We at Billysbikes.co.za were delighted to spend a day with Suzuki South Africa and their professional team. The day in question was held at the Red Star Raceway with every bike that Suzuki bring into SA, a very commendable event on all counts – well done guys.
The primary function though was to unveil the new GSX-8S and V-Strom DL800DE, oh, and not forgetting their hyper-cute V-Strom 250SX. Obviously the focus was on the two new 800s. A brand new engine in parallel –twin form displacing 776cc – the first all new engine from Suzuki in quite a while.
With a massive choice of everything Suzuki import into SA, from 125 scooters to the mighty Hayabusa, and everything in-between, it was going to be a long day of exquisite riding.
I did bring along our resident photographer, John, who lost his ‘race track’ virginity, and he soon developed a wet chin from the sheer excitement he bathed in. His first out lap was on the 250s, GSX and V-Strom, then once he got into the ‘zone’ we moved on to the superb GSX-8S, and of course more speed, and saliva.
This new eye-catching middleweight bike has just won MCN (Motor Cycle News UK), Naked Bike of the Year and I for one can see why – it’s fantastic and at R165,950, outstanding value. It just oozes fun and the handling around the track, I thought, was faultless for what it has to offer (85hp), it even has a quick-shifter that works both up and down the gearbox. I really enjoyed looking into the new 5-inch TFT screen as well, a new nice touch for sure.
This new TFT screen is also the same one found on the V-Strom DL800DE, a new venture and perhaps Suzuki’s most off-road focused Adventure bike to date. John took control of this (as he enjoys off-road more than I). This time though his wet patch wasn’t on his chin – too much excitement at his age I’d predict. I did have a quick ride as well and can confidently say that the DL800DE really is equally good in the adventure area as the 8S is for road use. With a loud silencer fitted onto one of the bikes that new engine sounds terrific too, especially when the quick-shifter causes a ‘crack’ between changes, a highly recommended addition indeed. And for R195,000, again with quick-shifter, and top-class suspension, and more, it’s another exceptional price from Suzuki.
But the ‘affordable’ price award has to go to the funky V-Strom 250 SX – only R58,900 for so much bike is amazing to say the least, and it most certainly rides as good as it looks. So much so that ‘Wet John’ has just gone out and bought a yellow one, and I can’t blame him.
Look, we only had a relatively short time on these new bikes, and the others on offer, but we’ll bring a comprehensive review in greater depth in the very near future, so be patient. But before I go I must have something to say here…
When ‘certain’ importers/manufactures constantly complain about bike sales, or lack of them, just take notice of what Suzuki do here. They tour the Country with their bike range and hold track days at Red Star, and much more. So stop moaning (you know who you are), and promote your range, for the public to also ride, perhaps in a similar fashion – say no more!
Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more information and to book a test ride on any models seen here.
Also visit www.redstarraceway.co.za for forthcoming events.
