- MotoFest 2026 adds huge value with bookable 40-minute demo rides, letting riders properly test Suzuki motorcycles on real roads instead of just viewing them in the pits.
- Suzuki is one of six brands offering demo bikes, with a diverse range covering sports touring, adventure, modern retro and supermoto segments.
- Models include the GSX-S1000GX, GSX-8TT, V-Strom 800DE, V-Strom 250SX and DR-Z4SM, giving riders the chance to experience everything from touring comfort to lightweight backroad fun.
MotoFest 2026 is raising the bar with bookable demo rides, allowing attendees to experience Suzuki’s latest motorcycles on a guided 40-minute road loop. From the high-tech GSX-S1000GX sports tourer to the playful DR-Z4SM supermoto, here’s every Suzuki you can ride — and which one might suit you best.
As you may have already seen, big changes are coming to MotoFest this year, and for riders heading along to this incredible event, this is easily the most exciting one yet: demo bikes are now available to book.
Instead of tyre-kicking in the pits, attendees can secure a spot on a guided 40-minute ride on local roads, giving you a genuine chance to feel how a bike performs in the real world — braking, comfort, engine character and all.
With 6 brands signed up to provide bikes for attendees to sample, we look at the Suzuki range that will be available, with some truly exciting machines covering adventure, modern-retro, tourer and super-moto segments. From the excellent V-Strom 800DE that matches off-road prowess with Suzuki’s incredible 800cc parallel twin to the seriously impressive GX tourer, the Suzuki models are sure to be popular for demos.
So, below is a list of what’s on offer, and who each bike will suit best.
GSX-S10000GX
While it doesn’t have the catchiest name, the Suzuki 1000cc GX is a supreme sports tourer, featuring a powerplant closely related to the legendary inline four cylinder powerplant that made the GSX-R1000 the ultimate superbike. A few mods and a different tune makes the motor seriously flexible for road riding while also delivering the sort of kicks that make the hairs on the back of your neck stick up on end. Yet, it’s all delivered with a riding position that cossets the rider.
Tech is at the forefront of Suzuki’s litre-class sports tourer, with electronic suspension and adaptive stabilisation systems working to enhance comfort and control, while the massive TFT dash offers plenty of information and is smart-phone compatible with directions projected straight to the screen. Oh, and with a typically affordable price from Suzuki, the GX also comes with side cases as standard.
Who is it for?
Riders looking for a comfortable motorcycle to tour on who also love the rush of Suzuki’s amazing litre capacity inline four. The sensible option that’s flown under the radar, you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck.
BRM review: https://www.brm.co.nz/suzuki-gsx-s1000gx-review-crossing-over/
Suzuki NZ: https://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/model/gsx-s1000gx/street
GSX-8TT
Suzuki has made good use of their 776cc parallel twin engine, featured in the V-Strom adventure bike as well as naked and fully-faired versions of the GSX-8. But none of them look as good as the new TT, with a modern retro vibe curtesy of a new bikini fairing and belly pan. The rest is essentially the same as the rest of the GSX-8 range although the TT does get a bigger tank and more comfortable saddle which, combined with the fairing, makes this the most practical and coolest looking of the lot.
The standout feature is still the engine, with the parallel twin offering ample performance combined with serious character. The GSX-8TT is not only great to ride, it’s also really cool when you park up.
Who is it for?
Anyone who fancies a mid-capacity motorcycle that is easy to ride while also featuring a funky modern retro vibe. With switchable maps, ABS and traction control, the Suzuki is a great package.
BRM review: https://www.brm.co.nz/suzuki-gsx-8tt-review/
Suzuki NZ: https://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/model/gsx-8tt/street
V-Strom 800DE
If you’re looking for adventure then the V-Strom 800DE is the bike you want to try. With plenty of suspension travel and ground-clearance, the tractable parallel twin is the perfect partner for the V-Strom, with a punchy bottom-end perfect for gaining traction, while higher in the revs is where you’ll be for gravel fun.
The 21-inch/18-inch wheel combo is ideal for Adv riding, and the tailored electronics package including gravel mode for the traction control and the ability to deactivate the rear ABS makes this a seriously good bike for the adventurous.
Who is it for?
Those riders looking for a mid-capacity adventure machine with decent capability, comfort and a punchy powerplant without a huge price tag.
BRM review: https://www.brm.co.nz/suzuki-v-strom-800de-review/
Suzuki NZ: https://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/model/v-strom-800de/adventure
V-Strom 250SX
Suzuki’s 249cc single-cylinder engine has been massively popular, with the GSX250F popular among town commuters and newer riders. But if you want a more upright riding position combined with the ability to do a bit of gravel road exploring, then the V-Strom 250SX is a great choice.
With 205mm of ground clearance yet a saddle that’s an accessible 835mm from the floor, the 250SX is an ideal choice for those riders who don’t want a massive, imposing adventure machine. Fuel injection, Suzuki’s easy start system, an LCD dash and a USB outlet all go to make this an affordable yet capable ride.
Who is it for?
A rider looking for a less intimidating adventure machine, or the perfect commuter bike that offers an upright riding position for maximum vision. New riders looking to start their adventure journey.
BRM review: https://www.brm.co.nz/suzuki-v-strom-250sx-review/
Suzuki NZ: https://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/model/v-strom-250sx/adventure
DR-Z4SM
Suzuki’s DR-Z400 gained legendary status, and the new DR-Z4 is looking like it will do the same. This SM version mates the 398cc single cylinder in a super moto package, with a seriously light wet weight of 154kg making the most of the power from the fun and punchy Suzuki motor. Spoked road wheels wrapped in sticky Dunlop Sportmax rubber will make this the perfect backroad blaster, with three throttle modes allowing the rider to change the throttle response for the situation. There’s also three stages of traction control as well as the ability to switch it off completely, while the ABS can also be deactivated from the rear.
Who is it for?
Those riders who love a mix between a road and a dirt bike. This bike will be a heap of fun!
BRM: https://www.brm.co.nz/suzukis-new-dr-z4s-dr-z4sm-nz-pricing-is-it-going-to-be-cheap-enough/
Suzuki NZ: https://www.suzuki.co.nz/motorcycles/model/dr-z4sm/lams
