Suzuki GSX 8TT Review

Motorcycle reviews are subjective, we all know that. What makes me part with hard cash may make you question my judgment. So, to help you decide whether this Suzuki is worth a punt, I need to provide a little context. I would guess that if you are even considering such a neo-retro middleweight twin, you are not a Harley traditionalist nor are you a Panigale fantasist.

I’m 5ft 4in, 13 stone, and 67 years old who owns an F750 GS, an Indian Scout, a 26-year-old Bonneville, KTM 125 Duke and a Triumph Street 400. I’ve never owned a sports bike. My only experience is riding a Kawasaki Ninja to Oxford from Cornwall quite some time ago. I am a Suzuki newbie. It is not the case that I’ve actively shunned the marque, it is because Suzuki styling has never really moved me.

And that was my first thought when Gareth at JD Racing handed me the keys. It’s a good looking bike in a modern way and will appeal to those without my prejudice for classic retro styling. The noise at start up was very satisfying if not bone tingling. The seat height at 810mm is low enough for me to lessen the worry of dropping it, should I park carelessly on an adverse camber.

It felt instantly comfortable as I took off through the industrial estate. Immediately, I could think of enjoying the ride rather than concentrating on keeping the thing upright as I rode through traffic and roundabouts towards the open road. The throttle response and gear changes were incredibly smooth, its ‘bi-directional quick shifter with auto blipper’ is a dream, making gear changing quick and easy.

The route to test the bike was a real mixture around the Devon and Cornwall Tamar Valley, taking in the urban environment of Plymouth, the dual carriageway of the A38 and quiet twisty country roads. In every environment the bike performed beautifully. The ride was never hard work, with the bike being equally at home in the variable 20-30 mph zones as well as the national ‘speed limit’ test areas. Crawling through town tests any bike as the need for braking and gear changes could become tedious, but not on this bike. Smooth as warm chocolate.

Out in the countryside, when the traffic hides elsewhere, the engine delivers power evenly and quickly. There is even a bit of engine braking so that approaching a corner became predictable and smooth leaving me roll off, glide through and power out. I found I could concentrate on the ride rather than worrying about clunky inputs. Mind, if you are worried about gaining points on your licence, this bike will test your restraint as it very easily powers you forward. I would very happily buzz around all day in the Devonshire twisties.

As for long distances, well, its a naked retro. The engine and seating position would allow you to do it, and depending on your age, body size, attitude and capacity for wind buffeting, the GSX will get you anywhere you want to go. I found that at about 75 mph a larger screen would help, but that would look out of place on this bike. The GSX of course has the acceleration to get past lanes of slow traffic with minimal fuss. I’m planning a trip to Spain and Portugal, which requires a day or so of motorway, and I would have no hesitation taking this bike.

The OTR price is £8,999, but you might want tank pad, screen, tail tidy, heated grips etc. Its competitors at this budget would be the Yamaha XSR700 or the Yamaha XSR900, if you want more performance and are willing to spend more. The Honda CB650R exists if you prefer a four-cylinder with retro hints or the Kawasaki Z650RS if you want a more classic style. Then of course there is the Triumph Trident 660/800.

The numbers: Power: 82.9 PS, which is about 81.8 bhp, at 8,500 rpm. Torque: 78 Nm at 6,800 rpm. Engine: 776 cc parallel twin. Seat height: 810 mm. Front brakes: twin 310 mm discs. Fuel economy claimed by Suzuki: 67.23 mpg, I was reading more in the mid fifties.

But it is not really about the figures is it? Motorcycling is about you, and the tension between rationality and emotion. Would I get one? Not for its style alone – that is personal taste – but it makes riding easy, quick and very enjoyable. For everyday riding, that matters more than looks. If you are fortunate to be able to have more than one bike in your garage, then the GSX 8TT would be a great N+1 as an all rounder