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News

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R: 10 Things To Know

The motorcycle community isn’t always kind to Suzuki but the brand produces some of the most underrated motorcycles ever. The latest addition is the GSX-8R, a powerful middleweight sportbike that’s easy to live with and packs a punch.

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is essentially a GSX-8S with a fairing, clip-ons, and better suspension. It offers a forgiving and entertaining riding experience, making it an excellent base for a sports bike.

10 Essentially A GSX-8S With Sport Fairing And Clip-Ons

Let’s set the expectations straight — the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is essentially a GSX-8S with a fairing, clip-ons, and better suspension. It’s a forgiving middle-weight bike with a lot of usable power and stable handling, making it one of the most user-friendly motorcycles available today. It’s an excellent base for a sports bike, but what may limit this sports bike is the low-set pegs that can cause ground clearance issues like on the 8S.

Features That The New GSX-8R Gets Over The R Variant

  • Showa upside down big piston forks and a matching monoshock
  • Additional 7 pounds in curb weight and 1.2 inches in height
  • Race-inspired fairings with separate forged aluminum handlebars

9 Striking Design With Emphasis On Mechanical Beauty

Sticking to the brand’s futuristic design, the GSX-8R is a modern interpretation of the Gixxer heritage. This sports bike aims for functional beauty, drawing your attention to the engine and painted underpinnings to highlight the mechanical beauty of the bike. The aggressive mass-forward design with a sleek tail and stacked headlights is striking, and while it may not appeal to everyone, it will surely turn heads on the road.

Design Highlights

  • Wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamically-designed fairings that slice through the air for optimal performance
  • Stacked hexagonal headlights with Koito mono-focus LED lights
  • Painted seat rails, exposed engine, short muffler design, and sleek tail emulate the bike’s focused character
  • The short muffle is neatly tucked under the chassis to reduce the visual weight of the bike

8 Stopping Power Courtesy Of Nissin

The braking duty of the 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is handled by Nissin, carried over from this bike’s naked sibling. The front gets a dual-disc setup with radial-mount Nissin four-pot calipers with a single-disc rear setup. Suzuki claims the braking system offers excellent feedback and braking force, which was also the case with the brakes on the GSX-8S. What will help the brakes perform even better are the Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tires, which give better feedback and confidence than the Roadsmart 2 on the naked GSX-8S. And there’s always the safety net of dual-channel ABS.

Braking And Tire Specifications

Front Brake

Dual 310mm disc with radial-mount four-pot Nissin calipers

Rear Brake

Single 240mm disc with Nissin single-piston caliper

Front Tires

120/70Z R17 M/C

Rear Tires

180/55Z R17 M/C

Tires

Dunlop Roadsport 2 radial tires

Specifications sourced from Suzuki

7 Slew Of Electronics And Tech-Wizardry

Electronics Suite: Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS)

The Suzuki GSX-8R gets the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), promising to make the riding experience safe, exciting, and comfortable. This system will back you up regardless of what you’re doing — commutes, spirited canyon runs, or an occasional track day. For deserts, the bike also gets dual-linked electronic throttle bodies with an Accelerator Position Sensor, which Suzuki claims improves throttle response.

Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS)

  • Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) with three modes: Active, Basic, and Comfort
  • Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS) with four modes
  • Bi-directional Quick Shifter System
  • Ride-by-Wire
  • Suzuki Easy Start
  • Suzuki Low RPM Assist

6 Agile Chassis With Focus On Practicality

Chassis Type: Backbone Style Frame

The Suzuki GSX-8R gets the same frame as the GSX-8S, engineered for comfort and approachability. The bike is supposed to be agile and comfortable for all riding conditions, but what should make the handling even better than its naked sibling is the new suspension.

The GSX-8S gets an already capable KYB suspension, but the GSX-8R gets a Showa SFF-BP fork and a matching monoshock that are tuned for agility and feedback. According to Yuta Endo, Assistant Design Manager at Suzuki, the Showa suspension is targeted for both city and circuit riding, and it is more linear with 30% more damping force. That’s a promising suspension setup for this sports bike.

Chassis And Suspension Specifications

Chassis Construction

High-rigidity stainless steel with the engine as a stressed member

Rake / Trail

25-degree / 4.1 inch

Wheelbase

57.7 inches

Front Suspension

41mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork

Rear Suspension

Showa mono-shock

Suspension Travel

5.1-inch front/back

Specification sourced from Suzuki

5 Mildly Sporty Ergonomics That Balance Comfort And Performance

The GSX-8R is also a comfort-oriented sports bike. The bike gets the same narrow chassis and low-set footpegs as the GSX-8S, but the handlebar makes way for clip-ons, which make the ergonomics relaxed with a mild lean forward. The seat is also well-padded and the windshield and fairing reduce windblast, according to Suzuki, resulting in a sports bike that isn’t as committed as others in the segment.

Comfort And Dimension Specifications

Dimensions (L x W x H)

84.8″ x 30.3″ x 44.7″

Ground Clearance

5.7 inch

Seat Height

31.9 inch

Curb Weight

452 pounds

Fuel Capacity

3.69 gallons

Sourced from Suzuki

4 Parallel Twin With A V-Twin Rumble

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R has a parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree firing order, offering a V-twin rumble. The stainless steel 2-into-1 exhaust creates a pleasant sound, and the engine is designed to deliver a satisfying performance and exciting acceleration.

3 New Road Biased SuperTwin Engine

The GSX-8R is the fourth Suzuki to get the new-gen DOHC parallel twin with a 270-degree firing order. The engine produces 85% of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and 95% of the same at 5,500 rpm, offering a punchy low end, making it a breeze to ride in the city.

The parallel-twin engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with gear ratios that offer exciting acceleration. The transmission is mated to a large diameter wet clutch with Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS), which acts as a slip/assist clutch. Also, there’s a bi-directional quick shifter for smooth and comfortable gear selection.

Engine Highlights

  • The first production motorcycle to get the Suzuki Cross Balancer System
  • The pistons are developed using Infinite Element Method (FEM) analysis for optimum strength and weight
  • The aluminum die-cast cylinders are plated with Suzuki’s SCEM process, originally developed for racing
  • The engine is compact in design, aiding ergonomics and nimble handling of the bike

Engine Specifications

Engine Capacity

776cc

Engine Type

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel-twin

Firing Order

270-degree

Compression Ratio

12.8:1

Peak Torque

60.2 pounds-feet @ 6,800 rpm

Transmission

6-speed constant mesh

Rated MPG

67.23

2 Watch Out, Yamaha YZF-R7 And Aprilia RS 660

The Suzuki GSX-8R poses a threat to its rivals, especially the YZF-R7 and RS 660. It offers a reliable engine and a suite of electronics at a relatively affordable price, making it a compelling option in the middleweight sportbike segment.

2024 Suzuki GSX-8R Rivals

  • Yamaha YZF-R7
  • Aprilia RS 660
  • Honda CBR650R
  • Kawasaki Ninja 650

1 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R: Pricing, Color, And Accessories

Base MSRP: $9,439 With a $460 Destination Charge And $100 Freight Surcharge

The 2024 Suzuki GSX-8R is priced at an attractive base MSRP and comes in three colors: metallic triton blue, pearl ignite yellow, and metallic matte sword silver. Suzuki offers a 12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty along with optional longer coverage through Suzuki Extended Protection, making it a great value proposition for motorcycle enthusiasts.

Optional Genuine Suzuki Accessories

  • Solo seal cowl
  • Smoked touring windshield
  • Billet clutch and brake levers
  • Fuel tank and engine cover protectors
  • Soft side case set and a fuel tank bag
  • Stylish seat
  • Suzuki apparel
Cars

The Reason Your Car’s Rear Windows Don’t Roll Down Fully (And It’s Not About Safety)

Simply put, the reason that the rear windows in most cars don’t roll down all the way is that the window storage compartment in the rear doors is not large enough. When you roll down the windows, the glass needs a place to go.

Car doors have a small cavity that holds the window glass when it’s rolled down. The cavity is larger in the front doors because they are typically bigger. They have enough space to accommodate the window cavity and other mechanical parts of the door.

On the other hand, the rear doors are usually smaller and do not extend all the way down to the bottom of the car’s body. Because of their smaller size, there is less room for a window cavity. Typically, there is only enough space in a rear car door to lower the window about three-fourths of the way. The remaining space is needed for the mechanics of the door.

Newer, larger cars have windows that can roll down all the way because the passenger doors are bigger. Having bigger doors means there is more space for a window storage cavity. This allows the rear windows to safely roll down without affecting the door’s functions.

Any safety benefits that come from the window not rolling down all the way are simply a result of design or may be an unintentional consequence of how passenger doors are made.

Motorcycles

Why Are Arch Motorcycles So Expensive?

Arch motorcycles are significantly more expensive compared to other bikes due to their unique and custom nature. Unlike generic motorcycles that are widely available, Arch motorcycles are built to order. When you purchase an Arch motorcycle, you become an active participant in the design process, working closely with designers and craftspeople.

According to Arch’s website, every new Arch bike owner is involved in the creative process right from the start. They have the opportunity to consult with designers to determine the desired appearance and feel of their new bike. This includes ensuring the ergonomics match their individual body frame and silhouette, selecting personalized colors, graphics, engravings, and other intricate details, and participating in the creation of a 3D virtual model of the final product.

Once the consultation process is completed, Arch’s craftspeople begin bringing the customer’s vision to life. Because each Arch bike is customized, they must source specific parts from suppliers worldwide and sometimes modify existing components and frames to align precisely with the customer’s requirements. Naturally, obtaining the highest-quality parts to exact specifications is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor.

Therefore, the high cost of Arch motorcycles is a reflection of their status as more than just motorcycles but rolling masterpieces. Commissioning a work of art is known to be a luxury, and Arch motorcycles embody this artistic craftsmanship. The price tag reflects the dedication, attention to detail, and exclusivity that accompany owning a unique and personalized piece of mechanical art.

Motorsport

Toyota Faces Production Stoppage in Japan Due to Insufficient Disk Space

When an automaker halts production at a plant, it is usually due to supply shortages or accidents. However, Toyota recently had to stop production at all of its 14 factories in Japan for a different reason.

On August 29, production was suspended at several domestic plants, affecting 28 lines in total. The cause of this halt was a maintenance work mishap that occurred the day before. During regular maintenance, Toyota was deleting and organizing data in the database. Unfortunately, the system encountered an error due to insufficient disk space, leading to the production stoppage.


Featured

2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S For Sale In PTS Deep Sea Blue

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is a beloved performance car known for its cutting-edge engineering, impressive performance, luxurious features, and timeless style. This specific 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S, available for sale at Porsche Ontario in Ontario, California, is a prime example of the car’s excellence. What makes it even more special is its Paint to Sample color, which is a unique shade of navy blue known as Deep Sea Blue.

Deep Sea Blue is not a standard color option, but rather a special Paint to Sample color that was ordered specifically for this 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S. Through the Paint to Sample program, Porsche allows customers to choose colors outside of the usual catalog, allowing for greater creativity and the ability to create their dream car. This customization option comes at a price, with the Paint to Sample color adding $12,830 to the cost of the car. However, for many Porsche enthusiasts, having a one-of-a-kind color is worth the investment.

Complementing the dark blue exterior of this Porsche 911 Turbo S is an interior upholstered in Chalk leather. The combination creates an elegant and subtly exquisite package. In addition to its stunning appearance, the 911 Turbo S delivers impressive performance, making it a perfect addition to any garage or collection, especially for Porsche aficionados. If you’re interested in purchasing this exceptional car, you can view the price and listing here.


Paint to Sample Porsche 911 Turbo S For Sale

5 Photos

Cars, News

VinFast’s VF9 Has the EV Range, But What About the Quality?

One reason to doubt the VF9 is that it hasn’t been extensively tested on North American roads yet. Currently, it has only been available for purchase in Vietnam, where its parent company, VinFast’s conglomerate, is located. VinFast is a relatively new player in the market, having launched in 2017, and doesn’t have as much EV development experience as major competitors like Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, and Hyundai. The VF9 has not yet undergone testing by reliable car review sources such as Kelley Blue Book, Motor Trend, and Edmunds.

However, if the VF9 is similar to VinFast’s previous EV, the VF8, its battery range may not justify buying it. In a recent test by SlashGear, the VF8 City Edition Plus faced criticism for various issues. The reviewer found problems with rear visibility, suspension, drivetrain, and electrical systems. There were also complaints about drive assist features being more bothersome than helpful, an uninspiring exterior design, an unattractive interior, and a problematic user interface that heavily relied on touch controls. The VF8 also lacked throttle response from its gas pedal.

Despite the mixed response to the VF8, VinFast remains confident that the VF9 can attract buyers with its extended battery range and other features. Le Thi Thu Thuy, the Global CEO of VinFast, states, “VinFast always strives to bring high-quality products, reasonable prices, and outstanding aftersales services to our consumers globally. The VF9’s 330-mile battery range is one of the best in the market, which confirms our commitment to producing competitive vehicles.”

Technology

The Best Hidden Samsung Foldable Features You Never Knew About

One of the main advantages of using a foldable device is its multitasking capabilities. Samsung ensures that you can accomplish a lot on any flagship Galaxy phone or tablet with recent versions of One UI, whether it has a flexible display or not. For example, on devices like the Z Fold and Tab S lines, you can run up to three apps side by side with different layouts. On the other hand, Galaxy S phones and the Z Flip line allow you to run two apps simultaneously. You have the flexibility to adjust the proportion of the screen that each app takes up by dragging the divider between them. Additionally, you can save your favorite app combinations for easy and quick launching in the same arrangement.

App pairs are often overlooked in Samsung’s split-screen feature, but they are definitely worth exploring. When you have two or more apps running side by side, they will appear as a group in your task switcher for easy access. By tapping on the three dots in the middle divider, you will see an icon shaped like a star. This allows you to save the grouping of apps in the same arrangement to one of three locations: your taskbar, your home screen, or your Edge Panel.

Let’s say you have Gmail, a web browser, and perhaps a third app like Twitter or X running concurrently. If you anticipate needing this same combination of apps in the future, you can have them all together with just a single tap.

Technology

5 Of The Most Durable Android Phone Cases In 2023

When it comes to protective cases, Otterbox is a well-known and trusted brand. Their products are known for their ability to protect smartphones, and the Otterbox Defender Pro is a standout case. This case is available for various models including the Pixel 7, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Ultra, and Galaxy S23 Plus. While many cases prioritize durability, the Defender Pro also offers stylish color options such as a blue/yellow “Sails and Sun” design and a pink “Morning Sky” option.

The Defender Pro features a strong yet comfortable polycarbonate shell and a synthetic rubber slipcover, providing protection against dirt, scratches, and impacts. What sets it apart is its ability to withstand drops. It has been tested to endure four times the number of drops required to achieve a MIL-STD-810G 516.6 certification. Additionally, the case includes port covers to protect your phone’s vulnerable access points and allows for wireless charging, allowing you to keep the charging port closed. For added protection, the case is treated with an antimicrobial additive to inhibit bacterial growth around your phone.

It’s worth noting that the Otterbox Defender Pro is relatively expensive compared to other phone cases, even those designed for extra protection. However, the price remains consistent regardless of the size or color you choose. You can purchase the case in your preferred color and phone size for $64.95 on Amazon.

News

Decoding The Butch New 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe’s Bold Design

Mid-size SUVs are highly popular among consumers today due to their spaciousness, practicality, and on-road presence. Hyundai, which currently offers six SUVs in its lineup, understands this trend. One of its most iconic SUVs, the Santa Fe, was introduced in 2001 and has been a hit among US customers. With the introduction of the 5th generation Santa Fe, Hyundai has taken a bold approach to design, featuring a boxy and unconventional look compared to its predecessor.

The new Santa Fe boasts a rectangular headlight design with H-pattern LED DRLs, a straight-edged and boxy silhouette, enlarged body-colored wheel arches, and 21-inch alloy wheels. The rear of the SUV features a flat 90-degree tailgate with rectangular taillights. Overall, the new design gives the Santa Fe a modern and funky appearance that sets it apart from other SUVs on the market.

The interior of the new Santa Fe has also undergone significant changes, featuring a sturdy and block-like dashboard, a large center console, and a 12.3-inch dual-screen layout for the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen system. Hyundai has also added a third row of seats, making the Santa Fe more versatile and accommodating for outdoor activities.

Under the hood, details about the powertrain are still limited. However, the presence of the “2.5T HTRAC” badging indicates that the new Santa Fe will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Previous models have featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

In terms of competition, the new Santa Fe will rival SUVs such as the Kia Sorento, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse. While the complete spec sheet and pricing details have yet to be revealed by Hyundai, it is expected that the new Santa Fe will see a significant price increase compared to its predecessor. The official unveiling of the new Santa Fe will take place next month, and prices are likely to be announced later this year.

News

Decoding The Bold Design of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

Mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular among audiences due to their spaciousness, practicality, and presence on the road. Hyundai, with its lineup of 6 SUVs, understands this trend well. The Santa Fe, their first-ever SUV introduced in 2001, has enjoyed immense success in the US, with over 115,000 units sold last year alone. Now, Hyundai is unveiling the 5th generation Santa Fe, which features a bold design departure from its predecessors.

The new Santa Fe showcases a straight-edged, boxy design, setting it apart from the sleek curves of the previous models. Hyundai describes this new design as an “unconventional approach with a lifestyle-based design typology,” aimed at maximizing rear cargo capacity and accommodating outdoor and urban activities.

A Wild Design From Every Angle

The new Santa Fe features rectangular headlights with distinct H-pattern LED DRLs, connected by a light strip running across the black front grille. The front also includes vertically-positioned air intakes and an upper half contrast bumper with a black panel housing the front camera and radar modules.

Along the sides, the Santa Fe boasts enlarged body-colored wheel arches, black trim, and a roofline with aerodynamic racks. The rear of the vehicle showcases an almost flat 90-degree tailgate with rectangular taillights connected by a black panel.

Overall, the design change is drastic, giving the Santa Fe a modern and funky appearance that sets it apart from the crowd.

An Interior That Screams Premium

The interior of the Santa Fe has also undergone significant changes. The curvy cabin of the predecessor has been replaced with a sturdy, block-like dashboard featuring AC vents running continuously below it. The center console and tunnel now house the AC and infotainment controls, with both physical and touch capacitive buttons.

The front occupants are greeted with a 12.3-inch BMW-inspired dual-screen layout, consisting of a digital gauge cluster and touchscreen system. Other notable features include the drive-mode select button and dual wireless charging pads.

In addition to the revamped interior, the new Santa Fe will be available with a third row of seats, providing ample room for adventurers and their gear. The SUV offers generous living space and the ability to fold the third and second-row seats completely flat for additional storage.

The Powertrain Situation

Specific details regarding the powertrain are scarce, but it is expected that the new Santa Fe will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The previous-generation model utilized a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine with 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

There is also a possibility that Hyundai may offer additional engine options, such as a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine. It is also speculated that Hyundai may introduce a rugged-looking XRT trim level with enhanced off-road capabilities.

Rivals And Expected Price

The new Santa Fe will face competition from rivals such as the Kia Sorento, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse. While Hyundai has yet to release the complete spec sheet and pricing details, it is expected that the new Santa Fe will see a significant price increase compared to the previous-generation model, which starts at $28,750. Higher-spec trims could reach the $50,000 mark.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is shaping up to be a formidable SUV, with its bold design, premium interior, and potential for powerful performance. Hyundai will announce the official prices for the U.S. market later this year.