The Suzuki GSX-8R is aimed directly at those looking to buy their first big bike. At ₹9.25 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s currently the most affordable motorcycle in its class, competing with the Honda CBR650R and Triumph Daytona 660. Unlike its rivals that focus more on sport performance, the GSX-8R takes the middle path. It’s sporty enough when needed, but not intimidating. It’s made for daily use, weekend getaways, and relaxed touring with just the right amount of excitement.
A Design That Means Business
From the first glance, the GSX-8R gives off the impression of a serious sports tourer. The aggressive front fairing, split LED headlamps, upswept tail, and clip-on handlebars all work together to give it a purposeful look. It’s clearly a bike built for speed but with rider comfort in mind.
The 8R rides on a 120-section front and a 180-section rear tyre, giving it a wide stance. Add dual front disc brakes, a stubby exhaust, and diamond-cut alloy wheels, and the motorcycle starts to look more aggressive than it actually rides. Fit and finish are top-class. The body panels are tightly fitted, and the quality of materials, especially the plastics, is impressive. The only sore spot is the awkward-looking front number plate bracket.
A Simple Yet Modern Feature List
Suzuki has intentionally kept the electronics on the GSX-8R user-friendly. The bike comes with a full-colour TFT instrument display, which provides all the basic data clearly. Unlike some bikes that bombard riders with endless menus, the 8R keeps it clean.
There are three riding modes: A (most aggressive), B (balanced), and C (mild). These adjust throttle response and power delivery. There are also four traction control settings: 1, 2, 3, and off. Everything is controlled through the left-side switchgear.
Apart from that, the 8R doesn’t feature advanced rider aids like cornering ABS, slide control, or wheelie control. What it does have is LED lighting, sporty ergonomics, and a throaty parallel-twin exhaust note that sounds great without being too loud.
Power and Performance in the Real World
The GSX-8R uses a 776cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces just over 80 bhp and nearly 80 Nm of torque. On paper, it’s not the most powerful in its class. Both the CBR650R and Daytona 660 make more horsepower. But Suzuki makes up for it with better torque at lower RPMs.
This torque advantage makes the GSX-8R extremely usable in day-to-day riding. The engine is smooth, responsive, and easy to control. In C mode, the throttle is mellow, making it ideal for beginners or for navigating traffic. In A mode, the bike feels more alive, but the throttle gets snappy, and the fueling isn’t as smooth. Still, the 8R never feels too much to handle, which is a big plus for new riders.
You can short-shift through gears and still cruise at a decent pace, thanks to the strong mid-range. Even in relaxed riding, it touches 130 km/h effortlessly, all while keeping wind buffeting in check. This makes it a solid choice for touring without feeling overpowered or stressful.
Ride and Comfort
With an 810 mm seat height and a curb weight of 205 kg, the GSX-8R is approachable for most riders. The seating posture is more upright than aggressive, with slightly raised bars and moderately rear-set footpegs. This gives a nice balance between sport and comfort.
The non-adjustable suspension is surprisingly well-tuned. It absorbs city bumps with ease and remains composed on highways. It isn’t the sharpest tool for corner carving, but it’s capable enough. The grip from the tyres is reassuring, and the bike handles direction changes without hesitation.
One big miss is the braking performance. At low speeds, the brakes feel fine with decent bite. But at higher speeds, especially when riding spiritedly, they lack consistency and stopping power. The feel at the lever could be better, and it doesn’t inspire the level of confidence you’d expect from a motorcycle of this segment.
Practicality and Daily Use
The GSX-8R is built for real-world riding. It has enough ground clearance at 145 mm, and during our rides, we never scraped it even once. Even in heavy traffic, the bike doesn’t feel bulky or hard to maneuver. The engine stays cool, and the clutch action is light.
It’s easy to commute on, easy to tour with, and most importantly, easy to live with. That’s rare in the big-bike world, where many motorcycles can feel like overkill for regular use.
Final Verdict
The Suzuki GSX-8R might not blow your mind with performance or electronics, but it gets so many things right. It’s fast, smooth, and doesn’t demand too much from the rider. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into the big-bike scene, or someone returning to riding after a long break, the GSX-8R is one of the friendliest options available today.
Yes, it could do with stronger brakes, and it’s not the most emotionally engaging motorcycle out there. But if you’re looking for a bike that can do city rides, weekend tours, and daily commutes without fuss, the GSX-8R is a fantastic option under ₹10 lakh.
It’s a bike that may not be loud in character, but it wins with calm confidence. For riders who appreciate balance, usability, and comfort, the Suzuki GSX-8R delivers where it matters most.