too many negatives via UK / Euro reviews from the get go. And, not yet schedule for USA. Re.: Street Triple R, with all the safety & convenience features and, 417 lbs. weight it may not be my final choice because it / dash cannot compare to GSX 8S dash. If other bike you mentioned is a KTM, it is not under consideration for me. Thanks again.
@@BEEBEE58679 ok great choice with the Suzuki then Chris 😁 👍
Quick shifter as standard, but center stand not? Bulbs for indicators when I would like super bright led? Minor niggles for some. Wonder why they used a parallel twin versus the V, I loved my V Strom engine, which would look nice in this. As always great review!
You'll just brake them off when u drop it in the first five minutes. Nobody uses a center stand on a small bike like this. Paddock stands work just fine. What do u want a center stand permanent mounted for when u only use it a couple times a year. Or during storage in winter.
Great review mark a fantastic bike shame about the normal indicators but u do get other gadgets like the quick shifter and some riding modes.
Thanks James yes I was surprised about the indicators this day and age
But a great bike anyway...so many good bikes in this class best wishes mark
Yes seems strange no LED indicators, but I really like the bike. Well done Suzuki.
If you put the V Strom 1050 engine in one of these you would have a more reliable and "Friendly" Super Duke perhaps ?....I would buy that...and this.
Probably the best transitional modern naked out there. Enough power to be exciting and Japanese build quality where the MT-09 is just bonkers for the average punter moving up from a 500/650. Lovely weather again too!
the 2018 ktm 790 far superior
@@geoffbroderick403 790 are made in India. Quality is very poor.
Thanks Mark. What a good looking and competent bike. Anyone in the market for a sporty/everyday bike is rather spoilt for choice at the moment. Happy days! :>)
Thanks Mark... This offering seems to be positioned between the MT07 and the MT09.
The 8S clearly has a sportier suspension than the MT07. I was carefully watching the handlebars and every single little bump you could see the handlebars become a little jaring and you could hear it in your voice as well.
I would much prefer the MT07 softer ride for most cruising and sporty riding. Yes, the 8S has the quick shifter as standard and a bit more power on tap.
But it doesn't seem to have that light nimble playfulness of the MT07... that makes it a fun bike. I didn't get any indication that you were having great fun on this bike.
It was sufficient and very good... but not capturing the imagination.😊
The best resolution seems to be the MT09... for another £2000. And the ultimate MT09 SP for another £2000 on top of that.
Yamaha could make an MT07 SP with cruise control, quick shifter, and better suspension. But that brings you up to the same price as a standard MT09. And clearly, that's why they don't offer that.
The MT07 is a transition bike to the MT09. And it does that perfectly. Yamaha wants repeat buyers in the £10,000+ price point, because that is likely more profitable on a unit basis.
Gord
Thanks Gord ....yes agree the mt07 has always been a fun machine....I always call it terrier like handling:)
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks Mark. I like the analogy to "terrier like" handling. Terriers like to jump up, don't they?
Gord
Some Testers liked The MT07
More than the MT09..
@@jefflambert8603 Indeed... it is more nimble and responsive than the MT09 because it is lighter. But you can't get the factory options on the MT07 that you can on the MT09.
Nevertheless, the new 2023 MT07 comes wired for a quick shifter and there is a good aftermarket cruiser control you can get for the MT07. Also, there are improved aftermarket dampers front and rear you can get for the MT07.
Thus, you can make the MT07 do allot more than stock. But still you don't get all the driver modes and IMU like you do on the MT09.
The MT09 is a much more serious all around bike, whereas the MT07 is a more fun street bike. It's lighter, simpler, and less expensive. Similarly, the MT09 SP is more serious than the standard MT09 with it's improved suspension and cruise control for longer trips.
And if you need more for touring, Yamaha offers the Tracer 9GT & GT+.
But in every one of these scenarios, touring suffers because even the best seats will eventually bite you in the butt after too many hours. And the windscreen isn't quite high enough for most people to avoid some amount of buffeting.
And this is where the BMW R1250RT takes over... imo. 🙂
Gord
I thought about an MT09 the only thing that put me off was the Small Fuel Tank
Ive Talked to Owners some say 90 miles before Fuel Warning Light others
130..
one thing that draws my attention on this new ptwin models is the ugliness of the engine, i mean, a naked bike should be built around the beauty of the engine (sv650 for example) but nowadays the engine look like it was stuck in there and the less attention it gets the better! even on my old cbf500 the engine looked more appealing...
Hey Mark as far as it loosing power around 8k i heard you can retune it from the restricted mode to gain more power. 🍻
Hi Trevor yes I'm sure there's lots more power to be had from this engine cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Correct. So despite the hornet's additional power the Gsx can match that. Therefore it comes down to the price which I think you can't go wrong with either it just comes down to personal preference
Nice review! Your own money? This or Hornet 🐝?
Hi John the Suzuki just pips it for me with it's stronger bottom end and handling....but it's very close :)
@@markpulling12 it’s close but me too the Suzuki just edged it
Went and looked at this bike the other day. It looks fantastic, I'm torn between one of these and the Duke 790!
Hi Ben tough choice...I have the 790 duke 2018 model
Cheers mark
@Mark Pulling Hi Mark, What are your thoughts on the Duke compared to this one. Which would you choose?
@@Brewer_ message me on Facebook messenger Ben
I’ve test ridden the new KTM 790 Duke and the GSX 8S today (along with the CB650R).
I have to say that the 8S was my favourite. The KTM was a nice ride but looks cheap in comparison (very plastic).
@@roadriderrich + you get guaranteed reliability with the 8s
Yes, shiny new stuff but why this or the Hornet instead of a much cheaper and much more powerful GSX-S750? Older bikes are so much better than new stuff IMO.
Yes definitely. You can get great bargains ...few years old in mint condition. Save a fortune 😀
Best wishes mark
Gosto desta nova suzuki. Muito bem programada em todos os aspectos.
Mais um excelente vídeo obrigado Mark.
Many thanks 👍😊
Hi Mark, which do you prefer; the hornet or the 8S?
I think a tail tidy is needed on the 8S, but the rear light is in the fender plastic so it’ll be a bigger job than normal I think.
Great video as always.
Luke
Hi Luke 8s just wins for me ...just prefer the stronger power low down and the handling is sharper
Cheers mark
Curious what the bike sounds like with a full system. Nobody has one yet
So Mark here is a question for you in your opinion would you buy the Suzuki the Street triple R or the much cheaper Hornet I think I know what your answer might be 😉👌👍
Yes your right 👍 triumph r please 😄
Suzuki are usually too heavy - this one is different?
This or z900, or street triple ?
Hi definitely a street triple 765 rs for me ... incredible machine
Cheers mark
I've been waiting for your review on this bike, I don't think it makes you as excited as the Hornet, or the last couple of bikes you've reviewed, I like it in white,I'd like to ask though, comparing your personal purchase, would you still buy the hunter as apposed to one of these middle weights 🤔...my Hunter has arrived at the dealership btw...as always great review, thanks Mark 😊❤x
Definitely still would have bought the hunter Martine...it's in a different class perfect for pottering about on no regrets great little bike x
@@markpulling12 great to hear 😁 x
Be pretty sweet to see Suzuki reserect the "Intruder" with this engine, I think.
If I was in the market for a middle weight bike this would probably be it. I love the looks. Better than the honda and yamaha.
Good choice!
@@markpulling12 I already bought a 2023 GSX S1000 so that won't be happening haha
Suzuki have judged this to perfection must be one of the best products they've put out in years, Not that they excatly churn out new models 🤣
I'd buy the hornet even though I like the look of this one more. Reasons being I'm short of money and short in stature 😆
Great choice Adam 👍 the hornet is great value
Cheers mark
A better road bike than the Hornet, and better looking, but is it worth the extra £750 (assuming you fit a quick shifter to the Hornet)? Probably!
very nice indeed😃
Don't like that goofy long tail piece with the light and plate on it. Looks like an afterthought. The rest if the bike is fantastic and I actually like the noise from that twin. A little cowl over the tft nose cone would have been nice.
Gsxs750 is cheaper and will run circles around the s8 except the fuel consumption. I demo’d the 8. Very spunky up to 70 mph then really starts to struggle
waiting someone to do vs with 2018 ktm 790 duke that is lighter,more hp,quickshifter,to me a backward step
Mabey the should make it a little bit better to look at 🤔
I love the engine but the loox are a bit angular.
Usual quality review, Mark. I suspect the indicators are from the parts bin, to keep costs down. If you must have LED indicators, they're available as a cost option. I had a latest gen SV650 a few years ago and I really wanted to love it, but the brakes were wooden, the seat was a plank, the headlight was useless and the rear shock was garbage, so it had to go. And it could've done with another 10bhp, so I'm hoping Suzuki has fixed all of my gripes with the GSX8-S!
I think your going to love it after the sv650 best wishes mark
The hornet has more than enough torque all through the rev range to match the Suzuki. It also has a far better top end but in order to feel this you’d have to rev the bike past half engine speed 🤪🤪 both good bikes. The hornet has to win due to its value for money.
Tidy bike Mark. I have to say though, I doubt I'd have the spine to buy any new bike and ride with only TPFT insurance. I just renewed same for my now 19 year old SV1000 for a mere £55 a year. Fully comp would be futile. If I mangled it, it would only be written off.
Looks mean in black
The fuel tank is too small
There is no need to an bigger tank for an bike like this. Suzuki never designed this bike for touring. If you want a tourer, look elsewhere.