The mod father
SUZUKI GSX-8S 6930 MILES Our GSX-8S gets a bolt-on bonanza to tackle the chill
If you read my last update back in early December, you’ll know that I’ve been mightily impressed with the Suzuki GSX-8S’ ability to combat the winter grit.
Still used on a weekly basis for commuting, it’s remained largely rust and fur free (barring a few chain links) and continues to run without fault, despite the wet, cold, and generally miserable conditions.
Alongside regular washing, it’s had a spritz of Oxford General Protectant once dry, and I’ve taken to drying it down with a powerful plug-in Brühl dryer to eliminate hidden water after every wet ride (full review coming soon).
To take this further (and also improve the experience for myself) I’ve now added a few modifications, whilst also ditching the rather beautiful aftermarket £1325
Akrapovič full system I had for the summer, which was far too nice to expose to an English winter.
Gripping stuff
First on my list was a set of tyres. After almost 4000 miles, the brilliant Continental ContiSport Attack4s I’d added for summer riding were past their best – with the rear squaring and both ends warming too slowly in the cooler climate.
They have now made way for a set of ContiRoadAttack4s (circa £309 per pair), which have so far proved a worthy investment. While the flatter profile means you can’t tip in as quickly, they offer oodles more feel in the colder temperatures and damp conditions and I’m much happier now.
Hotting up
Another winter essential for me is warm hands. My mitts never get particularly warm even in the summer months, and so some kind of electronic assistance is vital when the cold sets in.
Cue Suzuki’s official accessory heated grips, which are available as a free extra on new bikes bought between now and the end of January 2024 (usually £357). Offering three settings and a warming sensation around the entire grip, they have been a welcome addition, helping maintain feel for the controls.
Around town and below 50mph, the middle setting should be all you need; however I’d recommend max power at motorway pace.
Although a worthwhile add-on, their effectiveness during single figure days does start to fade after around 30 miles – leaving my fingertips numb.
Covering up
Another extra from the official Suzuki catalogue are a pair of black fairing lowers (see above), which flank the twin exhaust headers and shroud some of the exposed engine from road crud.
I had hoped that this would make cleaning a little easier, with the fling from the front wheel baking onto the hot engine on every wet ride. Whilst it has helped a little, it also makes reaching some areas
with the sponge that bit harder. Priced at £225.50, there are better things to spend your money on.
Screen time
By far the best add-on is a £99 fly screen from Powerbronze. One of three sizes available (mine’s the 270mm option) it neatens up the look behind the clocks and does just enough to take the wind off my shoulders.
The bike is hardly a fully dressed tourer, but the new screen helps tackle fatigue and was very easy to install. A must have for GSX-8S owners. Be warned though, the mounting arms will restrict your ability to close Suzuki’s optional USB-C port cover, should you plan to also have that installed.