No doubt about it, the Suzuki GSX-8S and GSX-8R are very closely related siblings. However, they are not identical twins, and we wondered which bike we would prefer for street riding, ranging from urban blitzing to canyon carving. We grabbed both bikes and rode them through twisty canyons, busy city streets, and daily commutes to pick a favorite. It wasn’t easy.
We focused on street testing because the Suzuki GSX-8R clearly outshines the 8S on the track. The 8R has clip-ons and a fairing, and its Showa suspension is firmer than the KYB units on the 8S. If track days are on your to-do list, we can cut this story short and point you in the 8R’s direction without hesitation. So, we kept our testing to the streets.
We kicked off with sport riding, tackling everything from tight, technical canyon twisties to wide-open, sweeping mountain roads.
Swapping between the bikes on sporty rides, the biggest difference was psychological. The 8R’s lower clip-ons spark a sportier mindset than the 8S’s upright handlebar. Seeing the fairing in front of you further heightens the attitude adjustment compared to the casual, unprotected cockpit of the 8S. As a reminder, the seat and footpegs are in the same position on both bikes—the grip placement is the only ergonomic difference.
Riders on the Suzuki GSX-8R naturally pushed the gas and brakes harder in the twisties, despite both bikes sharing the same frame and parallel-twin engine. Yes, the 8R has firmer suspension, though that plays out less prominently on public roads than on the racetrack. While we don’t strictly adhere to speed limits, we don’t treat public roads like closed-course circuits. In addition to the issues of other road users—many coming in the opposite direction—the quality and consistency of grip are not the same on California byways as you’ll find on a well-maintained track.
The 8R’s firmer suspension thrives under hard riding, while the 8S’s softer setup smooths out bumpy, unpredictable pavement. If you ride twisties that you know like the back of your hand, that’s to the 8R’s advantage, as you can plan ahead better. Should you find yourself on sporting roads less frequently, you’ll like the way the 8S covers for poor road maintenance.
Tapping into the 8R’s more aggressive ergonomics limits your visibility a bit compared to the meerkat-like 8S. Sitting upright gives you a superior view of your surroundings on the 8S, which translates into faster riding for us. We like to have an idea of where we’re going on the street and what’s coming, while the 8R’s ergonomics are ideal for controlled environments.
Comparing the sport capabilities of the Suzuki GSX-8R and GSX-8S isn’t clear-cut. Like relationships, it’s complicated.
The more committed you are, the more you will like the 8R on sporting public roads. The ergonomics, wind protection, and firmer Showa suspension will make you the faster rider if you’re willing to go for it, and all of those attributes bring out the competitor in the rider.
The 8S is no slouch. The softer suspension is more compliant on rougher roads, and that’s an advantage. With a good view of the road, the 8S provides confidence, which can make a big difference, depending on the route. The Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires satisfied us for street sport riding, though we wouldn’t turn our noses up at an upgrade.
Your riding style determines which 8 suits you, but know that you won’t give up or gain much, regardless of which one you pick.
The Suzuki GSX-8R and GSX-8S share the same versatile platform, so you could easily find yourself commuting to work on either motorcycle. The good news is that they are both great for the job. As with the sporting part of our comparisons, each bike ekes out advantages at different points.
Part of your decision will hinge on how much freeway you have on your route. If there’s a lot of freeway, the fairing of the 8R is your friend. Sure, the 8R’s more aggressive grip position means a bit less comfort than the 8S, though that disadvantage is countered by the fairing cutting the wind blast. The firmer Showa suspension isn’t an issue, as it’s not overly stiff and complies well enough with the expansion joints that mar many an LA freeway.
The agreeable KYB suspension employed by the 8S isn’t overwhelmed by uneven pavement, so the ride is as smooth as it can be. Rain grooves didn’t disrupt the Dunlops on either bike, which we always appreciate. Sitting upright on the 8S means you feel every mph of wind on the ride. The advantage is that you can keep a better eye on the traffic around you. Whether that makes you faster is up to you, though the upright view of the 8S adds a dose of safety to the ride.
The 8R’s sporty ergonomics and supersport ambiance encourage you to move through traffic faster than on the 8S.
As with sport riding, choosing between the 8R and the 8S for commuting chores is a deeply personal one. Each has advantages and shortcomings; only you can decide which benefits and drawbacks are most important to you.
Next is the city street showdown—where one bike clearly stands out. If that is your primary intended use, go with the GSX-8S. It’s more comfortable, and you are more easily aware of your surroundings—essential on urban rides. You can cruise around town on the 8R and look sharp, but the 8S owns urban riding.
Choosing between the Suzuki GSX-8R and GSX-8S is less about performance and more about riding philosophy. If the Dunlops are somewhere that license plates are required, the real-world differences between the two bikes are negligible. Instead, it comes down to whether you’re willing to trade away some comfort for the image you project when crouched behind a fairing. If you’re practical, go with the GSX-8S; if you have that supersport twinkle in your eye, put your money down on the GSX-8R (for which Suzuki charges a $469 premium). Finally, don’t worry too much about your choice. As we found in our tests, even the ‘wrong’ pick delivers.
Photography by Nic de Sena
RIDING STYLE
Kelly
Don
Suzuki GSX-8R (and 8S) Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel twin w/ 270-degree crankshaft
- Displacement: 776cc
- Bore x stroke: 84 x 70mm
- Compression ratio: 12.8:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
- Fueling: EFI w/ two 42mm throttle bodies
- Cooling: Liquid and oil
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: O-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork; 5.1 inches (S: Non-adjustable KYB inverted fork; 5.1 inches)
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable Showa shock; 5.1 inches (S: Linkage-assisted, spring-preload adjustable KYB shock; 5.1 inches)
- Wheels: Cast aluminum
- Tires: Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
- Front brakes: 310mm discs w/ radially mounted Nissin 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston Nissin caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.7 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 4.1 inches
- Seat height: 31.9 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 3.7 gallons
- Estimated fuel consumption: 67 mpg
- Curb weight: 452 pounds (S: 445 pounds)
2025 Suzuki GSX-8R Price: $9209 MSRP
2025 Suzuki GSX-8S Price: $9669
