2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Review
Welcome, fellow motorcycle enthusiasts! Today, we dive into the world of the brand-new 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R. In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my detailed insights after spending several days with this bike, covering everything from its design to performance, comfort, and value for money. Let’s gear up and take a closer look at what the GSX-8R has to offer.
Suzuki’s GSX-8R is one of the most anticipated bikes of 2024, blending sportiness with practicality. Although it shares many components with the GSX-8S, its unique design and enhanced features make it stand out. As a bike enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of taking the GSX-8R on multiple rides, and in this review, I’ll provide an in-depth analysis of my experience.

2. Design and Styling
The GSX-8R is a feast for the eyes, boasting a sleek, modern design that exudes aggression and style. Here’s a detailed look at its design elements:
- Front End: The bike features stacked projector-type headlights, which might split opinions but look quite balanced and symmetrical when lit up. This design choice helps in maintaining a cohesive front-end look.
- Fuel Tank: The fuel tank is angular and split into two tones, with the rear always in black regardless of the bike’s main color. This adds a dynamic visual contrast and enhances the bike’s aggressive stance.
- Engine Aesthetics: The engine is adorned with a white Suzuki logo, adding a touch of class to the overall look. It’s small details like these that contribute to the bike’s premium feel.
- Rear End: The rear features a stubby exhaust that looks great and produces an exciting sound. However, a tail tidy could improve the overall aesthetics, as the current plastic extension for the license plate holder looks somewhat out of place.
- Wheels: The wheels are matte gray with a unique, thick-spoke design that adds to the bike’s robust look. Their slanted spokes give the bike a dynamic, forward-moving appearance even when stationary.
Overall, the GSX-8R’s design is sporty and aggressive, making it a head-turner on the streets.
Key Design Specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Headlights | Stacked projector-type |
Fuel Tank | Angular, two-tone color scheme |
Engine Logo | White Suzuki logo |
Exhaust | Stubby design |
Wheels | Matte gray, thick-spoke design |
Fairings | Full fairings for a sportier look |
Color Options | Blue, Silver with Red Wheels, Black |
3. Engine and Performance
The heart of the GSX-8R is its 776cc parallel-twin engine, which delivers impressive performance for a bike in this category. Here’s a detailed look at its engine and performance attributes:
- Engine Specifications: The 776cc parallel-twin engine produces 81 brake horsepower and 57.5 foot-pounds of torque. This engine is tuned for low and mid-range torque, making it perfect for real-world riding conditions.
- Power Delivery: The engine provides smooth and linear power delivery, making the bike feel faster than its specifications might suggest. The bike excels in low and mid-range power, ensuring you have ample grunt whenever needed.
- Quick Shifter: One of the standout features is the bi-directional quick shifter, which comes as standard. It allows for seamless upshifts and downshifts, enhancing the overall riding experience. Although the downshifts can be slightly clunky, it’s a minor issue considering the bike’s price point.

Performance Specifications:
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Engine Type | 776cc parallel-twin |
Power | 81 brake horsepower |
Torque | 57.5 foot-pounds |
Quick Shifter | Bi-directional, standard |
Top Speed | Approaching 130 mph |
0-60 mph | Approximately 3.5 seconds |
Real-World Performance:
- Acceleration: The GSX-8R accelerates briskly, making overtakes effortless and fun. Its power delivery is smooth, ensuring you don’t experience any jerky motions even at lower speeds.
- Throttle Response: The throttle response is immediate and precise, allowing for controlled power delivery. This is particularly useful in urban environments where quick adjustments are often needed.
- Highway Performance: On highways, the GSX-8R holds its own, providing enough power to cruise comfortably at high speeds. The windscreen does a decent job, though at higher speeds, the wind blast is noticeable but not turbulent.
4. Comfort and Ergonomics
One of the key aspects of any motorcycle is its comfort, especially for those long rides. The GSX-8R strikes a fine balance between sportiness and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of its ergonomic features:
- Riding Position: The bike has a slightly forward-leaning position, which is less aggressive than traditional sports bikes. This position provides a sporty feel without compromising on comfort.
- Handlebars: The pseudo-clip-on handlebars are positioned above the forks, ensuring that the riding stance is not overly aggressive. This makes the bike suitable for both spirited rides and daily commutes.
- Seat: The seat is firm but supportive. After an hour or so, you might want to take a break, but this is common for most sports bikes. The seat height is 810mm, which is manageable and allows riders to plant their feet firmly on the ground.
- Foot Pegs: The foot pegs are positioned to give a sporty feel without being too cramped. This ensures that your legs are tucked in comfortably without causing strain over longer rides.

Comfort Specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Seat Height | 810mm |
Handlebar Position | Above the forks, pseudo-clip-ons |
Foot Peg Position | Sporty but comfortable |
Seat Firmness | Firm but supportive |
Riding Stance | Slightly forward-leaning |
Real-World Comfort:
- Daily Commute: For daily commuting, the GSX-8R is quite practical. The riding position ensures that you are comfortable even in stop-and-go traffic. The bike’s lightness and nimble handling make it easy to maneuver through urban environments.
- Long Rides: On longer rides, the bike remains comfortable, though the seat could benefit from some additional padding for extended comfort. The windscreen provides adequate protection, but it could be more effective for taller riders.
- Pillion Comfort: While primarily designed for the solo rider, the pillion seat is adequate for short distances. However, for longer journeys, your passenger might find it a bit cramped.
5. Handling and Suspension
The GSX-8R is designed to provide excellent handling, and Suzuki has equipped it with a well-balanced suspension setup. Here’s a closer look:
- Front Suspension: The bike features Showa separate function forks (SFF) with big pistons. These are upside-down forks, which are non-adjustable but offer a good balance between stiffness and compliance.
- Rear Suspension: The rear suspension is a single shock that is adjustable for preload. This allows you to tailor the ride to your weight and preference, providing flexibility for different riding conditions.
- Weight: The bike weighs in at 205kg, only slightly more than the GSX-8S. This light weight contributes to the bike’s flickable nature, making it easy to handle in tight corners and quick direction changes.
Suspension and Handling Specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Front Suspension | Showa SFF big piston, upside-down, non-adjustable |
Rear Suspension | Single shock, preload adjustable |
Weight | 205kg |
Wheelbase | 1,430mm |
Real-World Handling:
- City Riding: In the city, the GSX-8R handles beautifully. Its light weight and sharp steering make navigating through traffic a breeze. The suspension setup is firm enough to provide good feedback but not so harsh that it becomes uncomfortable on rough urban roads.
- Twisties: On winding roads, the GSX-8R truly shines. The bike feels planted and stable, with the suspension soaking up mid-corner bumps with ease. The feedback from the front end inspires confidence, allowing you to push the bike harder through corners.
- High-Speed Stability: At higher speeds, the bike remains stable and composed. The chassis and suspension work together to provide a smooth and controlled ride, even when pushing the bike towards its top speed.

6. Braking System
Braking performance is crucial for any sports bike, and the GSX-8R does not disappoint. Here’s an overview of its braking system:
- Front Brakes: The bike is equipped with dual 310mm discs and four-piston Nissin calipers. These provide strong and predictable braking performance, ensuring you can slow down or stop quickly when needed.
- Rear Brakes: The rear features a 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper. This setup complements the front brakes well, providing balanced braking performance.
- ABS: The bike comes with ABS as standard, adding an extra layer of safety. The ABS system is well-calibrated, intervening only when necessary to prevent wheel lockup.
Braking Specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Front Brakes | Dual 310mm discs, four-piston Nissin calipers |
Rear Brakes | Single 240mm disc, single-piston caliper |
ABS | Standard |
Real-World Braking Performance:
- City Use: In urban environments, the brakes are easy to modulate, allowing for smooth and controlled stops. The ABS system ensures that even in wet or slippery conditions, you can brake with confidence.
- High-Speed Braking: At higher speeds, the braking system provides ample stopping power. The bike remains stable under hard braking, with minimal dive from the front forks.
- Emergency Braking: In emergency situations, the combination of strong front brakes and ABS ensures that you can stop quickly and safely. The rear brake adds extra stopping power and stability, preventing the rear wheel from lifting off the ground.
7. Electronics and Features
Suzuki has equipped the GSX-8R with a range of modern electronics and features to enhance the riding experience. Here’s a detailed look:
- TFT Display: The bike features a 5-inch TFT display that provides all essential information at a glance. The display is bright and clear, though the rev counter could be more intuitive.
- Riding Modes: The GSX-8R comes with three power modes, allowing you to tailor the bike’s performance to your preference. These modes adjust the power delivery and throttle response to suit different riding conditions.
- Traction Control: The bike has three levels of traction control, ensuring optimal grip and stability in various conditions. This feature is particularly useful in wet or slippery environments.
- Quick Shifter: As mentioned earlier, the bi-directional quick shifter is a standout feature, allowing for seamless gear changes without using the clutch.
- ABS: The ABS system is standard and well-calibrated, enhancing the bike’s safety without being overly intrusive.
Electronics and Features Specifications:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
TFT Display | 5-inch, bright and clear |
Riding Modes | Three power modes |
Traction Control | Three levels |
Quick Shifter | Bi-directional, standard |
ABS | Standard |
Real-World Use of Electronics:
- TFT Display: The display is easy to read in all lighting conditions. It shows all necessary information, including speed, gear position, fuel level, and riding mode. However, the rev counter could benefit from a more intuitive design.
- Riding Modes: The different riding modes are practical and noticeably change the bike’s behavior. In urban environments, the softer mode helps in managing power delivery, while the sportier mode is perfect for spirited rides.
- Traction Control: The traction control system works seamlessly, providing confidence in varying road conditions. It’s particularly effective in wet conditions, ensuring that you maintain optimal grip.
8. Pricing and Variants
One of the most attractive aspects of the GSX-8R is its pricing. Here’s a breakdown:
- Base Price: The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is priced at £8,899 in the UK, offering excellent value for money considering its features and performance.
- Color Options: The bike is available in three color options:
- Blue
- Silver with Red Wheels
- Black
- A2 License Option: The GSX-8R can be restricted for A2 license holders, making it accessible to a wider range of riders.
Pricing and Variants:
Variant | Price (£) |
---|---|
GSX-8R Blue | £8,899 |
GSX-8R Silver | £8,899 |
GSX-8R Black | £8,899 |
A2 Restricted Version | Available, price on request |
Value for Money:
- Affordability: At £8,899, the GSX-8R offers great value for money. It competes well with other bikes in its segment, providing similar performance and features at a lower price point.
- Running Costs: Suzuki’s reputation for reliability means that running costs should be manageable. The bike’s fuel efficiency is reasonable, and maintenance costs are expected to be on par with other bikes in this category.
9. Pros and Cons
To summarize the GSX-8R, here are its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Design: Sleek, aggressive styling that turns heads.
- Performance: Powerful and torquey engine with excellent mid-range performance.
- Comfort: Balanced ergonomics suitable for both sporty and everyday riding.
- Handling: Nimble and responsive handling with a well-balanced suspension.
- Value: Excellent value for money with a competitive price point.
- Electronics: Comprehensive suite of electronics including riding modes and traction control.
Cons:
- Seat Comfort: The seat could be more comfortable for long rides.
- Windscreen: The windscreen could offer better protection at higher speeds.
- Rev Counter: The design of the rev counter on the TFT display could be more intuitive.
- Pillion Comfort: Limited comfort for pillion riders on longer journeys.
10. Final Thoughts
The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is a fantastic all-rounder that combines sportiness with practicality. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and comfortable ergonomics make it an excellent choice for a wide range of riders. Whether you’re looking for a bike for daily commuting, weekend blasts, or even longer tours, the GSX-8R delivers.
While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as seat comfort and windscreen effectiveness, these are overshadowed by its many strengths. The bike offers great value for money, making it an attractive option in its segment.
In conclusion, the GSX-8R is a versatile and enjoyable bike that should be on your shortlist if you’re in the market for a new sports bike. It’s a testament to Suzuki’s ability to create machines that cater to both performance enthusiasts and everyday riders. Until next time, ride safe and enjoy the journey!
4o