Suzuki too slow: Jeffrey Buis got the most out of the package

Kas Beekmans proved that the Suzuki GSX-8R is competitive in sportbike trim by winning the 2025 British series. The Dutchman moved up to the World Championship for 2026 with his team, VLR Racing, as did Wixx Racing with Jeffrey Buis and Ferre Fleerackers.

The Suzuki is powered by a 776 ccm parallel-twin engine producing 82 PS in the production specification. The generous torque is particularly helpful during acceleration out of tight or slow corners. This overall package enabled Buis and Fleerackers to secure victories at Assen, as well as further podium finishes at Portimão and Most. At Aragón and Misano, however, a top-five finish proved out of reach.

It is clear that in hot conditions and on circuits with a high proportion of full-throttle sections, even two-time 300cc world champion Buis cannot compete at the front on the GSX-8R. “Due to a lack of top speed, the Dutchman gradually lost ground to his rivals,” said sources within the team.

And when you have to ride at the limit, mistakes happen. “It wasn’t an easy weekend at Misano,” admitted the 24-year-old from Meppel. “On Friday, we started with a crash in free practice, which meant the team had to work flat out to get the bike back up and running in time for qualifying. Fortunately, the lads did a fantastic job, and we were able to bounce back straight away with sixth on the grid. In the races, we then gave it our all and got the most out of the package. With a ninth and a sixth place, these may not be the results we’d hoped for, but given the circumstances, we’ve still picked up some important points.”

After three rounds, Buis was still among the title favourites, sitting third in the World Championship, just 17 points behind. After Misano, the Suzuki rider has dropped just one place in the World Championship standings, but his deficit has grown to 57 points.