Just recently rode this bike and i was blown away with how good it is. Im 6 foot 1 and little bigger and this bike was actually not bad comfort wise at all. I never thought I would own a sport bike fully faired and this one has me wanting one now. The engine torque is immediate and just how smooth it is and the quickshifter as well i was so inpressed with this bike. My wife at 5'4 rode the 8s naked version of this bike and absolutely lived it too and she rarely likes bikes of this type and now she is wanting one. Seriously good bike. Good job Suzuki!!!
Having rode 405 miles on mine in one day in UK I can confirm it is all day comfortable to ride. Frugal mpg too, got 170 out of tank with some left in reserve. Great review Mark, as always.
Perhaps inevitably as your namesake I completely agree with you. Did 705 miles in two days going from the south east of England to Ullapool including a 150 mile motorway stint and found it smooth, comfortable, plenty powerful enough and impressively frugal, around 70mpg. I have the GSX-8S.
Nice review & a great machine. It's a really good sporty all-round road bike & does everything very competently. Goes well, stops well & handles well & comfortable too. I liked it so much I ended up buying one in those colours from that very shop! Great dealer & a fantastic bunch of guys, especially Frank who was extremely helpful & did me a great deal with the Akra full system, levers, tail tidy, radiator guard & a set of tank pads. The QS can be a bit tempremental on occassions but it's improving with miles & I'm learning it's ways so not an issue anymore. The 8R feels so much like a bigger V-twin with great torque & pull pretty much everywhere in any gear. Reminds me of my previous SV1000S, obviously not quite as strong but not too far off either. The spec sheet does the 8R no justice at all. It has excellent real world performance & is fun at legal speeds while not costing a fortune. Thoroughly recommed it.
Did a 3.000 km tour on my 8S and found it very comfortable. Did 8 hour ride one day and still felt good at the end of day. Was getting over 300km’s (186mi) to a tank (just taking it easy and cruising about 100kph). Would definitely recommend this bike as all rounder.
This certainly appears to be a excellent bike, Mark. I think Suzuki have certainly done very well here with this 800cc twin. In whatever iteration, be it in S, R or V-Strom guise, I think they are certainly on to a winner here. I don't think there's any doubt that these will be anything but popular. Good report, Mark. 👍
Looks like the perfect happy medium between sports bike and comfort, without the licence loosing hyper speed.. looks great, sounds good and fuel economy, I like it 😁 thanks mark another great review 🤠 x
Thanks for sharing your review, Mark. This is a quality motorcycle, no mistaking that. I think the market here is for riders wanting to both trade up to something quicker ( if you’re moving up) or trading down to something slower (but still eminently exciting) and less demanding on the licence and wallet for riders ditching the hyper-nakeds et al. This bike, as you rightly point out, is about the engine and suspension working together to create a very versatile machine, at the price one pays. The fact it looks good, has enough electronics to keep most riders happy (and safe) and offers a comfortable perch are bonuses to increase its standing in the pecking order. Less frenetic than the Honda Hornet and KTMs middleweight offerings, it would possibly be my choice.
Suzuki did a fabulous job with this bike. Sporty yet comfortable and practical. If I didn’t have a Street Triple RS in the garage I would be kicking tires down at my local Suzuki dealer😬.
Too youthful at only 44 years old ?...well I'm 69 years old and if could afford any of the new 800cc Suzuki's especially this one tested here ,just based on Marks excellent review.....I would buy one . Never give up mate it's when you do that's when you get old ...just advice imo . Not meant to offend .
Great look at the 8R Mark.👍 Mr TAYM (The All Year Motorcyclist) recently purchased an 8R and between both of your videos the 8R looks like a great and practical motorcycle for everyday and longer rides.
A fellow You Tuber, the all year motorcyclist, test rode one of these for his channel, and was so impressed,he purchased one for himself, must be good.
Mark, has Suzuki a winner here ? With what old model Suzuki can you compare it ? GT 550 Ram Air. Or the GS750 1990, two previous good bikes. GSX 750 is maybe asking too much or not. It looks more a sportstourer for me, like the new Hornet.
Recently tested one. On the plus side, very smooth, easy to ride, predictable handling, great gearbox good TFT well priced, and the cons , didn't feel or sound like a sports bike. It didn't feel exciting or have any real character. Lastly , no wind protection.These cons would put me off owning one, especially as I only have room for one bike.
Nice bike, I was pleased to see you're the same height as myself, the bike looks like a good fit seat height isn't bad. I think I might pick one up next year. I want to get a sportbike I've got a Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser at the moment but am itching for a comfortable sport bike that isn't too aggressive in posture and speed this one looks like the goldilocks for me.
Super review, thanks. I love just about everything about the bike. Looks great for longer journeys too. I've got a new Hornet. I'd swap in a heartbeat!
It's basically fine, but lacks stability and the gearbox/quick shifter is very clunky. The gears could be a bit longer too. Early days with it though. I much prefer the CB650R I traded it in for
@@cliveomahoney4096 Interesting. I have a new Hornet too but I’ve been away from bikes for about 14 years and bikes have changed a lot in the meantime. I like the Hornet except for a snatchy throttle at low speeds. The last bike I had was a new 2006 CBR600F and that was superior but the Hornet did come at a good price. Still getting used to it, like you. I find the speedometer is reading on the high side, I’d question its accuracy. I can tell this by surrounding traffic on the motorway and comparing it to when I’m driving the car.
Another excellent review! I've test ridden and found to be as fun/enjoyable/comfortable as noted. Wondering if this 8R might be a good middle ground to replace both my Ninja 650 and Vstrom 650 (a mix of sport/sport-touring). Did you find the 8R to be as comfortable as the Ninja 650 (and specifically in ref to height, I am of same stature). Thanks again for your feedback/reviews!
New camera Neil ....the DJI osmo action 4....seems to be the standard camera these days..... purple panda mic 🎙️.... changing helmet soon so I'll have to reset the mic position which is always fun 😂 Cheers mark
Headlights are reminiscent off the Suzuki SERT bikes (Endurance Championship) when both on! Those ant antenna mirrors would need to come off straight away (bar fixing threads i noticed),and I've yet to see a decent tail tidy for the 8S,somewhere half way between the factory one and the undertray, one of those XSR700 aftermarket tail lamps, that look like the rear of a fighter jet would look nice on there? Other than that, I'm in,silver one is lovely!
Hi Mark and thanks for the review! It seems like a very competent, well-rounded bike, maybe even punching above its weight, but does it have character?
G'day Mark, first too comment, another good brand too ride, it's one of the four main brands from Japan and the competition keep the quality a must, this bike is a fine example of that, anyone would be pleased too own this machine, cheers mate, ride safe, Neil 🤠. PS great review as always.
@@BikerKevGet the turbo kit on that, 115bhp on pump fuel...Extreme Creations...Yamaha do not need a R9,when you can push up to 200bhp out of the 700cc
What a Beauty ! although there will probably be some Anti Twin Cylinder Remarks I have seen Rumours Of a Retro Version that looks Like the Suzuki T500 from the 70s & Some Photos ( probably Fake?)
I have the 8s and it comes with a rubber flap covering the rear shock, keeps all the crap off without a hugger. I assume this has it too as apart from the fairing, bars and suspension it’s the same.
I testrode this bike 2 weeks ago and loved the handling and the comfort. The riding position is awsome almost like a sporttourer not to much lend forward. I am 6’2 and its roomy. Not many sport bikes out there with fairings that are comfy, roomy and with this relaxed riding position (not to much lent forward). Tried the cbr650r and the Daytona and they are much more lent forward and not so roomy. Cbr650r is roamier than the Daytona. The only downside of the Suzuki 8R is the ugly front looks and the engine a little quirky at lower revs. Nothing beats the triple from Triumph if you want a smooth torque engine the whole register. For me its also so much about the looks. Honda cbr650r is so beautiful bike but want a more torque engine down low. The Suzuki is very close to the perfect bike but the looks doesnt do it for me. I think i dont buy a sport bikes with fairings its hard to find what i am looking for. I think i go for Triumphs Speed Twin 1200 for the lovely looks, comfort lovely smooth torque engine. The best out there for me but its sad when i really want a nice looking better priced sporttourer like the NinjaZ1000SX. Loved that bike but its to expensive to buy and insure
Went from Glasgow-Genoa-Spa-Glasgow on a Honda CBR900RR with a NSR500 V-Twin bodykit in 1998,touring at 80mph(5000rpm),averaged 64mpg...fuel consumption hasn't improved in 30yrs due to emissions crap choking the motors!
so the biggest problem with this bike is four fold. 1) the seat is an absolute rock and 30 mins on this thing and your ass wants a divorce. 2) is the windscreen is essentially useless because it is not high enough unless you are laying down on the bike. So it is looks only on that one. 3) the quick shifter is very, very clunky. It works, but it bangs into gear every time. Lastly #4, the head lights are like little 17th century candles on the road at night, you would be better with a flashlight mounted to your head and they are not replaceable at all. Beyond that, super, super fast and rides ok, and nimble enough to throw it around. Anyone want to buy one with 300 miles on it? lol.
Just recently rode this bike and i was blown away with how good it is. Im 6 foot 1 and little bigger and this bike was actually not bad comfort wise at all. I never thought I would own a sport bike fully faired and this one has me wanting one now. The engine torque is immediate and just how smooth it is and the quickshifter as well i was so inpressed with this bike. My wife at 5'4 rode the 8s naked version of this bike and absolutely lived it too and she rarely likes bikes of this type and now she is wanting one. Seriously good bike. Good job Suzuki!!!
Thanks yes great isn't it 😀
Having rode 405 miles on mine in one day in UK I can confirm it is all day comfortable to ride. Frugal mpg too, got 170 out of tank with some left in reserve. Great review Mark, as always.
Perhaps inevitably as your namesake I completely agree with you. Did 705 miles in two days going from the south east of England to Ullapool including a 150 mile motorway stint and found it smooth, comfortable, plenty powerful enough and impressively frugal, around 70mpg. I have the GSX-8S.
How did you get 170 miles?? The best I’ve gotten is 120miles on a good day 😭 what am I doing wrong⁉️⁉️
Nice review & a great machine. It's a really good sporty all-round road bike & does everything very competently. Goes well, stops well & handles well & comfortable too. I liked it so much I ended up buying one in those colours from that very shop! Great dealer & a fantastic bunch of guys, especially Frank who was extremely helpful & did me a great deal with the Akra full system, levers, tail tidy, radiator guard & a set of tank pads. The QS can be a bit tempremental on occassions but it's improving with miles & I'm learning it's ways so not an issue anymore. The 8R feels so much like a bigger V-twin with great torque & pull pretty much everywhere in any gear. Reminds me of my previous SV1000S, obviously not quite as strong but not too far off either. The spec sheet does the 8R no justice at all. It has excellent real world performance & is fun at legal speeds while not costing a fortune. Thoroughly recommed it.
Brilliant I was talking to them all yesterday..... great bike 😄
Did a 3.000 km tour on my 8S and found it very comfortable. Did 8 hour ride one day and still felt good at the end of day. Was getting over 300km’s (186mi) to a tank (just taking it easy and cruising about 100kph). Would definitely recommend this bike as all rounder.
This certainly appears to be a excellent bike, Mark. I think Suzuki have certainly done very well here with this 800cc twin. In whatever iteration, be it in S, R or V-Strom guise, I think they are certainly on to a winner here. I don't think there's any doubt that these will be anything but popular.
Good report, Mark. 👍
Looks like the perfect happy medium between sports bike and comfort, without the licence loosing hyper speed.. looks great, sounds good and fuel economy, I like it 😁 thanks mark another great review 🤠 x
Thanks for sharing your review, Mark. This is a quality motorcycle, no mistaking that. I think the market here is for riders wanting to both trade up to something quicker ( if you’re moving up) or trading down to something slower (but still eminently exciting) and less demanding on the licence and wallet for riders ditching the hyper-nakeds et al.
This bike, as you rightly point out, is about the engine and suspension working together to create a very versatile machine, at the price one pays. The fact it looks good, has enough electronics to keep most riders happy (and safe) and offers a comfortable perch are bonuses to increase its standing in the pecking order. Less frenetic than the Honda Hornet and KTMs middleweight offerings, it would possibly be my choice.
Thanks Nigel ....this proved much better than I was expecting
Cheers mark
Suzuki did a fabulous job with this bike. Sporty yet comfortable and practical. If I didn’t have a Street Triple RS in the garage I would be kicking tires down at my local Suzuki dealer😬.
Also testrode it last week. An absolute blast to ride! To youthful for my 44yo to but, but an excellent bike! Thanks for the video!
Too youthful at only 44 years old ?...well I'm 69 years old and if could afford any of the new 800cc Suzuki's especially this one tested here ,just based on Marks excellent review.....I would buy one .
Never give up mate it's when you do that's when you get old ...just advice imo .
Not meant to offend .
Thanks for the review Mark! Suzuki have created a great motorcycle with this engine as its platform. I love my 8S.
Great look at the 8R Mark.👍
Mr TAYM (The All Year Motorcyclist) recently purchased an 8R and between both of your videos the 8R looks like a great and practical motorcycle for everyday and longer rides.
A fellow You Tuber, the all year motorcyclist, test rode one of these for his channel, and was so impressed,he purchased one for himself, must be good.
Mark, has Suzuki a winner here ? With what old model Suzuki can you compare it ? GT 550 Ram Air. Or the GS750 1990, two previous good bikes. GSX 750 is maybe asking too much or not. It looks more a sportstourer for me, like the new Hornet.
Recently tested one. On the plus side, very smooth, easy to ride, predictable handling, great gearbox good TFT well priced, and the cons , didn't feel or sound like a sports bike. It didn't feel exciting or have any real character. Lastly , no wind protection.These cons would put me off owning one, especially as I only have room for one bike.
Great review as always. I particularly like that colour scheme👍
Nice bike, I was pleased to see you're the same height as myself, the bike looks like a good fit seat height isn't bad. I think I might pick one up next year. I want to get a sportbike I've got a Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser at the moment but am itching for a comfortable sport bike that isn't too aggressive in posture and speed this one looks like the goldilocks for me.
Dieses Motorrad ist so schön. Es ist ein wirkliches Traum Motorrad. Ich kann nicht genug Beiträge davon sehen. Dankeschön für das coole Video
Danke, gleichfalls
Another great review mark , looks like a fun bike 👍
Brilliant review. I rode the 8S last year and surprised the low down torque. Will have to give this a try. Ever thought of reviewing the Benelli 752S?
th-cam.com/video/Naz5rP2Pbf8/w-d-xo.html
Here you go 😁
Good Katana vibes with the silver
Super review, thanks. I love just about everything about the bike. Looks great for longer journeys too. I've got a new Hornet. I'd swap in a heartbeat!
What’s wrong with the Hornet?
It's basically fine, but lacks stability and the gearbox/quick shifter is very clunky. The gears could be a bit longer too. Early days with it though. I much prefer the CB650R I traded it in for
@@cliveomahoney4096 Interesting. I have a new Hornet too but I’ve been away from bikes for about 14 years and bikes have changed a lot in the meantime. I like the Hornet except for a snatchy throttle at low speeds. The last bike I had was a new 2006 CBR600F and that was superior but the Hornet did come at a good price. Still getting used to it, like you. I find the speedometer is reading on the high side, I’d question its accuracy. I can tell this by surrounding traffic on the motorway and comparing it to when I’m driving the car.
Speed is normally 10% over on bike clocks. Good luck and safe riding with the Hornet.
Another excellent review! I've test ridden and found to be as fun/enjoyable/comfortable as noted. Wondering if this 8R might be a good middle ground to replace both my Ninja 650 and Vstrom 650 (a mix of sport/sport-touring). Did you find the 8R to be as comfortable as the Ninja 650 (and specifically in ref to height, I am of same stature). Thanks again for your feedback/reviews!
Thanks 👍...yes it really is a great middle weight sports ...rides so well
Best wishes
Forgot to mention, Mark, the clarity and pixilation of your camera looks superb….sound non too shabby either. What’s your set up?
New camera Neil ....the DJI osmo action 4....seems to be the standard camera these days..... purple panda mic 🎙️.... changing helmet soon so I'll have to reset the mic position which is always fun 😂
Cheers mark
Thanks Mark…lots of praise coming in atm for these Osmo cameras…people will soon start ditching their GoPro’s very shortly perhaps?
@@nigelfisher3756 yes ....I lost 5 days work ,/5 reviews with NO or corrupted audio on my GoPro 7 so a new one was needed !
Good looking bike that,and legs don’t look to tucked up which is good,great video Mark.
Many thanks Barry 😁
Headlights are reminiscent off the Suzuki SERT bikes (Endurance Championship) when both on! Those ant antenna mirrors would need to come off straight away (bar fixing threads i noticed),and I've yet to see a decent tail tidy for the 8S,somewhere half way between the factory one and the undertray, one of those XSR700 aftermarket tail lamps, that look like the rear of a fighter jet would look nice on there? Other than that, I'm in,silver one is lovely!
Great review, thanks!
Nice! thanks for the review. I've been seriously looking into buying this bike. Sad we have to what the salespeople/dealers should be doing 🤣🤣 👍😎
Hi Mark. Thanks for the video! Is it better and more suitable for touring than the Honda CBR650R? Thanks.
Hi .... great comparison...but I'd go for the Suzuki with it's more relaxing twin engine for touring 😄
Hi Mark and thanks for the review! It seems like a very competent, well-rounded bike, maybe even punching above its weight, but does it have character?
@@Motografs hi yes....the engine is full of character:)
Great bike cheers mark
Nice review Mark. This seems like a real world sports bike👍🏻
G'day Mark, first too comment, another good brand too ride, it's one of the four main brands from Japan and the competition keep the quality a must, this bike is a fine example of that, anyone would be pleased too own this machine, cheers mate, ride safe, Neil 🤠. PS great review as always.
Great video again mark. Its between this and the R7 for me, undecided which one to go with 🤔
Hi Danny r7 is quite focused the Suzuki is way more all round
Cheers mark
I wonder what the chances of a T version are with slightly taller screen, cruise and a bigger fuel tank
Nice looking bike. Great review, as always, Mark.
Awesome bike! Which one do you prefer Mark, the R or the S? Great review.
Hi I much preferred the R ... strange ? I found the handling and comfort better
Cheers mark
Great review. Curious how you felt the tires were sticky on the highway?
You can just feel them heating up and giving plenty of confidence
Cheers mark
I did a review on this bike a week ago and I think it’s an awesome bike . What’s your thoughts on it ?
Amazing suspension a great real world sport bike punchy engine
Cheers Kev 😁
@@markpulling12 I currently ride an R7 and it’s a completely different riding position much more daily friendly
@@BikerKevGet the turbo kit on that, 115bhp on pump fuel...Extreme Creations...Yamaha do not need a R9,when you can push up to 200bhp out of the 700cc
Great review and what a cool looking bike.
What a Beauty ! although there will probably be some Anti Twin Cylinder
Remarks I have seen Rumours
Of a Retro Version that looks
Like the Suzuki T500 from the 70s
& Some Photos ( probably Fake?)
I don't Know if you Follow
TAYM ( The all year Motorcyclist)
He Tried one & then Brought one
Soon After his U Tube Test
Nice bike,I would put a rear hugger on it though,other than that all good 👍👍👍
I have the 8s and it comes with a rubber flap covering the rear shock, keeps all the crap off without a hugger. I assume this has it too as apart from the fairing, bars and suspension it’s the same.
I testrode this bike 2 weeks ago and loved the handling and the comfort. The riding position is awsome almost like a sporttourer not to much lend forward. I am 6’2 and its roomy. Not many sport bikes out there with fairings that are comfy, roomy and with this relaxed riding position (not to much lent forward). Tried the cbr650r and the Daytona and they are much more lent forward and not so roomy. Cbr650r is roamier than the Daytona. The only downside of the Suzuki 8R is the ugly front looks and the engine a little quirky at lower revs. Nothing beats the triple from Triumph if you want a smooth torque engine the whole register. For me its also so much about the looks. Honda cbr650r is so beautiful bike but want a more torque engine down low. The Suzuki is very close to the perfect bike but the looks doesnt do it for me. I think i dont buy a sport bikes with fairings its hard to find what i am looking for. I think i go for Triumphs Speed Twin 1200 for the lovely looks, comfort lovely smooth torque engine. The best out there for me but its sad when i really want a nice looking better priced sporttourer like the NinjaZ1000SX. Loved that bike but its to expensive to buy and insure
Thanks for the great comment 😊
Why did Suzuki not use Clip-ons. instead of the cheap slap-ons ???
Thank you very much for the review 😀
Ps: and the bike does not come in the cool blue like the 8S 😞
Hi I think if it had clip ons it would be a more aggressive riding position....then loose it's purpose
Best wishes mark
@@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie 1:22 it comes in Blue, White or Black.
@@splodge57 Yeah i know. but it's not the CooL Blue of the 8s !!! 😀
GPS easy to mount using those bolt holes
Always good Mark.
Great job Mark.
Good review. Do you do toolreviewsw thatare related to motorcyclese. We'd like to invite you to test our portable air pump
Yes please email me
markpulling72@gmail.com
@@markpulling12 Hey, Mark. We have reached out to you. Sometimes could go into spam folder.
@@Vivianauxito thanks I'll have a look speak later
@@markpulling12 Thank you, Look forward to hearing from u
Nice mark 🥂
And after test riding one of these at a demo day at Kevin Powell Winston-Salem I got to say this thing is League's better
well nothings getting mounted on those bars
Another good review but I'm not sure it's a 'sports bike.' But then I did have a 750 SRAD back in the day.😊
67 MPG is what you should expect apparently
Went from Glasgow-Genoa-Spa-Glasgow on a Honda CBR900RR with a NSR500 V-Twin bodykit in 1998,touring at 80mph(5000rpm),averaged 64mpg...fuel consumption hasn't improved in 30yrs due to emissions crap choking the motors!
Not wrong there buddy
Solid mowtaa... Ya lucky devil.
This bike i would get but i dont ride
Cen you please tell ma your weight?
Hi I'm 75 kg :)
@@markpulling12 thank you
Not a patch on the GSXRs
I sat on one of these and thought it was awful. That was enough to put me off taking a test ride
The gixxers were epic thumbs up 👍😎
so the biggest problem with this bike is four fold. 1) the seat is an absolute rock and 30 mins on this thing and your ass wants a divorce. 2) is the windscreen is essentially useless because it is not high enough unless you are laying down on the bike. So it is looks only on that one. 3) the quick shifter is very, very clunky. It works, but it bangs into gear every time. Lastly #4, the head lights are like little 17th century candles on the road at night, you would be better with a flashlight mounted to your head and they are not replaceable at all. Beyond that, super, super fast and rides ok, and nimble enough to throw it around. Anyone want to buy one with 300 miles on it? lol.