You should recognize that it is a ferocious motorcycle with explosive acceleration. SUZUKI GSX-8R [Webike My Bike Pickup]

This project picks up and introduces one motorcycle that the editorial department is interested in from the "My Bikes" posted on the Webike community. This time, we are featuring the SUZUKI "GSX-8R", owned by "yu".

GSX-8R (800cc) Owner: yu

The "GSX-8R" was introduced by Suzuki as a new-generation middle-class sport bike. It is equipped with a newly designed 776cc liquid-cooled parallel twin-cylinder engine, achieving a pleasant sense of pulse and powerful torque characteristics thanks to its 270-degree crank. While sharing basic components with the previously released naked model "GSX-8S", it features a full fairing and separate handlebars to pursue a sportier riding position and aerodynamic performance. It is highly rated in the market as a full-fledged sports model designed for everything from winding roads to circuit riding, equipped with SHOWA SFF-BP inverted front forks with dedicated settings. It also features the "S.I.R.S." electronic control system, allowing riders to select riding modes according to their skill level and road conditions.

The owner, yu, purchased this GSX-8R because they were attracted to its cool design. It seems they enjoy it exclusively for fun rides on winding roads. Having switched from a smaller displacement vehicle, it is clear that they strongly feel the benefits of the higher-grade suspension and electronic controls.

＜From MY Bike Comments＞

■ Purchase Motivation, Usage, and Comparison Models

Purchased for the design

■ Pros

First of all, the design is cool.
Purchased exclusively for fun rides on winding roads.
Self-steer at low speeds is slightly strong.
Handling when pushing or pulling has the weight typical of a big bike.
In terms of engine feel, it excels between 50km/h and 130km/h for sports riding, and is not good at ultra-high-speed corners.
At city speeds of around 60km/h, it's hard to decide between 3rd and 4th gear. That's the engine feel.
The suspension, which seems to have changed from the GSX-8S, is exceptionally good; the front is quick, and the rear moves mildly and well.
It makes you feel the higher-grade suspension.
When switching from a small displacement bike, it's a wonderful motorcycle that makes you mistake yourself for being a better rider.
Suzuki's rear brake controllability is outstanding, and no matter the corner, if you just drag it to approach, you can ride through comfortably.
The effectiveness of the front brake has a clear line from a poor initial bite to a firm stop at the end, so you won't be confused about brake operation during sports riding.
Although 270-degree twin engines are said to have little vibration, one would expect some thumping during acceleration... but this engine doesn't have it.
There is almost no vibration, and it accelerates explosively and very mildly.
I don't think it's suitable for people who like twin engines that intentionally leave vibration as part of the ride quality.
Since it's a big twin engine, the acceleration is no joke; it's not the calm and docile engine described in reviews by veteran riders in magazines or online.
It's quite ferocious, but I think it's a well-trained, easy-to-ride engine with good controllability.
Perhaps due to the tire characteristics or the slightly longer wheelbase, it's not good at quick direction changes or sharp leaning, so I recommend changing the tires.
The fun part of this bike is the acceleration from leaning into the exit and the explosive acceleration on short straights; it runs very energetically.
I open the throttle gently at the corner exit, but even then, the traction control flashes like crazy, wondering if the rear is sliding, so unless you are a rider who aims for and can perform tail slides, it's better not to turn off the traction control.

■ Cons

The seat is surprisingly high, and the first custom I did was a low seat modification.
Since lowering links might change the riding performance, I had the seat lowered by 1.5cm.
It cost around 10,000 yen at a seat shop.
Now, it might be an option to replace it with an 8TT soft seat for 18,000 yen.
The reach to the ground is poor, as is typical for sports bikes, but the slim body and design that allows the steps to be out of the way mean you can put your feet down straight, so it's still better.
However, it's a weight that is scary to support if it wobbles, so I made it a low seat.
Fuel economy is not as good as people say; it's around 10-12km/L for short-distance city riding only.
It extends to about 20km/L for sports riding.

■ Advice for Future Buyers

Fuel economy is not as good as YouTubers or online experts say, and it doesn't have "just the right" power feel.
You should recognize that it is a ferocious motorcycle with explosive acceleration.
It is just that the electronic controls manage the ferocious engine well, and the high-quality suspension fully supports the rider.
Rather than buying a 250cc or 400cc bike that costs over or near 1 million yen, it is healthier and more constructive to add a little more and buy the 8R, as it has an otherworldly ride quality.
That is, if you disregard the short-distance city fuel economy and the fact that it requires high-octane gasoline.

■ Future Custom Plans

Better sports tires than the stock RoadSport 2

Check out user reviews of the GSX-8R

If you are interested in other owners' voices and evaluations regarding the GSX-8R, please check the posts published on the Webike community.

That was yu, who fully enjoys the balance of ferocious power and excellent suspension on winding roads.