2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S Comparison Review

Since the introduction of the 2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S has long held the title of king of middleweight naked bikes. Is that still the case? The middleweight naked market looks pretty interesting right now. Over the past few years, many new challengers have entered the fray, all with the same goal: defeating the reigning middleweight champion.

We’re talking about the Yamaha MT-07, which has become the standard reasonably priced roadster since its introduction nearly ten years ago. But given that it’s getting old, how does it compare to the Suzuki GSX-8S, the best of the newcomers? One can also read our comparison review of 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S vs 2023 Suzuki SV650.We reached the specs by riding the two back-to-back on the same roads to find out.

2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S – Features Comparison

Yamaha MT-07 technical specifications

The MT-07 has undergone significant upgrades over the years, but at its core, it’s the same motorcycle Yamaha introduced in 2014. It features a ‘CP2’ 689cc parallel twin, making it one of the best motorcycle among Best Bikes under $10000, a tubular frame, and a double-sided swingarm.

The R7, Tenere 700, Tracer 7, XSR700, XSR700 Tribute, and Fantic Caballero 700 are some Yamaha models that feature the CP2. It has a 270-degree crankshaft, fast becoming the standard for parallel twins in middleweight bikes. Due to the skewed firing sequence, the engine resembles a V-twin but is housed in a much smaller and simpler container. Here, it produces 49 lb-ft of torque at 6,800 rpm and 73 bhp at 8,500 rpm.

The MT-07 uses traditional (somewhat inverted) forks, which are less common nowadays, although the engine layout is much broader. The KYB suspension is not adjustable at the front, but the rear mono-shock can adjust its preload. That’s why the motorcycle is considered best for Short Riders.

The electronics package is essential, with only the now-required ABS included, and that’s it. There are no driving modes and no traction control, and although the quick shifter is pre-wired and can be installed at the dealer, it only works on upshifts. At least five-inch color TFTs with smartphone connectivity will be available in 2023.

Yamaha MT-07: what it’s like to ride

Simply put, mature. As bike magazines and owners have done before, We won’t be the last to complain about the MT-07’s harsh suspension characteristics. You feel like you’re being bounced around B-roads with bad surfaces, and let’s face it, there are a lot of them. It undermines confidence as the chassis is stiff and needs more subtlety. That’s why motorcycle is ideal for Daily Commuting.

Put, adults. As bike magazines and owners have done before, We won’t be the last to complain about the MT-07’s stiff suspension characteristics. You feel like you’re being tossed around B-roads with rough surfaces, and let’s face it, there are a lot of them. It undermines confidence as the chassis is stiff and needs more subtlety.

For a taller rider, it feels even more restricted than the GSX-8S, which is made worse by the higher position of the pegs about the seat. Due to its 815 mm seat height, the Yamaha seems less well-built than the Suzuki despite being easily accessible for smaller people. It is true, no matter how small or weak you are. The throttle assembly has a fair amount of lateral play, which can be frustrating, but overall, it’s okay.

The MT-07 feels quicker and more aggressive than the 8S around corners, where there’s some vengeance. That’s why MT-07 is the Best Motorcycles Up to 750cc in 2023.Michelin Road 5 tires, which we rate higher than the Dunlop Road Smart 2s on the Suzuki, can help.

The MT stands more on the ground thanks to its mighty CP2 engine. Yeah, it’s not as powerful as the twin in the Suzuki GSX-8S, nor as smooth, but it’s more prominent, produces a better noise, and feels deeper in depth. And if that counts for you, the MT-07 is much more interested in getting its front wheel high under the throttle…

Cruising around town, the MT-07’s engine isn’t relatively as smooth as the GSX-8S lump, but not by much. The quick action of the clutch lever takes some getting used to, though.

Suzuki GSX-8S technical specifications

The 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S is based around an all-new tubular steel frame with a double-sided aluminum swing arm. The “all-new” bit is essential, as the GSX 8S is – believe it or not – Suzuki’s first completely fresh big bike since 1999. The motorcycle that arrived this year was none other than the SV650, for which the Suzuki GSX-8S can be thought of as an indirect replacement.

Into the frame goes — surprise, surprise — a strong parallel twin including a 270 degrees crankshaft. It gets bragging rights over the 2023 Yamaha CP2 lump in capacity and output, displacing 776cc and producing 82bhp at 9,000rpm and 60 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Further mirroring the Yamaha, the 2023 Suzuki gets KYB suspension front and rear but with inverted forks. Again, you get no adjustment in the front and only preload adjustment in the rear. For that kind of money, it’s to be expected.

The 8S’s electronics begin to betray its affordable price because the Yamaha has a lot going on. Three options are available on the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS): A for the most aggressive throttle behavior, B for a gentler approach, and C for rainy conditions. Three traction control modes, or four if you count “off,” can be selected separately from the drive modes.

Like the Yamaha, this bike has essential ABS (no fancy cornering ABS) and a standard quick shifter that can be used for both up and downshifts. The MT-07’s five-inch color TFT is the same size but lacks Bluetooth capability.

Suzuki GSX-8S – what it’s like to ride

A few hundred meters on the GSX-8S will show you how much more sophisticated and modern it feels than the MT-07. Of course, this is helped by a more advanced electronics package, but there are other factors as well. Suzuki may use KYB hardware for the suspension, but Suzuki’s implementation of it feels a lot more thought out.

While it’s still firmer, the 8S is more plush. You won’t be as concerned about being thrown off the seat if the going gets a little rough because it does a much better job of absorbing imperfections in the road surface. The peg position is more comfortable, and the cockpit is larger. Also, everything feels better in it to some extent.

Whether you’re swinging the throttle wide open or revving, the new parallel twin is impressive. It may be the smoothest and loudest 270-degree crank twins on the market. It’s almost guaranteed to be fun with a standard-fit quick shifter for easy gear changes.

Although it weighs 18 kg more (202 kg) than the MT-07, you won’t notice the difference in the saddle. The extended wheelbase is mainly responsible for the increased sense of stability you experience. In exchange for the touch feeling less snappy, it makes the 8S easier to grasp.

2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S vs Honda Hornet vs…

Both these bikes have a lot of competition as all the big companies are vying for this market share. The new Honda CB750 Hornet, which also features a 270-degree parallel twin, is keen for action.

We’ve ridden it a lot and believe the suspension is much better than the Yamaha MT-07, but the Suzuki GSX-8S seems more comfortable. The latter is more attractive and gives a smooth ride when cruising at low speeds or rpm. At £6,995, the Hornet is the least expensive of the three.

If you don’t want twins, that’s fine; The Triumph Trident is incredibly attractive for the price. It features stunning throwback styling, a 660cc inline-three engine with fruity top-end rush and midrange punch, and a prominently organized TFT display. As of this writing, the Suzuki is £100 more expensive.

Second opinion: Toad’s take

I have no problem admitting that I enjoy the MT-07 as well as the MT-09 and MT-10. But I’m also a realist, and while the bike’s CP2 engine is a real gem, other components, especially the suspension, are getting on with age. Although the Yamaha’s lively demeanor adds to its appeal, more smoothness would be appreciated, especially when braking and on rough roads. It would be a total deal if it had a little more polish as it is convenient and telepathically changes direction quickly.

Some may decry the MT-07’s lack of technology, but its simple electronics suite is refreshing. Additionally, since there are no riding modes or traction controls to mess with, you can concentrate on riding. On the one hand, putting some safety features and technology on a bike considered a beginner bike is a good thing. The rider’s right wrist can also be an effective built-in traction control device.

As soon as I switched from the Yamaha to the Suzuki, it was clear that the GSX-8S was a much more capable bike. Thanks to the smoother, more polished suspension and engine, it’s a fast enough bike to get from point A to point B.

Additionally, it has more power and torque than the Yamaha, which, like my earlier comment about the MT-07’s electronics, has both positive and negative aspects. Compared to the Yamaha, the GSX-8S sounds less daring and louder at low revs. You’ll have to put in more effort to get the bike into the fun zone, but by then, you’ll already be going faster than you were on a CP2-powered bike.

But when the sun shone, and a B-road was calling, I’d always turn to the Yamaha. It moves with enough speed to make for an exciting weekend trip, and once you get moving, most of its problems disappear. Since this is such an essential bike for Iwata Manufacturing, it will get a massive update soon.

2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S: conclusions

By most standards, the Yamaha MT-07 is inferior to the Suzuki GSX-8S, which feels more primitive, less spacious, stiffer, and has worse road handling. The Suzuki easily declares its higher price tag with superior craftsmanship and technology.

Because of its ride modes, traction control, and overall sense of stability, the 8S bike is easy to ride fast and the most beginner-friendly. Even more experienced riders will find it pleasant, while some may prefer the MT-07’s stiffer and more playful attitude.

So, even if the MT-07 isn’t as dominant among middleweight naked bikes as it once was, it still holds its position in the market.

2023 Yamaha MT-07 vs 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S – Specifications Comparison

Engine and transmission

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels

Physical measures and capacities

Other specifications