Suzuki GSX-8R on test

Technically, the Suzuki Supersport is closely related to the Suzuki GSX-8S. The GSX-8S, introduced in 2023, made a strong impression right from the start. It garnered a lot of praise and even secured victory in our comparison of mid-range naked bikes up to 100 hp. Therefore, it serves as a solid foundation for further enhancements in the realm of sportiness.

The Suzuki Supersport retains the frame, swingarm, and engine from the naked bike without any changes. Familiar components such as the headlight unit, the dashboard, and the electronic aids, including the highly effective quickshifter, are also carried over from the naked bike. However, significant changes have been made by the suspension supplier. The Suzuki Supersport now features Showa components instead of KYB, with a big-piston fork (SFF-BP) at the front and an unspecified rear shock absorber, with only the preload being adjustable. This adjustment aims to achieve a firmer chassis setup in line with the sporty nature of the bike. The front fork now has a linear spring and a more heavily damped base configuration compared to the naked bike. The shock absorber has been specifically chosen to complement this setup. According to Japanese engineers, the Showa components are lighter, contributing to an overall weight reduction. The driving experience, detailed later in the report, will reveal how these changes perform in real-world conditions.

Upon first glance, it is evident that the Suzuki Supersport is a high-performance motorcycle. However, it is not solely designed for the racetrack, but is also well-suited for everyday use. Like any sports bike, it features handlebar grips made of top-quality forged aluminum. The pleasant surprise when mounting the bike for the first time: the riding position is more comfortable than anticipated, with only a slight lean forward of the upper body in comparison to a standard motorcycle. The design of the handlebars and their attachment to the upper triple clamp provide a truly comfortable touring position while still maintaining a good sense of control over the front of the bike. The seat height remains unchanged from the standard motorcycle at 810 millimeters. The placement of the footrests has also remained the same, contributing to an overall comfortable riding experience due to the bike's larger dimensions. Even taller riders, standing at 1.90 meters, will find themselves at ease.

The impeccable craftsmanship and premium look of the Suzuki Supersport also enhance the overall riding experience. Beginning with the sturdy steel frame and the elegantly designed swingarm, every detail exudes quality, including the precise gap dimensions and flawless paint job. The cockpit features a clear 5-inch color display that provides essential information at a glance. Additionally, the adjustable brake lever, along with its sleek black counterpart on the clutch side, adds a touch of elegance to the bike.

The ergonomic design mentioned above ensures that riders can quickly build confidence in the Suzuki Supersport. The 800cc twin engine runs extremely smoothly. With a class-leading torque of 78 Newton meters, the bike delivers strong performance from low revs, providing excellent flexibility. The peak output of 83 hp is achieved at 8500 rpm. In real-world riding, however, riders often shift gears much earlier. The gearbox offers precise shifting, with clearly defined detents and a pleasantly short throw. Similar to the 8S model, the Suzuki Supersport comes standard with a quickshifter. There are no issues with its functionality - riders can even downshift with the throttle open and upshift with the throttle closed. However, the required operating force for this is slightly higher compared to other manufacturers.

The stable chassis of the Suzuki GSX-8R perfectly complements its character. It excels on fast corners, providing a sense of comfort and confidence even at high speeds. However, it can feel slightly unsettled on bumpy surfaces. The front fork's firmer tuning is noticeable on rough asphalt, while a bit more rebound damping at the rear would enhance the overall ride quality. Despite this, the riding experience is undeniably impressive, especially considering the competitive price and the comprehensive standard features. It is evident that cost considerations were taken into account during the development of this superbike.

Wind protection is a key comfort factor for long rides. The sleek fairing mounted on the frame enhances the sporty look of the GSX-8R. While the weather protection is improved compared to the naked model, this supersport bike doesn't offer the same level of comfort as larger sports tourers. The short windscreen doesn't redirect the airflow over the rider's helmet, allowing for a direct wind experience from the chest up with minimal turbulence. This unique sensation complements the dynamic and modern design of the GSX-8R, giving it the feel of an "everyday sports bike". For riders seeking additional wind protection, Suzuki offers a range of accessories through their Suzuki accessories program, including a taller touring screen.

The GSX abbreviation in Suzuki's name is synonymous with sportiness, and our test on the racetrack confirmed this reputation. The GSX-R impressed us with its precision and stability right from the start. Its exceptional stability in corners will be especially beneficial for novice track riders looking to gain confidence quickly. The engine power is manageable, allowing riders to focus on their line and positioning on the bike without feeling overwhelmed.

While the handlebars on the Suzuki Supersport may not be true racing clip-ons, they are positioned to promote an aggressive riding stance. The contours on the 14-liter fuel tank and fairing panels provide excellent support for the rider, whether leaning into corners or braking to reduce strain on the upper body.

The ergonomic design of the Suzuki GSX-8R makes it ideal for touring, but may not provide optimal lean angle clearance for the race track. During our test at Circuito Monteblanco, we found that the foot pegs frequently touched the ground. Removing the end pieces beneath the pegs can increase the lean angle by a few degrees. For riders with serious track day aspirations, exploring adjustable solutions from aftermarket suppliers is recommended.

When the Suzuki Supersport hits the racetrack, it becomes clear that the electronics were primarily designed for street use. Even in the most aggressive of the three settings (level 1), the traction control is set very conservatively, only allowing a small amount of throttle input to reach the rear wheel at low lean angles. Thankfully, this can easily be switched off while riding, unlocking the bike's full potential and elevating the riding experience to new heights. The generous torque ensures quick acceleration out of corners, although the rev range is somewhat limited, requiring swift gear changes. With its exceptional smoothness, keeping the engine happy at high speeds is effortless. However, the thrill of revving diminishes noticeably towards the top end, particularly in the final 1500 revs before hitting the limiter, resulting in a perceived flattening of the power curve.

To fully experience the sporty characteristics of the Suzuki Supersport, we equipped it with track-ready tires, specifically the Dunlop SportSmart TT. This allowed us to brake late and maintain high speeds through corners. Thankfully, even with 83 hp, the Suzuki Supersport could not be pushed to its limits on the exit. The choice of tires significantly enhanced the overall enjoyment of riding the Suzuki Supersport on the race track.

The exceptional quality of the brake components on the Suzuki Supersport is evident during aggressive braking. The two Nissin calipers grip a 310mm dual disc setup, providing excellent braking performance. The brake feel remained consistently sharp even after 30 minutes of hard riding. This level of performance is not always expected in this class of motorcycle! When pushing the Suzuki to the limit towards the apex of a corner, it's not the brakes themselves but the ABS system that is put to the test. Safety is a top priority here as well. Skilled riders on the track still have the option to push the limits further. Additionally, the Showa suspension fork showcased impressive capabilities, especially when pushed to the edge. While the rear shock could benefit from slightly more rebound damping, the overall suspension setup performed admirably on the demanding racetrack, maintaining composure even during aggressive maneuvers.

Suzuki is making a bold statement in the competitive world of super sports bikes with the new 8R. With the largest engine displacement and highest torque in its class, this bike stands out. While Aprilia and Honda may have the edge in performance, the 8R comes at a very attractive price point. Weighing in at 205 kilograms ready to ride, it sits on the heavier side compared to its competitors, including Suzuki's own naked bike. However, a Yamaha R7 is a whole 17 kilograms lighter. A thorough comparison test by 1000PS in the upcoming 2024 season will reveal how this weight difference affects the riding experience. Can the 8R follow in the footsteps of its naked sibling and lead the pack in its class? The answer awaits us with anticipation!

As a motorcycle journalist, you are tasked with translating this text corpus into English for a report on a Suzuki Supersport. I will provide you with a DeepL translation of the report with the technical terms. Your task is to create your own translation tailored specifically to Suzuki Supersport. Please note that the motorcycle type, such as motorcycle brand and motorcycle designation, can be found in the DeepL translation text. For technical vocabulary, use the translation provided by DeepL. Your translation must be idiomatic. Ensure that the usual sentence structure of the target language is maintained. Provide only the specific result in your response, do not add any other comments.

Note: If you find a hyperlink or URL embedded in the text or translation text, include it in your translation with the same formatting as in the original, and make sure that Markdown formatting and Markdown syntax for links and other elements are not removed in the translated text. Markdown elements should be within parentheses. If you encounter tables, maintain the same formatting in your translation. Also, ensure that Markdown formatting within parentheses is preserved and not deleted. Markdown for URLs must not be removed.

DeepL Translation: As a buyer, the GSX-8R offers a truly complete package and you don't have to do without anything. It presents itself as high-quality, mature and also technically perfectly equipped. The price-performance ratio is always right.

The Suzuki GSX-8R is now offered in three color options at dealerships. You can choose between metallic Triton Blue, metallic Mat Sword Silver, or metallic Mat Black No.2. The price in Germany is € 9,800 plus additional fees. In Austria, the list price is € 10,690, and in Switzerland, it is 9,995 Swiss francs.