We at Billysbikes.co.za were delighted to spend a day with Suzuki South Africa and their professional team. The day in question was held at the Red Star Raceway with every bike that Suzuki bring into SA, a very commendable event on all counts – well done guys.

The primary function though was to unveil the new GSX-8S and V-Strom DL800DE, oh, and not forgetting their hyper-cute V-Strom 250SX. Obviously the focus was on the two new 800s. A brand new engine in parallel –twin form displacing 776cc – the first all new engine from Suzuki in quite a while.

With a massive choice of everything Suzuki import into SA, from 125 scooters to the mighty Hayabusa, and everything in-between, it was going to be a long day of exquisite riding.

I did bring along our resident photographer, John, who lost his ‘race track’ virginity, and he soon developed a wet chin from the sheer excitement he bathed in. His first out lap was on the 250s, GSX and V-Strom, then once he got into the ‘zone’ we moved on to the superb GSX-8S, and of course more speed, and saliva.

This new eye-catching middleweight bike has just won MCN (Motor Cycle News UK), Naked Bike of the Year and I for one can see why – it’s fantastic and at R165,950, outstanding value. It just oozes fun and the handling around the track, I thought, was faultless for what it has to offer (85hp), it even has a quick-shifter that works both up and down the gearbox. I really enjoyed looking into the new 5-inch TFT screen as well, a new nice touch for sure.

This new TFT screen is also the same one found on the V-Strom DL800DE, a new venture and perhaps Suzuki’s most off-road focused Adventure bike to date. John took control of this (as he enjoys off-road more than I). This time though his wet patch wasn’t on his chin – too much excitement at his age I’d predict. I did have a quick ride as well and can confidently say that the DL800DE really is equally good in the adventure area as the 8S is for road use. With a loud silencer fitted onto one of the bikes that new engine sounds terrific too, especially when the quick-shifter causes a ‘crack’ between changes, a highly recommended addition indeed. And for R195,000, again with quick-shifter, and top-class suspension, and more, it’s another exceptional price from Suzuki.

But the ‘affordable’ price award has to go to the funky V-Strom 250 SX – only R58,900 for so much bike is amazing to say the least, and it most certainly rides as good as it looks. So much so that ‘Wet John’ has just gone out and bought a yellow one, and I can’t blame him.

Look, we only had a relatively short time on these new bikes, and the others on offer, but we’ll bring a comprehensive review in greater depth in the very near future, so be patient. But before I go I must have something to say here…

When ‘certain’ importers/manufactures constantly complain about bike sales, or lack of them, just take notice of what Suzuki do here. They tour the Country with their bike range and hold track days at Red Star, and much more. So stop moaning (you know who you are), and promote your range, for the public to also ride, perhaps in a similar fashion – say no more!

Go to www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for more information and to book a test ride on any models seen here.

Also visit www.redstarraceway.co.za for forthcoming events.

Oh yes, the mighty GSX-R derived naked bike has just been dropped to a ridiculous price of R199,995, which in our mind is an absolute bargain.

For that price you get a GSX-R super bike chassis, 150hp+, fully adjustable top of the range KYB suspension, Brembo brakes and a quick-shifter that works both up, and down, the gearbox, to name but a few of its many attributes.

Nothing in this class is now better value for money, for what you get in performance terms. However, only a few are for sale at this price around the Country, so you’d better be quick if you desire a rather splendid naked motorcycle, especially in this mean black colour scheme.

We’ve been out riding this particular one for a few days now and couldn’t recommend it more for the thrills it offers in all areas – tremendous!

Go to: www.suzukimotorcycle.co.za for dealer locations and more information.

The turbochargers are locally designed and manufactured by Turbo Direct SA with the fitment and tuning provided by Dunamis Motorsport, who still hold the record from 2013 of 406.9km/h. for their Turbo Direct Hayabusa.

“This has been a very successful business for the last 20 years,” said Chris Kambouris founder and CEO of Turbo Direct SA, “our partnership with Quinten Swanepoel at Dunamis Motorsport all started at the same time, many of our machines are still running today”. Who goes for a fully blown turbo motorcycle, all petrol heads, speed freaks and racing guys, for top speed runs and Drag racing, that’s who? Many of our records still stand after more than 10 years!

“We will use the record from 2013 on Sakkie van Jaarsveldt’s Hayabusa at Wesselsbron (Dirt Riders), a top speed record of 406,9km/h, achieved over a standing start Texas Mile (1609m) Distance - the record still stands today.  “This bike with the late Sakkie Van Jaarsveld at the helm, has won many events and rules the 1000m sprint distance in S.A, with a standing start to 1000m sprint record of 389.5km/h plus many other awards,” said Kambouris.

Today you’ll have to wait in line for a professional complete turbo build which could take 3 weeks, depending what option you select, entry level basic turbo to a full blown race bike. Bikes built over the years range from 200hp to 550+hp with a varying degree of engine, transmission, clutch and forced induction assemblies. 

Any motorcycle can be turbocharged, but the most popular and successful bike is the Suzuki Hayabusa. The improvement of the power and top speed is extraordinary and is generally increased from 50 to 200% depending on the upgrades carried out. These upgrades are not cheap, and a basic entry-level system will cost you R100 000 plus, depending on the required setup and power output, as well as component choices. What’s involved in the kit and conversion is lowering the compression ratio of the engine using forged internals, fabrication of the manifold, intake, exhaust system, fuel system, piping and then tuning. Fitment of the turbocharger, and supporting hardware, injectors, ECU, cooling system upgrades, and much more, all form part of the upgrade, in order for it to be a reliable and precision built result.

Turbocharged motorcycles are still very popular and in demand as many motorcycle fanatics, petrol heads, riders and racers want a show bike, a drag bike, or street bike and favour and love the turbo option. “We have many turbocharged street bikes on pump fuel for the street, drag strips, circuit events, show bikes and for top speed requirements, the market for performance motorcycles is still huge and very much alive today” said Quinten Swanepoel Dunamis Motorsport.

Turbo Direct SA and Dunamis motorsport were totally committed to supporting Turbo Motorcycle racing, they’ve sponsored many teams and riders over the years and have been hugely successful both on the local and international front.  Today they still support key riders, like record holders such as Quinten Swanepoel, Sakkie van Jaarsveldt and Theo Cahill.