BMW R 1150 R versus Suzuki GSX-8S

BMW R 1150 R

Naked

Suzuki GSX-8S

Naked

Is it still worth buying a BMW R 1150 R today?

The BMW R 1150 R was built from 2000 to 2006 and is therefore anything but a modern motorcycle. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at this beautiful machine - especially since there is hardly any other boxer model from BMW that is available used at a similarly low price.... weiter

BMW R 1150 R im Test

Gallery

Suzuki sets standards in the naked bike middle class with the GSX-8S.

With the new GSX-8S, Suzuki brings an alternative to the MT-07, Hornet 750 & Co. in the popular and competitive naked bike middle class. Let's get straight to the point: The new Suzi is doing well... weiter

Suzuki GSX-8S im Test

Gallery

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2005 bis 2006

Built von 2023 bis 2024~

RRP

RRP 8.900 €

Ausführliches Test-Video von Motorradtest.de

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Competitors

Pros:

easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
used relatively cheap
is also suitable as a tourer
wonderful boxer with sound
sufficient power, powerful torque

Pros:

Powerful engine: character, power, power delivery, usable speed range
impeccable handling
nice V2 sound, not too loud
QuickShifter Series
good workmanship
Driving pleasure in large bags

Cons:

vulnerable ABS system
fiddly battery removal

Cons:

Windshield can only be adjusted with tools
chunky bulb turn signals
unsightly long tail

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg

Wheelbase: 1.465 mm
Length : 2.115 mm Height : 1.105 mm
Seat : 810 mm
Weight : 202 kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Motor design: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke in-line engine 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 776 ccm
Hub: 70 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min

Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km

Maximum speed: 180 km/h
Performance: 83 HP at 8.500 U/Min
Torque: 78 NM bei 6.800 U/Min

Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 333 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel)

Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm)

Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17

Frame type:
Bridge frame (steel)

Front suspension:
Coil springs / cartridge system, oil damping (travel 130 mm)

Rear suspension:
Mono-Link central shock absorber with progressive linkage (travel 130 mm)
Rear suspension:
Alu two-arm swingarm

Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 180/55 ZR 17

Brakes

Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)

Front brake
Double disc, 4-piston monobloc brake calipers, radially mounted (∅ 310 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 240 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.

Result

Wow, what a bike! A simple look at the data sheet of the GSX-8S is not enough to come to a correct assessment of this machine - you have to drive it! Then you realize that Suzuki has put together a very balanced streetfighter with a lot of love, which has hardly any weaknesses. The GSX-8S is extremely fun, has endless steam and does not have to hide from any of the current competitors. Awesome bike!

The test machine was provided to us by Bergmann & Söhne in Tornesch . There she stands in this magnificent blue as a demonstrator and waits eagerly for test drivers. And we can only advise you: Go to Tornesch and try them out. However, you should check your account balance beforehand, because many of you will catch it - caution is advised!