In an era of relentless electronic advancement and razor-sharp, robotic aesthetics, the true joy of motorcycling often feels diluted, traded for blinding speed and digital complexity. Yet, when we speak of excellence, that sublime intersection of heritage, mechanical theatre, and modern refinement, Suzuki has delivered a masterstroke with the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT.
In a world of adventure bikes screaming about their off-road prowess from the highest, most inaccessible mountain peak, the V-Strom 800RE sneaks up on you.
It’s surprisingly capable, unexpectedly effective, and more entertaining than it has any right to be.
The V-Strom 800RE’s punchline is the 776cc parallel-twin engine. It’s an absolute gem, delivering more low-down torque than you expect. It’s smooth, surprisingly punchy, and makes overtaking an absolute delight.
The Suzuki GSX-8R is Suzuki’s much-anticipated follow-up album to the capable and fun GSX-8S. As soon as the 8S hit the streets, the public were crying out for an R version and Suzuki didn’t disappoint, delivering this little beauty.
Some bikes just fit, like your favourite pair of shoes or your favourite T-shirt.
Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GX is my new favourite band T-shirt.
Based on the GSX-S1000GT, it shares a host of parts; frame, engine & gearbox, subframe, rear plastics, exhaust and so on. The GX sits taller than the GT with a more comfortable riding position and crucially, It has a full and comprehensive electronics package with more acronyms than you can shake a stick at.
I make no bones about the fact I’m a big fan of Suzuki’s GSX-S1000. It's a simple, brutish, modern muscle bike. The recipe is so simple; great chassis, fabulous engine, cool looks and great build quality. Put all that together and you get a 150 bhp, 999 cc 4 cylinder, fun machine.
It seems the tide may well be turning, ever so slightly. For a few years now, it's been all about the adventure bike. Everyone makes them and everyone else buys them, it seems.
In 1999 Suzuki unleashed the Hayabusa on the world. It was to become the fastest standard production bike of the 20th century.
With the words of the Suzuki PR guy ringing in my ears “real men ride a Burgman…..” I jumped on the Suzuki Burgman 400 and with a twist of the throttle, I was on my merry way.
