The Journey of a Thousand Kilometers on a GSX-8R

Some people may have the impression that it is a supersport because of its aggressively designed full cowl. However, the GSX-8R, developed as a sibling model of the GSX-8S, is a sports tourer that can handle a variety of situations without excess or deficiency.

REPORT●Tomohiko Nakamura
PHOTO● Hideaki TOGASHI

Suzuki GSX-8R...12.71

Although it falls into the category of full cowling, the exterior of the GSX-8R is designed to show off the engine and subframe. The body comes in three colors: blue, black, and white.

Different characters at the hyphen and R positions

The two vertical hexagonal LED headlights are the same as those on its sister models, the GSX-8S and the V-Strom 800/DE. The windscreen is compact, but the fairing provides good wind protection.

It's a well-known fact among Suzuki enthusiasts, but the "GSX-R" and the "GSX" without the -R have different directions. Unlike the GSX-R, which is focused on the circuit, or is very conscious of it, the GSX is primarily designed to be easy to handle on the street. And judging from the position of the hyphen and the R, the GSX-8R, which went on sale in January 2024 as a sibling of the GSX-8S, which debuted in March 2023, falls into the latter category, but...

Considering the current situation in which the super sports GSX-R600/750/1000 have disappeared from the catalog (however, in the North American market, three types of GSX-R equipped with in-line 4-cylinders will continue to be sold in 2024), it would not be surprising if it had characteristics that could be considered a replacement model for them?

That's what I imagined before the test drive. To give a concrete example, it is similar to the major reforms that Yamaha made to the YZF-R7, a derivative of the MT-07, and has made a dramatic transformation from a daily-use focused characteristic to a ride that shows its true value on circuits and mountain roads, in other words, from a naked to a super sports motorcycle. However, my impression after actually experiencing the GSX-8R was that it was a sports touring version of the GSX-8S, and the relationship between the S and R was similar to that of Kawasaki's Z650 and Ninja 650.

However, Kawasaki's mid-range parallel twin has been recording solid sales all over the world, so there's probably no point in arguing with Suzuki's choice.

There are not many differences from the GSX-8S

Before getting into the main topic, I'll give you an overview of the GSX-8R. Most of the main parts, including the diamond-type steel frame and the 270-degree phase-crank parallel-twin engine, are the same as the naked model GSX-8S, and there are no changes to the caster/trail of 25 degrees/104 mm or the wheelbase of 1,465 mm. So what are the new features unique to the GSX-8R? Full cowling, cowling-mounted rearview mirror, separate handlebars (mounted on the top bridge, so the upper body does not lean forward easily), front and rear shocks (the brand has been changed from KYB to Showa and the settings have been revamped), and LED turn signals. The seat, footpegs, and front and rear tires, which are often changed on derivative models of this type, are the same as the S. In any case, this model has not undergone as many major changes as the YZF-R7.

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