You can’t go wrong with either. I had my heart set on the Suzuki after dismissing the Hornet based purely on aesthetics. But when I saw the Hornet for the first time it looked much better in person, so I didn’t completely rule it out. And then I test rode both and, as great as they both are and I do prefer the looks of the Suzuki, I went with the Hornet.

@kyriakosgalanos8020

2 күн бұрын

Same

I have the 8s, tried both and loved both but Suzuki is more comfortable for my 6ft frame. Done just under 3500 miles including winter rides and all good. You can’t go wrong with either and if you shop around you can get 8s for around £7500 now.

@MRo55i74

Ай бұрын

Sorry but neither with those head lights they just don’t look nice

I have the 8s, couldn’t believe how much lower the Honda feels to sit on. Loving the 8s for road and a few track days so far!

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Nice choice!

That was an excellent, 'Quick Start Guide' comparision, young Master Daniel. Very balanced and unbiased. You must do more.👍

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

Cheers Mark!

I bought the 8s in the same blue colour as your test bike. No regrets and I'm delighted with the bike - it does everything I need and feels really planted and stable in the corners. On price there is £1000 difference based on RRP but in reality there are plenty offers available on the Suzuki that bring it in line with the Hornet price. I paid less than £7k on the road for my 8S brand new.

@ajb1149

29 күн бұрын

Less than £7k for the 8s?? where did you buy it from?

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

That is the cheapest 8S I've ever heard of. Nice work!

@martinyoung3049

28 күн бұрын

@@ajb1149 Cupar motorcycles in Fife. They are my local dealer. I bought in January this year so benefitted from a winter deal but they still have bikes available for £7,295. This also includes a subsidised first service and a full tank of fuel. Bike also came with OEM heated grips for free as Suzuki UK were offering this for all bikes registered in January.

@ajb1149

28 күн бұрын

@@martinyoung3049 Wow I might give them a ring to see if they deliver to NW England, however I prefer the 8R to be honest.

Living in the US Honda made choosing easy as they don't offer the Hornet for sale here. Given a choice the Hornet's exhaust note, slightly more rev happy engine, and lower weight may have made it my first choice but I'm not going to worry about it as I'm very happy with my white 8S. ECU tuners here have found major power restrictions in the Suzuki's lowest 2 gears so those fun looking power wheelies on the Hornet you shared with us will most likely be a shared characteristic with a ECU flash.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Yeah, weird choice! Hopefully it'll come soon.

The Suzuki, hands down. The motor of the Suzuki has a much better feel and way less vibration. And the Suzuki quick shifter is much better than the Honda, and included.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Can't say I had any vibe issues on the Hornet. QS is a nice option but you are paying a premium for it.

@kokilimonke

28 күн бұрын

@@Englishbikerdan the vibrations was worst on the Transalp, but was there on the Hornet as well. Very noticeable on roll on throttle in 4th or 5th with low rpm. Like it had to have high revs to feel comfortable. On the Hornet it's more likely you already ride with higher rpm, but on the Transalp a lower rpm is more likely due to the more relaxed style of the bike and it's off road /all around nature. I didn't like it at all. Prefer the older V twin Transalp engine, it is smoother on low rpms and it feels like it has more torque low down also, and that's where you use those bikes. The V-Strom engine is better in that regard, and I felt the same on the sportsbike range of these, but off course not in the same degree due to you ride the sportsbike at higer rpms and shorter forks.

I tried both managed to get the gsx 8s for 7.5k new felt like the better bike to me.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Nice choice and a great price!

The looks are important as well, i think that the Hornet is a bit dull with that headlight

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

I agree.

Good to see you do this test. I bought my Hornet before the 8s came out last year and i wondered if i got it wrong. Only MCN did a back to back test and perfered the Suzuki. I think it looks better apart from the rear end and exhaust box that is but overall think the Hornet which was only £6999 when i bought mine was the better value bike and im not at all disappointed with it.

Seems bizarre to me that neither Honda nor Suzuki offer a rear mudguard/hugger as an available option. Triumph include one as standard on the Trident 660 and Street Triple 765 R.

@paulconnell1309

Ай бұрын

Cheap! Not right for a bike that size.

@DashRendar308

Ай бұрын

Yeah, the rear shock is always dirty af on my Hornet. But I am to lazy to install an after market mudguard.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Another reason for aftermarket options.

I Take the Smurf Bike.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Will you call it Papa Smurf?

well, they both look nice, with a lil bit of extra for the Suzuki, but for myself I picked the Trident :). Somewhere around me there was a red/black Hornet, which looked really nice, but the other colors are a bit bland. As for the Suzuki I liked only the blue one.. But the one I felt most close to, was the Trident.. the sound of the engine and the looks of the bike rang closer to me :). And I don't regret my decision.

@paulconnell1309

Ай бұрын

Enjoy! I got a black 8S.

Great comparison review Dan. No bad choices here. I rode both back to back. The Honda felt a bit cramped as I like to move around on a trip & push back a bit (5'8", short legs), the left hand switch gear was more fiddly and the fuelling snatchy on the Honda. Improved the later by selecting user mode and winding the engine braking down. Bought the GSX and love it. Felt like a bigger bike, the shop is close and I prefer the look including the 180 rear tyre. The 160 makes the Hornet look like 500. The bikes were the same price here to the $. Now the 8S has dropped $2,500 (Stg 1,250) so is much cheaper and with the quick shifter. Suspension on the GSX is fine around town and confidence inspiring in corners. However, now that I own it the engine does search a tiny little bit when at slow speeds. Down quick shifts are ok but not a highlight. The auto blipper could blip a bit more. Resale is not looking as flash as everyone seems to prefer HP more than torque, see comment on the permanent discount.. The GSX is quick without over stressing anything. Amazing roll on. From say 80 kph in fourth is exciting.

thank you for such a comprehensive and helpful review. Keep up the great work. Loved the previous Hornet

Owned a Hornet for 14 months & absolutely love it. The bike is so easy to ride, cheap to run & goes like a good un when I ride it enthusiastically. I bought my Hornet as a do it all type of bike & so far I haven’t been disappointed. I’m vertically challenged & at 5ft 7 find the bike is a great fit. The throttle does feel a bit choppy a lower speeds but you get used to it & can ride around it by changing to a higher gear. I have done several 2 to 3 hour rides with only a slightly numb bum so it’s decent on longer rides out. Looks are subjective but I personally love how the Hornet looks. I really like the look of the GSX 8s & would like to test ride the new GSX8R but pleased I own the Hornet. It really is a bloody good bike.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

I've done a 12h trip with mine from my city in Spain to Montpellier in France (first time riding to another country, yay!) and it was absolutely flawless. Zero issues with my wrists, neck and back. And after 1700km of everything from highways to mountain roads in the Pirinees and urban riding it made just 4.4l/100km (63 MPG). Absolutely brilliant machine. Next week I'm riding it to Portugal! :]

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Nice, this is what it's about. Just getting a bike and enjoying it!

What an excellent review and vid! Just straight to the point with everything! Nice one Dan

Hornet all day long, apart from looks, it beats the Suzuki in most other departments. It’s quicker, lighter, more fun and more nimble. Both good bikes, but the Suzuki does feel like a lot bigger bike but than lacks the power and acceleration of a big bike. It reminds me of riding a z900 but that does have the power to match. As for build quality, as soon as you look beneath the surface, the Suzuki is a lot untidier it its engine and cable design so I’d consider it equal

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Fair enough, both are awesome tbh.

Suzuki GSX-8S was my choice and it is amazing!!

@SWTVENOM

Ай бұрын

I’m deciding between the 8S , Mt09,XSR900

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Nice choice!

Looked at both, but after test ride, bought the Hornet. Absolutely love it

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Nice choice!

I like the more small nimble, more characterful engine and sound of the Honda. Like most others are saying both are amazing.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

I own a Hornet and a 125cc small 120kg scooter and the Hornet changes direction QUICKER than the scooter, if you can believe it!

@paulconnell1309

Ай бұрын

@@Angel-wo8gv Is that a good thing at high speed?

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Sound reasoning.

Great edit Dan - But Power Wheelies?!?!? - You've changed your elevation! 😆- That's what she said!

In the whole category I’d go for the cb650r but out of those two I preferred the Suzuki

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Good choice!

Thanks Dan, both great bikes and I'm sure you'd be happy with either. I think they'll both do well 👍

Great job on the vid dan

Hey Dan great video as always! I have an 8S I would love to try a Hornet so if I get the chance I’d be interested to see how it feels after having the 8S for almost a year, either way they are both great bikes.

rode both and liked them equally but 8s quality of components, build and asthetics are superior. Will probably buy the z650 since its 1000eur cheaper than the hornet in my country and its the most beautiful of the class even though technically inferior.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Z650 is not in the same class as either of these. It's more akin to the Honda 500's.

@farmoboy83

28 күн бұрын

@@Englishbikerdan no its not 68hp is closer to 83hp than from 48hp.

The hornet,which i was going to buy one,however,my head has been turned by the moto guzzi v7 special edition.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Wow, that's a different direction! Nice!

Having test ridden both it would be the Suzuki for me, but it was neither as bought a new cb500f

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Fair enough!

Interesting review. This may or may not be relevant to some, but worth being aware that if you want like for like, a QS & 3 year warranty with the Honda, it will cost an extra £529 on top of the £7299 OTR cost. However, that still makes it £471 cheaper than the Suzuki which could be your insurance, riding gear, tyres or accessories etc. Personally I much prefer the Suzuki's looks but I wouldn't buy either as I bought the GSX8R instead. I looked in to the 8S & Hornet but the 8R can do everything they can, looks better imo & is just as comfortable. It also has better suspension & doesn't cost much more.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

Here in Spain Honda offers you what they call the "Honda Plus Go" option, which increases the warranty from the 3 year standard european one to 5 years (no km limit) AND includes the full maintenance up to 31,000 kms (which is the break in one, the 12k km one, the big 24k one and another small 12k) for 899€, which is a killer deal. Surprised the UK doesn't offer that option.

@ragerider6283

Ай бұрын

@@Angel-wo8gv Wow, that is a good deal. I think Honda are taking advantage of us because they can tbh. Suzuki does something similar with the US. In the UK (not sure for Europe) we get a 3 year warranty with up to 7 years / 70.000 miles if you service it annually with Suzuki. Where as the US gets a 1 year warranty & that's it. Doesn't really make sense for either manufacturer to be so inconsistent to the extreme with customers in different countries like that.

@paulconnell1309

Ай бұрын

Good choice. The 8R was not even talked about when I bought my 8S. I prefer the 8R.

tough choice for me is because the GSX-8S looks better to me, especially with the (overpriced 250 euros) stickerset which makes it look like a race machine, but the honda seems like the better deal if looks didn't matter. it's12kg lighter, it has full LED lighting while the suzuki's LED blinkers cost an additional 269 euros, it has auto-cancel indicators, and somehow it's about 10% cheaper as well.

@MarianChicu

Ай бұрын

go ride them both, and add the Trident to the mix too, and then you’ll have your answer. U won’t feel that 12kg weight difference, unless all you do is race the parking lot, but you’ll feel the position, the ergonomics, the looks, the noise, the throttle. And you’ll know :)

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

This is why I always say ride as many bikes as you can. You'll then know which bikes suits your needs and makes you smile the most.

i opted for the 8s....& i'm loving it😁😁

This is my third bike, so after comparing both I went with the Hornet based on the number of features and higher performance per dollar. Ironically, I sold my GSXR750 to fund the Hornet.

Hey Dan- long time buddy. Glad to see you are doing so well. A long way from DD eh? 😉

The balance on the suzuki 8s and 8r is impressive at near 0mph. makes round town stuff simple and fun. quick shifter is great too although there is a learning curve. I didnt have the opportunity to try the hornet but it looks awesome. Triumph trident is also an option and i believe it has a triple offering a diff sound and feel. I had a test ride lined up but i am an impluse buyer i bought the suzuki immediately

Hey Dan, any chance you can get your hands on a Versys 650? I absolutely love your reviews, and I'd love to see your take on the middle weight budget tourer!

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

At the moment its unlikely. Kawasaki don't seem too interested in loaning bikes to me unfortunately.

@Tobias611

Ай бұрын

@Englishbikerdan what a genuine shame! Hopefully, they'll change their mind in the near future. I would love to see you cover them!

Only a small thing, but the 8S tail light is straight up weird!

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

Yeah I agree, it's a weird design choice!

It's not the mid-range power keeping the 8S front down, it's the weight and higher seat pushing the rider forward.

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

I think it's also some form of ignitio/timing retarding in 1st/2nd. They used to do this with the SV650.

From the way you described both I thought you would choose the Suzuki. I own a 2004 919 Hornet , (I prefer it over both these looks wise ) you mentioned you had all the hornets , how would you compare the older 919’s to these new rides ?

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

I like to surprise! I never liked the 919, it was slower than the 600 at the top end but had a bit better grunt.

"Honey wake up, a new branding just dropped"

Got my Hornet for 7600,- Euro winter price. Best deal ever. Great do it all bike. It is better in almost every way compared to my old 01 GSX-R600 that it replaced. The only thing I am missing is like 20 or 30 more horsepowers. I will need to testride the XSR900 one of these days.

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

Once you ride any bike with the CP3 engine, you'll be hooked! 😃

fair review as usual Dan, thanks. I briefly considered the suzuki but the honda was always the no.1 choice for me. when i bought it end jan for 1st mar delivery i got a free sports pack (inc QS), half price service and free delivery, so the £7299 i paid was much better value than the suzuki, which seems to have come down in price a bit since, but still i felt the honda gave better performance, features, display, dealer network and all round value, and i don't regret my choice one bit, but had i gone for the suzuki am sure i would have liked that too, and as others have said it looks much better in the flesh than on vid, but it's all subjective, i think it looks great, and most of the time you are on it looking out anyway. GL

Agree with your comment that people should test both bikes and buy the one they like. Nick

Thank you, another great video! I bought the CB500F last year, partially because the Hornet isn't available Stateside yet (will it ever be? sigh..) and the 500F is basically the same bike with a smaller engine, so the transition will/would be minimal. Being someone who prefers working the gearbox/engine for speed, I will fall down on the Honda side of the fence. But the Suzuki looks so much better; it's really committed to its aesthetics. Also, I have no need for a quick-shifter, so the price difference matters to me: Honda!

Of the two I’d go for the 8S If wanting a bit more flare that make people go “Huh? What’s that?” and Way up on monies I’d go for the Husqvarna 801 Svartpilen. If wanting something sportier but sticking to engine size I’d say the Triumph Street Triple 765. Such a wonderful sound from the tripple, loads of grunt on tap and build quality is soooo high. But yes it comes at a premium.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

All good choices!

I own a Hornet but I wouldn't hesitate to pass by both of your review bikes and go straight for the Suzuki 8R. It's more versatile and isn't compromised with weird insect-like looks.

@ragerider6283

Ай бұрын

Yep, that's what I did. The 8R can do everything these can, has better weather protection with the fairing & is just as comfortable. It also has noticeably better suspension too & only costs £600 more.

@paulconnell1309

Ай бұрын

Me too, but when I bought the 8S, the R had not been talked about.

Suzuki for me. Looks better than Honda.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Good choice!

I would go with the Hornet because the local Honda importer is more trustworthy and better equipped than the Suzuki importer, but I admit that I like the Suzuki better

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

These are important considerations!

Biiiig fumble from Honda for not releasing the Hornet in the states.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Yeah, very strange choice!

Also depends on service intervals, is it true the suzuki needs oil change every 3.5k miles?

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

Honda's is a whopping 7500 miles!

@caleroby9483

Ай бұрын

My God... How hard is it to change your own oil...?? Come on. Ya want it to last, 1,500 - 2,500 max. Screw what the dealer or manual says. Your investment remember.

@steady2wheels

Ай бұрын

Every season or every 3000 miles, whatever comes sooner. It takes less than an hour to do

@andrewaldridge3801

Ай бұрын

Depends where you are. Service intervals for the Suzuki are 7.5k miles in Europe but half that in the US.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

@@steady2wheels I do a change of oil (and filter!) on mine every 6000km on top of the official services because i too think 12000 km is way too much. But it says a lot about the bike's reliability that Honda will keep your five year warranty changing the oil every 12k

I would rather have the GSX8R rather than either of these naked bikes.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

That is also a good bike.

Both bikes are probably really good but they both look like they came out 10 years ago( think it must be the headlights)

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

The Hornet I'd agree, but I think the 8S looks pretty new to my eyes.

Hi English biker Dan, I like the Honda hornet better than the Suzuki 8sbecause I don't like the double staket headlight I like the head light on the headlight on the hornet because I used to have a kawersaki er six n and the head light are similar and looking

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Fair enough Paul!

Also, the Suzuki is made in Japan, while I'm not sure the same is true about the Honda.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

It's made in Japan as well. I own one and it has the plaque on the frame that says "Made in Japan". Even the manuals are printed in Japan!

@vlekov

Ай бұрын

@@Angel-wo8gv Thanks! Haven't seen one in real life and thought they made them in Thailand like my CB500X :)

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

@@vlekov I had no idea the 500X was made in Thailand :O I'm sure however that Honda keeps a VERY close eye on quality control. Also I'm certain all the tooling and machinery are japanese, so it should be very little diference in quality, if any at all.

It's a shame the Hornet has such a bland front fairing/cowl. Screams early 2000s parts bin to me.

Both are available free if you collect the tokens from bran flakes packets......10 tokens = plastic toy.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Bran flakes, eww.

Suzuki just because I don’t like Honda front end

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Fair enough!

I chose the ZX4RR. It's so much fun and that is what it's all about anyway.

@Agm1995gamer

Ай бұрын

Do you casually walk into a coffee shop and tell everyone about the beer you just drank?

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

😂

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

... you mean as long as you flash de ECU and change the exhaust right?

@naturalforlife6741

Ай бұрын

@@Angel-wo8gv I haven't had it flashed yet and still enjoy the ride. I never get over 100 mph anyways. I did get a slip on to make it sound great

I would get the ktm 890 for the money it's way more bike.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

I mean, yeah but why not a 1390 then? :D

Never mind dan old agd dosent come by its self, mainly a cuffled brain, ths 8s is a much better bike alround

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Much better? Nah. Better in some areas? Sure.

🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Not sure?

Honda is so boring, I don't know what is it but their designs look dull to me. 90% of them at least.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

It's not boring to ride though, and you can't see it when you're riding it! :D

Both need Chinese designers

The Honda looks like hammered sh1t. I own a 24 8S

If you are a bigger rider , do pls get the 8S... the hornet is cramped af for a 5"9 rider. TLDR if u can flatfoot the 8S , its gonna fit better. If you cant, the hornet is for you as its lighter too.

@aja8590

Ай бұрын

I’m 6 foot and do not find the Hornet cramped at all.

@WTF1wr1ownage

Ай бұрын

@@aja8590yeah same, I’m 5’11” and even after 3/4 hours it’s comfortable. Your legs do sit in a more cramped position but it doesn’t get annoying.

@ktkace

Ай бұрын

@@aja8590 maybe u have a shorter inseam?

@ktkace

Ай бұрын

@@WTF1wr1ownage see? just admit that its cramped comapred to the 8S... i bet you havent had any saddle time on the 8S...

@aja8590

Ай бұрын

@@ktkaceI’d look pretty weird if I had shorter legs than someone 3 inches shorter than me 😂

2 cylinder hornet shouldn’t be called a hornet in the first place, manufacturers lost their soul a long time ago

@farmoboy83

Ай бұрын

the bike is fun and with a lot of power. Big car brands stopped building v8 in favor of supercharged inline 4 ou 6 and still faster than old v8s. Engine size and number of cylinders is not all. The low down grunt of this hornet puts the old one to shame...

@Englishbikerdan

Ай бұрын

Interestingly, I think it's as fun, if not more than any of the "pure" Hornets I've owned.

@Angel-wo8gv

Ай бұрын

... you know the did the same with the new CB500 right? Yikes!

@wwfww

Ай бұрын

@@Englishbikerdan i see what you mean i don’t have anything against 2 cylinder engines, it’s just that when a brand has an iconic model it should respect the legacy instead of trying to capitalise on the name

@paulfowler6665

Ай бұрын

I've owned GSXR's and R1 and a blade and my Hornet makes me smile as much as any of them.

This is one of those rare times id go Honda over Suzuki. Suzuki is a pig and just to heavy for what it is, it's all too expensive.

@Englishbikerdan

28 күн бұрын

Can't say I agree there. Riding both, they feel pretty similar on the road. The Hornet is a little twitchier at the front end, much like the original 98' Hornet was due to the 16" front. Suzuki is stable and planted, and you only feel those extra kg's at standstill. BUT, we all have our own views!