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MT-07 or GSX 8S? (self.motorcycles)

submitted 1 year ago by Fez to c/motorcycles

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Looking to upgrade from a Z400. I’m split between the tried and true MT-07 and the newer GSX 8S. Both seem like solid bikes. I’m leaning towards the MT-07 but am worried that I am missing out on features that the GSX 8S offers.

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[–] bisq 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Hah are you me? I upgraded from a Z400 last Friday. I found a 2022 MT07 with 800 miles, and a full akrapovic exhaust. It is absolutely heavenly.

The GSX8s while also gorgeous is a brand new platform with minimal mod support and who knows what issue will crop up during its first few years in the wild

At least with the MT all issues are known, and have fixed/ workarounds. Additionally, if you ever plan on getting a tail-tidy look at the GSX8s’s rear end. It has the tail light at the end of the rear snout which is unusual. Feel free to DM if you have more questions about my switch 🙂

[–] Fez 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Haha. It seems like the natural progression as the Z650 seems kinda just like a bigger Z400 since it’s still a 180 degree crank.

I did notice the GSX 8S has an absolutely hideous taillight setup which I’m sure someone out there is working on a tail tidy that will work. If I saw an MT07 with only 800 miles I’d probably jump on it too. It seems like right now in my area used prices are not worth it and I may just buy new.

You’re right about the MT07 being known and tested. I’m not familiar with the issues it does have though, what are you aware of?

Thanks

[–] bisq 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I mainly jumped on the 800mi one because it was the only 2021+ (LED headlight refresh), that was also black in my state. All others were cyan or blue. Which does look sick until your wheels get dirty…

Known “issues” is that Yamaha put all their $ into the engine, and cheaped out on other parts like hand controls, grips, suspension, dash ( compared to z650/GSX8s/sv650). That being said because the aftermarket support is huge, that becomes a non-issue.

If I were you I’d have the cash/ financing ready and tell the dealerships you’re going to that you’re undecided and need to try both. I think mt07 is the way. 50 more lbs than your z400 for double the power, double the torque, and the engine noise is amazing.

[–] stumpagness 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I am gunna be super biased here but my 2c:

The tech on the Suzuki is pretty cool, but after owning a 2017 MT07 for several years and upgrading to an 890 Duke R, I still miss my Yami. I really loved that bike.

In saying that, some, imo, required upgrades are a better exhaust (I went Akro carbon), a tail tidy and an R6 throttle tube. That really changed the bike for me, and I still miss it's throaty exhaust note.

Something I really liked about the MT was that it was an established platform, so there were aftermarket parts out there everywhere for it. I think the style of the 8S is really sleek, as is the MT07. In reality, you will probably be happy with either bike, but being a fanboy I would have to recommend the MT.

[–] Fez 2 points 1 year ago

Appreciate your 2c. Always good to get some perspective. Thank you

[–] SavouryVegan 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

idk about the GSX, but i’m very very happy with my MT-07. When i ride i don’t want features or electronics, i just wanna rip.

[–] Fez 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you feel like not having a slipper clutch holds you back at all? And do you have the newer TFT display?

[–] SavouryVegan 1 points 1 year ago

I’ve never ridden with a slipper clutch, but I’ve never felt held back on that bike in the slightest. If anything, it’s a bit too much fun, even restricted to 48hp. Can’t stop popping wheelies.

[–] behohippy 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The MT is a great bike, and seems well loved by the owners, but that 8S looks incredible. Edit: Especially in blue... now I want one :(

[–] bisq 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But… look at the hideous rear and. And the lights are on the rear snout. Making a tail tidy way harder / impossible as it’s a brand new bike with no parts yet.

[–] behohippy 1 points 1 year ago

Still love the rear end

[–] Determinator 1 points 1 year ago

Can't speak for the GSX, but I've got a 2022 MT-07 I've put around 4500 miles on and I love it. Plenty of torque across the entire powerband and just feels very nimble. Only complaint I have is that the front end feels a bit soft and tends to dive quite a bit but nothing unmanageable.