Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Suzuki GSX-8R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Yamaha YZF-R3 and Suzuki GSX-8R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Yamaha YZF-R3 undercuts the Suzuki GSX-8R by about $3,940, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Suzuki GSX-8R leads on power with 83 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.
Our pickYamaha
Yamaha YZF-R3
Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-8RThe verdict
The Yamaha YZF-R3 edges it overall at 8/10, but the Suzuki GSX-8R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Yamaha YZF-R3
A2-legal, 42 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Suzuki GSX-8R
83 hp and 0.40 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Our 8/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.
Yamaha YZF-R3
169 kg with an 780 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Yamaha YZF-R3
Our top score in this matchup at 8/10.
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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Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Suzuki GSX-8R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Yamaha YZF-R3 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?
The Suzuki GSX-8R makes the most power at 83 hp and 78 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Yamaha YZF-R3 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?
The Yamaha YZF-R3 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.
Which is lighter, the Yamaha YZF-R3 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?
The Yamaha YZF-R3 is the lightest at 169 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Yamaha YZF-R3 or the Suzuki GSX-8R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha YZF-R3: A2-legal, 42 hp and 169 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
