Akrapovic for the GSX-8S

Since last year, Akrapovič has been offering a full racing exhaust system—boasting astronomical sound and impressive performance figures. Of course, my son would have used this system on public roads without batting an eye. However, a spark of decency and responsibility still flickers within my petrol-soaked soul, so I naturally declined his wish. Instead, we opted for the equally attractive and great-sounding street-legal version. => Check out the soundcheck here.

The new Akrapovič system for the GSX-8S and GSX-8R takes inspiration from the EICMA 2024 concept, blending seamlessly into the bike's lines. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel in a single piece, it showcases cutting-edge technology: the catalyst is welded directly into the muffler, while a handcrafted carbon cover with honeycomb protection and the iconic Akrapovič logo in red and white completes the look. Installation is plug-and-play—no mapping required. Despite this, the system delivers measurable improvements: an additional 1.8 kW (2.5 hp) at 9,500 rpm and an extra 1.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It also reduces weight by 29.1 percent—a notable 2.2 kilograms less than the stock system. The deep, sporty sound is EC/ECE type-approved and Euro 5+ compliant.

When it comes to motorcycles, I'm quite fickle and quickly enamored by new machines. That's why the Suzuki GSX-8S immediately won my heart during its first test ride—I ordered one for my son. Surprisingly, the bike hasn't lost any of its allure, even though competitors have since launched new models. For me, it remains the best naked bike in this class. Why is that? It has breathtaking torque, an excellent throttle response, and this combination simply delivers a unique joy of riding. It’s just plain fun to hit the road with it. And that fun kicks in as soon as you accelerate from 50 to 100 km/h out of town. You don't need to perform spectacular maneuvers or reach high speeds—this engine is simply a joy-bringer.

Furthermore, the bike has proven to be straightforward, reliable, and high-quality over the miles so far. Japanese quality through and through—everything just fits and works well. There is, however, one limitation that doesn’t pose a problem in my specific case—my son is athletic and 1.80 meters tall: the GSX-8S features a 180 rear tire and is a full-sized product for full-sized individuals, not for petite teenagers. With many other compact naked bikes, the issue is that they are far too small for my two sons. They struggle with the low seat heights and flimsy handlebars. The boys are tall and sturdy, so they need a proper bike beneath them. My son also appreciates the visual appeal of a 180 rear tire. For smaller individuals, a Suzuki SV650 would probably be the better choice—it's more compact, lighter, and easier to handle.

Next up is a dyno run at BikePerformance, and soon we'll be releasing the full soundcheck and dyno truth on YouTube. If you can't wait until then, there's already a soundcheck available on the Akrapovič website. The 1000PS community can look forward to seeing what I achieve with the GSX-8S on the best lap test track. My son, for one, is crossing his fingers that I don't get too carried away on the throttle.

Next up is a dyno run at BikePerformance, and soon we'll be releasing the full soundcheck and dyno results on YouTube. If you can't wait until then, there's already a soundcheck available on the Akrapovič website. The 1000PS community can look forward to what I accomplish with the GSX-8S on the best lap test track. My son is certainly hoping I don't get too throttle-happy.