Suzuki dealers were given the opportunity to sample new product in the Spanish sunshine last week, after flying out to try the new GSX-8R and GSX-S1000GX in the hills and mountains surrounding Valencia, as the two new models join a growing lineup from the Japanese brand that also includes the newly-launched and award-winning GSX-8S, the V-Strom 800DE, and V-Strom 800RE.
After a welcome dinner on arrival, there was a short classroom session the following morning before the group was split into two. Half spent the morning on the GSX-8R, and half on the GSX-S1000GX, riding separate pre-planned routes that were plotted to demonstrate the bikes’ key features and attributes, before swapping at lunch.
With the new models revealed at Eicma late last year, the event gave dealership staff the chance to experience them in more favourable conditions, with the UK still in the grips of cold and wet weather. The classroom element also helped them better understand technical specification and the features and benefits of both bikes, including the comprehensive suite of electronics on the GX.
Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said after the event, “Annual dealer training events form an important part of our sales strategy, allowing us to demonstrate where we see the products sitting in our lineup and in the wider market, as well as giving our dealership partners the opportunity to try the bikes for themselves. We have hosted them at Mallory Park in recent years, but it was nice to get back to Spain and to the sunshine to experience the bikes to their fullest on excellent roads. It’s also a great opportunity for us to ride together, as it’s important to remember that we do what we do because of our shared passion for motorcycles.”
Joe Woodvine, franchise manager at Bulldog Suzuki, said on attending, “Being new to the Suzuki dealer network, the trip to Valencia to ride the GX and 8R was my first with Suzuki GB. Riding the two new models in the Spanish mountains was amazing, with great pre-planned routes and coffee stops along the way. Whilst being a great opportunity to gain product knowledge in the classroom and on the road, it was also a great opportunity to get to know other dealers in the network and build relationships.”
5-Ways Motorcycle Centre dealer principal, Gareth Robinson, commented, “Riding the new bikes through the incredible winding roads of the Valencia hills was an exhilarating experience that embodied the characteristics of the bikes perfectly. It was a blast.”
Mark Handy, general manager at Motech, added, “It was a great few days. Many thanks to all at Suzuki for organising the trip. It was definitely one of the best riding experiences I’ve ever had.”
The new GSX-8R is built on Suzuki’s new 776cc parallel twin engine platform. Shared with the award-winning GSX-8S, the V-Strom 800DE, and new-for-2024 V-Strom 800RE, with its 270° crankshaft design it has become famed for its incredibly broad spread of power and smooth delivery. Wrapped in GSX-R-inspired bodywork, it gets a bi-directional quickshifter as standard, three selectable power modes and traction control modes, with the settings all displayed via a colour TFT screen.
Semi-active suspension from Showa and the most comprehensive electronics package found on a Suzuki to date typifies the new GSX-S1000GX. The ultimate sports crossover gets cruise control, lean angle-sensitive ABS, a plethora of power modes and traction control settings that also incorporate varying levels of anti-wheelie and a new roll torque control system, a bi-directional quickshifter and smartphone connectivity via a colour TFT screen.
Dealerships interested in adopting the Suzuki franchise and partnering with one of the biggest brands on the market should visit bikes.suzuki.co.uk/franchise
