Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

When comparing the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023, there are several factors to consider.

Starting with the technical specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 has an inline engine with a power output of 125 HP and a torque of 98.6 Nm. It has a fuel injection system, four cylinders, and liquid cooling. The displacement is 948 ccm. On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S has a crankshaft inline engine with a power output of 83 HP and a torque of 78 Nm. It also has a fuel injection system, but only two cylinders and liquid cooling. The displacement is 776 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have a telescopic fork front suspension and a swingarm rear suspension with a monoshock. The Kawasaki Z900 offers adjustment options for preload and recovery, while the Suzuki GSX-8S only has preload adjustment. The material used for the rear suspension is aluminum in both bikes.

For the chassis, both bikes have a steel frame.

Kawasaki Z900 2023

When it comes to the front brakes, both bikes have dual disc brakes with a diameter of 300 mm for the Kawasaki Z900 and 310 mm for the Suzuki GSX-8S. Both bikes have four-piston calipers, but the Suzuki GSX-8S uses radial technology for its front brakes.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS, riding modes, ride-by-wire, and traction control.

Moving on to dimensions and weights, both bikes have a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The rear tire width is also 180 mm with a diameter of 17 inches. The Kawasaki Z900 has a wheelbase of 1450 mm, while the Suzuki GSX-8S has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1465 mm. The seat height is 795 mm for the Kawasaki Z900 and 810 mm for the Suzuki GSX-8S. The curb weight with ABS is 212 kg for the Kawasaki Z900 and 202 kg for the Suzuki GSX-8S.

In terms of equipment, both bikes have LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, and a TFT display.

Suzuki GSX-8S 2023

Now let's discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each bike.

The Kawasaki Z900 has the strengths of light and natural handling with high stability, a smooth engine with full traction from low revs, excellent chassis transparency with great feedback, a comfortable seating position, and a fair price. However, it has the weaknesses of a relatively inconvenient menu operation, the absence of slope-dependent assistance systems, and a high weight.

On the other hand, the Suzuki GSX-8S has the strengths of a complete and high-quality overall concept, a high torque engine, first-class racing culture, stable handling, a high-quality impression overall, a very good seat, an excellent naked bike riding position, good and precise gear shifting, high-quality controls, a very good display, and suspension that offers reserves for a wide range of uses despite the lack of adjustment options. It also has good ergonomics. However, it has the weaknesses of requiring slightly more force to operate the gear lever and shift lever than usual, being slightly heavier than other bikes in its class, having overly defensive ABS controls, and lacking rev reserves for upward shifts.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2023 and the Suzuki GSX-8S 2023 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 offers a powerful engine and a fair price, while the Suzuki GSX-8S provides a high-quality overall concept and a torquey engine. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.