Suzuki doing what they do best, developing a complete package that punches above it's weight; building well balanced bikes, and ignoring the numbers or spec sheet hype. They have been doing this for decades. The result is bikes like the Bandit, SV650 and GSXR, which doesn't win the spec sheet war, but it is still a top choice if you want a superbike to use as a real everyday road bike .

I think the Suzuki is worth the extra £1000. Bigger engine, more low down torque, larger back wheel, better rear shock, bolt on subframe and a quick shifter. Plus it comes in nicer colours and looks better.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but i prefer the looks of the suzuki. By a lot.

I am extremely impressed by Suzuki's design decisions on this one and their restraint during this current era of horsepower wars to give us a bike with better basics where they count most: chassis, handling, stability, more usable power all over the rev range and every gear, and also THE LOOKS. I do like the look of the honda's gas tank body work, but the 8S just destroys the hornet in the looks department. It's a shame because the Honda is probably gonna massively outsell the suzuki just because it makes a lil more horsepower and weighs a lil bit less.

My how the tables have turned. Honda:fizzy fast and cheap. Suzuki: quick, refined, better equipped and better handling. Suzuki is worth every penny and pound

The way the headlight looks on the 8S sets it apart from just another naked, and the subframe and tail section look really sharp. Great job Suzuki! The Hornet is tough competition.

Just look at the frames, Suzuki does not seem to be as low budget as the Honda... Bravo Suzuki.

Very good! Exactly my thoughts after riding both

id still get the hornet...specially the one thats in this video...the color scheme is great

love it! I'm a bit of a suzuki fanboy. My last 5 bikes have been the big S. Glad to see this one fall the right way. I love those blue wheels!

I recently tested an 8S whilst my 1000S was in for a service, I only did around 60 miles on it but I was very impressed by the 8S as an overall package. I found it to be a very capable real world road bike, the fact that it loses out in the spec sheet comparisons is irrelevant. Having the superior spec sheet is for bragging rights and bullshitters, what really matters is how the bike works on the road and I found the 8S was excellent as an all round package.

Haven’t seen the Honda in flesh yet but have seen the Suzuki at the Kidderminster Motorcycle mart. I was impressed with build quality & overall attention to detail.

YAY!. At last, the review I have been waiting for! Very good review. Over here, dealers are unboxing the Honda as I write and the Suzuki is three weeks away. Can't wait to ride them both and buy one, presumably the Suzi. I will ride the 8S back to back with the GSX S750.

The showdown we've all been waiting for 🙏

Thank you for the comparison. The Suzuki is the clear winner for me but I'm sure both are going to sell really well.

Thank you gents. A video review backed by honest impressions. Couldn’t ask for much more. 👍😎

I tested both motorcycles before purchasing. What were my impressions? The GSX-8S performed well on the track, good behavior in the corners, but lacked power on the straight. The Hornet is a completely different motorcycle, with a lower curb weight and more power you can feel the potential. He loves corners, a beginner biker will not use the capabilities of this machine on the track. After some thought, I bought a Honda and I'm super happy. I know that there are better motorcycles in this capacity class, but the price of buying a new motorcycle also matters.

Great review guys. Have to agree Suzuki all day long .

Nice overview and great to see ex Practical Sportbikes Magazine Chris Newbigging on this channel !! Cheers from the Tropics.

Great to hear a real world comparison. Would of been nice to actually see the dyno sheets overlaid though. Was hoping the Suzuki would come close to the 82 they claimed since it was listed as brake hp. Either way I have a Suzuki ordered.

Traded my 10 years old Monster 796 for Gsx-8s. Worth every single dollars and cents.

This is what we've been waiting for 🎯🍻🔥

I test rode both of these back to back today. I much prefer the 8s to be honest. Handling was much better and it fit me better ergonomically (1,78). Immediately felt at home on the suzuki where as the Honda took a while to get used to .

Same will transfer over between the Transalp and the the V-Strom 800, that was obvious when both were released... Suzuki on point again!

I have to say. If this is their first new engine since 1999, suzuki nailed the efficiency game arounde their motorcycles, impressive R&D cost cutting. Not big on innovation, but big on sales worldwide.

Great to see Suzuki on top! They’ve been lacklustre for far too long. That’s 8S looks superb too.

Good review and so happy to see Suzuki is back on the top. I've read and watched lots of reviews, and seems most of them complained about the lack of feeling at the front for the cb750, Honda suffers the same thing on the cb1000r, funny that their motogp bike has the same problem. Whereas Suzuki has always being good at develop a sweet handling bike, I have the 22 GSX-S1000 and the front feels phenomenon, you literally frel like riding with your hands holding the front wheel hub. Very happy for Suzuki🎉

Nice review. Goes to show you can't ride a spec sheet. Both are decent bikes but I definitely prefer the Suzuki as the biggest problem the Honda has are it's desperately bland looks. Imagine if Honda made it look like the CB650R, put fully adjustsble suspension on it & charged the same as the Suzuki, it's hands down the class leader. Missed opportunity by Honda but there's always next year I guess.

Nice video thanks! I love them both and love Hondas and Suzukis but if I didn't just buy a '22 MT09sp last summer I would be buying the 8S. Tell me if I'm wrong but the last new engine I can think of that Suzuki released was the 1250 in the 2007 Bandit.

Michael Neeves's new helmet looks great! Different brand, but the same old graphics. I wonder what is the philosophy behind it??

Now having ridden both, and purchased one, I hope this helps someone with simple enough terms: Suspension: Honda better at lower speeds due to softness. Honda is more nimble. 8S considerably better at fast past turns. Firm assured suspension. Not so great for commuting on rough road but you quickly get use to it. Engine: Honda feels more fun when road conditions allow it to be opened up. Way more sound and character. Twitchy around town but hilariously fun otherwise, but not realistically better long term as the imperfection on the throttle will get annoying and regrets may sneak in. How the Transalp using the same engine is better I will never understand. Why not make the mapping the same. 8S is better at almost everything aside from high revving. Traffic light to traffic light it feels like it gives more. Torque out of a turn is better. It can be calm and a beast. The throttle has really been focused on by Suzuki. Fuel consumption: Honda is better. Quick shifter: Equal. Both are very good and no decision should be made purely on this, if adding it to the Honda. Quality of the finishes: Suzuki is next level. Looks: Subjectively the Suzuki seems like the design team have put in a lot more hours coming to a conclusion. The design theme looks like it has cohesion front to back. Subjectively the Honda looks to me like the design was focused around 50% out of the parts bin. Hence the lower price. I actually like the understated design. But the thing I struggle to forgive design wise are the swing arm, non matching forks in the red, smaller rear wheel and although it sounds great a very dated looking exhaust. TFT and its inclusion: Honda is better with its inclusion. Suzuki is more simple and easier to see. General exclusions that I struggled with: Honda didn’t have rear suspension protection. No mile/km to empty. No place to install bobbins. Silver hand levers. No Quick shifter. Small rear tyre. Budget looking swing arm. No mud flap to protect the rear suspension. Suzuki has no USB. Worse weather protection from the rear tyre. No LED indicators. Shorter service intervals. Lacks that Honda sound, closer to the MT07 sound. Higher price. End conclusion was the Suzuki 8S. The only big reason why it took me months to decide was down to the Honda’s fun characterful engine and sound. The Suzuki I feel I will get less frustrated with over time. I liked the 8S TFT better (easier to see and better layout), wider rear tyre, smoother and high torque engine, 3 year warranty and considerably better build quality. I also like the design better. Service interval was still fine to how many miles I ride in a year so made no great difference and I got it for the price of the Honda.

So the Hornet sat on the throne for exactly one month :)

Love to see a GSX 8S vs. KYM Duke 790 shootout but please use the testing format of the MT07 vs. Hornet video + included dyno charts for both bikes.

I really wanted the Honda to be the better bike, but after hearing what you had to say about the Suzuki I would probably like the Suzuki better. I own a 2017 Duke 390. I do like it and enjoy riding it, but I find myself wanting more power and speed a lot of the time. I was surprised to find out the Honda was less expensive. To be honest I'm sure I would have a blast on either one.

Great review. When you describe the bikes as “Friendly” = Slow and Boring? Explains why I always got friend zoned. 😂

The comparison we’ve been waiting for. I already know how it’ll play out, but lets hear it anyway…

Looking forward to hearing these with aftermarket exhausts.

As a 5'8" rider who's intended usage probably falls in the 20% range you prefer the Hornet I think it's still my favorite. I like the Suzuki's looks better but the Hornets engine characteristics balance (not quite as strong up to 7000rpm but much stronger from there to redline) just sounds more exciting to me. I wish the Suzuki's Dyno charts, 0 to 100mph times, and comparative "fun factor" to the Hornet were also included like in the "MT07 vs. Honda Hornet" video. Actually looking at the published dyno results for the Hornet and factoring in its weight advantage it doesn't look like the Suzuki should have any power advantage over 6000rpm and claims of its mid range power advantages appear to be a bit exaggerated! Also what about fuel economy and tank range? *The only on track comparison I've seen so far the Hornet was a full 2 sec. quicker with a max. trap speed 13kph higher (199 vs. 186 for the Suzuki) on the longest straight. Both were quicker than the Trident and MT07 and took longer than the Duke 790 and base Aprilia 660. The Hornet took .69 sec. longer than the quickest Aprilia but matched it for max. trap speed.

Good comparison video, thanks guys

Having ridden these two back to back, I would totally agree with your assessment. For me, the 8S was the better bike, which was a surprise! Thumbs up to Suzuki for the inclusion of a quickshifter as standard, but disappointing that LED indicators and USB socket (£46 - wtf?) are expensive extras on the 8S. (PS Jane's the wife!)

Close call very similar, Good video great comparison 👍

The good comparison is when we have some points to measure e.g. we are measuring braking distance like in mt07 vs cb750 video. I like when someone is saying that specs doesn't matter. Well it's normal if you go to the Harley or Moto Guzzi (and I think that especially MG are great bikes with character) dealership but on the lower midsize segment you want the best price/value ratio. It allowed MT07 to be the king (at least in sales figures) of the segment for many years. I think it would be nice to at least mention that honda has adjustable quickshifter, better accessory package, and phone connectivity. User mode was like, oh yeah it has it but not big deal which is weird because many reviewers was using this feature. Surprisingly when it comes to rear tire size suddenly everyone become "spec sheet nerd" and say oh it is so better that GSX-S8 has 180 but forgot the fact that narrower tire makes bike more nimble in corners. Both bikes are great rivals and we will see with sales figures which one is the king but in the future I would like to see more concrete review.

On top of all of that, i can say the Suzuki has been getting me 60mpg around town. Not sure if the hp is different UK to US, but i keep seeing reviews and specs for the 8s at 83hp. Dont know how right that is, but i can say that it gets up very quickly. Its a wonderful bike. Took ten years off of riding and pulled away on the 8S like i never took a break from it. Very easy to handle, very smooth to ride, very stable on these bumpy NC highways, and it catches a lot of attention. Its as easy to ride as the '84 185 Exciter that i learned on, and its even the same weight (445lbs). Hell, i have a blast even with the TC on 2 (mid setting). Also, while the blinkers arent LED, the headlights are and the visibility with the brights is better than my Volkswagen. :D Great commuter, ergonomics that allow a pretty comfy full tuck at higher speeds, awesome acceleration, and fantastic leaning stability. I dont have much experience with different bikes, but i highly recommend the 8S for everything from a entry level to an advanced rider if youre looking for equal measures of fun and practicality. Great and honest review, fellas. Thank you for that!

Great comparison video!

I was telling everyone this same consensus the second they announced them. Suzuki developes a whole package carefully.. You can pry my GSXR750 keys from my cold dead hands. Best streetbike ive ever ridden. The 8S is going to dominate the exact market it was made for. Also, tune and uncork thay Suzuki and i gurantee we will see 100hp at the crank. They are incredibly restricted from the factory, even though they make great down low power.

Very impressive and well considered review guys.

Love the Suzuki, I like what they’ve done with it. A serious, straightforward bike, which is going to sell well. The only thing I don’t understand is, why Suzuki decided (in 2023) that the 8S doesn’t need LED blinkers as standard…? Doesn’t matter though, I’m still going to buy it, my first “biggish” bike! ✌🏼

Are the dyno results (discussed from 3:15 onward) available anywhere online or on paper? I couldn't find them in the 'bargain battle' in the latest issue.

I enjoyed the video but felt that you could have dived into the riding position a little more, peg hight, width at the bars etc. I'm sort of disapointed with both bikes and as the price of the 07 drops which its bound to now, especially good used models, I still think it warrents consideration and there is also the Triumph Trident in the pack.

Thank you guys! Great in depth review as always.

I think I would like the longer, more planted Suzuki but either would be great

onya Lads great wrap up , good to see the big S back in the game , Yamaha now will bring out a show stopper soon I hope

I bought a new mt07 last year , its a great bike although these two look good , i like the front end on the suzuki, it's a bit like my mt07 . Would have like to try these though before settling for the mt07.

The Suzuki looks great. Very refreshing style. I'm shocked how much the usual dynamic of Suzukis looking cheaper and Honda having a top notch fit and finish has been flipped here. This Hornet looks very "ten years ago," as if it were made from body parts scavenged from the Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap.

This is the 2nd vid I've seen by extremely experienced talented professional riders that decisively gave the nod to the 8S for suspension/handling and best sorted machine in the class and the overall winner.

Could just imagine myself taking more advantage of the Suzuki‘s „Katana-esque“ styling by adding a colour matched Belly-pan and lower bars. Thanks guys for an informative review 😉

So I need to experience the Hornet soon, as I did really liked the 8S from Suzuki.

so if i throw in new shocks and forks kits, +QS, will the honda be better if they both come to the same price point?

These both look cracking bikes and I’ll definitely be buying one next year. It will come down to whether or not the Hornet is comfortable enough for me at 5’11” Personally I doubt I will be able to tell too much difference between the two in terms of stability at normal speeds and on normal roads and I’m sure the Hornet is stable enough at speeds well above the speed limits. Also, being a higher revving engine with max. peak power at 10k rpm will give it a little more of an i4 feeling with plenty of torque lower down which sounds like the best of both worlds. I really think that Suzuki have had a bit of a headache with their pricing for the S8 when Honda announced such unbelievably competitive pricing for their Hornet and with them retaining their SV650 priced at £6,999. I think that’s why it took them so long to announce pricing and I’m sure they weren’t anticipating a £1k difference in prices which is quite a lot especially when the bikes are so close in overall performance terms and when a lot of what they were talking about comes down to personal preference. Yes the S8 has a quick shifter but I think Honda’s approach is better offering it as an option for about £250 as not everyone wants it. Also, Suzuki’s prices for accessories are considerably more than Honda’s e.g £411 for heated grips v £255. Adding heated grips and perhaps a couple more accessories and you’re into MT09 and others territories. It will also depend on how long Honda are prepared to maintain near unbeatable value for the Hornet as I suspect the price will go up fairly soon. Hats off to both manufacturers for shaking up the segment and bringing two brilliant new bikes into the arena. Having said all the above I will test ride both and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the S8 is far more comfortable in which case I will buy it.

Makes me wonder if the new Kawa 400 is a better choice

How is the quick shifter on the 8S ? some reviewers complain about it ; can it be fixed ?

bizarre summary to imply that is you are a mature rider then your less likely to be riding with spirit. If anything it’s those of us who have been riding for a while who have found out how to have fun in all styles of riding, including hooligan mode when appropriate and we have survived long enough to know how to do it. That said I am drawn to the Suzuki anyway as I am sure it will still pull wheelies just fine and real world grunt is where it is at for me.

If I were to track them, the honda for sure but for 80% of riders and road riding... zook just does great with balanced bikes and feeling of confidence.... great review as always!

Interestingly in some markets, the price is less of a factor. Here in Denmark the price of the two bikes is exactly the same, and I believe the difference is slightly smaller in Germany and Austria, compared to the UK. I'm looking forward to trying both bikes, on the face of it I gravitate towards the Suzuki.

Great review. :)

Been looking forward to this. Oh, starts with 30 seconds of vague music. Why? Why not have the sound of the bikes instead? If I wanted to listen to very dull music I could. But I came here for the bikes and Neeves and the others, all of whom, seem very good on camera. So please can we hear the bikes instead of music? Try the microphones in different places. Maybe 1 in front, 1 in the rear, and play it left to right. Or we can slide fader/balance Left to Right to hear 1 bike versus the other? Anyway, great presenters, high production value, really good work by all. But please, think about the experience of being forced to listen to 30 seconds of dull music at the start of an exciting motorcycling video.

Is it possible for me to ride that 8s im 5'4 in height really love that look and that quick shift makes it perfect

I have had my demo ride a couple of weeks ago. The suzuki is simply impressive. But how would you compare it against a street triple 660 S? Pros and cons?

I love this catagory of bike. I think it's just right for UK roads. But I don't see how either of these are better than an Sv650.

Pues yo llevo dos meses con la hornet y va de lujo ,estoy muy contento con ella

Would be interested in a long term review with some wet weather commuting. Neither bike has a hugger (which is really shoddy) so road splash everywhere!

How much of an improvement over the mt-07 are we looking at?

Honda topend might be designed for their R7 competitor . Headlight / clusters both could look bettter.

Good job Suzuki. People have a lot to say against Suzuki, but for me they are my favourite Japan brand. Also the looks in this case are a win for Suzuki.

did they mention what the firing interval was on each engine.

I currently own a 650 Bandit, so I'm inclined to like the Suzuki. It does seem like they're both strong contenders, but the Honda is £1000 cheaper. The good side may be, is that the GSX-8S seems to have a bit of Bandit in it, so, perhaps illogically, it makes me tend to see more value in the bike that I currently own.

I own an MT-10 so these bike are not for me but that suzuki could be the new SV 650, which was/is a legend. I love suzuki, I've had loads. I really hope they sell in spades.

Waiting for the gsx8-R

Suzuki have absolutely nailed it, Design Chassis Performance Price, Perfect Package.

This is a tough one; the Honda's specs really speak to me but the Suzuki has more appeal. I really want to see these engines in sportbikes a la the R7.

Since the original bandit they have gone backwards in comfort, being fixable, and tunable for the everyday mechanic. The only way than can justify these prices these days is to overload them with technology you don't need. I mean, just look at the stupid seat. On a bandit you could take a mate or girlfriend to the pub or into town too.

Price positioning is surprising. Suzuki used to undercut its Japanese rivals, which is not the case here. This is no longer a budget option if only considering the weight class. Maybe they realized this homework was done excellently. Maybe it doesn’t need three model updates to be just good as it’s supposed to be (cb500x, nc700-750, features, goodies added with time). Taking a good final look at the bike as a whole, balanced unit after the different engineering departments delivered their separate results.

Being on the shorter side (5’6”), I’m still leaning towards the Honda. I sat on one recently and it didn’t feel like a big bike (and I wasn’t on tip toes!). Will have to see how the 8S feels in comparison.

Its clear to me that the Suzuki in the real world would be a handling dream somehow even though heavier translates into a more inspiring and confidence building machine which is exactly what newish riders need. As was said the Honda is just another motorcycle. As usual the Suzuki gives the rider what they want with the assurance of fantastic reliability ease of maintenance ( which wasnt even discussed here) and Suzuki aesthetics which to me arent boring like the super conservative Honda. The 8S wins in every aspect to this Suzuki tragic 👍

for all intensive purposes, marketing aside, they are basically the same bike. choose the one you think is the best looking and go take it out for rides in the sunshine on twisty roads

Test rides on both this week, honda was a bit more powerful at top, suzuki was more predictable both left me grinning and wanting more time on them. I’m older rider and suzuki in white is my choice.

That Suzuki looks great in white. Not great next to the Honda or Yamaha but great next to an 890R or a Monster.

I am glad that Suzuki has produced such a good bike. I sometimes worry about them staying in the motorcycle business and this is a good sign. Currently the Suzuki is offered in the US but the Honda is not. I have short legs (28"/711mm), so it is possible that the Honda might fit me better, though...... whenever it shows up here.

I bought a hornet and have already done 500miles on mine. Its nothing short of brilliant. It has amazing low down power. I can not fault it and would recommend to anyone to have a ride on one before running it down. I think the dash is better than the Suzuki dash too. You can set it in 4 different displays. I've owned R1's, GSXR's and Blade and the hornet is more fun on the road than any of them. Total bargain at £7000 compared to the £8000 Suzuki. Oh and I'm 51 and have been riding on the road since I was 16. I also own a Ninja 1000sx which is also brilliant.

Good effort taking time to weigh the bikes 🏍 👍

Can you adjust the engine braking on the Suzuki

NO WHEELIES? Can you clutch up wheelie in 3rd on the 8S like on the Hornet?

Great comparison! I like the 8s a lot more then the Hornet. One problem that is have is that i have in mind the Bmw’s f900r. It is not that far away picewise than the 8s. What do you think?

I sat on both. Suzuki is much more comfortable than the Hornet. I am 183cm tall and I was cramped on the Hornet.

Cant wait for a cbr750rr

Thanks guys. I still can't decide between the two. Great video tho! 🫡

Well this should be a no brainer. Just look at the Suzuki. Great lookiing bike and features.

If you want a nimble but seriously quick bike its the honda. Sure, all the smaller midsizers are kinda nimble, but the hornet can almost be handled like a bicycle, extremely low seat height, 190 kg, if youre like me and ride a lot in towns, cities, to work, looking for ez parking spots, the honda takes the cake for going 200 kph on the freeway and riding a footway to a bicycle station for parking.

at beginning I wanted a hornet and never considered the Suzuki (because "on the paper... the numbers..." ) but now I know that I will enjoy the Suz more than the hornet.

Peak bho/torque, maybe we could see thrust figures instead? Acceleration rate?