The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is a middleweight sportbike built on the GSX-8S naked bike. It shares the 8S’s 776cc parallel twin, steel frame, and aluminum swingarm, and adds a full fairing, sportier ergonomics, and upgraded Showa suspension. The goal is a bike that works as well on the street as it does at a track day.
The engine uses a 270-degree crankshaft and Suzuki’s latest counterbalancing system, producing 82 horsepower and 58 ft-lbs of torque. Low-end grunt and a strong midrange make it easy to ride hard, and power tapers predictably near redline. The 6-speed gearbox, assist-and-slipper clutch, and standard up/down quickshifter shift positively, though downshifts can hesitate.
Clip-on-style handlebars mount above the triple clamp, lower and farther forward than the 8S’s bar, while the seat and footpegs carry over. The 31.9-inch seat is slim at the knees, and the riding position stays comfortable all day. The wind-tunnel-tested fairing directs air toward the chin bar, so sport touring is an option.
A non-adjustable Showa SFF-BP 41mm inverted fork has firmer damping than the 8S unit, and the linkage-assisted Showa shock adjusts for spring preload. Both deliver 5.1 inches of travel. The suspension is compliant on the street and stays composed at track pace, and the handling is balanced and friendly.
Nissin four-piston radial calipers grip 310mm discs, with ample stopping power and ABS standard. Active, Basic, and Comfort modes and defeatable traction control work from wheel-speed sensors rather than an IMU, and there is no cruise control. Curb weight is 452 pounds.
Fit and finish are solid, the TFT display is simple to use, and the lighting is all LED.
The GSX-8R is for riders who want one middleweight for commuting, weekend sport rides, and the occasional track day. Suzuki offers it in Pearl Ignite Yellow, Metallic Triton Blue, and Metallic Matte Sword Silver, priced at $9439.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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