Suzuki GSX-8S arrives in Australia * Motorcycles R Us

Suzuki's newest addition is a parallel twin street bike that is engineered from the ground up.

An well-featured colour TFT instrument display with Optical Bonding makes this easy to read in all lighting conditions. A stacked LED headlight makes a statement and serves purpose, although many images show LED blinkers yet for Australia these are an accessory (we get globe type).

Suzuki's Easy Start System is standard, where you don't need to pull the clutch and only need a quick press of the starter as the bike will wind over until the engine fires.

Suzuki's Low RPM Assist supports easy clutch release to prevent stalling and helps with the action to keep the left hand in better shape.

The talk of the party is Suzuki's move to a Parallel Twin, where traditionally we only see 4 cylinder or V-Twin motors in Suzuki street bikes.

A 776cc motor that's Suzuki's first new engine since 2017 (the GSX-R1000 VVT according to Trev at MCNews). 83 hp and 78 Nm, which has incredible torque for a very solid pull from low rpm - exactly what you want on a street bike.

Those who loved a V-Twin note will like it has a 270 degree crankshaft, meaning the right sound from the exhaust.

A compact engine in so many ways with an easy to access air box under the chair. Three engine modes to match with A, B and C means you can pick your suitable riding style however from all reports and our own test riding, the throttle is brilliant and fuelling is exactly what you want. A welcomed result considering earlier variants prior to ride-by-wire here where quite snatchy.

The seat height is 810 mm but with a narrow inner stance, it should suit many riders - stats don't always answer this question for seat height; best to sit on it as we are all built differently.

The non-adjustable front KYB suspension is tuned for the streets and reports so far it set up just right. The rear shock is adjustable for pre-load, mostly there if you ride two-up. The tuning of both is ideally set for the tyre size.

Braking is handled by the reputable Nissin calipers. Not often mentioned as everyone loves to throw the word Brembo about for the best systems (which are great) however this is a street bike and the Nissin brakes are bang on for what you want - amazing feel, not grabby like performance brakes can be on normal roads and even when the press rode these bikes on the track there was no fade. Great.

A bi-directional quickshifter is standard and as Suzuki are well known for, the gearbox is like butter. Absolutely positive gear changes.

A 14 litre tank is a sensible size between range and weight when full. A kerb mass of 202 kgs is also ideal for a middle weight streeter.

And at only $14,190 ride away with 12 months dual seat rego, it's fantastic value in either Pearl Tech White (pictured), Pearl Cosmic Blue (our demo is this livery to see in real-life) or Matt with Gloss Black for the stealth rider.