Suzuki GSX-8R Review: Precision & Practicality Rolled Into One

After being dead for a few years, the middleweight supersport motorcycle segment is now seeing a resurgence. And in a bid to make supersport motorcycles more popular, the recent ones focus more on everyday usability rather than outright performance! But is it a compromise or is there a balance between performance and comfort? To answer that question, we rode the Suzuki GSX-8R, the latest Japanese supersport to hit the market and come away impressed in more aspects than one. Read on to know more. 

Suzuki GSX-8R: Design & Ergonomics 

The GSX-8R gets a sharp design, with vertically stacked LED headlights and rakish fairing and air intakes up front. The engine stays exposed and the rear section is short and lifted up, revealing the seat rails. The overall design is nice and proportionate. The quality levels are decent too. We like the fit and finish on the motorcycle. The motorcycle gets a 14-litre fuel tank and has a kerb weight of 205 kg, which is a few kgs on the heavier side, well, just like me. But the weight isn't a problem on the move. Also, the ergonomics are probably the most comfortable on a supersport motorcycle. One can consider going long distances on the GSX-8R. 

Suzuki GSX-8R: Engine Specifications 

The motorcycles gets the same 776 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine as the V-Strom 800 DE, making 81 hp at 8,500 rpm along with 78 Nm of peak torque at 6,800 rpm. The motor gets a 270-degree crank configuration along with Suzuki's patented cross balancer shaft. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox, with a bi-directional quick-shifter.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Performance 

The biggest draw on the engine is that it is smooth and has plenty of torque on offer. The engine is versatile and is happy pottering around town at decent speeds and when you give it the beans, the motorcycle moves faster than it takes you to smile. The throttle response is precise and with 85 per cent peak torque available from 4,000 rpm, the engine is quite tractable. 

The fourth gear is quite convenient in particular. You can pull straight from 40 kmph to 120 kmph in the fourth and if you are riding in traffic, all you need to do is go a gear down. What is also impressive is that this is a motorcycle that can take you to a racetrack, then put in some laps and then get you back home too. There is more than enough power on tap than you will ever need.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Suspension and Chassis 

In terms of cycle parts, the GSX-8R gets 17-inch cast Aluminium wheels, shod with Dunlop Roadsport 2 radial rubber. Then, there is a forged Aluminium handlebar along with Showa separate function big-piston USD fork up front and a link-type monoshock at the rear. The suspension was a pleasant surprise, and strikes a fine balance between being confident around a corner and soaking up most undulations on the road. The chassis-engine setup is really good and that makes for a superb riding experience. There is a lightweight Aluminium swingarm as well. The Suzuki GSX-8R gets twin 310 mm discs up front with 4-piston callipers and a 240 mm disc at the rear with a single piston calliper.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Handling and Braking 

Talking about the handling and the ride on the GSX-8R, the motorcycle feels sharp and precise around a corner. There is loads of feel from the front end and the motorcycle feels poised when leaned over. What is particularly surprising is the fact that the suspension is brilliantly tuned. It is plush and can iron out most undulations on the road and absorbs bumps really well. And it doesn't rob you of confidence when you push the motorcycle.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Features and Electronics 

In terms of features, the Suzuki GSX-8R gets the company's intelligent ride system, with three riding modes, 4-step switchable traction control, ride-by-wire, ABS and low-rpm assist. There is a 5-inch colour TFT-LCD console on offer as well. Now, we did our maximum riding in mode A, despite the wet conditions, which meant full power and sharpest throttle response on offer. If you want your power to be more accessible, then you can choose between mode B and C.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Pricing and Rivals 

The Suzuki GSX-8R is priced at Rs. 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom) and at present, its nearest rivals are the Triumph Daytona 660 along with the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Aprilia RS 660. The Ninja is the most affordable model, followed by the Suzuki.

Suzuki GSX-8R: Verdict 

Remember I spoke about balance earlier? The Suzuki GSX-R strikes that balance between performance and comfort to a large extent. It is engaging enough when you ride it hard and actually ride it on a daily basis, because it a rider-friendly machine. But it may end up disappointing you if you want sheer performance, especially at the top-end. If that's what you want, then you could look at other options, but if you want a supersport that is relatively comfy and offers a thrilling ride too, then the GSX-8R is definitely something that you should consider.

Photography: Azam Siddiqui