Suzuki's Naked Sports and Adventure Tourer debuted simultaneously at the Milan Show on November 8.
Both are middle-class machines equipped with a parallel two-cylinder 776cc engine: the GSX-8S and the V-STROM 800DE (V-Strom 800DE). Here we would like to introduce the GSX-8S.
Following the sharp look of the GSX-S1000's vertical two-light headlights
Suzuki has finally begun to enter the sportbike market using parallel twin-cylinder engines, which have become mainstream in recent years. Suzuki already has a V-twin engine model, the SV650, but the GSX-8S is not a replacement for this model, but a variation of it.
The styling is inherited from the 2021 GSX-S1000, its big brother, and the identity is the traditional Suzuki vertical headlight also used on the Hayabusa and GSX-R1000R. It is based on the same engine and frame as the V-Strom 800DE, which debuted at the same time, and incorporates on-road equipment.
The engine is a parallel twin-cylinder with a 270-degree crankshaft, the same as the rival MT-07 and the new CB750 Hornet, and the maximum output is 83 PS, 1 kW less than the VStrom 800DE of the same family. The top power output is ceded to the 92 PS Hornet, but the GSX-S8 is the only one with a dual-axle balancer, which may have an advantage in terms of comfort.
The chassis is the heaviest at 202 kg, compared to MT-07's 184 kg and Hornet's 190 kg, but is 10 kg lighter than its predecessor, the GSX-S750. In addition, many of the latest features, such as electronic controls and a color TFT meter, have been introduced to create a well-balanced package with a high average score.
Worldwide sales are planned to begin in March 2023, mainly in Europe and North America.
SUZUKI GSX-S8 European spec. New naked sport for 2023. The color is Pearl Cosmic Blue.
SUZUKI GSX-S8 European specifications. The color is Pearl Tech White. The wheelbase is 95 mm shorter than that of the similar VSTROM 800DE, giving it a compact impression.
SUZUKI GSX-S8 European spec. [SUZUKI] The color is Metallic Matte Black No.2 x Pearl Sparkle Black.
Even the wheels and seat rails are black.
The engine is a parallel two-cylinder DOHC 776cc. Since it is a 270-degree crank, it achieves the same explosion interval as the 90-degree V-twin engine of the SV series.
Suzuki's unique 2-axis balancer is set in front of and below the crankshaft.
The diamond-type tubular steel frame and aluminum swingarm are common to the V-Strom 800DE, but the seat rail is exclusive to the compact GSX-S8.
Unlike the V-Strom 800DE, which uses Showa, the GSX-S8 uses a KYB suspension. It is equipped with a quick shifter for up and down.
The front brakes are 310mm diameter double discs with radial-mount calipers.
The handlebars are set low like a streetfighter's. The fuel tank is 14 liters, 6 liters less than that of the VSTROM 800DE. The fuel tank is 14 liters, 6 liters less than the VSTROM 800DE.
LED vertical two-light headlights with inverted figure-eight position lights. The indicator lights are bulbs, not LEDs.
Small tail lights and bulb indicator lights around the rear.
The meters feature a color 5-inch TFT display. Power mode and traction control parameters are also displayed in an easy-to-read manner.
GSX-S8 European Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2115 x 775 x 1105 mm
Wheelbase: 1465mm
Seat height: 810mm
Vehicle weight: 202 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, DOHC, 4-valve, 776cc
Maximum output: 83 PS at 8,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 7.95 kg-m at 6800 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=180/55R17
