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Head to head

Suzuki GSX-8S vs Yamaha MT-125

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Suzuki GSX-8S and Yamaha MT-125 are among the most cross-shopped naked bikes of 2026. The Yamaha MT-125 undercuts the Suzuki GSX-8S by about $3,700, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Suzuki GSX-8S leads on power with 81 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.

Suzuki GSX-8S
Our pick
8.5

Suzuki

Suzuki GSX-8S
Yamaha MT-125
7.9

Yamaha

Yamaha MT-125

The verdict

The Suzuki GSX-8S edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Yamaha MT-125 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha MT-125

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Suzuki GSX-8S

81 hp and 0.40 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha MT-125

Our 7.9/10 at $5,299, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha MT-125

142 kg with an 810 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Suzuki GSX-8S

Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.

Price & rating
Price$8,999$5,299
KickTheStand score8.5 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine776cc twin125cc single
Power81 hp15 hp
Torque78 Nm11.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.40 hp/kg0.11 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm KYB USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesDual 310mm discs, Nissin 4-pistonSingle 292mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 240mm discSingle 230mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight202 kg142 kg
Seat height810 mm810 mm
Fuel capacity14 L10 L
Suitability
ClassNakedNaked
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, commutinglearning, commuting

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Suzuki GSX-8S vs Yamaha MT-125: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Suzuki GSX-8S or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Suzuki GSX-8S makes the most power at 81 hp and 78 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Suzuki GSX-8S or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Yamaha MT-125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,299.

Which is lighter, the Suzuki GSX-8S or the Yamaha MT-125?

The Yamaha MT-125 is the lightest at 142 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Suzuki GSX-8S or the Yamaha MT-125?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha MT-125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 142 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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