Danny Webb, a former Grand Prix and road-racing rider, has passed his direct access motorcycle course and is now riding on public roads for fun. For his first rides, Suzuki has put him on its GSX-8S middleweight naked bike. He will be back on a race bike later this month to test in Florida before next year’s Daytona 200.

Danny Webb has spent most of his career racing as fast as he can, on circuits and closed public roads alike. Now he has completed his direct access motorcycle course, which licenses him to ride on public roads. His first bike for everyday riding is Suzuki’s GSX-8S.

A racing CV built on speed

Webb is best known for taking the last-ever 125cc pole position in Grand Prix racing, at Valencia. He also won the International Road Racing Championship in 2018. He has raced at the Isle of Man TT and the Classic TT, and at those events he has ridden for Team Classic Suzuki several times on XR69, RG500 and GSX-R machinery.

The GSX-8S gives him something different: relaxed road riding rather than chasing lap times.

A change of pace

Webb says the bike made a good impression, and he enjoys riding without the pressure of competition:

“It’s nice to put a jacket and jeans on instead of leathers and just go for a ride. Pretty much all of my motorcycling is about going as fast as possible, so it makes a nice change to be able to chill out a bit and just enjoy riding around. The 8S has been good, too. The engine’s obviously proving its performance in the British Sportbike Championship, but in a more upright bike it’s a great little road engine with a load of torque.”

What powers the GSX-8S

The GSX-8S uses a 776cc parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. Suzuki says the engine has strong torque and a lively sound across the rev range. Other features include a 5-inch colour TFT dashboard and a bi-directional quick-shifter, which allows clutchless gear changes both up and down. The manufacturer describes the bike as refined but still exciting to ride.

The GSX-8S competes in the busy middleweight naked-bike class. Buyers in this segment usually want a strong mid-range, easy handling and an upright riding position for daily use. Webb’s comment about the engine having “a load of torque” in an upright bike speaks directly to those buyers.

Back to racing in Florida

Webb’s break from racing will be short. Later this month he goes to Florida for testing ahead of next year’s Daytona 200, where he will race a GSX-R750 for Team Classic Suzuki.

UK finance offer

In the UK, Suzuki is offering the GSX-8S with 3.9% APR representative finance. According to the company, that works out at £79 per month on a four-year PCP deal with a £1736.57 deposit. Suzuki GB’s terms say the bike must be bought and registered at a participating dealer between 1 October and 31 December 2026 to qualify. UK buyers also get Suzuki’s warranty of up to 10 years and AA roadside assistance for the first year.

Facts: Suzuki GSX-8S

  • Engine: 776cc parallel twin, 270° crank
  • Dashboard: 5-inch colour TFT
  • Gearbox: bi-directional quick-shifter
  • Colour listed: Metallic Triton Blue / Glass Sparkle Black
  • UK finance: 3.9% APR representative, £79 per month on a four-year PCP with a £1736.57 deposit
  • UK warranty: up to 10 years, plus first-year AA roadside assistance

The GSX-8S is on sale now at Suzuki dealers.

Source: bikes.suzuki.co.uk