Kawasaki Z900 vs Suzuki GSX-8S
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Kawasaki Z900 and Suzuki GSX-8S are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Suzuki GSX-8S undercuts the Kawasaki Z900 by about $800, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Kawasaki Z900 leads on power with 124 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z900
Our pickSuzuki
Suzuki GSX-8SThe verdict
The Suzuki GSX-8S edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Kawasaki Z900 wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Suzuki GSX-8S
81 hp.
Kawasaki Z900
124 hp and 0.58 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Suzuki GSX-8S
Our 8.5/10 at $8,999, the most bike per dollar.
Suzuki GSX-8S
202 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Suzuki GSX-8S
Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.
Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.
Still torn between them?
Answer a few questions and we'll rank every bike by how well it fits you.
Kawasaki Z900 vs Suzuki GSX-8S: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Suzuki GSX-8S?
The Kawasaki Z900 makes the most power at 124 hp and 98.6 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Suzuki GSX-8S?
The Suzuki GSX-8S is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $8,999.
Which is lighter, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Suzuki GSX-8S?
The Suzuki GSX-8S is the lightest at 202 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Kawasaki Z900 or the Suzuki GSX-8S?
For a new rider we'd point to the Suzuki GSX-8S: 81 hp and 202 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
