Gsx-8R
 

Our ride today took us near my Suzuki dealer so we popped in for me to look at the GSX-8R. I like it better than the 8S, the front end looks much neater. When I sat on one it wasn't an extreme riding position, I suppose "sport tourer" is what springs to mind.

Had it been available when I bought the "S", I would have gone for one in the (typical) Suzuki blue, not so keen on the silver although my friend liked it. I thought we also got a yellow one but not this year apparently.

I did ask what my 8S would trade in for but I would have taken a beating on it. I suspect if I was definitely in the market waiting to the end of the year would get me a better deal. As it stands, I was only offered £6100 for a 6 month old, 1600 mile bike which cost £8200. Ouch.

In other news, I ordered new tyres for the SV. Since Avons are no longer made here my loyalty faded (and they don't make the Storm 3D XM anymore anyway). I liked the Michelin Road 5 I had on the XSR700 Yam, so I thought I'd try a set on the SV.

Re: Gsx-8R
 

Keep us posted how you get on with the Road 5s, I've got a newish Avon Spirit (the Storm's replacement) on the front of mine and a Storm 3D on the back with about 4,000 miles left in it.

I'm not sure whether to carry on with Avons or switch to Michelin / Conti etc.

Re: Gsx-8R
 

Will do, although I won't be getting them fitted immediately.

One thing I didn't mention about my dealer visit was the interesting (to me) bikes he'd taken in p/x:

Suzuki X5 200, Suzuki X7 250, Suzuki GT380 and the biggie: a Yamaha RD500 YPVS. Must be 2 stroke season, he already had a GT550 in his office.

Re: Gsx-8R
 

Cor, a good RD500 is worth a MINT these days!

Re: Gsx-8R
 

Seen quite a few tests / reviews on the 8R and nobody really had any criticism of it, they are all impressed by the mid range performance and 'torquie' feel to the engine and its smoothness ( twin balance shafts ).