BMW R nineT versus Suzuki GSX-8S

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R nineT

Retro
Suzuki

Suzuki GSX-8S

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2023
Built von 2023 bis 2025~
RRP 17.050 €
RRP 8.900 €
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Pros:
  • pretty to look at
  • purist
  • cool driving experience
  • Numerous customizing options
Pros:
  • Powerful engine: character, power, power delivery, usable speed range
  • impeccable handling
  • nice V2 sound, not too loud
  • QuickShifter Series
  • good workmanship
  • Driving pleasure in large bags
Cons:
  • Price
  • nothing for giants
Cons:
  • Windshield can only be adjusted with tools
  • chunky bulb turn signals
  • unsightly long tail

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length :
2.220 mm Height : 1.265 mm
Seat :
803 mm until : 805 mm
Weight :
222 (max: 430 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.465 mm
Length :
2.115 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat :
810 mm
Weight :
202 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke in-line engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 776 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 110 HP at 7.750 U/Min
Torque: 116 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 18 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
340 km
Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 83 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 78 NM bei 6.800 U/Min
Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
333 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Space tube, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Upside-Down 45 mm (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Paralever
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Coil springs / cartridge system, oil damping (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono-Link central shock absorber with progressive linkage (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, radially mounted ( 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston floating caliper ( 240 mm)

Conclusion - what's stuck?

The R nineT is not only fun to drive, but also looks great! And it is probably this combination that makes the bike so desirable for motorcycle fans worldwide right from the start.
BMW describes it as follows: "Design your motorcycle, design your life." It also has a lot to do with lifestyle and so the nineT leaves hardly any customizer wishes unfulfilled in terms of diversity. It is the basis for deep individualizations, which sets the machine apart from the competition. In addition to the already diverse model and design variants, there are plenty of Customizing accessories, so everyone can make their own roadster dream come true. Even the on-board electronics are designed with numerous interfaces in such a way that changes do not represent a major hurdle.

Even if the NineT is purist in almost all respects, it does not do so in terms of price. Not at all when you make the most of the numerous possibilities for change to realize your own exclusive dream bike. But individuality always has your price. However, the success proves BMW right again in this case, because the BMW R NineT is so popular that one should expect extremely long delivery times.

Das Testmotorrad wurde uns freundlicher Weise von Motorrad Ruser zur Verfügung gestellt.









Price/Availability/
Colours/years of construction

  • Price: 15,350 Euro
  • Used: from 9,500 Euro
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colour:Blackstorm metallic, Blackstorm metallic Vintage (+980 €), Marsrot/Cosmicblue (+1100 €), Pollux/Aluminium (+980 €)
  • Other model variants: Pure, Scrambler, Urban GS

The test motorcycle was kindly provided by Motorrad Ruser.

Result

Wow, what a bike! A simple look at the data sheet of the GSX-8S is not enough to come to a correct assessment of this machine - you have to drive it! Then you realize that Suzuki has put together a very balanced streetfighter with a lot of love, which has hardly any weaknesses. The GSX-8S is extremely fun, has endless steam and does not have to hide from any of the current competitors. Awesome bike!
 
The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Tornesch . There she stands in this magnificent blue as a demonstrator and waits eagerly for test drivers. And we can only advise you: Go to Tornesch and try them out. However, you should check your account balance beforehand, because many of you will catch it - caution is advised!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 8.900€
  • Availability: from 05/2023
  • Colors: Blue, Black, White