Suzuki’s middle weight naked GSX- 8S first debuted on Australian shores back in late June 2023, and continues to make a good impression, offering riders accessibility, versatility and a healthy serve of bang for buck.
With Suzuki having just added the retro inspired GSX-8T and GSX-8TT to the range, we figured it was the perfect time to reacquaint ourselves with the very likeable streetfighter and get some kilometres aboard the refreshed model.
Whether you’re considering the GSX-8S as a weekday commuter or weekend hooligan machine, the versatility of this model will attract fans. With some refreshed colours for 2025, we climbed aboard and hit the road.
The parallel twin motor is a dream through the low to mid range and is matched to a six speed gearbox with bi-directional quick shifter as standard kit. Suzuki’s GSX-8S is powered by a 776cc DOHC 4-valve per cylinder engine.
It utilises a 270-degree crankshaft and power delivery is smooth and linear. Producing 61kW and 78Nm, it handles itself well, is engaging, and offers more than enough mumbo to have a real good time on.
The short stubby exhaust looks the goods, but we would be headed for an aftermarket unit to enhance the soundtrack if the bike were ours. The low-mid range characteristics mixed with the ergonomics of the GSX-8S make the mid-capacity naked a hero commuter.
With a seat height of 810mm and dry weight of 202kg, it lends itself very well to lane filtering and being able to be parked in less than ideal city parking spots. The Suzuki GSX-8S sports a 5.0-inch full colour TFT dash that’s intuitive to use and easy to navigated.
A left hand switch works a treat too, even when wearing thick gloves. It’s here you’ll find three riding modes – A (Active), B (Basic) and C (Comfort), which all work in conjunction with the ride-by-wire throttle system to vary how you deliver power and torque.
Add in three selectable levels of traction control and the value and tech available on the GSX-8S can be considered well above it’s price tag. You’ll also find Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) which adds a nifty feature called Low RPM Assist.
This helps the rider get away with zippier starts from stand-still situations, such as traffic lights. It effectively makes the bike harder to stall for less experienced riders. The ergonomics are pretty good too.
We did notice during a fair stint on the road that the seat can become a little firm though, as the ride progresses, but in all honesty that is more a bi-product of this style of bike. Reach to the handlebars is decent and the foot peg position is spot on.
If we had a gripe, it’s the lack of self-cancelling indicators, which still irks this rider every time he climbs aboard a bike with impressive tech, that overlooks this underestimated feature.
That aside, it’s once you get outside the confines of the city, that the Suzuki GSX-8S comes to life and is a bucket load of manageable fun. Whether tackling open sweeping bends or navigating tighter, twistier terrain, it handles pretty much whatever you throw at it.
Those big arcing curves prove a real highlight of this bike’s handling capabilities, feeling planted and offering plenty of rider confidence. The Dunlop Roadsport 2 rubber does a good job, while the rear shock stood up to our tests competently.
Changing directions also gets a tick from us, with the bike being easily manageable and not a real handful through tighter corners. The front suspension features a non-adjustable 43mm KYB inverted fork, which combines with the steel frame to provide rigidity.
The added benefit of sporty geometry makes for an all-round tasty package. A Nissin brake setup with ABS provides stopping power and works well. 310mm twin discs with four piston radial callipers find a home up front.
A single 240mm disc with single piston calliper gets the business done at the rear, again without being mind shatteringly brilliant. The setup simply works. There’s no denying the 2025 Suzuki GSX-8S is a hell of a lot of bike for the money either.
Not only does it look stylish and contemporary, it is a lot of fun to ride without being intimidating in any way, shape or form. Up against Honda’s CB750 Hornet, Yamaha’s MT-07 and CFMOTO’s 800NK, potential buyers are spoilt for choice.
Suzuki’s GSX-8S is available in Pearl Cosmic Blue, Glass Matte Mechanical Grey and Metallic Matte Black No. 2 (as tested), all of which look great. Pricing starts from $14,190 ride away (with dealer stock of the MY23 available from $12,990 ride away).
Backed by a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty, you can find out more on the Suzuki Motorcycles Australia website, or from your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by Suzuki Motorcycles Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this bike. Images by Shot By Roth (action) and Cubstars Photography (static).
