BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Suzuki GSX-8S
BMW R 1200 GS (K50)
Adventure
Suzuki GSX-8S
Naked
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2023 bis 2025~
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 8.900 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- has neat Wums
- extensive electronic helpers
- significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
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 mainly with full equipment
Cons:
- Windshield can only be adjusted with tools
- chunky bulb turn signals
- unsightly long tail
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Length : 2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat : 850 mm
Weight : 244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.465 mm
Length : 2.115 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat : 810 mm
Weight : 202 kg
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: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: 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
Displacement: 776 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 km
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 403 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
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:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Bridges, motor supporting (steel) Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 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
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 (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 376 mm)
Front brake
Double disc, 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, radially mounted (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Double disc, 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, radially mounted (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!
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!
