Suzuki has officially announced the pricing for its all-new GSX-8R sports bike, set at £8,899, placing it in direct competition with various sporty middleweight options. The GSX-8R shares key components with the GSX-8S, utilizing Suzuki’s first completely new frame and engine in years. The bike boasts a tubular steel frame with a separate aluminum subframe, housing a powerful 776cc parallel twin engine. Notably, the engine incorporates a 270-degree crankshaft, providing a V-twin-like offset firing order, and Suzuki’s Cross Balancer ensures a smooth ride.
While the GSX-8R shares similarities with the GSX-8S, it diverges in key aspects. The most apparent change is the addition of a full fairing with a windscreen, incorporating the double-stacked headlight arrangement seen in the 8S. The bike also features separate forged aluminum handlebars attached to the triple clamp, creating a sportier and forward riding position, reminiscent of the Aprilia RS660 rather than the Yamaha R7 with its R6-like ergonomics.
Suzuki claims that the riding position of the GSX-8R offers a “plugged-in riding experience” while maintaining comfort. The full fairing and windscreen contribute to enhanced wind protection, making the bike suitable for touring without sacrificing rider comfort.
Explaining the choice of riding position, Suzuki Product Planning Manager Steve Hacklett emphasized the intention to appeal to a broader range of riders, stating that the GSX-8R aims to be accessible to as many customers as possible.
The redesigned rider’s seat is crafted for sporty riding, providing support at the rear edge while allowing freedom of movement. The seat height remains at 810mm. The suspension setup has been fine-tuned for an increased front weight bias, replacing the KYB arrangement of the 8S with Showa components, including the Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear.
In terms of braking, the GSX-8R retains the same setup as the 8S, featuring twin four-piston Nissin calipers at the front, working on 310mm discs, and a single 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the rear. The bike is equipped with Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires on cast wheels.
Similar to the GSX-8S, the GSX-8R comes with a Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (SDMS), offering settings modes A, B, and C for different throttle responses, three traction control modes, and basic ABS (non-cornering). Additionally, the bike comes standard with an up-and-down quickshifter.
With a price tag slightly higher than the Yamaha R7 and the newly updated Honda CBR650R, the GSX-8R presents an attractive option for riders seeking a blend of performance and accessibility. The bike is expected to hit dealerships by February 2024.
