into the twisties … truly smile inducing stuff! And then there is the fact the 8T is a relative light weight with the 16.5 litre tank full of 95RON gas. The tank size is modest compared to many of the bikes I ride, but it seems pretty common now for a mid-weight to wear a 16-17 litre tank. The positive benefit of it not being larger certainly added dividends in the‘ throw it around’ department and an approximate range of 300km depending on throttle inputs is still more than my butt can comfortably take in one hit.
THE SKINNY So, overall, the Suzuki 8T is a great ride and I did really enjoy it. This is a sensible machine that is quick and exciting, and genuinely capable in all regards. Ride it to work, tour the country, go blasting on the weekends or enjoy a quiet cruise down to the beach café on a beautiful day, the Suzuki GSX-8T will deliver the goods. It’ s a road bike that I’ m sure all will enjoy and those in the market for a midsized machine should certainly consider the new naked middleweight from Suzuki.
SECOND OPINION
The GSX-8T follows the earlier S and R models of the 800 series, but is delivered as a full retro classic and with its candy-coloured burnt gold livery reminiscent of the 70s, it is exactly what it says on the box. A modern retro-naked, complete with a decent tail-tidy and a single headlight. It’ s a good looking machine and is perhaps even more inviting to the rider who remembers those years. I could have spent a lot more time on the bike than I was allotted, as it was one of the most comfortable bikes- both ergonomically and in riding position, but on most rides I wanted more- more time in the saddle. The 776cc twin engine delivers great, useable power and the inner hoon is catered for, but it’ s also friendly and simple to use round town, and at just a shade over 200kg, it actually feels lighter, and was pleasingly manoeuvrable in low-speed traffic. Refreshingly, it feels like a serious motorcycle, and although 82PS
74 KIWI RIDER