Akrapovic for the GSX-8S

Akrapovič has been offering a complete race exhaust system since last year – with an astronomical sound and impressive performance figures. Naturally, my son would have used this system on public roads without batting an eye. But a spark of decency and parental duty still lingers somewhere in my gasoline-soaked soul, so I of course turned down his request. Instead, we opted for the equally appealing and great-sounding street legal system. => here's the sound check.

The new Akrapovič system for the GSX-8S and GSX-8R is inspired by the EICMA 2024 concept and blends seamlessly into the bike's lines. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel in one piece, it impresses with cutting-edge technology: the catalytic converter is welded directly into the muffler, while a hand-crafted carbon end cap with a honeycomb guard and the characteristic Akrapovič logo in red and white completes the package. Installation is plug-and-play – no mapping required. Still, the system delivers measurable gains: 1.8 kW (2.5 hp) more at 9,500 rpm and an additional 1.4 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. At the same time, it saves 29.1 percent in weight – a proud 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 bikes, I'm rather fickle and get excited about new machines fairly quickly. So it's no surprise that the Suzuki GSX-8S won my heart the moment I first tested it – I ordered one for my son. Yet astonishingly, the bike hasn't lost any of its appeal, even though competitors have long since rolled out new models. For me, it still remains the best naked bike in its class. Why is that? It has breathtakingly good torque, really good throttle response, and this combination simply delivers a unique riding pleasure in the saddle. It's simply fun to ride on the road. And that fun kicks in already when accelerating from 50 km/h out of a town zone up to 100. You don't need spectacular maneuvers or speeds – this engine is simply a joy-giver.

Furthermore, over the kilometers covered so far, the bike has proven uncomplicated, reliable, and high-quality. Japanese quality from front to back, top to bottom – everything just fits and feels right. There is, however, one limitation that in my specific case – my son is athletic and 1.80 meters tall – isn't a problem: the GSX-8S has a 180-section rear tire and is a full-grown product for full-grown people, not something for slight teenagers. With many other compact naked bikes, I have the problem that they're far too small for my two sons. They just can't get comfortable with those low seat heights and puny handlebars. The boys are big and strong, they need a proper bike underneath them. My son also appreciates the visual appeal of a 180-section rear tire. For slighter riders, a Suzuki SV650 would certainly be the better choice – it's more compact, lighter, and easier to maneuver.

Now a dyno run at BikePerformance is on the agenda, and soon we'll bring you the comprehensive sound check and the truth from the dyno roller on YouTube. Anyone who doesn't want to wait until then can already find a sound check on the Akrapovič website. The 1000PS community can look forward to seeing what I manage to pull off with the GSX-8S on the best-lap-time test track. My son, at least, is keeping his fingers crossed that I don't get too motivated with the throttle.

Now a dyno run at BikePerformance is on the agenda, and soon we'll bring you the comprehensive sound check and the truth from the dyno roller on YouTube. Anyone who doesn't want to wait until then can already find a sound check on the Akrapovič website. The 1000PS community can look forward to seeing what I manage to pull off with the GSX-8S on the best-lap-time test track. My son, at least, is keeping his fingers crossed that I don't get too motivated with the throttle.