GSX-8S - Fuel Economy

When we think about motorcycles, it’s easy to fixate on horsepower figures, torque specs, or flashy colors. But after spending serious time with a bike, the practicalities start to matter a lot more. That brings us to a topic that’s often skipped over in the glossy brochures: fuel economy. I’ve been living with the Suzuki GSX-8S for a while now, and I think it’s about time we tackled one of the more grounded aspects of a long-term review – fuel range and economy.

Fuel Economy and Range

The GSX-8S comes with a 14-liter fuel tank. Officially, Suzuki lists an average fuel consumption rate of around 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Now, if you’re doing the math, that translates to about 333 kilometers per tank, which sounds great on paper. But real-world riding often tells a different story. In my experience, you’re more likely to feel the first pangs of range anxiety around 220 to 250 kilometers – sooner if you’re pushing it hard on the throttle or riding in stop-and-go city traffic. On spirited rides or on the open highway, 180 to 220 kilometers might be more accurate.

To put it in perspective, the GSX-8S’s fuel economy means it sits comfortably within the range of other bikes in the middleweight naked category. That said, it doesn’t quite match up with some models geared more towards frugality, but the trade-off is its emphasis on performance.

Engine and Performance Specs

While fuel economy is a big deal, it’s impossible not to mention the bike’s core – its power plant. The GSX-8S packs an all-new 776cc parallel-twin engine, which Suzuki calls the “S.I.R.E.” (Suzuki Intelligent Ride Engine) platform. It’s optimized to deliver a healthy 83 hp (62 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. Power delivery is smooth and responsive, especially in the lower rev range, which makes it easy to navigate city streets or handle tight corners with confidence. And when you’re on the open road, it’s got plenty of punch to keep you entertained.

Ride Quality and Comfort

Over longer rides, comfort and handling matter just as much as what’s in the tank. The GSX-8S’s seating position is upright and relaxed, making it easy to put in a lot of miles without feeling fatigued. The 810mm seat height is manageable for a wide range of riders, and while it’s not particularly low, the narrow profile helps keep it comfortable for shorter riders.

The suspension is a well-balanced setup, featuring a 41mm KYB inverted front fork and a link-type rear shock with adjustable preload. This setup absorbs bumps nicely, providing a good mix of comfort and road feel, even on less-than-perfect roads. Combined with a light 202 kg curb weight, the GSX-8S feels nimble and easy to handle.

Features and Electronics

The GSX-8S comes with a 5-inch TFT color display, which gives you clear readouts of all the essentials. It’s fully digital and easy to navigate, with all the info you need on range, fuel level, and average consumption right in front of you. The bike is also equipped with Suzuki’s Ride-by-Wire throttle system, three ride modes (A, B, C), and a bi-directional quick-shifter – all of which add to the smoothness and adaptability of the ride. It’s a nice package for a bike in this class, and it brings a level of modernity that makes the GSX-8S feel very current.

Verdict: A Realistic Range for Real Riders

Ultimately, while the Suzuki GSX-8S is capable of impressive fuel economy numbers, the real-world range varies depending on how you ride. If you’re careful with the throttle, you might get close to that 333-kilometer mark, but for many riders, 250 kilometers is a more realistic number before needing to find the nearest gas station. So, yes, while it doesn’t quite meet the hypothetical range on paper, it’s still a capable machine with enough versatility for both city and country roads.

For anyone who wants a middleweight naked bike with plenty of character, solid handling, and modern features, the GSX-8S doesn’t disappoint. Just keep in mind that if you’re planning on long road trips, it might be worth scouting out the fuel stations along the way.