The better choice? Suzuki GSX-8R test on the country road

Supersport motorcycles for the road - they should exude a sleek appearance in the garage, provide enjoyment during weekend rides, and offer convenience in daily use. They should also be capable of handling the occasional trackday outing. A delicate balance that must be achieved! We have already experienced how the Suzuki Supersport performs on the racetrack: Suzuki Supersport track test.

Let's start with the first task that a Suzuki Supersport should fulfill: The appearance. Personal preferences play a role here, but let's look at the facts. The foundation is the GSX-8S naked bike, which has been enhanced with a sporty fairing. The front showcases a vertically positioned twin headlight, reminiscent of Suzuki World Endurance Bikes - it couldn't get any sportier! The craftsmanship is typically Suzuki high quality, with the only downside being the outdated ignition key. However, in our testing area in and around Barcelona, the design is well-received: Spanish youth are enthusiastic about sport bikes like this! The appearance is sporty yet still comfortable enough to accommodate a passenger.

But aesthetics are not the only thing that matters - what about the thrill of riding on the weekends? Those familiar with the new Suzuki Supersport with a twin-cylinder engine featuring a 270° crankpin offset from the naked bike will find a sense of familiarity in the new GSX-8R - as it has been directly inherited. However, this is not a drawback, especially on winding country roads! The 83 hp engine, delivering 78 Nm of torque, impresses with its robust mid-range power. This is where you will mostly enjoy riding on country roads. While the Suzuki engine may feel slightly less potent in the higher RPM range, it is advisable to shift gears earlier. Fortunately, this task is facilitated by the seamless operation of the standard quickshifter.

Compared to its technical sister 8S, Suzuki has replaced the KYB components with a Showa chassis, which is designed to provide a more refined response from the SFF-BP fork, while still allowing for adjustable spring preload on the shock absorber. Despite these changes, the 8R is not just a cornering powerhouse, but also remains an easy-to-handle supersport motorcycle. The fork offers precise feedback to the front wheel, enhanced by the slightly forward-leaning seating position and increased pressure on the handlebars. However, at higher speeds and sharper turns, the weakness of the suspension becomes noticeable: the rebound damping of the shock absorber. Increased damping in this area would result in a more complete riding experience at high speeds. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the ride.

Instead, it demonstrates Suzuki's ability to strike a balance between sportiness and everyday usability, and it does so effectively. The GSX-8R handles longer journeys with ease, thanks in part to its ergonomic design.

The compromise in terms of seating position continues with the Suzuki Supersport. With a saddle height of 810 mm, riders can see two raised handlebar stubs that house the familiar Suzuki controls. Due to their relatively high placement, riders sit on the Suzuki with only a slight forward lean. This riding position increases pressure on the front wheel, enhancing the feeling for the front without causing discomfort in the wrists. The sporty yet comfortable knee angle complements this setup. The result is an aggressive design of the Suzuki Supersport, with minimal compromises on comfort. Additionally, the full fairing provides improved wind and weather protection.

The Suzuki Supersport comes equipped with the standard Suzuki systems, including three power modes (A, B, C, with A providing the most direct response), a three-stage traction control system that can be turned off, ABS, and a quickshifter. All of these options are displayed on the easy-to-read TFT display. These systems work seamlessly and complement the sporty nature of the Suzuki Supersport perfectly. However, we found the response in A mode to be a bit too aggressive for our liking on the twisty Spanish roads, resulting in noticeable changes in load.

We were fortunate to have a Suzuki GSX-R at our disposal for a direct comparison. The strengths of the GSX-R quickly became evident. The focus is primarily on the riding position. While there is slightly more pressure on the wrists on this sportbike, it is not uncomfortable and is suitable for long distances. The increased pressure at the front also provides better feedback to the front wheel, allowing for more precise cornering compared to its naked sister with higher handlebars. The sportier Showa components also play a significant role in this aspect. In comparison, the GSX-R is a more sport-oriented version of the GSX-S, in line with Suzuki's positioning. However, thanks to the comfortable seating position, it does not compromise much on comfort. On the contrary, the fairing on the GSX-R provides more stability at high speeds and offers some protection against wind and weather.

If given the option between the two models, I would opt for the GSX-8R. Not only does it have a more cohesive appearance in my opinion, but the 8R also provides more motorcycle without any compromises - albeit at a higher cost. For purchasing options, you can visit: Buy Suzuki GSX-8R.