Suzuki GSX-8R proves its worth as the best sportbike in the UK

After winning the 2025 British Sportbike Championship, the Suzuki GSX-8R has again proved why it’s the best middleweight bike in its segment, at least in race trim, in the UK. 

Powered by the company’s 776cc parallel-twin motor, the GSX-8R is closely related to the GSX-8S, which was the first model released as part of the new platform.

Both bikes were later joined by the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, a pair of modern classic twists on the well-received 8S. 

You might be interested in reading our Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT review.

But when it comes to success for the brand’s 776cc platform, no model is enjoying more of it than the fully-faired 8R, which secured its second-straight title in the class thanks to Asher Durham and the Powerslide Suzuki team.

On top of winning the 2026 title, the GSX-8R also finished third in the hands of Durham’s teammate Cameron Dawson. 

Suzuki GB’s marketing manager, Jak Tyrrell, said this following the company’s latest triumph: 

“I have to start with a big thank you to Brad [Clarke] and Dale [Coaster] at Powerslide for the effort and hard work that they have put into this season, and, of course, to Asher, who put a great championship campaign together. It’s an incredibly competitive class with fine margins, so to come away with the number of wins and podiums that he has over the course of the season speaks to his talent, too. 

“For us, in such a competitive class, it’s also shown just how strong the 8R package is, to win two titles in a row.”

The 8R comes ready-to-ride with numerous selectable power modes, traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter, and a five-inch TFT screen as standard.

Available in five different colourways, the 8R also features an OTR price of £8,999, and is currently available with a 3.9 per cent APR representative finance option. It is also included in Suzuki’s industry-leading 10-year warranty scheme.

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