LONG LIVE SPORT – Riding the Suzuki GSX-8R in the Hills Above Pondicherry

There’s a road that cuts its way through the hills just west of Pondicherry. It’s not very well known, no famous signboard, no tourist pull. But for riders like us, it’s the kind of ribboned paradise we live for. Sharp switchbacks, sun-filtered forest lanes, sudden descents, and wide coastal curves that tease the horizon. It’s the sort of road where a good motorcycle reveals its true soul. And that’s exactly where I took Suzuki’s all-new GSX-8R, the latest evolution in their middleweight lineup, for its trial by fire. Or rather, by throttle. Before the first ignition hum, the GSX-8R already looks the part. Sleek, fully faired, and sharply contoured, it stands like a sprinter poised on the starting block. The styling borrows from the aggressive DNA of the GSX-R family but infuses a touch of civility, like a blade with a safety catch. It’s not just a GSX-8S with clothes on. Suzuki has made it very clear: this is a proper sportbike for the street, and a flirt for the track.

Meet the Machine: Suzuki GSX-8R

Let’s talk numbers first. At its heart beats a 776cc liquid-cooled parallel twin with a 270-degree firing order that brings a welcome hint of V-twin character. It pushes out 83 hp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, figures that, on paper, suggest ‘respectable’ rather than ‘rowdy.’ But twist the throttle and the reality is something else. This engine is a torque-monster at mid-range. From 3,000 rpm onwards, it pulls like a stubborn mule, but one that’s eager to please. There’s no spike, no lag, just a steady, meaty shove that makes overtakes feel effortless and tight corners feel like invitations rather than threats. Whether rolling through town or firing out of third-gear hairpins on those undulating Pondicherry hills, the 8R always felt right there with me, eager and obedient. The powerplant is mated to a sweet-shifting 6-speed gearbox, and the cherry on top is Suzuki’s bidirectional quickshifter. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best I’ve used in this segment. Every upshift is slick and seamless, while downshifts, especially into tight bends, are smooth enough to make you forget the clutch even exists. It’s a game-changer for spirited riding.

Real Roads, Real Feedback

The GSX-8R’s chassis is where Suzuki took a deliberate step toward the sporty end of the spectrum. Instead of the Kayaba suspension found on the 8S, the R gets a Showa setup front and rear, a 41mm USD fork and a Mono-Link central rear shock with progressive linkage. There’s a caveat here: there’s no adjustability except for preload at the rear. This might disappoint those who like to fine-tune their rides, but in the real world? I barely noticed. The damping is spot-on for aggressive street riding. It glided over broken tarmac without wallowing, yet held its line tight through the high-speed sweepers. When we hit a patch of narrow twisties climbing toward Gingee Fort, the chassis felt composed, flickable, and eager to change direction. The Showa setup might be simple, but it’s seriously effective. On faster stretches, like the smooth coastal road skirting Serenity Beach, the bike felt planted and poised. Wind protection from the fairing is decent, nothing full-on touring level, but enough to take the edge off at 140+ km/h. The clip-ons are mounted slightly higher than most supersports, which means you’re leaned forward without being hunched, a setup that worked great for hours of spirited riding without punishing my wrists.

Brakes and Confidence

The 8R stops with purpose. Dual 310mm front discs with axial calipers up front and a 240mm disc at the rear provide strong, progressive bite. On steep downhill runs, especially that stretch near Thirukameswaram where a sudden hairpin comes after a blind crest, I trusted the front end completely. The feel is confidence-inspiring, and modulation is excellent. You won’t find Brembo badges here, but you won’t miss them either. Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (SIRS) deserves a nod too. The traction control, though basic with three settings (plus Off), worked seamlessly on damp morning tarmac. Drive Mode Selector lets you choose between A, B, and C modes depending on throttle response preference. I mostly stuck with B, it felt like the sweet spot between eager and manageable.

Everyday Performance? Surprisingly Good.

You’d think a fully faired sportbike like this would be a compromise in traffic or during longer commutes. And yet, the GSX-8R’s daily usability caught me off guard. The seat height is a friendly 810mm, which meant I could flat-foot it easily at stops. Heat management is commendable, even crawling through Pondicherry’s mid-day traffic, the engine temp remained stable, and the airflow from the fairing kept my legs from toasting. The TFT display, lifted from its 800cc siblings, is clear, bright, and neatly laid out. All the ride data you need is at a glance, and navigating modes via the left switchgear is intuitive. Fuel consumption, you ask? Suzuki claims 4.2 l/100km, and I got pretty close on gentle rides, around 5.2 l/100km during regular street use. Push hard, especially on track or fast hill runs, and it climbs to 7–11 l/100km. Not shocking for a bike that’s doing 215 km/h flat out.

What Could Be Better?

Let’s not paint it perfect. The lack of adjustable suspension could turn off riders looking to tailor their setup for track days. Also, the turn signals aren’t self-canceling, an odd oversight in an otherwise modern package. And that pillion seat? It’s more a decorative bump than actual cushioning. Take a passenger only if they’ve annoyed you recently.

Technical specification

Conclusion

Some bikes shout at you with spec sheets and race credentials. The GSX-8R doesn’t need to. It just rides beautifully. It’s not a radical supersport that demands sacrifices, nor a neutered commuter pretending to be fast. It sits squarely in the sweet spot, a real-world sportbike that lets you chase apexes on Sunday and handle your weekday commute without drama. Through the bends near Auroville, under rustling eucalyptus and banyan canopies, the GSX-8R felt alive, leaning in with intent, flicking from left to right with a rhythm that made the road feel like a dance floor. And when the horizon opened up, the throttle responded with a deep growl and smooth surge that had me grinning inside my helmet. Suzuki’s new GSX-8R isn’t just another faired version of a naked bike. It’s a refined, responsive, and seriously fun middleweight that deserves attention. Whether you’re carving up backroads or dipping your toes into track life, this bike will have your back, and more importantly, your smile.