Suzuki has expanded the Naked Sport family with the GSX-8S, a mid-range performance naked that, according to the Japanese, should set new standards in its segment. The GSX-8S combines maximum driving pleasure with a completely newly developed 776 cc parallel twin, good for a top power of 83 hp with a curb weight of 202 kilos.
The new GSX-8S is the next chapter in the history of Suzuki’s popular GSX models. For many years now, the three letters GSX have stood for a wonderful mix of comfort, maneuverability and driving pleasure. That was in the past with the GSX-R for street racers and GSX-F for those in the market for a Sporttour model, and today it is no different with the GSX-S family.
The new Suzuki GSX-8S is according to the Japanese according to the product concept ‘Infinite Potential. Limitless Fun’ has been designed, whereby maximum driving pleasure must go hand in hand with ease of use, driving comfort and a unique design. The destination is irrelevant. From a ride through the city or a rousing session on a winding mountain pass: the Suzuki GSX-8S is at home in all markets.
Characteristic of the new GSX-8S is the aggressive mass-forward stance. The trendsetting styling of the GSX-8S heralds a new era of functional streetfighter beauty. Clean, clean lines of the front and rear contrast sharply with the muscular mass of its torso.
The vertically stacked hexagonal LED headlamps not only provide a clear view of the road surface, they also create a sharp look with a unique character, based on the GSX-S1000, thanks to a compact design. The headlamp unit is flanked by compact LED position lights designed as narrow, angular slots that run forward and down the front fairing, creating a recognizable front.
The LED combination rear light with integrated number plate light has a new design, which is used for the first time on a Suzuki motorcycle. The new taillight is mounted on a slim rear fender and contributes to the sporty new design, making the GSX-8S appear even shorter and slimmer from behind.
A signature design statement of the new Suzuki GSX-8S is the short muffler. It comes up on the right side of the motorcycle and barely sticks out. This design contributes greatly to the mass-forward silhouette of this new Suzuki streetfighter. In addition, the muffler is part of a new 2-into-1 exhaust system designed for a pleasant exhaust note to match the new parallel twin.
Suzuki equips the GSX-8S with a completely newly developed 776 cc parallel twin with 270° crankshaft and very compact construction. The new two-cylinder comes standard with a Bi-directional (up & down) quickshifter and meets the strict Euro5 emissions standard. In the GSX-8S, the power unit delivers 61 kW (82.9 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm. An A2 version with 35 kW is also available.
The new parallel twin features a long bore-to-stroke ratio for the perfect balance between smooth power delivery and controllable performance. Generous torque at very low revs provides extra comfort in the city.
The special 270° crankshaft with unique firing interval ensures a smooth ride, plenty of torque and positive traction, combined with a pleasant rumble and a sound comparable to that of a V-twin. The twin-cylinder also features the innovative and patented Suzuki Cross Balancer mechanism, which contributes to the smooth engine character and enables a compact, lighter construction of the power unit.
The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS) offers a choice of three driving modes: (A)ctive, (B)asic and (C)omfort. Each driving mode offers the maximum power delivery, the difference between the three is in the tuning of the throttle response and torque characteristics, for more confidence and more fun.
Suzuki also claims a consumption of 1 to 23.8, with which you can still get over 300 kilometers on a full tank despite ‘only’ 14 liters of fuel.
The heart of the chassis of the new Suzuki GSX-8S is formed by a strong and very stiff frame, which has been specially designed for the GSX-8S. The lightweight aluminum swingarm with unique design is optimally adapted for street use. When ready to drive, the GSX-8S weighs only 202 kilograms.
According to Suzuki, the geometry has been carefully calculated so that the GSX-8S not only has good straight-line stability, but also has light steering behavior in combination with a comfortable seating position. The weight is perfectly distributed over the front and rear.
The unique geometry also allows the rider to position the hips further forward so that he (or she, of course) can more easily transfer the weight forward. This makes the GSX-8S even easier to control and steer through tight turns. The seat height is 810 mm.
The KYB upside-down fork has 130 mm of travel and offers a smooth and controllable ride with a stable damping characteristic, according to Suzuki. The front fork must therefore be able to handle input during a sporty or comfortable tour.
The rear suspension KYB monoshock provides excellent straight-line stability and agile handling, even when riding with a passenger. The mechanical spring preload adjuster is especially useful when riding with a pillion passenger.
When it comes to brakes, Suzuki has been buying from Nissin. At the front are twin 310mm discs with 4-piston radial calipers, at the rear we see a single 240mm disc with Nissin 1-piston caliper. Of course equipped with ABS. The new GSX-8S features an expanded Suzuki Intelligent Ride System electronics package (SIRS). Combined with an ABS system and the proven Suzuki Traction Control System (STCS), this ensures maximum rider confidence.
STCS prevents the rear wheel from slipping and gives more confidence when accelerating when there is less grip. The intervention speed of STCS is adjustable via three modes. Each mode affects the extent to which the system allows wheelspin. STCS can also be switched off completely. Proven systems such as the Suzuki Clutch Assist System for smooth shifting, Low RPM Assist for a smooth start-up and the Suzuki Easy Start System where the new parallel twin starts automatically at the touch of a button, are also available on the new GSX-8S.
From the saddle you look out on a beautifully designed, multifunctional 5-inch color TFT display. The easy-to-read, high-quality display keeps the rider fully informed of all motorcycle systems and settings, and shows vital real-time information about the engine’s status.
The tachometer of the 5-inch color TFT display doubles as a programmable shift indicator, which flashes when the engine reaches the set speed. The TFT screen now also has an extra function, in which large pop-up messages and warnings can be displayed.
The display can automatically or manually switch between the day mode (white) and the night mode (black) for optimum readability at any time of the day and in any driving situation. The display is easy to operate thanks to intuitive handlebar switches. The ergonomic layout of these switches ensures that all functions can be operated while the rider focuses on the road.
The Suzuki GSX-8S is available with a choice of three cool colorways, namely Pearl Cosmic Blue (QU2), Pearl Tech White (KGL) or Metallic Matt Black in combination with Glass Sparkle Black (QU1). Of course, various original accessories are also available to further personalize the GSX-8S. Think of a side case set (soft luggage), fly screen, duo seat cover, tank pad, LED flashing lights and a belly pan.
The Dutch market introduction is planned for the first quarter of 2023. Suzuki will announce prices shortly.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.