VOLUME ISSUE FEBRUARY , P75
One of the big changes between the 8S and the
8R is the significant difference in piston size for the
Showa SFF-BP fork on the 8R to the KYB fork on the
8S. The 8R gains a 17mm larger piston at 37mm,
which makes for a much nicer fork action on the
road as well as the track. The fork is non-adjustable
with only preload available on the rear shock, which
will doubles cause a few ranting forum posts over
the coming months, but the Suzuki engineers, in
conjunction with Showa, have created a fantastic
front end that is at home being thrashed around the
racetrack or being used to ride to the shops.
The 8R turns with a flow to it other bikes would
kill for, and it's complemented by plenty of feel at
the handlebars. The 8R isn't exactly a flyweight—
it's a claimed 36 pounds heavier than the R7 with
a tank of gas—a not-insignificant number—but
the chassis is extremely stable and will still turn
The near upright riding position is a perfect mix of naked and sport.
