Suzuki motorcycle is not unfamiliar with the naked bike segment but they haven’t been the best at it especially in Malaysia. We’ve always known the GSX series is a full-fairing supersport bike, but it’s no longer the case for this latest bike. Suzuki GSX 8S, while inheriting the GSX name, this bike is a naked bike. I want to avoid going through spec here and focusing more on experience while riding this new GSX. Before that, a little info on pricing for the Suzuki GSX-8S at the time of riding, the bike is priced at around RM50,800.

First of all, the design is sexy! I love its blue color andits not hard-to-see the bike on the road with an “all blue” color like this on the GSX-8S. The bike came with a TFT panel for your vehicle information. It is very clear even under the scorching sun. As a 175cm big-boned guy (if you want to put it that way), the bike felt very much at home with me. My sitting position is still quite sporty while not putting unwanted pressure on my vertebrate for a mid run or short run on the bike. As a naked bike should be, I can’t see anything else except the handlebar for my front view while riding. But that meant I got no windshield to protect me from harsh wind moving through my face.

As I twist the throttle, I felt the rush of power running through my body (as it vibrates a little, it is a parallel twin engine anyway). The bike is powerful enough to make you feel left behind when yo go maximum with the throttle. But the fun comes short when all the soreness sips around my upper body due to the wind drag. As a big-sized rider, wind drag is just as big of an issue as my body. Wind from the front is multiple times harsher when compared with a regular-size rider. As the performance area will not be my forte, I chosed to ride it as a daily commuter.

The GSX-8S has three power modes: A, B, and C. Mode A is full power, giving it’s full potential from the powertrain. C is where the bike put the inner beast on the leash. The power delivery is good enough for commuting but still maintains its comfort. B mode is the in-betweener and felt to be the most desirable on an average ride. Traction control has four levels, with 0 being totally off and level 3 is fully-on and sensitive. I rode it most of the time on level 3 cos it was raining pretty much all the time when I had the bike with me.

After Riding in for a few days, I can conclude that I love this bike, but this bike is not for me (my own preference). It has a sexy look, and the fun factor in there. Ergonomic or riding can felt aggressive but not too punishing. But its naked nature made me consumed my energy dramatically and I didn’t enjoy that (maybe I’m getting old). Nowadays, a bike like the Suzuki GSX-8S really packaged itself as a fun mid-sized bike for enthusiast rather than a practical work horse. I would however recommend this bike to anyone looking for an alternative in an already competitive segment. This is just a preliminary riding report and we will share more with yall soon on our full video review. Stay tune and subscribe to our YouTube channel.