The Moto Ref

Suzuki GSX-8S vs Yamaha MT-09

Two naked bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

Suzuki

GSX-8S

40.8

/ 100

vs

Yamaha

MT-09

57.9

/ 100

Winner

0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

0.00 s

Suzuki GSX-8S0 km/h- s
GSX-8S
Yamaha MT-090 km/h- s
MT-09

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
GSX-8S
9.7
MT-09
5.0

Handling and chassis

out of 20
GSX-8S
6.7
MT-09
15.4

Value

out of 20
GSX-8S
2.9
MT-09
11.8

Practicality

out of 15
GSX-8S
8.9
MT-09
7.6

Technology

out of 10
GSX-8S
6.8
MT-09
10.0

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
GSX-8S
5.8
MT-09
8.1

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: Suzuki GSX-8S versus Yamaha MT-09
SpecSuzukiGSX-8SYamahaMT-09
Engine
EngineParallel twin 270 degree, liquid cooled, DOHCCP3 inline triple, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement776 cc890 cc
Power82.9 hp at 8,500 rpm119 hp at 10,000 rpm
Torque78 Nm at 6,800 rpm93 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Power to weight0.41 hp/kg0.62 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight202 kg193 kg
Front suspensionKYB 41 mm inverted, 130 mmKYB 41 mm inverted, 130 mm
Front adjustabilityNon-adjustableFully adjustable
Rear suspensionKYB monoshock, 130 mmKYB monoshock, 117 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload onlyPreload and rebound
Front brake310 mm, radial 4-piston298 mm, radial 4-piston
ABSStandard ABSCornering ABS
Dimensions
Seat height810 mm825 mm
Wheelbase1465 mm1430 mm
Fuel capacity14 L14 L
Claimed consumption4.2 L/100 km5 L/100 km
Fuel range333 km280 km
Ownership
Price€8,990€10,519
Service interval6,000 km10,000 km
Valve check24,000 km42,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashTFTTFT
Ride modesYesYes
Traction controlYesYes
QuickshifterStandardStandard
Cruise controlNot availableStandard
ConnectivityNoYes

Verdict

The Yamaha MT-09 wins this comparison comfortably, 57.9 points to 40.8.

The gap of 17.1 points is built mostly in value, where the MT-09 takes 8.9 points out of the GSX-8S. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the MT-09 is the quicker machine: 119 hp and 93 Nm moving 193 kg, against 82.9 hp and 78 Nm moving 202 kg for the GSX-8S. That is 0.62 hp per kilo playing 0.41.

The GSX-8S costs €8,990, which leaves €1,529 in your pocket against the MT-09 at €10,519. Service intervals run 6,000 km on the GSX-8S and 10,000 km on the MT-09.

Better for city and commuting

Yamaha MT-09

A 825 mm seat, 280 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

Yamaha MT-09

119 hp pushing 193 kg with KYB 41 mm inverted up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Yamaha MT-09

280 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the Suzuki GSX-8S or the Yamaha MT-09?
The Yamaha MT-09. It carries 0.62 hp per kilo (119 hp, 193 kg wet) against 0.41 hp per kilo for the Suzuki GSX-8S (82.9 hp, 202 kg).
Is the Suzuki GSX-8S cheaper than the Yamaha MT-09?
The Suzuki GSX-8S is cheaper at €8,990 list, €1,529 less than the Yamaha MT-09 at €10,519.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Suzuki GSX-8S. Its 810 mm seat is 15 mm lower than the Yamaha MT-09, and at 202 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the GSX-8S or the MT-09?
The Yamaha MT-09, which scores 10 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control, a standard quickshifter, cruise control and phone connectivity. The Suzuki GSX-8S counters with a TFT dash, traction control and a standard quickshifter.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Suzuki GSX-8S: 333 km from its 14 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 280 km for the Yamaha MT-09.
Which bike wins overall?
The Yamaha MT-09, scoring 57.9 of 100 against 40.8 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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