Suzuki GSX-8R makes its British Superbike championship debut at Oulton Park

MCN’s 2024 Sportsbike of the Year, the Suzuki GSX-8R, made its racing debut within the ultra-competitive British Superbike championship at Oulton Park last month showing potential for top-10 pace straight out the crate.

Mixed conditions made 22-year-old Taylor Moreton’s debut on the bike in the Pirelli Sportsbike National Championship a tricky affair.

And yet – despite a lack of set-up data or experience with the new bike against teams and riders that have run Aprilia RS660s, Yamaha R7s, and Triumph Daytona 660s all year – the Powerslide Motorcycles team, who prepare and run the bike, is hopeful it can soon start to unlock the GSX-8R’s potential that has seen it winning in Moto America’s Twins Cup.

“The main thing was to get laps in,” explained Powerslide Team Principal Brad Clarke. “And to be only a couple of seconds off in FP3 was impressive. Looking over the data we can see where we’re losing out, and hopefully we can make gains in those areas at Donington.

“We all know the potential of this package and Taylor, and if it hadn’t rained I know we would have been knocking on the door of the top 10.”

Rider Moreton is hoping to get to grips with the Suzuki package at the season’s final two rounds at Donington Park and Brands Hatch before looking for a full season assault in 2025.

“This weekend was just about getting the bike to feel like my own,” said the Staffordshire rider. “We were looking forward to the race and then the heavens opened and with no wet track time it was a last minute dash to get the bike changed, only for it to dry during the race. Out times in FP3 would have put us sixth at the previous test so, first time out, it gives is confidence.”

The final two rounds of the Pirelli National Sportbike Championship will be ran at Donington Park on 27-29 September, and the finale at Brands Hatch on 11-13 October.