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Suzuki GSX 8S | Long-Term Review

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Having had my lovely little Suzuki GSX 8S around 8 months now and ridden around 3,400 miles on it, I thought it time to record my thoughts on the bike, what is good and what niggles are less so.
TLDR, it is an absobloominlutely awesome motorcycle, but there are a couple of niggles.
With the motorcycle sharing the same engine as the stunning Suzuki GSX 8R as well as both of the Suzuki V Strom 800 DE and RE bikes, it is now well proven to be a reliable and very much a fun little engine, and what a bike the GSX-8S is.
If you are an owner in the UK, please do check out the Suzuki GSX-8S & GSX-8R Owners UK group on Facebook:
/ 1043931820295552
If you have not done so already, don't forget to check out my other socials:
Facebook: / hippodrones
Instagram: / hippodrone247
Twitter: / hippo_drones
My bikes:
2023 Suzuki GSX 8S with Akrapovic full exhaust and decat
2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 with Doubletake mirrors, Evotech Performance satnav bar mount, SW-Motech sump-guard, Hepco & Becker handguard protection, Kriega US40 RackPack & US10 drybags
2020 Beta 390 RR with 2" lowered suspension by HM Racing (www.hmracing.co.uk), Bulletproof Designs radiator guards, Seat Concepts lower seat, Doubletake bar mirrors, Acerbis handguards
2012 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, aka "Lord Vader" which has been very customised
Previous bikes that have featured on the channel:
1984 Honda CB100N in original condition
2017 Suzuki GSX-R 750 with Yoshimura Slip-On Exhaust & modified gearing
2020 Moto Guzzi V85 TT with Zard Titanium Slip-On Silencer
2018 Triumph street Triple 765R [LRH]
2018 Beta Alp 4.0
2017 KTM 390 Duke
#SuzukiGSX8S #Suzuki #Motorcycle #Vlogger #HippoDrones

Опубликовано:

4 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 108

@Meifesto 2 месяца назад

It felt like one of the better GSX's I have ridden ever

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

That is good praise! 🙂

@Trevster65 2 месяца назад

I have blue and white stock 8s and love it. I tend to ride in B mode but use A for short blasts and it suits me. It’s quick off the line and a very capable bike at legal speeds. Riding in B mode I’m getting nearly 70mpg over the last 3500 miles which gives me just over 200 miles in tank if pushed. Longest I’ve gone is 190 miles and had nearly 1.5 litres left in tank, I too fill up around 150 miles normally. I tried many others and don’t regret my choice.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It sounds like you are getting better MPG than I, possibly from using B mode more than I do I imagine. Ace to hear that you are getting on with it well 🙂

@Nameonly67 17 дней назад

24 stock gsx 8s owner here and I just hit 3000 miles can confirm it does get better mpg if you ride in b mode more, I just use A for when i wanna rip it real quick then switch back

@HippoDrones 17 дней назад

@@Nameonly67 ahh awesome, and good to know 🙂👍

@exeterrider 2 месяца назад

Its good to know the wartsn all from a owner, it shows how much you like that bike. Suzuki have made a super job of it...I expect they could double the sales if they pushed it a little more...it almost gets over looked which is a real shame for such a super fun bike....something I found with it is the stock exhaust lacks some "roaring fun noise" like the competition, KTM 890, Hornet,MT07 perhaps. That being said the 8S has a far more comfortable seat vs the Hornet and 07...I didnt mind the saddle on the 890. Enjoyed that Thanks

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It is quite quiet with the stock exhaust, a shame that the powers that be restrict them so much. I get loads of ads for Suzuki on my social medias, which is odd as they seem to be preaching to the converted, same with Aprilia... These cookies to offer targeted ads are just stupid, I honestly don't know whey companies pay for those services when they blatantly target those who have already got their products! 😀 Ty ER 🙂

@martin5818 2 месяца назад

Great video! I own a white and blue 8S and love it. I rode sports bike in my youth, but now I’m (sadly) the wrong side of 40, the 8S seemed to be the right step and I have no regrets. I’m 5’ 11” and it fits me perfectly. The only mod I’ve made (so far) is a screen, which really smooths out the wind at higher speeds and makes the experience a little better. I ride in ‘A’ mode pretty much all the time and still get good fuel economy. Love the low to mid range torque. Basically, the 8S does everything I wanted it to and it’s a keeper!

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks Martin. Ahh that is good to know it is still comfortable for a taller person. Ha, we are both the wrong side of 40... don't mean we need to grow up too fast! 😀 I am def a fan of A mode, love how responsive it is 🙂

@MRTPR Месяц назад

Hello Mate, I have just been in Europe for the last 5 weeks, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Fantastic weather over there. I love this bike even though I don't have one. If I could have another this is the bike that would be one of the bikes at the top of my list, together with the V Strom 800. I have not seen any here in South Australia as yet. Puzzling. Take Care.

@HippoDrones Месяц назад

Ahh awesome stuff... a fellow RU-vidr and internet friend of mine lives in Estonia, Theodors Travels. It is a fantastic fun bike, and I love it.... but what makes it fun is also it's downside too, it is def not a good all weather bike sadly.

@filipvrijders7994 Месяц назад

Always tank on time. Never any surprises and good for the tank too😊

@HippoDrones Месяц назад

Yup, I do wish road bikes had at least 17l though! :-D

@RoadsOfOz 2 месяца назад

Great review mate. Always good to see an owners perspective. I love that blue colour on your bike. It reminds me of the Volvo blue in the Polestar range back when they were associated with drivers cars.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks Matt. yeah, it is quite striking isn't it, my mate has a Ford Focus RS in the same colour too, I remember those Volvos, great looking cars.

@brandonrayner5253 Месяц назад

Awesome video, I live in canada and just bought a 2024 GSX-8S. I've ordered few parts for the bike and just waiting for them to arrive lol. I've owned my bike for almost 3 weeks now and I have to say it's a complete blast to ride!

@HippoDrones Месяц назад

@@brandonrayner5253 thanks mate 👍 Ahh cool, what bits have you ordered for it? The 8S is a real hoot to ride, super playful 😁

@MVDBR 2 месяца назад

Comprehensive overview Pete 👌 That thing sounds so good with the taps wide open 😍 I too would much prefer cruise control over a quick shifter, cheers 🍻

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Cheers Josh... yeah I love that exhaust 😁

@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger 2 месяца назад

It really is an awesome bike Pete, and suits your needs perfectly I reckon, this, the Taureg and the dirt bike basically have everything you need! Very good review, especially for anyone considering buying one. Yeah I also tend to fill up way before it's an issue - of course it's a little more essentiual here with some vast distances between places.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks David, aye... I'd have a nervous breakdown getting low on fuel where you ride! 🤣

@tonyjourneyman1944 2 месяца назад

Great Motor, fantastic torque. I sold mine after about 3000 klms and thoroughly enjoyed the bike. I also scratched my tank a lot with my jacket zip. In the end I did not like the suspension much and wanted an ADV bike anyway. If I had room for 2 bikes in my garage I would most likely have kept the bike. My new Honda Transalp also has similar modes, basically I don't like different modes because I think the safest mode is performance consistency. The last thing I want in the pouring rain on a crowded motorway is a bike that all of a sudden feels like a different bike.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It's a shame you didn't get on with the bike enough to keep it, but we all like different things.

@lost-again 2 месяца назад

Lovely looking bike. I find with mine if I pre-load the quick shifter about a second before changing, it changes a lot smoother. I agree about the vibration, although I have got used that those now and don’t really notice it too much. Wet weather riding is a bit messy though. Really good review.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

They are quite lovely looking... although I really should give mine a wash now the weather has cheered up a bit 😀 Ahh #TopTip thanks 🙂 Yeah, you def get used to the vibes, but thought them worth mentioning. Cheers mate 🙂

@tojj29 2 месяца назад

Pretty much everything my mate says about his 8S. His spends a lot of time on the back wheel and the very last mm of tyre🤣🤣 He loves it. Nice review and it sounds lovely when you open it up👌👌

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It definitely likes to lift the front wheel... even I can do it and I can't even wheelie my enduro bike! 🤣

@tojj29 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones 🤣🤣

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@tojj29 😀

@stevesanelli90 2 месяца назад

Hey Hippo, a great review from you & the fantastic 8S! In terms of features lacking, I wish it came with an ambient temperature sensor & display from the V-Strom. I’m absolutely convinced it’s probably got the wiring connector for it but needs to be discovered. I’m actually not fussed with cruise control since it isn’t a true touring bike as such but I’ve used mine as one without an issue of wishing it had CC. I looked at this, the Hornet & the 800NK & I still chose this without taking one for a test ride when they just got released here in Aus. It is so well built, looks so much better & aggressive & so stable on the road. I prefer the firmer suspension & have never felt it pushed beyond its limits. I too use the clutch lever when in traffic in the lower gears because the quick shifter it a bit choppy. But, when loaded up on a quick getaway, it is in its element. I still think it is definitely the best motorcycle I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few! Cheers!

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

A temp gauge would be handy, be good if you could retro fit one somehow

@FlannelGuyFive 28 дней назад

Well done vid sir...me likey this bikey

@HippoDrones 28 дней назад

@@FlannelGuyFive it is a fantastic motorcycle 😎👍

@FlannelGuyFive 28 дней назад

@@HippoDrones I think I may just strike the match on this one and light that fire after your review. Again well done above others. Ride safe my friend! 😎

@HippoDrones 28 дней назад

@@FlannelGuyFive ahh fantastic news, hopefully you'll find a good deal on one! 🙂

@tomstc 2 месяца назад

It's a great bike I like the look of them. I think the modes are the same as my vstrom like you said! Interesting what you said about the quick shifter, my vstrom has done that! Like it has a bit of a fit!!!

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Yeah, am not sure what caused it, but I have either adjusted how I change gear, or it has worked its self out as not had it since the bike was new to me.

@Viper6-MotoVlogger 2 месяца назад

It’s simply a fantastic bike mate.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Suzuki done well with this engine and the bikes that share it.

@CalmBiker 2 месяца назад

Interesting niggle with the quickshifter. I have only ridden one bike with one and got tired of it quickly but didn't notice the problem. That was an MT09. I guess if you have modes you might as well use them. I do wonder why they can't just make the bike easy to ride in all situations and then save some money on electronics though. You get range anxiety at 150 miles? I wish I could get 150 miles out of my little naked bike 🤣 Similar inseam to me. I really must try one of these. Would love to see you try one like mine too though. See just how similar they are in size. Agree on integrated indicators. They seem worse generally and are just another reason for the police to have a look at you and give you a fine. For the exhaust, you just need to remove that cat now 🙂

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Yeah it only happened to me when the bike was new, so am guessing operator error, but was annoying when it happened. I am now a huge fan of quickshifters, not to the point I'd avoid bikes without one, but I do enjoy using it. I knew the modes would generate comments, I know what you mean, and in a world where we could have what we wanted for less, then sure... but bikes now have the electronics in them to do stuff anyway, so they may as well make them do stuff. Saddlebags mentioned in his comment that the modes just reduce how much turn you need to go faster, which is true, but some folk like a quick action throttle, and many have converted old cabled throttles to have that, and I have also in the past, he also said it is better to have a longer action on the road as it is smoother, which is true, but something one person likes, doesn't mean that is the only thing people like. For me being able to switch between a quick action throttle and a longer action one is great, as it means I can adjust the bike to my mood. Haha... yeah spoilt by the 21l tank on my V7 and 18l on my Aprilia... My Beta dirtbike has an 8.5l tank and I can just about do 90 miles on that at the pace I trail ride 🙂 I think you'd enjoy it, at least on a sunny day, less so in the wet when your back gets covered in road juice 😀 Same with small number plates too... although my V7 had a tiny one not even the right colour and I never got grief even with the straight through pipes I used to have on it! 😀 Ahh, the exhaust is already a decat, the chunky middle section is just an expansion chamber

@twistandgo3414 2 месяца назад

Great review bud. It’s really good on fuel then! I only get around 130 miles to reserve light on the 765RS! And that has as a 15 litre tank! 😅 mind you, it’s also now tuned and just asks to be spanked but no way is it going to see 170 miles. That said, not tried it with full on touring mode head engaged yet.. so I might be surprised.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks mate, yeah the new 765 has a smaller tank I think than the 765R I used to own, that had 17.5l apparently. Hahaha... yeah, you may need to use less wrist on it! 😀

@markfortin8286 2 месяца назад

Great review, Pete! The lack of cruise control certainly is odd. Do you think it may have been a calculated decision? Maybe they figured most people would use the bike for shorter blasts, and the quick-shifter would compliment that. Even so, being up against Honda’s Hornet, which has the advantage of famous branding, I would have thought Suzuki would want to go all-out. A big corporation like that, I assume there’s always a push-and-pull relationship between the engineers, the accountants, and the marketing department. In other words, we’ll probably see the cruise control on the ‘25 or ‘26 model year bikes!

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks Mark. I don't think so as the VStrom 800 don't have cruise control and that is a distance bike. Suzuki can hold their head as high as Honda I think, they just have different business ideals. I di hope it finds its way to later generations, else folk will turn to brands that do offer it like KTM, Triumph and Aprilia etc

@Banditmanuk 2 месяца назад

It does look a great bike suited to your needs (apart from spray suppression) Modes; sorry but I just cannot be bothered. My MT10 has been ridden in the least intervention mode since I bought it. Range anxiety 😂 I'm out at 120

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Aye, it is a cracking roadbike. Haha... yeah modes are not everyone's cup of tea, but it is so easy to change them and it does make a difference to how the bike feels in each

@economicalrides 2 месяца назад

As you know Pete, this blue bike speaks to me. I think it's a great FUN bike but it's also more or less a practical all-rounder. I am curious to know what the low to mid-range torque to top end power ratio of this engine is. Is it a bike that requires a lot of shifting up and down on slow, twisty roads or can you leave it in third or fourth and pick it up again with a nice big dollop of throttle ? As you know, our roads here are pretty twisty and I prefer to ride just rolling on and off the throttle, not braking much at all and just trying to be smooth. I'm not a fan of banging up and down through the gearbox all the time. Does this bike suit that type of riding ? Cheers Pete. A nice thorough review. It IS a shame that it has riding modes but no cruise control. I will wait for them to fit cruise control to it and then I could be sorely tempted. 🤔 All the best from Spain, Garry

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It is very much just that mate, a really fun bike to ride, and I think a lot of people forget the fun that can be had on lower powered machines like this. The low to midrange torque is exactly what this bike is about, it is what makes the bike as fun as it is, especially with the TC turned off. As said in the vid, it'll do around 130mph so has plenty of top end for the road, but the joy of the engine is cruising in the midrange. I find I can use just engine braking to slow down with forethought of the road ahead, I often find I apply a little break just to show any vehicles behind me that I am slowing down and my brake light works! 😀 Cruise control is sadly missed on this bike, but I imagine if this ever gets it, then the V Strom 800 will too, and that would be when me and the 8S would part ways for one of those instead. Cheers for the comment as always Garry.

@economicalrides 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones Thanks Pete. That's how I'd hoped it would be. Sounds like my cup of tea 👍🏻 I just wasn't sure if they'd tuned it to be too sporty, but it sounds as though engine-wise it is still very much V Strom -esque, which is exactly what I'd like. I could be tempted by the V Strom too but if I did get one, it would be my "nice bike", so I probably wouldn't be taking it down many trails. I suppose I could make more of a case for a V Strom if I was planning on doing more longer trips where I needed luggage carrying capacity. I'm not there at the moment but maybe at some point in the future. Then the V Strom probably would make more sense than an 8S. Why can't I just have them all ?????? 🤬 Thanks for the answer Pete, did nothing but make me even more interested in the 8S and V Strom 🤔

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@economicalrides yeah, I think the V Strom would be capable of that, but likeyou say, it is a bike that you could become precious about and not want to risk it taking a tumble on the trails.

@petrol11 24 дня назад

Did you get the tune for the exhaust? Great review, thanks!

@HippoDrones 24 дня назад

@@petrol11 No, Akrapovic stated that it wasn't necessary with this exhaust on this bike! Thanks bud 🙂👍

@EpicAdamMotovlogs 2 месяца назад

It's a powerful, naked motorcycle. What's not to love? It's a cool, unique blue. I bet it makes your eyes shimmer. Grrrr 😉

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It certainly is quick, I'd not say it is powerful though, only 80bhp 🙂 I love it though, def a lot of shimmering going on! 😀

@EpicAdamMotovlogs 2 месяца назад

@HippoDrones I was thinking about BHP today and I think 80bhp is perfect for our roads. I could be wrong.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@EpicAdamMotovlogs absolutely, for me more is exciting, but there is so much fun to be had in a punchy torquey motor at real world road speeds. Just look at how many bikes are in this "performance" bracket, it is a huge amount of bikes both modern and older.

@stevedavey82 2 месяца назад

Hi great video. Can I ask where you got your tail tidy from ? Thanks

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Thanks Steve. The tail-tidy came from a company called Top Block based in France. I really like it, and very easy to fit.

@stevedavey82 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones Thankyou did you order direct from them? Thankyou

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@stevedavey82 sorry, not Top Hat, but Top Block, here is a link: shop.top-block.com/fr/gsx8s/841-supportdeplaque-spes43-suzuki-gsx8s.html

@stevedavey82 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones thankyou

@stevedavey82 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones that’s brilliant . It’s all in French . Sorry to be a pain but do I just put uk address to get it shipped to , as you can probably tell I’m not that good with buying stuff online so I’m just trying to figure it out . Thankyou . Oh one more thing is it just plug and play? Thankyou in advance

@oliverk6449 2 месяца назад

Any plans to ride the 8R to compare ?

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

I'd love to, but I'm not sure when I'd be able to currently, although will try and make that happen. 👍

@mellowr1 2 месяца назад

What's the chances eh?🤔😀 Sorry i couldn't chat longer, the guys wanted to crack on🙂 3500 MILES!!! I wouldn't have that much if i combined my bikes mileage over the last 3 years🤣 Talking of deer, one ran out of some woods in front of us on the route round a field. It would be good at trials as it cleared about a 10ft ditch in one leap🤣👍

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

Aye mate, was great to see you, thanks for waving me down 🙂 Hahaha... you do mainly trail ride though, so the miles are always a bit less doing that for the same amount of saddle time.... you need to ride off to some cafes for bacon sarnies! 😀 Oh wow, am glad it didn't take anyone out, ha... to be able to jump like a deer would be handy! 😀

@mellowr1 2 месяца назад

@HippoDrones I usually do ride to cafes on my road bikes👍 Taking the R1 for a spin Sunday and the LC125 for mot saturday😎

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@mellowr1 😀

29 дней назад

how does the blipper work when downshifting?

@HippoDrones 29 дней назад

You push the lever down with your foot and it drops a gear 🙂

29 дней назад

i mean how well does it work?

@HippoDrones 29 дней назад

Ahh soz hahah 😀 It works ok, I have a Yamaha XSR900 GP, which the blipper is much smoother, but then that is a much more expensive motorcycle... and I still as often use a clutch to down shift on that too... So on the 8S, it is crude, but works, but I still often just used the clutch.

29 дней назад

thanks! You’re the third owner saying the same thing, so definitely not a fluke but systemic problem. Tried asking the dealership? Wonder how manufacturers get by not delivering on their promise.

@HippoDrones 29 дней назад

Am not sure what you mean? It works fine... it is just basic. My Yamaha has the next generation of quickshifter/blipper, so will be smoother and better quality, the Suzuki blipper really is fine, it just isn't as plush.

@theodorstravels 2 месяца назад

That thing does not take any fuel at all 😲 Does the sport exhaust actually give power, or did you have to do a new fuel map too? I don't remember anymore. I know you probably mentioned that in the exhaust video, but my memory can be selective like sieve sometimes.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

The exhaust was designed to be a direct swap, with no remap needed, from what I have heard, it is only when you mess with the air intake side of things that the bike gets most benefit from a remap. Akra say it adds around 4bhp and similar amount of torque with no tuning.

@theodorstravels 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones you should dyno it, just to be sure 😁 4hp is no joking matter, that's twice what my other bike has total.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@theodorstravels haha... one of my mates used to have access to a dyno, don't think he still does though sadly

@theodorstravels 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones paying from pocket is not an appealing option, for sure.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@theodorstravels yuss 😁

@donderstorm1845 2 месяца назад

i don't get why suzuki doesn't just offer an optional rear mudguard. some of us ride in all conditions and it rains often where i live. sucks that i can't get a tail tidy without getting my back dirty. just let me get something that covers like the whole back side of the wheel lol.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

It's a style thing, not enough people would buy it. I guess they think the V Strom 800RE covers that use, which it does, but it is over 10% heavier too

@donderstorm1845 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones yeah i can see that. seems like most people either don't care about getting dirty or they don't ride in wet conditions.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@donderstorm1845 yup, I think it's the later to be honest

@donderstorm1845 2 месяца назад

@@HippoDrones ah well.. maybe i'll just have to accept the dirty back and dirty bike then. buy a nice raincoat that can be washed easily.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

@@donderstorm1845 yup

@saddle8bag 2 месяца назад

There isn't any more of anything being released in sport mode. It simply doles more of it out at smaller throttle openings making bikes lurchy. It's marketing nonsense. You can do the same thing in B mode, just twist the grip a little harder. And then you have the benefit that the power delivery is much more linear making riding thru corners FAR more enjoyable and easier to ride quickly. The one benefit to sport mode is popping wheelies I suppose. I'll be so glad when this fad of race BS on street bikes ends. All that stuff is made to work linearly at race track speeds. It all works like ass at street speeds. There is nothing good about all the motorcycle controls behaving like light switches. They should work like rheostats. Application should occur over a range allowing a rider to modulate it for the conditions.

@HippoDrones 2 месяца назад

A lot of people fit quick action throttles to pre ride by wire bikes because they want that snappiness, I have to admit, I love that "BS", it works for me, but we all like different things thankfully else there would only ever be one brand and model of motorcycle in the world! 🙂👍