BMW S 1000 R versus Suzuki GSX-8S

BMW S 1000 R

Naked

Suzuki GSX-8S

Naked

Performance AND control: BMW's Power-Naked shows how it's done.

With the new BMW S1000R model year 2021, BMW deliberately refrains from increasing performance. The machine still delivers with 165 hp with more than enough power, the changes compared to the predecessor are more in the areas... weiter

BMW S 1000 R im Test

Gallery

Suzuki sets standards in the naked bike middle class with the GSX-8S.

With the new GSX-8S, Suzuki brings an alternative to the MT-07, Hornet 750 & Co. in the popular and competitive naked bike middle class. Let's get straight to the point: The new Suzi is doing well... weiter

Suzuki GSX-8S im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2025~

Built von 2023 bis 2025~

RRP 16.280 €

RRP 8.900 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

Full of performance ...
.. but still easy to control
high-quality workmanship
cool sound

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:

Pillion operation only for emergencies
Sitting position for some people probably too sporty

Cons:

Windshield can only be adjusted with tools
chunky bulb turn signals
unsightly long tail

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length : 2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat : 814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight : 199 (max: 407 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.465 mm
Length : 2.115 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat : 810 mm
Weight : 202 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
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: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption: 6 l
Reach: 266 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:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)

Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 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 (∅ 220 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 sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!

The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

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!